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DIARY 

OF 

Thomas  Robbins,  D.  D. 

1796—1834. 

PRINTED   FOR   HIS   NEPHEW. 


Owned  by  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society. 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 


EDITED  AND  ANNOTATED 


INCREASE    N.    TARBOX. 


VOLUME    L 
1796-1823. 


BOSTO  N: 

Beacon  Press  ;   Thomas  Todd,  Printer. 

1886. 


Copyright,  1886, 

BV 
ROBBINS    BaTTELL. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  author  of  this  diary,  Rev.  Thomas  Robbins,  D.  D.,  was  bom  in  the  town  of 
Norfolk,  Connecticut,  August  ii,  1777.  He  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Ammi  Ruhamah 
and  Elizabeth  (Le  Baron)  Robbins.  His  father  was  the  first  minister  of  the  town  of 
Norfolk,  holding  office  from  October,  1761,  to  his  death  in  October,  1813,  fifty-two  years. 
The  earliest  American  ancestor  in  this  paternal  line  was  Richard  Robbins,  of  Cambridge, 
who  came  from  England  to  this  country  as  early  as  1639,  settling  first  at  Charlestown, 
but  soon  removing  to  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  From  him  the  order  of  descent  was 
through  Nathaniel,  born  in  Cambridge,  1649;  Nathaniel,  born  in  Cambridge,  1678;  Phile- 
mon, born  in  Cambridge,  1709,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  1729,  and  the  life-long 
pastor  at  Branford,  Connecticut,  1732-1781 ;  Ammi  Ruhamah,  born  in  Branford,  1740,  a 
graduate  of  Yale  College,  1760,  whose  ministerial  record  is  given  above. 

On  the  maternal  side  Dr.  Robbins  traced  his  line  directly  back  to  the  honored  Gov- 
ernor William  Bradford,  of  Plymouth.  This  line,  downward,  ran  through  William  Brad- 
ford, Jr.,  son  of  the  Governor  by  his  second  wife,  Alice  Southworth,  7iee  Carpenter; 
then  through  David,  son  of  William  and  Mary  Holmes,  nee  Atwood.  A  daughter  of 
David  and  Mary  was  Lydia  Bradford,  born  December  23,  17 19.  By  her  marriage,  the 
name  Le  Baron  was  brought  into  this  maternal  line,  and  the  story  connected  with  this 
name  is  curious  and  romantic. 

In  the  year  1694,  a  French  Privateer,  hovering  around  our  shores  to  capture  vessels 
loaded  with  grain,  was  wrecked  near  the  upper  end  of  Buzzard's  Bay,  and  the  men  on 
board  were  rescued  and  taken  off  as  prisoners  of  war.  This  was  in  the  reign  of  William 
III.  The  Treaty  of  Ryswick  brought  peace  in  1697.  The  surgeon  on  board  this  French 
Privateer  was  Francis  Le  Baron.  In  the  transfer  of  these  prisoners  from  the  head  of 
Buzzard's  Bay  to  Boston,  a  halt  was  made  at  Plymouth.  On  the  day  of  their  arrival, 
it  so  happened  that  a  woman  of  Plymouth  had  met  with  an  accident,  causing  a  com- 
pound fracture  of  one  of  her  limbs.  The  local  physicians  decided  that  the  limb  must 
be  amputated.  But  Dr.  Le  Baron  asked  permission  to  examine  the  fracture,  and  decided 
that  he  could  save  the  limb,  which  he  did.  This  led  to  a  petition  on  the  part  of 
the  Selectmen  of  Plymouth  to  the  public  authorities,  asking  that  Dr.  Le  Baron  might 
be  released,  to  become  a  physician  and  surgeon  at  Plymouth.  The  request  was  granted. 
He  went  there  in  1694,  married  in  1695  Mary  Wilder,  a  native  of  Hingham,  Massachu- 
setts, and  became  the  father  of  three  sons,  James,  Lazarus,  and  Francis. 

This  Lazarus  Le  Baron,  in  the  year  1743,  married,  for  his  second  wife,  Lydia 
Bradford,  named  above,  daughter  of  David.  She  was  then  twenty-four  years  old,  but  had 
already  lived  a  brief  married  life  as  the  wife  of  Elkanah  Cushman.  As  the  wife  of 
Dr.  Lazarus  Le  Baron,  she  was  the  mother  of  seven  children,  the  second  of  whom  was 
Elizabeth,   the  wife   of  the   Norfolk  minister,   and  the  mother   of  Dr.  Thomas   Robbins, 

the   author   of  this   diary. 

Ill 


4906^7 

ENGUSH 


TV  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 

Young  Robbins  was  fitted  for  college  in  his  own  home,  where  many  other  boys 
pursued  their  preparatory  studies.  The  pastor's  house  at  Norfolk  was  a  kind  of  acad- 
emy for  Northwestern  Connecticut  in  those  early  years.  The  hours  of  study  with  young 
Robbins  were  diversified  with  labors  on  the  farm,  for  the  country  minister  of  that  day 
was  also  a  farmer.  Though  destined  for  a  scholar,  he  was,  nevertheless,  in  his  early 
life,  made   practically  familiar  with  almost  all   kinds   of  farm  work. 

At  the  age  of  fifteen,  in  the  year  1792,  he  was  fitted  for  college,  and  was  entered 
at  Yale.  He  was  there  when  President  Stiles  died,  in  May,  1795,  and  when  President 
Dwight  was  inaugurated  in  September  of  the  same  year.  While  young  Robbins  had 
been  a  member  of  Yale,  Williams  College  had  been  organized  in  Western  Massachusetts, 
and  his  father,  the  Norfolk  minister,  had  been  made  one  of  the  early  trustees.  In 
1795  Williams  graduated  her  first  class.  In  the  autumn  of  1795  young  Robbins's  father, 
wishing  to  show  a  practical  interest  in  the  infant  college  at  Williamstown,  of  which  he 
had  been  made  one  of  the  guardians,  desired  his  son  to  remove  from  Yale  to  Williams, 
and  pursue  his  senior  studies  there.  He  did  so,  and  the  whole  matter  was  so  fixed,  by 
previous  arrangement,  that  after  his  graduation  at  Williams  College,  September  7,  1796,  he 
went  the  following  week  to  New  Haven,  and  was  graduated  with  his  Yale  classmates, 
September  14,  1796.  His  name  stands  as  an  alumnus  on  the  General  Catalogues  of  both 
colleges  for  the  year  1796. 

In  Williams  College,  on  the  first  of  January,  1796,  young  Robbins  began  the  diary 
now  embraced  in  these  two  bulky  volumes.  It  ran  (with  some  small  breaks  by  reason 
of  sickness)  from  that  date  to  1S54,  a  period  of  fifty-eight  years.  It  is  a  diary,  in  the 
strict  sense  of  the  word,  with  its  daily  entries  as  regular  as  the  daily  rising  and 
setting  of  the  sun. 

Soon  after  his  graduation,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  was  engaged  for  several  months 
in  teaching  in  Sheffield,  Massachusetts,  at  the  same  time  pursuing  theological  studies 
with  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  pastor  at  Sheffield.  For  a  year  or  two  after  closing  his  col- 
lege course,  he  spent  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  at  his  father's  house  pursuing 
various  studies,  and  assisting  his  father  in  teaching.  In  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1797 
he  studied  theology  with  Dr.  Stephen  West,  of  Stockbridge,  Massachusetts.  In  the  winter 
of  1797-1798  he  taught  in  Torringford,  Connecticut,  and  pursued  theological  studies  with 
Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills.  During  the  year  1798  he  studied  again  with  Dr.  West,  of  Stock- 
bridge.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Litchfield  North  Association,  September  25, 
1798.  During  the  winter  of  179S-1799  he  was  preaching  as  a  supply  at  Marlborough, 
Connecticut,  closing  his  service  there  in  April,  1799.  During  the  summer  and  autumn  of 
1799  he  made  a  long  horseback  journey  through  the  new  towns  of  Vermont,  preaching  as 
he  went.  At  the  close  of  that  year  he  was  called  to  Danbury,  Connecticut,  to  teach  the 
academy,  having  previously  supplied  the  pulpit  a  few  Sabbaths  at  Brookfield,  Connecticut. 
At  Danbury,  teaching  and  supplying  pulpits  in  the  neighborhood,  he  remained  till  iSot. 
Then  he  went  on  another  long  missionary  journey  through  the  new  settlements  in  New 
York,  not  returning  till  August,  1S02.  For  another  year  he  supplied  pulpits  in  Con- 
necticut and  Massachusetts,  and  received  some  earnest  calls  for  settlement,  but  he  was 
not  ready  to  accept  any  of  them.  In  May,  1803,  1^*^  was  ordained  to  go  forth  in  the 
service  of  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  to  the  new  settlements  on  the  Western 
Reserve,  Ohio,    From  this  service  he  returned  in  1806,  seriously  broken  in  health,  so  that 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

it  was   a  year   or    two    before   he   was   able  to  resume   regular  ministerial   labors   in   any 
place. 

In  the  summer  of  1808  he  commenced  preaching  in  the  south  parish  of  East  Windsor, 
Connecticut  (now  South  Windsor),  whose  first  minister  was  Timothy  Edwards,  father  of 
Jonathan  Edwards.  Dr.  Robbins  preached  here  continuously  from  this  time,  though  he 
was  not  formally  installed  until  May  3,  1809.  His  whole  ministry  in  East  Windsor  was 
not  far  from  nineteen  years,  beginning  in  June,  1808,  and  ending  in  September,  1827. 

Here  it  was  that  he  first  really  began  the  great  enterprise  of  his  life,  viz. :  that  of 
collecting  a  library  which  was  destined  to  become  one  of  the  large  private  libraries  of 
his  generation.  This  enterprise,  as  a  whole,  and  in  its  various  details,  is  the  subject  of 
innumerable  references  through  the  course  of  the  diary,  from  the  time  when  the  process 
of  collecting  books  began.  If  one  would  see  what  can  be  accomplished  in  this  way 
by  an  unmarried  country  minister,  without  inherited  property,  and  with  only  the  ordinary 
salary  of  New  England  country  clergymen  in  the  early  years  of  the  present  century,  let 
him  go  to  the  rooms  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society,  at  the  Wadsworth  Athe- 
naeum, Hartford,  and  the  result  will  be  fully  spread  out  before  him. 

As  already  stated.  Dr.  Robbins  closed  his  ministry  in  East  Windsor  in  September, 
1827.  For  one  or  two  years  he  again  supplied  churches  miscellaneously,  but  was  never 
for  any  length  of  time  without  employment.  In  the  latter  part  of  1829  he  preached 
at  Stratford,  Connecticut,  where  he  accepted  a  call  to  settle,  and  was  installed  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1830.  This  did  not  prove  a  permanent  settlement.  He  was  dismissed  in  Septem- 
ber, 1831,  his  whole  ministry  here,  including  supply  of  pulpit  before  installation,  being 
less  than  two  years.  After  leaving  Stratford,  without  any  long  delay,  he  was  led  to 
Mattapoisett,  in  the  town  of  Rochester,  Massachusetts,  to  assist  his  revered  uncle.  Rev. 
Lemuel  Le  Baron,  who  had  already  been  pastor  there  nearly  sixty  years,  when  Dr. 
Robbins  was  called  to  be  his  helper.  After  preaching  here  several  months,  he  was 
regul^ly  installed  October  16,  1832,  and  continued  until  1844,  his  whole  ministry  in  this 
parish  covering  nearly  thirteen  years.  Meanwhile  his  uncle  died  November  26,  1836,  in 
his  ninetieth  year,  and  in  the  sixty-fifth  of  his  ministry,  and  Dr.  Robbins  was  left  sole 
pastor. 

In  the  year  1844,  Dr.  Robbins  having  reached  his  sixty-seventh  year,  and  having 
been  engaged  in  teaching  and  preaching  not  far  from  forty-six  years,  an  arrangement  was 
effected,  chiefly  through  the  agency  of  Hon.  Henry  Barnard,  of  Hartford,  by  which 
(leaving  out  all  minor  details)  Dr.  Robbins's  library  was  to  become  the  property  of  the 
Connecticut  Historical  Society,  and  he  himself  was  to  become  the  Society's  Librarian, 
on  a  stipulated  salary,  through  the  remaining  years  of  his  active  life.  This  position  he 
gracefully  and  honorably  filled  for  ten  years.  In  1854  the  infirmities  of  age  came 
upon  him,  and  he  was  obliged  to  close  his  diary  and  retire  from  all  public  duties.  He 
lingered  on  until  September  13,  1856,  when  he  passed  away  peacefully  at  the  house  of 
his  niece,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Robbins)  Allen,  in  the  town  of  Colebrook,  Connecticut. 

We  have  given  this  rapid  outline  of  the  author's  life,  for  the  convenience  of  those 
studying  or  consulting  the  diary. 

It  would  be  in  vain  for  us  to  attempt  to  point  out  all  the  uses  for  which  such  a 
work  as  Dr.  Robbins  has  here  left  may  be  employed.  If  the  meteorologist  wishes  to 
follow  the  record    of    winter  cold    and    summer  heat  through  a  long  course  of   years. 


VI  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 

he  will  not  often  find  so  large  and  valuable  a  compilation  of  facts  as  that  contained 
in  these  volumes. 

If  the  student  of  history  wishes  for  practical  illustrations  showing  how  intense  and 
narrow  were  the  political  prejudices  of  men  in  the  early  years  of  the  present  century, 
how  bitterly  the  Federalists  hated  the  Democrats,  and  how  bitterly  they  were  hated 
in  turn  by  the  Democrats,  he  may  find  all  the  evidence  he  wishes  in  these  pages.  Dr. 
Robbins  was  a  Federalist  of  the  most  positive  type,  as  were  the  ministers  of  the  standing 
order  generally  throughout  New  England,  but  especially  in  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts. 
He  was  as  conservative  also  in  theology  as  in  politics. 

If  the  historical  student  wishes  to  gather  information  about  the  local  customs  and 
habits,  civil  and  religious,  prevailing  seventy-five  years  ago  over  those  large  ranges  of 
country  covered  by  this  narrative,  he  will  find  few  books  more  valuable  than  this. 

We  might  dwell  upon  other  uses,  but  each  one  will  determine  for  himself  whether 
the  diary  will  answer  the  questions  arising  in  his  own  mind. 

The  reader  will  find  the  pages  of  these  volumes  largely  furnished  with  notes.  He 
will  discover  also,  in  many  instances,  that  these  notes  are  briefly  and  in  substance 
repeated.  This  was  done  knowingly  and  intentionally,  to  save  the  reader  the  trouble 
of  turning  over  many  pages,  perhaps,  to  find  something  which  has  dropped  from  his 
memorj',  and  which  a  line  or  two  will  recall. 

The  diary  appears  in  these  volumes  almost  verbatim  et  literatim  as  Dr.  Robbins 
left  it.  Occasionally  a  line  that  might  possibly  give  offence,  through  its  indirect  relation- 
ships to  some  person  or  persons  now  living,  has  been  erased.  It  was  not  needful, 
however,  to  remove  many  lines  for  this  reason.  The  record  is  remarkably  free  from 
offensive  personalities.  Certain  modes  of  expression  which  are  now  generally  outlawed, 
are  left  to  stand,  because  they  reflect  the  period  in  which  they  were  written. 

Dr.  Robbins  never  married,  yet  the  diary  shows  that,  in  his  early  manhood,  the 
subject  of  matrimony  was  much  in  his  thoughts.  But,  from  the  time  that  the  project  of 
making  a  great  library  was  first  formed  and  fixed,  he  doubtless  concluded  that  with 
wife  and  children  on  his  hands,  he  could  not  hope  to  gather  this  large  and  choice 
collection  of  his  dreams,  and  so  he  made  the  journey  of  his  life  alone.  He  had,  how- 
ever, easy  and  friendly  access  to  many  cultivated  households  among  his  kindred  and 
acquaintances,  and  was  eminently  a  social  and  companionable  man. 

Through  all  the  early  and  middle  years  of  his  professional  life  he  was  a  very  busy 
man.  Besides  his  regular  parish  cares  and  responsibilities,  he  was  called  upon,  to  a 
very  large  extent,  for  public  sermons  and  addresses,  and  many  outside  trusts.  He  was, 
moreover,  a  kind  of  pioneer  in  a  class  of  studies  and  labors  pertaining  to  early  New 
England  history  and  genealogy.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Connecticut  His- 
torical Society,  was  an  active  member  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  of  Worces- 
ter, as  also  of  the  New  England  Historic  Genealogical  Society  of  Boston.  He  wrote 
and  published  his  little  volume  entitled  Historical  View  of  the  First  Planters  of  N^ew 
England,  and  he  superintended  the  first  American  edition  of  Cotton  Mather's  Magnalia. 
When  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  Education  was  first  formed  in  1837,  with  Hon.  Horace 
Mann  for  Secretary,  Dr.  Robbins,  being  then  pastor  at  Mattapoisett,  was  made  a  member 
of  the  Board,  and  traveled  considerably  with  Mr.  Mann,  making  addresses  on  Education 
before  large  gatherings  of  the  people.  It  was  while  at  Mattapoisett,  in  1838,  that  he 
received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  from  Harvard  College. 


INTRODUCTION.  VII 

Dr.  Robbins's  method  of  keeping  his  diary  was  that  commonly  adopted  by  those  in 
old  times,  who  went  into  the  business  thoroughly  and  systematically,  viz. :  by  the  use 
of  interleaved  almanacs,  prepared  year  by  year  as  they  were  wanted.  These  were  care- 
fully kept,  and  when  his  library  was  passed  over  to  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society, 
in  1844,  they,  so  far  as  completed  (with  ten  more  to  be  added),  became  the  property 
of  the  Society.  After  Dr.  Robbins's  death,  they  were  bound  in  twelve  neat  and  mod- 
erate-sized volumes,  each  covering  five  years,  except  the  last,  which  included  between 
three  and  four  years. 

Dr.  Robbins's  handwriting  was  compact,  but  clear,  and  after  a  very  little  experience 
it  was  easy  to  decipher  these  closely-written  pages.  Almost  the  whole  of  the  work  was 
copied  from  the  original  by  a  young  lady,  Miss  Emily  E.  Hawley,  with  a  type-writer. 
It  was  the  work  of  several  months,  but  was  more  quickly  and  easily  done  in  this  way 
than  with  the  pen.  It  needs  but  a  glance  at  these  bulky  volumes  to  convince  any 
one  that  the  simple  work  of  copying  must  have  been  a  long  one. 

Dr.  Robbins's  sister  Sarah,  two  years  younger  than  himself,  married,  in  1S05,  Joseph 
Battell,  Esq.,  a  prosperous  Christian  merchant  of  Norfolk,  Connecticut.  It  is  by  children 
of  this  marriage,  Robbins  Battell,  Esq.,  and  Anna  Battell,  of  Norfolk,  that  this  work 
is  now  printed  and  sent  forth,  in  the  belief  that  it  contains  some  valuable  materials 
for  history  and  biography,  gathered  from  the  long  period  which  the  narrative  covers. 
Philip  Battell,  Esq.,  of  Middlebury,  Vermont,  brother  of  the  above,  has  also  aided  much 
by  his  memories  and  suggestions,  thoroughly  acquainted  as  he  is  with  the  family  history, 
recent  and  ancestral. 

INCREASE    N.   TARBOX. 

IFest  Newton,  February  22,  1886. 


DIARY  OF  REV.  THOMAS  ROBBINS,  D.D." 


January. 

1.  A  member  of  Williams   College,    Senior  year;  was   appointed   to   a 
degree  as  a  degree  of  merit.^ 

2.  Reciting  now,  Paley's  Moral  Philosophy. 

3.  Attended  meeting.     Heard  Mr.  Swift ^  preach.     Very  warm  weather. 

4.  My  friend  Turner*  very  dangerously  sick  in  college. 

5.  Attended  the  public  concert  of  prayer. 

6.  The  public  paper  brought  an  account  of  a  promising  happy  session  of 
Congress.* 

7.  A  violent  storm  of  snow,  perhaps  eight  inches. 

8.  A  sudden  death  in  the  neighborhood.     A  man  died  with  a  species  of 
the  lockjaw. 

9.  A  full  conference  meeting.     Very  serious. 

10.  A  funeral  sermon  was  preached  on  the  late  death  —  well  adapted. 

11.  Formed  an  agreeable  acquaintance.     Very  cold  at  night.     A  violent 
snow-storm.     Mr.  Judson^  and  wife  arrived  to  see  their  sick  son. 

12.  Weather  quite  warm,  but  good  sleighing. 

13.  Received  a  letter  from  home.     Spoke  on  the  stage. 

14.  Finished  Paley's  Philosophy.     A  hard  storm. 

15.  Moderate  weather,  preparing  for  exhibition.     Lower  classes  offended 
about  the  ball '  now  coming. 

16.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins.* 


'  Thomas  Robbins,  on  his   father's  side,  college  by  young  Robbins's  father.     He  was 

was  descended  from  Richard  Robbins('),  of  afterward    settled     in    New    Marlborough, 

Cambridge,   Mass.   (1639),  through    Nathan-  Mass.,  and  died  after  a  thirteen  years'  min- 

iel(-),  Nathaniel(^),  Philemon('*),  and  Ammi  istry,  at  the  age  of  forty-one. 

Ruhamah(5).  s  fhis  was  the  4th  Congress,  the  ist  hav- 

^  Going  to  Williams  College  from  Yale,  ing  been  convened  in  1789. 

as  he  did,  in  his  Senior  year,  his  rank  at  the  ^  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  of  Sheffield,  whose 

first  had  to  be  determined  by  general  esti-  only  child  of  the   same  name  was  then  in 

mate,  rather  than  by  computation  of  his  marks  Williams  College,  where  he  was  graduated  in 

at  recitation.  the  following  year. 

^  Rev.  Seth  Swift,  a  native  of  Kent,  Ct,  '  A  college  exhibition  winding  up  with  a 

graduated  at  Yale  in    1774,  was  the   settled  ball,  does  not  indicate  that  our  fathers,  nearly 

minister  of  Williamstown,  Mass.,  from  May  a  century  ago,  were  so  rigid  as  is  sometimes 

26,  1779,  to  Feb.  13,  1807,  when  he  died.  supposed. 

♦  Nathaniel  Turner,  who  was  graduated  at  ^  This  was   Chandler  Robbins,  D.  D.,  of 

Williams  in  1798.     He  was  a  native  of  Nor-  Plymouth,  Mass. ;  minister  there  from  Jan.  30, 

folk,  Ct.,  and  had  probably  been  fitted  for  1760,  to  June  30,  1799,  aged  sixty. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


17.  Attended  meeting  —  heard  of  the  death  of  Gov.  Huntington.' 

18.  Wrote  to  Uncle  L.  Lebaron''  [Le  Baron].     Preparing  for  exhibition. 

19.  My  father  arrived  in  town.^     Had  a  very  fine  exhibition.     At  evening 
was  at  ball. 

20.  Set  out  for  home.     Very  stormy. 

21.  My  mamma  found  a  new  nephew,  Mr.  Goodwin,  of  Lenox.*     An  agree- 
able visit. 

22.  Arrived  home.     All  well.     Very  cold. 

23.  Preparing   for   the    necessary   business   of    my   vacation   as   soon    as 
possible. 

24.  Heard  my  father  preach.     Mr.  Huntington,*  tutor  at  my  father's. 

25.  Mr.  H.  and  I  tried  to  persuade  Si  Battle*  to  become  a  bookseller  at 
Williamstown. 

26.  My  father  went  with  me  to  the  merchant's  and  let  me  trade  about  £4. 

27.  Excellent  sleighing.     Snows  a  little  ever}'  day.     My  brother  N.'  came 
last  night. 

28.  Began  my  oration  for  Society  exhibition.     Wrote  a  letter  to  my  old 
classmate  Bishop.^ 

29.  My  father  and  I  went  to  the  woods  and  got  a  good  load  of  wood. 


*  Samuel  Huntington,  Governor  of  Con- 
necticut from  17S6  to  his  death.  In  1779  ^"^ 
'80  he  was  President  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. He  died  at  Norwich,  Ct.,  January  5, 
1796,  and  young  Robbins  heard  of  his  death 
on  Sunday  the  17th,  so  slowly  did  news  travel 
in  those  days. 

^  Young  Robbins's  mother  was  Elizabeth^) 
Le  Baron,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.,  daughter  of 
Dr.  Lazarus  Le  Baron.  Her  grandfather  was 
Dr.  Francis  Le  Baron,  who,  as  surgeon  on 
board  a  French  privateer,  was  wrecked  in 
Buzzard's  Bay,  and  being  thrown  thus  on  a 
strange  shore,  settled  in  Phnnouth  in  1696. 
Her  mother's  maiden  name  was  Lydia('')  Brad- 
ford, daughter  of  David(^)  Bradford,  grand- 
daughter of  William (-)  Bradford,  Jr.,  and  great 
granddaughter  of  Gov.  \Villiam(')  Bradford 
of  the  Plymouth  Colony.  Thomas(*)  Rob- 
bins's line  of  descent  from  the  noble  Pil- 
grim governor  is,  therefore,  clear  and  dis- 
tinct. His  Uncle  L.  Le  Baron,  to  whom  he 
writes,  is  Rev.  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  a  graduate 
of  Yale  in  1768,  the  life-long  Congregational 
minister  in  one  of  the  churches  of  Rochester, 
Mass.,  now  called  Mattapoisett. 

^  To  reach  Williamstown  from  Norfolk, 
Ct.,  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  had  to  make  a  jour- 
ney of  about  fifty  miles  among  the  Berkshire 
hills. 


*  Lenox  was  on  the  way  home,  and  this 
new  nephew  that  Mrs.  Robbins  found  was  a 
son  either  of  her  half-sister  Lydia,  who  mar- 
ried Nathaniel  Goodwin,  or  of  another  half- 
sister,  Hannah,  who  married  Benjamin  Good- 
win. The  Goodwins  of  Plymouth  seem  to 
have  come  from  Christopher  Goodwin,  of 
Charlestown,  Mass.,  who  was  resident  there 
as  early  as  1643. 

^  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  was  graduated  at 
Yale  in  1794,  and  settled  afterwards  at  Litch- 
field and  Middletown,  Ct.  Died  at  Hadley, 
Mass.,  1864,  aged  ninety.  He  was  the  father 
of  the  Rev.  Frederic  Dan  Huntington,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  Central  New  York.  Mr.  Dan 
Huntington  was  tutor  at  Williams  1794-1796, 
and  at  Yale  1796-179S. 

*  Josiah  Buckingham  Battell. 

'  Nathaniel  Robbins,  one  of  his  older  broth- 
ers. He  had  two  brothers  older  and  three 
younger  than  himself. 

^  This  was  Timothy  Bishop,  of  New  Haven, 
a  graduate  of  1796,  at  Yale,  who  lived  seventy- 
seven  years  after  his  graduation,  dying  in  1873. 
For  several  years  before  his  death,  he  was 
Yale's  oldest  living  graduate,  and  since  the 
founding  of  Yale,  though  there  have  been 
many  long-lived  students,  no  graduate,  per- 
hajis,  has  exceeded  him  in  the  length  of  his 
post-graduate  life. 


179^-]  AT   WILLIAMS   COLLEGE.  3 

30.  The  coldest  day  we  have  had.     My  father  went  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Mills.'     Obliged  to  return. 

31.  My  father  preached  a  good  part  of  the  day  about  Vermont.^ 

February. 

1.  Capt.    Lawrence    summoned    my  father,  according   to   law,  to   go   to 
Litchfield  as  an  evidence.     He  would  not. 

2.  Almost  all  the  town  met  to  count  as  evidence  in  the  contest  between 
Lawrence  and  Phelps.^ 

3.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  old  classmates  Hooker  and  Denison.* 

4.  At  my  father's  wood-spell,  worked  hard  all  day. 

5.  With  my  sister  S.^  I  went  to  Canaan  to  visit  my  brother  A.^ 

6.  Returned  from  C.  in  a  moderate  snow-storm. 

7.  My  father  preached  that  there  was  reason  to  weep  over  the  calamitous 
state  of  mankind. 

8.  Mr.  Huntington  called  here  on  his  return  to  college.     I  was  gone  from 
home. 

9.  My  father  went  to  Lee  to  a  Council.     Left  me  to  take  care  of  the 
School. 

ID.     Mr.  Dunbar,  tutor,'  went  from  here  in  the  morning  for  college. 

11.  It  rained  all  day.     Snow  went  very  fast.     First  thawing  day  we  have 
had  for  three  weeks. 

12.  Had  an  account  from  Albany  of  a  number  of  persons  taken  up  and 
confined  for  burglar}'. 

13.  My  mamma  and  sister  finished  my  bed  to  carry  to  college.^ 

14.  My  father  preached  of  the  danger  of  being  overrun  with  infidelity. 

15.  Set  out  for  college  in  a  sleigh.     Bitter  cold.     Came  as  far  as  Pittsfield. 


'  Rev.  Samuel  Mills,  of  Torringford,  Ct.,  received  the  degree  of  A.  M.  both  from  Yale 

pastor  there  from  June,  1769,  to  his  death  in  and  Williams,  and  was  tutor  at  Yale  1799- 

May,  1833.     He  was  the  father  of  the  well-  1801. 

known  Samuel  J.  Mills,  Jr.     Torringford  was  '  Sarah  Robbins,  then  sixteen,  afterwards 

distant  from  Norfolk  some  twelve  or  fifteen  Mrs.  Joseph  Battell. 

miles.     Mr.  Mills's  wife  was  Esther  Robbins,  ^  Ammi    Ruhamah  Robbins,  Jr.,  an  elder 

daughter  of  Samuel  Robbins,  of  Canaan.    She  brother. 

was  descended  from  John  Robbins,  of  Weth-  ^  Elijah  Dunbar,  graduated  at  Harvard  Col- 

ersfield,  Ct.,  while  the  Norfolk  minister  was  lege  1794.     Tutor  at  Williams  College  1794- 

descended  from   Richard  Robbins,  of   Cam-  1796,  and  Daniel  Dunbar,  graduated  at  Yale 

bridge,  Mass.      But   Richard   and  John   are  College  1794,  tutor  also  at    Williams    1794- 

believed  to  have  come  from  the  same  family  1796.     The  one  spoken  of  in  the  diary  was 

in  England.  probably  Daniel,  as  the    Norfolk  parsonage 

^  The   Connecticut  churches  looked  after  was  more  likely  to  be  a  kind  of  halting  place 

the  new  settlements  in  Vermont,  where  many  or  home  for  a  Yale  man  than  a  Harvard  man. 

little   companies   of   Connecticut  people  had  Daniel   died  in    1841,    and    Elijah    in    1850. 

gone.  The  last  named  was  settled  in  Peterborough, 

3  This  suit  seems  to  have  been  an  exciting  N.    H.,  from   1799   to    1827,  and   afterwards 

one,  but  we  have  not  been  able  to  discover  preached  as  occasion  offered  without  settle- 

the  point  at  issue.  ment. 

*  John  Hooker  and  Charles  Denison,  who  ^  This  was  an  age  of  home  manufactures 

were  graduated   at    Yale   in  1796.     Denison  and  old-fashioned  simplicities. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


^^ 


16.  Arrived  at  Williamstown.' 

17.  Employed  in  settling  my  affairs  to  live  at  Mr.  Skinner's.^ 

18.  In  the  afternoon  made  a  visit  to  Esq.  Noble's^  —  a  number  of  ladies. 

19.  The  President  has  started  a  subscription  for  a  meeting-house.  It  is 
circulating. 

20.  Was  exposed  to  the  measles  which  are  prevalent  here.  At  night 
attended  conference  meeting.  Some  scholars,  after  a  sleigh  ride,  at  2  o'clock 
called  up  Mr.  Skinner. 

21.  Attended  meeting.  Baptism  administered.  At  evening  attended  with 
Miss  A.  Skinner. 

22.  A  sense  of  the  distraction  of  the  world  and  the  incapacity  of  all  terres- 
trial things  to  make  us  happy. 

23.  Troubled  with  the  toothache. 

24.  Excessive  toothache,  couldn't  find  doctors  —  used  opium  freely.  At 
night,  a  ball  here  very  much  troubled  me.  Weaned  from  some  parts  of  the 
world.* 

25.  Thawy  weather.     A  black  man  here  broke  his  leg  very  badly. 

26.  Wrote  to  my  old  classmate  Stebbins,*  a  dancing  master. 

27.  Settled  the  matter.     [What  matter  does  not  appear.] 

28.  My  thoughts  too  much  on  wordly  objects.  May  it*  never  be  an 
occasion   of   grief. 

29.  It  rains  and  the  snow  all  goes  off.  From  January  i8th  till  the  end  of 
February  it  has  been  continually  the  best  of  sleighing  all  over  the  country. 

March. 

1.  A  tooth  which  has  given  me  much  pain  was  extracted.     Speculation 

the  rage  of  the  day. 

2.  Arranging  matters  for  the  exhibition  of  the  Societies  next  week. 


'  It  was  on  the  .20th  of  January  that  he 
left  Williamstown  for  vacation.  The  vacation, 
therefore,  had  lasted  about  a  month  in  the 
depth  of  winter.  This  was  according  to  the 
college  custom  of  that  day,  so  that  young 
men  might  teach  in  winter,  and  because,  also, 
of  the  great  difficulty  of  heating  public  build- 
ings. We  now  avoid  the  hot  summer  months 
for  study,  but  the  old  college  curriculum 
reached  entirely  through  the  summer  to  the 
early  autumn,  as  we  shall  see. 

^  Hon.  Thompson  J.  Skinner,  son  of 
Rev.  Thomas  Skinner,  Colchester,  Ct.  (West 
Chester  parish),  settled  in  Williamstown  in 
1775,  and  was  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  the  ■ 
town,  and  a  Trustee  of  the  College.  There 
was  another  man,  Benjamin  Skinner,  who 
may  or  may  not  have  been  a  brother  of  the 
one   just   named.      It   was    probably   at   his 


house,  that  young  Robbins  was  to  live,  and 
this  house  seems  to  have  been  a  kind  of  pub- 
lic house. 

^  David  Noble,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1764, 
a  lawyer  and  merchant.  He  settled  in  Will- 
iamstown in  1770,  was  one  of  the  Trustees 
of  the  College,  and  warmly  interested  in  its 
welfare. 

•♦  As  we  understand  this  sentence  in  this 
connection,  he  means  to  say,  that  while  he 
may  be  very  wordly  in  some  things,  he  does 
not  care  much  for  balls. 

^  He  was  some  classmate  at  Yale,  who  did 
not  graduate,  perhaps  concluding  that  to  be  a 
dancing  master  did  not  require  a  full  course 
of  college  education. 

^  This  //  underscored  very  likely  refers  to 
the  "matter"  just  before  spoken  of,  but  we 
have  no  means  of  knowing. 


1796.]  AT   WILLIAMS    COLLEGE.  t 

3.  Reviewing,   classically,'    for    examination,    today,   Rhetoric.      About, 
getting  candles.^ 

4.  Finished  my  oration  for  Societies'  exhibition.     Troubled. 

5.  Good  spring  weather.     Very  muddy.     Inviting  people  to  the  exhibition. 

6.  Attended  meeting.      At  evening  the    authority  attended  to  the  diffi- 
culty in  the  classes  about  the  ball  at  January  exhibition.     I  said  nothing. 

7.  The    President^   gave    his   opinion   in    public    about   the    matter  last 
evening. 

8.  Gen.  Skinner*  arrived  from  Boston.     Great  loss  there  in  speculation 
upon  Georgia  lands. 

g.     At  evening  was  the  exhibition  of   the    Societies   in  the  Chapel.     As 
many  people  as  could  possibly  get  in. 

10.  Miss  A.  Skinner  taken  sick;  bids  fair  to  have  a  fit  of  sickness. 

11.  Very  thoughtless  ;  taken  up  entirely  with  wordly  thoughts. 

12.  Went  and  washed  in  the  Sand  Spring.^     My  salt-rheum  rages  some. 

13.  My  eyes  rather  weak.     Much  afflicted  at  seeing  Alice  so  careless  in 
her  sickness. 

14.  Extraordinary  warm  and  pleasant  weather  for  the  season. 

15.  Began  to  rain.     The  President  determined   to   examine  us  with  the 
Juniors. 

16.  Was  examined  very  criticall}'.     A  violent  snow-storm. 

17.  Our  examination  continued  till  night.     The  chapel  cold  and  uncom- 
fortable. 

18.  The    Sophomore    class  was   examined.     True  friendship.*     Sickles,  a 
member  of  the  Academy,  was  dismissed  with  disgrace. 

19.  Freshmen    examined.      Deacon    Stratton^   attended   our   Conference 
meeting. 

20.  My   thoughts    excessively   taken   up   with   wordly   objects.     Growing 
callous.     A  proclamation  for  a  fast. 

21.  Miss  A.  S.  recovering  from  her  sickness.     Academy  examined. 


*  That  is  by  classes.  ^  A  spring  in  Williamstown  having  prop- 

2  This  was  long  before  the  days  of  kero-  Arties  like  some  of  the  Saratoga  Springs, 
sene,  and  gas  was  unknown  in  those  parts,  *  Occasionally  in   the   early  parts   of  the 
and  the  coming  exhibition  required  a  great  diary  we   come   upon    places  where    a    few 
store  of  candles.  dots  stand  in  the  room  of  words.     This  may 

3  Rev.  Ebenezer  Fitch,  D.  D.,  a  graduate  be  a  continuation  of  the  enigmatical  "  matter  " 
of  Yale.     President  1793-1815.  ^"d  "it  "just  before  noticed,  and  may  possi- 

.  TT        rr^t-                 TCI-                   ..'J  bly  be  connected  with  Miss  A.  Skinner.     But 

*  Hon.  Thompson   J.  Skmner,  mentioned  -'       .      .                 .          . 

r  ^1     rx,      ^          c  there  is  little  use  in  trying  to  find  out  the 

in  a  previous  note  as  one  of  the  Trustees  ot  ,  .      .          ,                 ^  ,, 

^,      „  „                   1       -^           1  01  ■              TT  secret  thoughts  and  feelings  of  a  young  fellow 

the  College,  was  also  General  Skinner.     He  r    •  ,                                             jo 

was  largely  a  public  man,  and  was,  at  differ-  ° 

ent  times,  in  both  branches  of  the  State  Leg-  ^  Ebenezer  Stratton,  chosen  deacon  of  the 

islature,  and  member  of  Congress.     He  was  Williamstown  church,  as  successor  to  Deacon 

much  in  Boston,  and  died  there  January  20,  Nathan  Wheeler,  who  removed  from  town  in 

1809.  17S4. 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


2  2.  Began  to  recite  Vattell.'  My  brother  N.^  arrived  in  town.  The  storm 
below  terrible.  Messrs.  Joel  Grant  ^  and  Solomon  Curtis,  at  Norfolk,  died 
last  week. 

23.  My  brother  talks  of  coming  here  with  a  book-store.  Wrote  to  my 
sister  B.,  moved  to  Paris  since  I  left. 

24.  Began  to  read  Millot.*  The  President  publicly  protested  against  the 
drinking  companies  after  examination. 

25.  Spring  seems  to  be  advancing. 

26.  A  lengthy  and  useful  recitation  on  religious  establishments.  Very  full 
conference. 

27.  What  advantages  I  have  had  in  preaching  and  religious  institutions, 
now  gone. 

28.  A  number  of  scholars  went  to  Bennington  to  have  the  small-pox.' 

29.  I  am  in  danger  of  becoming  effeminate.     Muddy  beyond  description. 

30.  Junior  appointments  given  out.  Papers  declare  the  French  ver}' 
successful. 

31.  A  day  appointed  for  fasting. 


I.     Very   fine   weather, 
quite  unwell ;  lingering. 


My   classmate    Romeyn  prifniis,^   was,    I   hear, 


'  Until  the  present  century  our  text-books 
for  schools  and  colleges  were  almost  all 
brought  from  the  old  world.  Vattell  on  the 
Rights  of  Nations  was  a  standard  work  of  that 
period, 

^  Nathaniel  Robbins,  five  years  older  than 
Thomas. 

3  This  Joel  Grant  was  the  father  of  Miss 
Z.  P.  Grant  (afterwards  the  wife  of  the  Hon. 
William  Banister,  of  Newburyport)  who,  for 
so  many  years,  made  the  Female  Academy 
at  Ipswich,  Mass.,  by  her  wisdom  and  scholar- 
ship, an  institution  famous  throughout  the 
land. 

*  A  French  historian,  who  published  Ele- 
ments  of  the  History  of  England,  Elements  of 
Universal  History,  etc. 

^  This  was  before  the  days  of  our  modern 
system  of  vaccination.  Innoculation  for  the 
small-pox  was  a  much  more  serious  matter 
and  must  be  attended  to  with  great  sys- 
tem and  care,  but  even  then  not  unfrequently  it 
proved  fatal,  as  in  the  case  of  Jonathan  Ed- 
wards, in  March,  1758,  just  after  his  removal 
from  Stockbridge  to  Princeton,  N.  J. 

"  It  was  at  this  time  [1721]  that  the  practice 
of  innoculation  was  introduced.  Dr.  Zabdiel 
Boylston  [of  Boston]  is  known  to  be  the  first 
physician  in  the  British  dominion  that  dared 


to  do  it.  He  commenced  with  his  own  family, 
innoculating  his  own  son  Thomas  and  two  of  his 
servants  on  the  26th  of  June,  and  he  met  with 
success  which  at  that  time  seemed  wonder- 
ful. The  clergy  of  the  town  encouraged  and 
supported  him,  but  the  physicians  joined 
the  populace  and  opposed  the  practice  with 
all  possible  vehemence.  By  Dr.  Boylston's 
account  it  appears  that  of  5,759  who  had 
had  the  disease  in  the  natural  way,  844 
died;  whereas  of  247  cases  attended  by  him- 
self, and  39  by  Drs.  Roby,  of  Cambridge,  and 
Thompson,  of  Charlestown,  only  six  termi- 
nated fatally."  —  Snoiv's  History  of  Boston, 
pp.  218-19. 

The  year  1721  was  when  the  small-pox 
made  such  ravages  in  Boston.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  town  was  then  10,567,  of  these 
5,813  had  the  disease,  and  771  died. 

*  There  were  two  Romeyns  in  young  Rob- 
bins's  class,  brothers,  sons  of  a  Dutch  clergy- 
man. Their  names  were  Benjamin  and 
Thomas.  Benjamin  was  Romeyn  primus, 
and  Thomas  Romeyn  secundtis.  Both  were 
probably  studying  for  the  ministry,  but  Ben- 
jamin died  three  months  after  graduation. 
Thomas,  after  a  long  and  successful  ministry, 
died  in  Amsterdam,  N,  Y.,  in  1857,  at  the  age 
of  eighty. 


1796.] 


AT   WILLIAMS   COLLEGE. 


2.  Made  a  visit  at  Esq.  Noble's.  Saw  in  the  paper  a  compliment  to  Gen. 
W.  [Washington]  given  by  a  Dutchman  at  Amsterdam,  the  greatest  that  could 
be.     A  great  deal  of  electioneering  in  the  papers  for  a  Governor'  of  this  State. 

3.  Very  full  meeting.     The  meeting-house  foundation  is  begun. 

4.  Freemen's  Meeting,  full  and  disorderly.  Almost  all  voted  for  the  old 
Governor. 

5.  Attended  the  concert  of  prayer.     No  disposition  for  serious  things. 

6.  At  evening  a  balP  here.     Troubles  me  some  now. 

7.  This  world  appears  vain  and  lighter  than  air.  Only  in  friendship  can 
we  find,  etc. 

8.  How  scandalous  that  we  must  have  Commencement  in  this  old  meet- 
ing-house.^   Almost  discouraged  about  its  being  destroyed. 

9.  A  dispute  in  conference  about  fasting.  May  God  direct  us  in  the  right 
way. 

10.  A  member  of  the  church  confessed  for  drunkenness.  My  classmate 
Stebbins  in  town. 

11.  Stebbins  going  to  set  up  a  dancing-school.  I  am  sorry.  Wrote  to 
Field  in  the  Square. 

12.  A  young  man  dies  in  town  with  a  consumption.  Great  noise  about 
the  President  of  the  U.  S.*  refusing  to  give  up  the  papers  respecting  the  treaty 
with  Great  Britain. 

13.  Went  to  the  Sand  Spring.     Down  to  tea  at  Gen.  Skinner's. 

14.  Except  a  little  in  the  morning,  did  nothing  all  day.     Very  stormy, 

15.  Young  company  here  in  the  house.  I  am  rather  obliged  to  be  with 
them. 

16.  Received  a  letter  from  home.  Electioneering  in  Connecticut  for  Gov. 
Wolcott.^  Commotion  about  the  President  of  U.  S.  refusing,  etc.  Rode  up  to 
Bennington.     Scholars  in  the  small-pox  have  it  hard. 

17.  Attended  meeting  at  Bennington.*  Heard  Mr.  Swift'  preach.  In  the 
evening  rode  down.     Most  excellent  weather. 


'  The  celebrated  Samuel  Adams  was  then 
Governor  of  Massachusetts,  and  had  been 
since  1794.  But  he  was  growing  old,  was 
now  74,  and  many  thought  a  younger  man 
should  be  chosen.  He  was,  however,  re- 
elected for  one  year  more.  Notice  the  words 
under  April  4,  "Almost  all  voted  for  the  old 
Governor." 

^  By  what  has  gone  before,  and  what  will 
follow,  we  may  learn  that  balls  occurred  fre- 
quently in  Williamstown,  and  were  intimately 
connected  with  the  college. 

^  Not  only  the  Commencement  for  1796, 
but  also  that  of  1797  was  held  in  the  Old 
House.  In  the  autumn  of  1798  the  new  house 
was  done. 

*  This  was  George  Washington  in  the  last 
year  of  his  second  term  of  presidential  ser- 


vice. He  claimed  that  the  treaty-making 
power  belonged  to  the  President  and  Senate, 
and  not  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  and 
he  would  not  give  up  the  papers  at  the  call  of 
the  House. 

5  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.D.,  son  of  the  Co- 
lonial Governor,  Roger  Wolcott.  From  1786 
to  1796,  he  had  been  Lieut.-Governor  of 
Connecticut.  In  1796  and  1797,  he  was 
chosen   Governor. 

^  Bennington,  Vt.,  was  distant  from  Will- 
iamstown about  twelve  or  fifteen  miles.  The 
only  town  intervening  between  the  two  towns 
was  Pownel,  Vt. 

^  This  was  Rev.  Job  Swift,  D.  D.,  a  native 
of  Sandwich,  Mass.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 
in  the  class  of  1765.  He  was  pastor  at  Ben- 
nington, Vt.,  from  1786  to  1801. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


18.  Wrote  a  letter  home.     Disputed  necessity  of  immediate  manumission 
of  our  slaves.'     Settled  affirmatively. 

19.  Appointments  for  Commencement  given  out.     I  am  well  suited.     My 
classmates  M.  and  N.^  gone  to  Lenox  to  attend  court. 

20.  Excessive  hot.     In  the  afternoon  made  a  visit  to  the  President  with 
Alice. 

21.  Some   of  the   scholars  return   from   the   small-pox.     Walked   to   the 
Spring. 

22.  The  President  taken  up  in  building  farm-fence,  etc.     I  exercise  con- 
siderable,  playing   ball. 

23.  Something^  sickly  in  town. 

24.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  that  died  with  the  dysentery.     What 
do  the  minds  of  most  that  attend  meeting  appear  to  be  upon  ? 

25.  May  I  never  be  in  the  noise  and  bustle  of  civil  life.     Wrote  a  letter 
home. 

26.  Very  dry  season.     Great  fires.     Difficult  to  get  good  questions  for 
Commencement. 

27.  Read  a  lecture  in  the  Society.     Sophomores  wish  to  avoid  exhibition. 

28.  Two  funerals  in  town.     Children  died  with  dysentery.     Stebbins  like 
to  get  a  dancing-school. 

29.  Attended  a  sacramental  lecture.     Very  uncomfortable  weather.     Daniel 
Welch*  from  New  Haven. 

30.  Political  difficulties  run  high.     The  President  put  an  entire  stop  to  a 
dancing-school.* 

May. 

1.  The  slothful  man  says,  a  lion  in  the  way.  Saw  the  first  instance  of 
gambling  since  I  have  been  in  town.  Some  of  the  apparatus  for  college 
arrived. 

2.  Van  Shaack'  of  Pittsfield,  moved  to  obtain  petitions  to  have  the  treaty 
with  Great  Britain  carried  into  immediate  effect.     Feel  very  discouraged. 


'  There  was  a  strong  anti-slavery  senti- 
ment in  the  country  long  before  the  Garrison 
company  existed.  It  was  stronger,  indeed, 
in  the  last  years  of  the  last  century  than  it 
was  in  1S30. 

^  David  Mason  and  Daniel  Noble. 

^  The  word  "  something,"  is  often  used  in 
this  diary  in  the  same  sense  as  we  now  use 
"somewhat."  One  of  Webster's  definitions 
of  something  is,  "  In  some  degree,  somewhat, 
'  something  too  much  of  this.'  " 

*  The  first  minister  of  Williamstown  was 
Rev.  Whitman  Welch,  a  native  of  New  Mil- 
ford,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1762. 
He  died  as  chaplain  of  the  northern  army, 
of  small-pox,  in  Canada,  1776.  This  Daniel 
Welch  may  have  been  of  his  kindred  ;  or, 
from  his  given  name,  he  may  have  been  of 


the  kindred  of  Rev.  Daniel  Welch,  pastor 
at  North  Mansfield,  Ct,  1752-17S2,  whose 
son,  Rev.  Moses  C.  Welch,  D.D.,  succeeded 
him  in  the  ministry  at  North  Mansfield,  and 
was  pastor  there  1 784-1824. 

^  This  was  a  little  hard  on  Stebbins.  He 
came  to  town  April  loth,  and  had  been  slowly 
working  up  his  pet  scheme,  when  his  plans 
were  suddenly  cut  short  by  this  overbearing 
and  tyrannical  President. 

^  Mr.  Henry  Van  Shaack,  a  prominent  citi- 
zen of  Pittsfield,  Mass.  The  petitions  which 
he  wanted  to  obtain  were  on  the  side  of  Wash- 
ington. The  House  of  Representatives,  be- 
cause it  thought  itself  slighted,  was  obstruct, 
ing  the  treaty,  and  trying  to  frame  laws  to 
prevent  the  treaty  from  going  into  practical 
effect. 


1796.]  AT   WILLIAMS    COLLEGE.  9 

3.  The  corporation  met.     My  father  in  town.     They  drove  business  ver}- 
much.     Dreadful  tumult  here. 

4.  The  corporation  went  off  in  the  morning.     In  the  afternoon  rode  down 
to  Col.  Sloan's  on  a  visit.     Received  a  packet  of  letters  from  my  old  classmate. 

5.  Finished  reciting  VattelL     Attempting   to   study  chemistry.     Do   not 
well  like  it. 

6.  Considerable  talk  in  town   about  the  situation    of   the    new  college. 
Drank  tea  at  Starkweather's.' 

7.  I  am  in  danger  of  being  of  a  tyrannical  disposition.^     An  excellent 
conference.     Ford^  came  to  enter  college  from  Yale. 

8.  Good  preaching.     The  fading  nature  of  the  world.     Troubles  between 
the  lower  classes  and  the  town  people  about  a  ball. 

9.  It  rains  after  a  very  uncommon  drought  for  the  season.     The  scholars 
begin  to  wish  to  go  home. 

10.  The  universal  voice  of  the  people  in  favor  of  our  Federal  government.'* 
My  eyes  weak.     Human  nature  ugly  and  obstinate. 

11.  Town  meeting  very  full.     This  house  all  bustle. 

12.  Finished  reading  Millot.     Inspected  the   Society's  library.^     In  good 
order. 

13.  My  classmate  'Roiweyn primus,  came  to  join  the  class  again.     Vanities 
will  engross  my  attention. 

14.  The  scholars  clean  the  ground  around  college  thoroughly.     I  attend 
serious  meeting  and  my  heart  far  distant. 

15.  At  evening  very  rainy.     Full  meeting,  but  little  serious  attention. 

16.  Wrote  letters  to  my  cousins  W.  and  J.  Gould.^     Received  a  letter  from 
home. 

17.  The  Juniors  had  a  very  good  exhibition.     Got  out  of  the  noise  of  the 
ball.     My  horse  came  from  home.^ 

18.  Set  out  for  home,  came  to  Lanesborough.     It  rained  all  afternoon. 

19.  Visited  my  old  classmate  Fowler^  at  Pittsfield.     Disturbance  lately  at 
Yale  College.     Came  to  Stockbridge.     It  rained  in  afternoon.     Stayed. 


'  Young  Robbins  here  uses  the  language  of  the  Society's  library  at  Williams  College, 

of  familiarity.     There  was  a  family  of  Stark-  is  not  without  significance, 

weathers  in  Williamstown,  of  which  William  ^  Rebekah  Hannah  Robbins,  daughter  of 

Starkweather,  graduated  at  Williams  College  Rev.    Philemon    Robbins,   of   Branford,    Ct., 

in  1S09,  was  a  member.  married    Mr.   William   Gould.      W.    and  J. 

-  No  one  would  have  suspected  it.  Gould   are   her  sons,   living   at  Manchester, 

^  Simeon  Ford  of  the  class  of  1798,  Will-  Vermont, 

iams  College,  afterwards  a  lawyer.  ''  It  was  a  common  custom  of  that  day, 

*  After  the  experiences  of  Shays's  Rebel-  when  students  went  and  came  between  their 

lion  in    1787,   it  was   but   natural   that  men  homes  and  the  colleges,  to  go  on  horseback, 

should  be  timid  and  watchful  as  to  the  sue-  some  one  going  with  them  to  lead  back  the 

cess  of  our  new  experiment  in  government.  horse  and  vice  versa. 

s  Remembering  how  much  of  Dr.  Robbins's  ^  This  was   Bancroft    Fowler,   afterwards 

life-work  centered  about  the  collecting,  shap-  tutor,  both  at  Yale   and  Williams,  and  Pro- 

ing  and  managing  of  a  library,  the  fact  that,  fessor  of  Sacred  Literature  in  Bangor  Theo- 

at  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  made  inspector  logical  Seminary. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


20.  Arrived  home.'  The  family  mostly  been  very  sick  with  the  measles. 
All  well  and  recovering. 

21.  My  father  received  a  letter  from  my  sister  B.^  at  Paris.  Like  to  live 
comfortably, 

22.  Attended  meeting.  Unsearchable  riches,  etc.  The  mourners  here 
numerous. 

23.  A  good  visit  from  SilP  from  Goshen.     Very  rainy  backward  weather. 

24.  My  brother  A.  here.  Traded  considerably.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Steb- 
bins  now  at  New  Haven. 

25.  Preparing  to  go  to  New  York.  Assist  daily  in  hearing  my  father's 
scholars. 

26.  Made  a  visit  to  old  Mr.  Darby.  He  lives  here,  likely  to  live  long,  and 
cut  off.'* 

27.  Set  out  on  my  journey  for  New  York.  Came  to  my  brother's*  in 
Canaan.     Fever  and  ague  prevailing  in  Canaan. 

28.  Came  to  Warren.     Something  rainy.     Agreed  to  tarry  over  Sabbath. 

29.  Pretty  full  meeting  at  Warren.^  Singing  ver)'  well.  Speculators  all 
over  the  country. 

30.  In  the  forenoon  very  rainy.  In  afternoon  came  to  New  Milford. 
Stayed  with  an  acquaintance. 

31.  Rode  to  Stamford.  Missed  my  way  between  Danbury  and  Ridgefield. 
Lost  four  miles.  Lodged  at  a  tavern.  From  Norfolk  to  New  York,  one 
hundred  and  .twenty  miles.' 

June. 

I.  Took  stage  at  Kingsbridge,*  arrived  at  New  York  in  the  afternoon. 
Found  Mr.  Watson'  at  hom.e  and  very  kind.  Crops  on  the  road  pretty  prom- 
iising.     Saw  Esq.  Smith,  formerly  of  Bennington. 

3.     Walked  about  town  with  Mr.  W.  and   nephew,  and  alone.     Mr.  W, 


*  He  had  been  out  two  nights  on  the  jour- 
nev-  In  going  from  Williamstown,  Mass.,  to 
Norfolk,  Ct.,  lie  would  pass  through  the  towns 
of  New  Ashford,  Lanesborougli,  Pittsfield, 
Lenox,  Stockbridge,  Great  Barrington,  and 
portions  of  Sheffield  and  New  Marlborough. 

^  Elizabeth  Robbins  (called  Betsey),  now 
Mrs.  Lawrence,  wife  of  Grove  Lawrence,  and 
living  at  Paris,  N.  Y. 

3  Theodore  Sill,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in 
17.97. 

■*  Meaning  probably  a  lonely  life,  cut  off 
from  society. 

^  The  same  brother  spoken  of  just  before, 
Ammi  Ruhamah,  Jr. 

*  The  minister  there  was  Rev.  Peter  Starr, 
his  uncle,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1764,  one 
of  the  Trttstees  of  Yale,  whose  ministry  at 
Warren  lasted  from  1769  to  1S25. 


^  He  left  Norfolk  April  27.  Leaving  out 
Sunday  he  was  five  days  on  the  journey. 

^  Kingsbridge  is  thirteen  miles  north  of  City 
Hall,  New  York,  on  the  Harlem  River.  It 
was  a  small  place  in  the  last  century,  but  fig- 
ured somewhat  conspicuously  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary War. 

'  James  Watson,  a  native  of  Litchfield,  Ct., 
fitted  for  college  by  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  at 
Norfolk,  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1776.  He 
settled  in  New  York,  and  became  a  wealthy 
merchant,  and  a  man  of  large  public  spirit. 
He  was  Speaker  of  the  New  York  House  of 
Representatives,  State  Senator,  and  United 
States  Senator.  He  remained  a  fast  friend 
of  ]\Ir.  Robbins's  family.  James  Watson 
Webb  and  James  Watson  Robbins,  younger 
brother  of  Thomas,  were  both  named  from 
him.     He  died  in  fSo6. 


[796-]  SUMMER    VACATION. 


II 


took  me  into  the  museum.  Much  talk  and  agitation  about  State  elections. 
The  Federal  party  triumphs.  Went  to  Col.  Fay's.*  His  sons  home  from  W. 
College.     A  vast  quantity  of  shipping  here. 

3.  Dined  at  Col.  Fay's  with  Gov.  Robinson."  Found  an  old  college 
acquaintance,  Gardiner.  Saw  an  elephant  kept  as  a  curiosity.  Attended  the 
theatre ;  out  about  1 1  o'clock.  Seven  counties  visible  from  one  of  Mr. 
W.'s  chambers.  Congressmen  come  on  from  Philadelphia.  It  [Congress] 
rose  Wednesday  the  first. 

4.  Walked  along  up  the  North  River.  Saw  a  ship  of  900  tons.  Dined 
with  Gardiner.^  Went  over  to  Governor's  Island,  and  saw  the  fortifications 
there.  Mr.  W.  went  in  the  evening  to  the  coffee-house.  Very  uncertain  and 
contradictory  accounts  about  peace  in  Europe. 

5.  Wet  weather.  Attended  meeting  A.  M.  at  Dr.  Rogers.*  He  admin- 
istei-ed  the  sacrament  before  the  whole  congregation  at  a  table.  Dined  on 
green  peas.  P.  M.  heard  Mr.  Bisset,^  Episcopal,  at  St.  Paul's.  A  grand 
monument  there  to  the  memory  of  Gen.  Montgomer}^  In  the  evening  Mr. 
W.  talked  to  me  excellently  about  conduct  in  life.  Company  here  today  at 
dinner.  Great  parade.  A  common  and  polite  maxim  that  all  mankind  did 
not  descend  from  the  same  source. 

6.  Walked  with  Fay  and  Rathbone,  an  academic  acquaintance,  all  round 
the  extension  of  the  city.  Quite  warm.  Provisions  cheap  in  Europe,  will 
likely  [be]  so  here.  Am  sorry  I  know  not  the  dimensions  of  mamma's  coat  of 
arms.     Could  easily  get  a  glass  here. 

7.  Two  or  three  foreign  ships  arrived  this  morning.  Peace  is  expected 
this  summer  in  the  West  Indies.  Good  men  here  consider  Connecticut*  the 
sheet  anchor  of  our  government.  Viewed  the  new  hotel.  O  !  the  depravity 
of  mankind.     O  !  the  state  of  religion  and  morals. 

8.  Mr.  W.  helped  me  to  pay  for  my  clothes.  Went  to  a  number  of  places 
to  get  letters  to  carrj^  to  different  places.  The  small-pox  very  thick  and 
common  here.  By  the  latest  accounts,  very  little  prospect  of  jDcace  in  Europe 
very  soon.     The  democratical  interest  ver}^  lawless. 

9.  Provisions  are  falling.  Left  New  York,  9  o'clock.  Came  in  the  stage 
to  Kingsbridge.  Took  my  horse ''  and  rode  thirty-eight  miles  to  Norwalk  after 
12  o'clock.     Excessive  hot. 


'  Col.  Joseph  Fay,  formerly  of  Bennington,  tor  of  Brick  Church,  N.  Y.,  1765  to  his  death 

Vt.,  and  a  prominent  man  in  public  affairs  in  in  181 1. 

Vermont.     His  later  years   were   passed   in  '  Rev.  John  Bisset,  a  Scotchman,  born  in 

New  York.     His   two  sons,  Joseph   Dewey  1762,   made    Assistant    Minister    at    Trinity 

and  Hiram  Fay,  were  graduated  at  Williams  Church,  New  York,  in    1792.     An  eloquent 

College,  the  former  in  1798,  and  the  latter  in  preacher. 

1800.  ^  The  position  of  Connecticut,  in  the  last 

^  Moses    Robinson,   second   Governor   of  century,  was  very  peculiar.     In  the  number 

Vermont.     Afterwards  elected  United  States  and   character  of   her  educated   and  public 

Senator.  men,  she  was  foremost  among  the  States. 

^  Jonathan  Gardiner,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  '  He  had  left  his  horse  there  in  stable  or 

1795.  pasture  during  his  visit  of  eight  days  in  New 

*  Dr.  John  Rodgers,  native  of  Boston,  pas-  York. 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


10.  Much  disturbed  in  my  sleep  last  night  by  bad  fellows  at  the  tavern. 
Came  to  Mrs.  Silliman's,'  Fairfield,  to  breakfast.  Arrived  at  New  Haven  after 
noon.  Very  happy  with  my  classmates.  Never  heard  a  prayer  but  at  meet- 
ing, nor  a  blessing  at  the  table,  after  I  went  from  Warren,  till  I  came  to  New 
Haven.'^ 

11.  My  classmate  Davis'  thinks  of  coming  to  take  Stockbridge  school. 
Went  to  see  the  President.  Three  or  four  scholars  must  be  expelled.  Eat  in 
Commons.  Very  good.  They  behave  quite  orderly.  At  evening  attended 
praying  meeting.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bishop*  very  kind. 

12.  In  the  forenoon  the  President^  preached  in  the  Chapel.  In  the  afternoon, 
Mr.  Holmes,'  of  Cambridge.     Talked  some  about  Phi  Betiens  in  the  next  class. 

13.  Had  something  to  settle  about  an  old  classical  rate.  Came  from  New 
Haven  after  prayers,  and  got  home  at  supper.     Very  warm  day, 

14.  Quite  tired.  Joiners  at  work  at  our  house.  Helped  my  brother  get 
timber. 

15.  Attend  to  my  father's  school.  Read  some  in  Paine's  A^e  of  Reasoji. 
Shocking ! 

16.  The  present  state  of  the  Eastern  world  shocks  humanit}'.  The  pros- 
pect is  blood  and  carnage. 

17.  Worked  in  the  barn-yard  with  stone-work. 

18.  Very  hot  weather.  Preparing  to  go  to  college.  Consulted  Poole's 
Synopsis? 

19.  Mr.  Hallock^  preached  here  very  well.  Crowded  out  of  our  pew. 
Meeting  very  full.     Sing  well. 

20.  Set  out  for  college.  Came  to  Stockbridge.  Agreed  with  Mr.  Bidwell 
for  Davis  ^  to  take  that  school. 

21.  Came  to  college,  A  very  hot  and  growing  season.  Extraordinary 
prospects  for  crops. 

22.  My  little  brother*"  went  off  with  my  horse.  Arranging  my  things.  My 
classmate  'R.oxne.yn  primus,  gone  home  very  unwell. 


'  Benjamin  Silliman,  afterwards  the  distin- 
guished professor  for  long  years  at  Yale,  was 
a  classmate  of  young  Robbins,  and  this  Mrs. 
Silliman,  now  a  widow,  was  his  mother.  Her 
husband,  Col.  Gold  Selleck  Silliman,  a  dis- 
tinguished graduate  of  Yale,  in  the  class  of 
1752,  died  in  1790. 

^  This  was  very  likely  young  Robbins's 
first  experience  of  life  out  of  New  England, 
and  he  noted  the  differences. 

^  Henry  Davis,  D.D.,  the  President,  in 
after  years,  of  Middlebury  and  Hamilton  Col- 
leges. 

*'  The  father  and  mother  of  Timothy  Bishop 
already  mentioned. 

5  Dr.  Timothy  Dwight, 

^  Abicl  Holmes,  D.  D.,  a  native  of  Wood- 
stock, Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale  17S3,  pastor  of 


First  Church,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  1792  to  1831. 
Father  of  Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes, 

^  Mathew  Poole's  Synopsis  Criticorum  Bib- 
licorum,  or  elucidations  of  Scripture  by  vari- 
ous hands  :  5  vols,  folio,  1669. 

^  Jeremiah  Hallock,  pastor  at  West  Sims- 
bury,  Ct.  [now  Canton],  from  1785,  to  his 
death  in  18 19.  Received  the  honorary  degree 
of  A.  M.  from  Yale  College  in  1788. 

9  This  business  had  been  entrusted  to  him  by 
Davis  at  New  Haven,  because  he  could  attend 
to  it  on  his  way  back  to  Williams  College. 

'°  Possibly  it  may  have  been  Francis  Le 
Baron  Robbins,  in  after  life  minister  at  En- 
field, Ct.  He  was  then  nine  years  old,  and 
the  youngest  of  the  family.  More  likely  it 
was  either  James  Watson  Robbins,  then  four- 
teen years  old,  or  Samuel,  twelve  years  old. 


1796.]  AT    WILLIAMS    COLLEGE.  I3 

23.  Began  to  write  my  Latin  oration.     Sent  to  New  York  for  parchment 
for  diploma.' 

24.  The  probability  that  the  President  will   be   candidate  next  election. 
Makes  great  speculation.^ 

25.  Spoke  on  the  stage   this  week.     Very  hot  and  growing.     Very  hard 
shower. 

26.  Meeting-house  much  crowded.     At  evening  at  Gen.  Skinner's. 

27.  Appointed  monitor.     Conversed  a  good  deal  with  Mr.  Linsley.^ 

28.  Finished    my   oration.     I    grow   constantly   callous   and   thoughtless. 
Troubled  about  the  old  meeting-house.'* 

29.  Studying  chemistr}^     Doubting  whether  to  attempt  to  write  a  dialogue 
for  Commencement. 

30.  Mr.  Linsley  in  my  room  a  considerable  part  of  the  day.     Capital  pun- 
ishment getting  out  of  date  through  the  country. 

July. 

1.  A  member  lately  expelled  from  Yale  College.  Attended  sacramental 
lecture.  Went  to  see  a  member  of  the  Academy.  Very  sick.  The  meeting- 
house assaulted,  more  or  less,  every  night.' 

2.  A  number  of  students  gone  out  of  town  on  account  of  Independence, 
to  be  celebrated  particularly  at  Richmond.^  Read  some  pieces  in  the  confer- 
ence.    Very  attentive. 

3.  Sacrament  administered.  At  dinner  swallowed  a  pin.  Sat  up  very 
late  writing. 

4.  The  students  fired  guns,  etc.,  then  came  here  and  were  very  noisy, 
drinking  toasts,  etc.     At  evening  was  at  Gen.  Skinner's. 

5.  Disputed  before  the  President.  Attended  the  concert  of  prayer. 
Saw  a  man  making  brick  —  to  make  300,000  for  a  new  college. 

6.  Bray''  came  up  to  see  me  from  Lanesborough.  Began  our  classical 
exercises  for  examination. 

7.  Bray  lost  his  horse.  Had  to  go  round  town  with  him  to  hire  one. 
Find  it  a  great  job  to  write  a  dialogue. 

8.  Excessive  hot,  relaxing  weather,  as  it  has  been  for  a  number  of  days. 
Have  considerable  company  at  my  room. 


'  It  seems  to  have  been  the  custom  then  ment  exercises  in  it.     Had  been  hoping  for  a 

at  Williams  for  each  graduating  student  to  new  one. 

provide  parchment  for  his  degree  and  have  it  ^  This  was  a  student-like  way  of  testifying 

printed  at  his  own  charge.  righteous  indignation. 

^  President  Washington  was  not  again  can-  ^  Richmond   was   some   twenty-five   miles 

didate.     In  September,  1796,  he  published  his  away.     This  was  Saturday,  and  they  must  go 

Farewell  Address,  and  retired  to  private  life.  on  that  day  in  order  to  be  ready  for  Monday 

^  Noah  Linsley,  a  graduate  of  Yale  1791.  the  4th. 

Had  been  tutor  at  Williams  iji  1793  ^""^^  4-  '  Oliver  Bray,  probably,  who  was  gradu- 

■•  Because  they  must  have  their  Commence-  ated  at  Yale  in  1795,  the  year  before. 


14 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


9.  A  considerable  change  in  the  weather,  dr)',  windy,  and  very  dusty. 
Had  a  good  visit  with  Mrs.  Fitch.'  It  appears  that  the  French  will  triumph 
this  campaign. "^ 

10.  Mr.  S.,  of  Bennington,^  preached  here  most  excellently. 

11.  Messrs.  Huntington  and  Dunbar  came  to  my /oom  to  see  me.  Wheat 
is  much  fallen.     Extraordinary  prospect  for  crops  of  all  kinds. 

12.  The  Professor  lost  his  youngest  child.-*  Ver}- pretty.  Showery,  relax- 
ing weather. 

13.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  McKay's  child.  Danger  that  the  dysen- 
tery will  prevail  in  this  town. 

14.  Better  harvests  hardly  ever  known  in  United  States.  80,000  inhabi- 
tants in  Philadelphia.^     What  a  highly  favored  land. 

15.  Great  disturbance  in  town  on  account  of  the  meeting-house  being  set 
on  fire  last  night.*  It  was  happily  extinguished.  Various  conjectures  about 
the  perpetrators. 

16.  The  whole  week  has  been  wet  and  lowery  weather.  Fruit  plenty. 
Peace  and  plenty  crown  the  year  through  the  loving-kindness  of  God. 

17.  The  weather  warm  and  the  house  crowded.  Was  ver}^  faint  at  meet- 
ing. In  afternoon,  the  President  preached  on  account  of  the  Professor's 
child's  death.     Excellent  sermon. 

18.  The  town  and  college  considerably  alarmed  about  the  dysenter}-.^ 
The  weather  unfavorable.     Wrote  a  letter  home.     Considerably  unwell. 

19.  A  number  of  scholars  getting  leave  to  go  home.  Some  unwell,  and 
others  afraid  they  shall  be. 

20.  This  morning  we  are  met  with  the  solemn  tidings  that  French,  an 
amiable  and  worthy  member  of  the  Sophomore  class,  last  night  slept  in  death, 
with  the  dysentery  in  four  days  from  a  state  of  health.  May  we  hear  God's 
voice.  Also  a  woman,  close  to  college,  in  the  prime  of  life,  in  about  three 
days  from  health.  Both  funerals  attended  in  the  afternoon.^  Could  not  wait 
for  French's  friends  to  arrive.     A  very  solemn  and  affecting  occasion. 


'  This  was  the  wife  of  the  President. 
When  she  married  him  she  was  Mrs.  Mary 
Cogswell,  a  highly  cultivated  and  intelligent 
woman.  Her  maiden  name  was  Mary  Backus, 
and  she  was  daughter  of  Major  Ebenezer  and 
Mercy  (Edwards)  Backus  of  Windham,  Ct. 
Her  first  husband,  with  whom  she  lived  only 
a  brief  married  life,  was  Samuel  Cogswell, 
son  of  Rev.  James  Cogswell,  D.  D.,  of  Scot- 
land parish,  Windham,  Ct.  Her  first  and 
second  husbands  were  playmates  in  child- 
hood, and  classmates  in  Yale  College. 

^  This  was  the  year  of  Napoleon's  brilliant 
campaign  in  Italy,  including  the  battles  of 
Arcole,  the  one  at  the  Bridge  of  Lodi,  and 
others. 

3  Rev.  Job  Swift,  D.  D. 


*  Professor  Mackay,  the  instructor  in 
French.  At  that  time  he  was  the  only  per- 
son in  the  College  who  bore  the  title  of 
Professor.  All  the  rest  of  the  instruction 
was  given  by  the  President  and  the  tutors. 

^  This  estimate  is  too  large.  In  1800  Phil- 
adelphia had  about  70,000  inhabitants. 

^  It  is  not  safe  to  explore  those  good  old 
times  too  closely. 

^  The  dj-sentery  seems  to  have  been  more 
of  a  fatal  epidemic  in  those  years  than  at 
present. 

*  Funerals  were  hastened  probably  on  ac- 
count of  the  nature  of  the  disease,  though, 
as  a  common  fact,  there  was  apt  to  be  a  shorter 
interval  then  between  death  and  burial  than 
now. 


1796-]  AT   WILLIAMS    COLLEGE.  15 

21.  Finished  my  dialogue  and  carried  it  to  the  President.  His  youngest 
child  very  sick  with  dysentery.  He  denies  scholars  to  go  home.  The 
weather   is   now   very   favorable    on    account   of   sickness. 

22.  There  is  a  prospect  that  almost  all  Europe  will  declare  Great  Britain 
in  a  state  of  siege.     People  in  the  heat  of  haying. 

23.  The  yellow  fever  appears  in  New  York.  Hope  it  may  not  spread.  A 
very  serious  conference.  Read  a  funeral  sermon  of  President  Davis.'  Very 
good. 

24.  Mr.  Swift  in  the  afternoon  preached  on  the  occasion  of  the  late  deaths 
here.     At  evening  attended  singing  meeting.     They  sing  well  here.^ 

25.  On  account  of  the  President's  sick  child  he  cannot  attend  recitations. 
The  weather  this  summer,  the  doctors  say,  generally  unhealthy. 

26.  I  am  quite  unwell  with  an  excessive  cold.     A  number  sick  in  town. 

27.  The  dysentery  in  other  places,  particularly  Sheffield.  The  war  insup- 
portable in  Great  Britain.  In  fourteen  months  past  Mi".  Pitt  has  laid  out 
;^4,ooo,ooo.     This  evening  Free  Masons  meet  here.     Noisy. 

28.  Made  a  cone,  for  the  Sophomores,  in  the  brick-yard.  Engaged  in 
reviewing  for  examination. 

29.  A  man  dies  with  the  dysentery  in  the  prime  of  life.  Large  concourse 
at  the  funeral.     The  Free  Masons  have  great  formality.^ 

30.  Very  rainy.     At  night  a  very  good  conference. 

31.  Very  much  crowded  and  hot  at  meeting.  The  mourners*  here  are 
many.  At  evening  had  some  noisy  company  at  my  room.  Could  not  easily 
avoid  it.^ 

August. 

1.  The  dysentery  prevails  considerably  in  the  country,  but  what  is  it  to 
the  horrors  of  '76  and  '77.     A  wicked  world  must  have  judgments. 

2.  Our  examination  for  degrees  began  this  afternoon  at  3  o'clock.^  The 
President  much  detained  with  his  sick  child.  The  tutors  examine.  Those  of 
the  corporation  in  town  attend. 

3.  Our  examination  closed  at  4  o'clock.  Went  round  ninety  times.  All 
admitted.  We  finally  passed  very  accurately.  The  examiners  give  us  the 
preference  to  the  last  class.'  In  the  evening  a  Society  exhibition  in  the 
chapel.     Very  good. 


'  Without    doubt,    Rev.    Samuel    Davies,  "*  Those  afflicted  by  the  recent  deaths, 
elected    President    of    the   College   of   New  ^  Saturday  evening  was  kept  as  a  portion 
Jersey  in    1759,  on  the   death   of   President  of  the  Sabbath,  and  Sunday  evening  was  re- 
Jonathan  Edwards.     He   himself   died   after  garded  as  secular  time. 

holding  the  office  but  a  brief  term,  in  1761.  ^  The    examination   of  the    Seniors  took 

A  collection  of  his  sermons  was  published  in  place  a  month  and  more  before  the  close  of 

London   in    1767,  in   five   vols.,   and   passed  the  term,  that  they  might  be  released  from 

through  several   editions.  the  regular  college  duties  in  order  to  prepare 

^  The  Billings  and  Holden  style  of  church  their  parts  for  Commencement, 
nmsic  was  then  in  full  vogue.  ''  That  is  the  ordinary  fact  with  each  class, 

5  That  is,  at  the  funeral.     He  was  doubt-  from  that  day  to  this,  as  the  classes  under- 

kss  interred  with  Masonic  rites.  stand  it. 


i6 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


4.  Thus  have  I  arrived  at  the  close  of  my  college  course.  I  look  back  on 
these  four  years  with  pleasure  and  regret.  O  !  that  I  could  go  over  with  them 
again.  As  an  emblem  of  real  life,  I  am  strikingly  convinced  of  its  fleeting 
nature.  I  feel  very  disagreeably,  in  a  measure  nonplussed.  May  I  be  directed 
in  my  duty  whatever  it  be.  May  I  not  depend  too  much  on  the  world. 
What  is  life,  connections,  education,  when  compared  with  an  hereafter? 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Judson,  Sheffield.* 

5.  Last  night  the  worst  frolic  here  that  I  ever  knew.  Wrote  a  letter  home. 
My  feelings  exceedingly  wounded  with  the  carouse.  My  dialogue  approved 
for  Commencement.^ 

6.  Something  unwell  and  uneasy.  Ver)-  unable  to  study.  A  scandal 
that  all  college  must  get  out  to  see  horses  run.  Some  seriousness  in  col- 
lege.^ 

7.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Huntington,"  the  tutor,  preached  very  acceptably. 
Meeting  very  full.     At  evening  heard  them  sing  beautifully. 

8.  Last  night,  the  President's  little  child,  sixteen  months  old,  closed  the 
scene  of  mortal  life.  May  the  frequent  instances  of  mortality  around  us  have 
some  little  effect. 

9.  Attended  the  funeral.  Had  a  long  private  talk  with  a  member  of  the 
Sophomore  class  about  Commencement.     I  hope  all  will  turn  for  the  best. 

ID.  Delivered  a  farewell  address  to  the  Society.  Sent  off  my  diploma  to 
be  printed.  Am  very  sorry  to  differ  from  my  classmates  in  opinion  about 
Commencement. 

11.  Thus  nineteen  years  have  rolled  over  my  head.^  At  evening  an 
exhibition  here  by  a  travelling  fellow. 

12.  Am  exceedingly  pleased  with  Montesquieu.^  At  evening  attended  the 
exhibition  here.     It  was  the  first,  and,  I  presume,  the  last. 

j^.  Rode  up  to  Manchester.''  Quite  tired.  Found  my  cousin,  W.  Gould. 
Stayed  with  him.     Very  hot. 

14.  Found  my  Uncle  Gould  ^  in  a  pretty  poor  situation.  He  retains  his 
mental  powers.  I  had  no  idea  of  the  irreligion  and  profanity  that  prevail  in 
Vermont.     No  Sabbath  at  all.' 


'  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  D.  D.,  already 
noticed.  He  was  a  prominent  divine  in  those 
parts,  and  instructed  young  men  in  theology. 

^  In  those  early  days  at  Williams  College, 
when  the  classes  were  small,  it  was  natural 
that  the  students  graduating  should  appear 
on  the  stage  in  more  than  one  part.  Young 
Robbins,  as  we  shall  see,  had  three  parts  in 
the  Commencement  exercises. 

3  The  worldly  and  the  serious  here  brought 
close  together. 

■*  Rev.  Dan  Huntington  was  a  minister  of 
far  more  than  ordinary  grace  and  culture. 


'  This  was  his  nineteenth  birthday. 

^  Charles  de  Secondat,  Baron  of  Breede, 
born  1689,  a  noble  thinker  and  writer,  quoted 
often  in  every  generation  since  his  death,  but 
better  known  in  the  last  century  than  now. 

^  Manchester  is  a  Vermont  town  about 
fifty  miles   north   of   Williamstown. 

^  William  Gould,  who  married  Rebekah 
Hannah  Robbins. 

9  The  state  of  morals  and  religion  was 
very  low  in  New  England  generally  in  the  last 
years  of  the  last  century,  caused  in  part  by 
the  Revolutionary  War. 


1796-]  AT    WILLIAMS    COLLEGE. 


17 


15.  Age  of  Reason  is  greedily  received  in  Vermont.  Heard  of  the  death 
of  Esq.  Woodbridge,'  of  Stockbridge.     Rode  back  to  Williamstown. 

16.  Young  people  rode  up  to  Bennington  to  celebrate  the  day  of  the  Ben- 
nington battle  1777.  My  classmates  less  strenuous  about  Commencement 
ball. 

17.  Fixed  upon  a  question  with  my  classmate  Noble.^  Very  dry  and 
dusty.     The  President  all  taken  up  with  his  painting. 

18.  Wrote  letters  to  Mr.  Judson,  of  Sheffield,  and  home.  England  herself, 
as  well  as  France,  seems  determined  on  her  destruction.  Western  posts 
given   up.^ 

19.  Wrote  letters  to  Uncle  Robbins,  Aunt  Thompson,"  and  Uncle  Lemuel 
Le  Baron. 

20.  Excessive  hot.  Very  sickly  at  Sheffield.'  The  dysentery.  Serious 
thoughts   quite  worn   off. 

21.  People  here  are  not  offended  at  close  preaching,  because  they  do  not 
care  anything  about  it. 

22.  My  sister  S.'s  birthday.^  People  of  this  county  much  agitated  about 
the  election  of  a  member  of  Congress.^ 

23.  A  number  of  Academicians  dismissed  for  stealing  corn  to  roast.  Some 
troubled  with  the  toothache. 

24.  Began  to  write  my  dispute  for  Commencement.  Heard  rather  vaguely 
that  the  Emperor  had  made  peace  with  France. 

25.  Troubled  to  get  my  Latin  oration  inspected.     A  small  shower  of  rain. 

26.  Feel  considerably  low  spirited.     My  dispute  finished. 

27.  All  confusion  wi^h  electioneering.  At  evening  a  very  good  Senior's 
conference. 


'  Hon.  Jahleel  Woodbridge,  who  in  1764  of  the  town,  was  very  fatal  in  Sheffield.     In 

married  Lucy  Edwards,  fifth  daughter  of  Jon-  the  early  part   of  the   season   the  dam  was 

athan  Edwards.     His  wife  died  in  Oct.,  1786.  raised  a  foot,  or  a  foot  and  a  half,  and  the 

He  married  again  the  widow  of  Rev.  John  banks  of  the  pond  and  stream,  then  covered 

Keep,  of  Sheffield,  who  was  the  daughter  of  with  vegetation,  were  overflowed.    The  season 

Rev.   Philemon  Robbins.     Mr.  Woodbridge  was  uncommonly  hot,  and  heavy  rains  fell  at 

was  a   graduate  of  Princeton,  a  Judge  of  Pro-  intervals  of  fifteen  and  twenty  days,  by  which 

bate,  and  four  years  a  member  of  State  Senate.  the  water  was  successively  raised,  and   then 

-  That  is,  a  question  for  a  public  disputa-  lowered  "by  the  letting  off  of  the  water  at  the 

tion  on  Commencement  day.  mills.     The  sickness  began  in  July  and  con- 

3  Fortified  positions  held  by  these  nations  tinned  and  increased  until  the  occurrence  of 

in  our  western  world,  given  up  for  the  more  frosts   in  October,  during  which  about  sixty 

complete   consolidation   of    their  forces    for  persons  died."  —  History  of  County  of  Berk- 

their   strife   at   home.  j-///>^,  1829,  pp.  179  and  180. 

'^  Aunt   Thompson    was    Irene    Robbins,  ^  Sarah,  afterwards    Mrs.  Joseph  Battell, 

daughter  of  Rev.  Philemon  Robbins,  who  mar-  her  seventeenth  birthday, 
ried  Mr.  G.  D.  Thompson.  ''  Theodore  Sedgwick,  of  Stockbridge,  had 

5  "In  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1796,  the  been  member  of  Congress  from  this  district 

dysentery   and   bilious   remitting   fever,  then  from  1789  to  1797.     The  election  now  on  hand 

C2\\^A  potid fever,  from  its  supposed  origin  in  was  for  the  fifth  Congress,  1797  to  1799,  and 

the  miasma  of   a  mill   pond  (known  at  that  Col.  Thompson  J.  Skinner,  of  Williamstown, 

time  as  Hubbard's  mill  pond),  near  the  center  was  chosen. 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THO^fAS    ROBBINS,    D,D. 


[1796. 


28.  Mr.  Huntington  preached  all  day.     Works  will  never  save  the  soul. 
Very  hot  and  dry. 

29.  Turner,'  of  the   Sophomore  class,  delivered  a  funeral  oration  on  the 
death  of  his  late  classmate  French. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  home.     My  classmate  Mason  arrived  in  town. 

31.  The    papers   full    of    electioneering.      The    Junior   class    examined. 
Months  roll  away,  and  I  do  no  good  in  the  world. 

September. 

1.  Attend  examination.  Engaged  in  committing  my  pieces  for  Com- 
mencement. 

2.  A  steady  rain.  No  rain  except  one  very  small  shower  since  the  30th 
of  July.     The  greatest  drought  I  ever  saw. 

3.  This  house  all  confusion  preparing  for  Commencement.  Much  affected 
at  the  conference.     We  are  continually  connecting  and  parting  in  this  world. 

4.  Dr.  Cogswell,^  of  Scotland,  preached  in  the  forenoon,  Mr.  Lee,'  of  Lis- 
bon, in  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening  wrote  an  account  of  the  fearful  time 
on  the  5th  of  August.     Had  a  particular  conversation  with  Mills.* 

5.  Today  this  county  is  in  a  complete  ferment  electing  a  m.ember  of 
Congress.*  Two  hundred  and  ninety-six  votes  in  this  town.  This  the  master 
place  for  company. 

6.  My  father  arrived  in  the  evening.  In  the  afternoon  my  mamma  and 
brothers.     In  the  evening  a  very  handsome  illumination. 

7.  This  day  I  close  my  career  in  college.  Human  science  in  some  degree 
I  have  got.  But  what  is  that  alone.  Exhibited  in  three  parts.  Received  a 
degree.  At  even  attended  the  ball.^  Very  fine  wearier,  a  great  concourse  of 
people.  A  scandal  to  have  Commencement  in  such  an  old  meeting-house. 
May  I  be  directed  in  whatever  I  may  be  called  to  do  in  life. 

8.  Attended  the  morning  lecture.  The  corporation  very  full  of  business. 
They  expunged  Dr.  Hopkins's  system.'  My  mamma  made  a  visit  to  Mr. 
Skinner's.     Settled  all  my  accounts. 


'  Nathaniel  Turner,  afterwards  minister  of 
New  Marlborough,  already  spoken  of. 

^  Dr.  James  Cogswell,  from  1772  to  1804 
the  pastor  of  Scotland  parish,  Windham,  Ct. 
He  was  a  native  of  Saybrook,  Ct.,  a  graduate 
of  Yale  in  1742,  and  a  conspicuous  divine  of 
the  last  century.  President  Fitch  was  a 
nephew  of  his,  and  had  been  fitted  for  Yale 
College  by  him. 

^  Dr.  Andrew  Lee,  of  Lisbon,  Ct.,  pastor 
there  from  176S  to  1832,  a  graduate  of  Yale 
in  1766. 

*  Elijah  H.  Mills,  LL.D.,  a  graduate  of 
Williams  in  1797.     A  member  of  Congress. 

^  Col.  Thompson  J.  Skinner  elected  as  just 
before  stated.  He  was  son  of  Rev.  Thomas 
Skinner,  minister  at  Westchester,  Ct.,  1740- 
1762. 


^  From  remarks  in  the  diary,  we  infer  that 
young  Robbins  would  have  preferred  there 
should  be  no  Commencement  ball.  But  as 
the  opposite  opinion  prevailed,  he  attended 
probably  out  of  courtesy. 

'  "  Through  the  influence  of  Dr.  West,  of 
Stockbridge,  Dr.  Hopkins's  System  of  Divin- 
ity was,  for  a  time,  one  of  the  text-books  of 
the  Senior  class.  In  March,  1797,  the  Presi- 
dent writes :  '  In  future  we  shall  read  Dod- 
dridge's Lectures  in  lieu  of  Hopkins's  Sys- 
tem.'"—  Din-fee's  History  of  Williams  College^ 
p.  84. 

Dr.  Hopkins  was  the  new  school  man  of  his 
time,  and  the  conservative  elements  in  the 
corporation  at  Williams  College  prevailed 
against  him. 


1796.]  COMMENCEMENT   AT   YALE.  I9 

9.     In  the  morning  quite  rainy.     Towards  noon  took  a  final  leave  of  all 
the  endearments  of  college,  and  set  off  for  home.     Came  to  Pittsfield. 

10.  The  sickness  at  Sheffield  is  dreadful,  greater  apparently,  than  at  Phila- 
delphia. Pond  fever  and  dysentery.  Got  home  late  at  night.  My  things 
came  pretty  safe. 

11.  Very  full  meeting.     A  shame  that  we  cannot  have  a  pew.* 

12.  Set  out  with  my  sister^  for  New  Haven.  Very  hot,  rode  to  Farming- 
ton.     At  evening  hard  shower. 

13.  Got  to  New  Haven.  At  evening  the  most  splendid  fire-works  and 
music  I  have  ever  seen.  Extravagant.  The  corporation  are  determined  to 
stop  it.  The  whole  cost  this  year  above  ;^5o.  Very  much  surprised  to  hear 
of  the  death  of  my  old  classmate  Herrick.^ 

14.  The  best  Commencement  I  have  ever  seen.  Davis  delivered  an 
oration  against  theaters  forty  minutes  long.  The  exercises  very  long.  Went 
on  the  stage  in  alphabetic  order  with  the  class  and  took  a  degree.  Extremely 
hot.  At  evening  a  violent  thunder  shower.  My  sister  attended  the  ball. 
Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins. 

15.  Davis  delivered  an  oration  on  Herrick's  death.  Met  with  the  Phi 
Beta  Kappa  Society.  Bought  some  books,  a  chart  of  history,  etc.  In  the 
afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Benj.  Hey  ward,  who  was  yesterday  his  own 
murderer.  He  shot  himself  about  noon,  and  lived  in  great  anguish  till  mid- 
night.    Such  respect  ought  not  to  be  paid  to  a  suicide.* 

16.  Set  out  for  home  with  my  sister.  Received  the  greatest  kindness  at 
Mr.  Bishop's.     Came  to  Litchfield.^     The  drought  is  very  great  and  universal. 

17.  Got  home  towards  night.^  1  am  preserved  and  prospered  in  the  house 
and  by  the  way.     But  how  do  I  acknowledge  all  favors  ? 

i8.  A  very  cold,  chilly  day.  In  the  afternoon,  before  the  stated  exercise, 
was  a  short  season  of  prayer  for  afflicted  Sheffield. 

19.  Read  Mr.  Ames's  speech  in  Congress.'  Most  masterly.  Cast  up  my 
expenses  at  College.  The  whole  of  the  money  I  have  received  of  my  father 
;^i27  14s.  lod.  The  two  first  years  I  had  about  ;^5o,  the  third  year  about 
;i^4o,  and  the  last  about  ^^"37.* 


'  For  some  reason  the  parish  had  taken  ^  From   Litchfield   to   Norfolk  not  more 

away  the  minister's  pew,  probably  to  compel  than   eighteen   or  twenty  miles, 

him  to  buy  or  hire  one.  '  This  was  the   great   speech   of   Fisher 

-  The  sister  that  goes  with  him  is  Sarah,  Ames,  in  the  United  States  House  of  Repre- 

two  years  younger  than  himself.  sentatives  on  the  British  Treaty.  It  was  given 

3  Edward  Herrick,  whose  name  stands  with  April  28,  1796,  on  the  basis  of  the  following 

the  class  of  1796,  in  the  Yale  Triennal  with  resolution: 

(post  obit)  after  it.  ''Resolved:  That   it  is  expedient  to  have 

*  Here  we  have  a  burial   not  more  than  the  laws  necessary  to  carry  into   effect  the 

thirteen  or  fourteen  hours  after  death.     The  treaty  lately  concluded  between   the  United 

haste,  in  this  case,  is  not  the  same  that  led  States  and  the  King  of  Great  Britain." 

to  quick  burials  at  Williamstown,  but  proba-  ^  This  record   shows  two  things  clearly, 

bly  because  the  dead  man  committed  suicide.  viz. :  Young  Robbins's  economy  while  in  col- 

5  About  thirty-five  miles  from  New  Haven  lege,  and  his  habits  of  order  in  keeping  his 

to  Litchfield.  accounts. 


20 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


20.  How  highly  Connecticut  is  favored,  no  internal  broils,  all  is  peace  and 
harinony. 

21.  Engaged  in  reading  Rollin's  Ancient  History.  The  latter  harvest  much 
cut  off. 

22.  How  happy  has  been  my  life  for  a  few  years  past.'  I  see  trouble  and 
anxiety  before  me. 

23.  Wrote  to  my  oldest  sister  at  Paris.''  May  she  be  prepared  for  some- 
thing in  life. 

24.  A  very  hard  headache.     My  father  preparing  to  go  to  the  westward.^ 

25.  My  father  preached.  Baptized  a  child  born  five  months  after  his 
father's  death. 

26.  Mr.  Wales,''  a  candidate,  came  to  preach  for  my  father  in  his  absence. 
Fine  weather. 

27.  My  father  set  out  on  his  journey  westward  as  a  missionary  to  the  new 
settlements  from  this  State. 

28.  Gen.  Washington  has  publicly  refused  to  be  considered  as  a  candidate 
for  President  of  the  United  States  for  the  next  election.  May  the  advice  he 
has  left  us  be  carefully  attended  to. 

29.  Had  a  tooih  extracted  which  has  given  me  considerable  pain.  General 
trainings  all  over  the  country-. 

30.  Was  informed  of  the  account  of  our  Commencement  in  Stockb ridge 
paper.     Not  right. 

October. 

1.  Rode  up    to   Stockbridge.     Saw  my  classmate   Knapp,^  and  my  old 
classmate   Parker.*     The  sickness  in   Sheffield  much  abated.     Laiis  Deo. 

2.  Mr.  Avery,'  of   Tyringham,  preached   at   Stockbridge   very  seriously. 
Drank  tea  at   Mr.  Sedgwick's.^ 

3.  Got  acquainted  with  Mr.  Andrews.     Wrote  a  piece  to  put  in  the  paper. 
My  Aunt  Woodbridge  rather  melancholy  but  pretty  well. 

4.  Rode  home.     Think  of  taking  Sheffield  school.     My  friend,  Mr.  \\'at- 
son,  of  New  York,  here  in  the  evening. 

5.  Mr.  Wales  and  I  making  some  salve  for  the  salt-rheum,     \^^orked  at 
huskins:. 


'  Dr.  Robbins  through  his  long  life  was 
of  an  even  temperament,  and  of  a  calm, 
happy,  gentle   spirit. 

^  Elizabeth,  known  according  to  the  New 
England  fashion  as  Betsey,  before  spoken  of. 

^  This  was  common  among  the  settled 
ministers  of  New  England,  before  the  Mis- 
sionary Societies  of  Connecticut  and  Massa- 
chusetts were  formed,  and  even  afterwards. 

'*  There  was  a  Mr.  Eleazar  Wales  who  was 
licensed  by  the  Windham  County  Associa- 
tion in  1765,  and  he  was  probably  the  man 
supplying  the  pulpit  at  Norfolk  in  the  pas- 
tor's absence. 


*  David  Knapp,  graduate  of  Williams  Col- 
lege 1796. 

*  Joseph  Parker,  class  of  1796  at  Yale. 
Young  Robbins  makes  a  distinction  between 
those  with  whom  he  spent  the  Senior  year 
at  Williams,  and  his  associates  for  three 
years  at  Yale.  He  calls  the  first  classmates, 
and  the  other  old  classmates. 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Avery,  a  native  of  Stoning- 
ton,  Ct.,  pastor  at  Tyringham,  Mass.,  from 
1789  to  1808. 

^  Hon.  Theodore  Sedg^vick,  M.  C,  a 
very  prominent  man,  mentioned  in  a  previ- 
ous note. 


t796.]  AT   HOME   AT   NORFOLK,  21 

6.  Reading  the  history'  of   Alexander.     He  was  made  a  scourge  of  the 
human  race   to  fulfill   the   prophecies. 

7.  Pretty  much  taken  up  with  my  father's  scholars.     Steady,  cool  weather. 

8.  Made  some  black-ball.     I  live  along  from  day  to  day,  and  from  week 
to  week,  useless.' 

9.  Mr.  Gillet,^  of  Torrington,  preached  here.     Few  places  where  people 
are  so  good  to  attend  meeting  and  so  attentive  to  listen  as  here. 

10.  A  number  of  scholars  here  going  up  to  college  —  two  new  ones  gone 
from  tliis  town. 

11.  Wrote  to  my  old  friend  and  classmate  Davis.     Fine  weather  and  the 
people  of  the  country  very  much  journeying.^ 

12.  My  salt-rheum  begins  to  rage  ver}'  much.     Strongly  beset  to  attend  a 
minister's  meeting.     Refused. 

13.  Electioneering  runs  higher  than  ever  in  the  county  of  Berkshire.     If 
such  a  spirit  becomes  prevalent  in  our  republic,  adieu  freedom  of  elections. 

14.  My  brother  A.  and  Mr.  Lawrence"  here  —  the  latter  from  Paris.     The 
drought  is  distressing  all  over  the  country.     Everything  presages  a  hard  winter. 

15.  My  classmate  Mason  came  to  see  me  and  tarried  over  the  Sabbath. 
Going  to  study  law  at  Stockbridge. 

16.  Mr.  Bogue,^  of  Winchester,  preached  here.     A  hard  rain. 

17.  History  makes  mankind  appear  in  their  true  light.     It  also  shows  the 
admirable  fulfillment  of  the  sacred  prophecies. 

18.  Fruit  this  year  very  light,  as  also  the  latter  harvest.     Accounts  of  a 
decisive  French  victor)^  ^  in  Italy. 

19.  Considerably  unwell.     Some  troubled  with  the  headache.     Dr.  Hunt- 
ington's posthumous  work  in  favor  of  universal  salvation  has  come  out.'' 

20.  I  am  too  much  attached  to  this  world.     Place  my  happiness  on  things 
below.     My  thoughts  too  much  engrossed  with  intruding  vanities. 

21.  Worked  with  my  brother  sowing  clover  seed,  etc. 

22.  Rode  about  town  on  errands.     Read  some    in    President    Edwards's 
Miscellanies. 

23.  Heard  Mr.  Wales  preach.     Crowded  out  of  my  mother's  pew.     Wrote 
a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins. 


»  Expressions  like  these  must  be  under-  ^  Rev.  Publius  V.  Bogue,  a  native  of  Avon, 

stood  by  reference   to   the   habits   of   those  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in   17S7,  pastor  at 

times  among  Christian  people.  Winchester  from  1791  to  1800. 

2  Rev.  Alexander  Gillet,  a  native  of  ^  This  news  came  probably  from  the  bat- 
Granby,  Ct.,  pastor  at  Wolcott,  Ct.,  eighteen  tie  of  Roveredo,  fought  on  the  4th  of  Sep- 
years,  and  at  Torrington,  Ct.,  thirty-four  tember,  in  which  the  French  were  victorious 
years,  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  pulpit  over  the  Austrians,  followed  by  the  battle  of 
power.  Bassano  on  the  Sfh  of  September,  in  which 

3  This  entiy  presents  a  happy  picture  of  the  French  were  also  victors. 

families  making  their  way  over  the  hills  in  ^  Dr.    Joseph    Huntington,   of   Coventry, 

the  pleasant  October  days  to  visit  their  kin-  Ct.     The  work  referred  to  was  entitled  Cal- 

dred  and  friends.  vinism  Imprai'ed.     It  was  not  known  that  he 

*  Mr.    Grove    Lawrence,    his   brother-in-  had  written  such  a  work  till  after  his  death 

law  from  Paris,  N.  Y.  in  1794. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1796. 


24.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  I.  Le  Baron.'     Went  and  looked  over  old  town 
records.     In  the  afternoon  attended  town  meeting. 

25.  Heard  the  result  of  the  election  in  Berkshire.     There  is  no  choice. 
The  contest  all   to  be  renewed. 

26.  Perhaps  I  have  never  in  my  life  had  less  real  business  on  hand,  and 
yet  ray  time,  by  some  means,  hangs  heavily. 

27.  People  about  very  much  digging  wells,     A    fine  time.^     Lent  books 
return  almost  always  ill-used. 

28.  We  had  a  visit  from  Gen.  Wilson  and  wife  from  Sheffield.     My  brother 
N.,  I  suspect,  forming  serious  connections. 

29.  Something  rainy.     Other  nations  than  the  Romans  in  a  dreadful  con- 
dition when  they  rose. 

30.  Mr.  Wales  preached  exceedingly  well.     A  number  of  singers  came  and 
sang  with  Mr.  W. 

31.  A  man  in  the  north  part  of  the  town  absconded.     A  general  rally  to 
look.    He  is  found. 

November. 

1.  Very  cold  for  the  season.     Fetched  water  from  the  brook ^  as  I  have 
every  vacation  since  I  went  to  college, 

2.  Attended   a   public   singing   meeting.       Singing    here    declines    fast. 
Worked   a   little    at   highways. 

3.  Went  to  library  meeting.     The  library  will  run  out  soon.     Finished 
reading  Rollin.'' 

4.  Went  about  town  on  errands.     A  very  healthy  time  here. 

5.  Worked  some,     Rea.d  Age  0/ J? cason.     Part  H  blasphemous.     My  salt- 
rheum  rages  very  much. 

6.  Mr,  Catlin,^  of  North  Marlborough,  preached  here.     Stormy  day.    Read 
some  in  PilgriirCs  Progress. 

7.  Very  cold.     Trying  to  recollect  former  events  of  my  life  to  set  down. 
We  have  a  great  deal  of  company. 

8.  We  hear  from  my  father.     Worked  some.     Read  Paine. 

9.  All  signs  of  rain  fail.     Attended  a  funeral  at  South  End. 


'  Isaac  Le  Baron,  about  two  years  older 
than  his  mother. 

^  Because  it  was  so  dry. 

^  A  living  stream  of  water,  fed  by  many 
springs,  ran  through  the  field,  with  a  strong 
current,  only  a  few  rods  from  the  house. 

*  Rollin's  Ancient  History  filled  an  impor- 
tant place  in  the  education  of  young  people 
fifty  and  one  hundred  years  ago.  Rollin  was 
born  in  Paris,  and  died  in  1741  at  the  age  of 
eighty. 


5  Dr.  Jacob  Catlin,  of  New  Marlborough, 
Mass.,  was  a  somewhat  conspicuous  divine 
of  his  day.  Born  at  Harwinton,  Ct.,  he  was 
graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1784  and  was 
pastor  at  New  Marlborough  from  17S7  to  his 
death  in  1826.  He  was  among  the  nien  who 
instructed  young  men  in  divinity.  Norfolk 
and  New  Marlborough  were  adjoining 
towns,  the  former  being  in  Connecticut,  and 
the  latter  in  Massachusetts,  about  eight  miles 
apart. 


1796.] 


STILL   AT   NORFOLK. 


23 


10.  Moderate  weather.  Towards  night  my  father  arrived  from  his  tour  to 
the  West,  having  been  about  220  miles.*     The  drought  great  and  universal. 

11.  Read  Bishop  Watson's^  Apology  for  the  Bible.  A  thorough  answer  to 
Paine.     At  even  went  out. 

12.  Things  begin  to  appear  rather  unfavorable  on  the  side  of  the  French.^ 
When  will  war  cease  ! 

13.  My  father  preached.     In  evening  played  game  of  backgammon." 

14.  Very  cold.  Considerably  rainy.  The  earth  thirsts  exceedingly. 
Worked   some. 

15.  Read  part  of  Belknap's^  American  Biography.  Can  do  nothing  to  help 
my  salt-rheum. 

16.  My  father  received  a  letter  wishing  me  to  engage  in  the  school  at 
Sheffield. 

17.  Rode  up  to  Sheffield.  Engaged  to  keep  that  school  for  sixteen  dollars 
a  month.  It  appears  that  Gen.  S.,  of  Williamstown,  is  chosen  member  of 
Congress.* 

18.  Rode  home.  Dined  with  Mr.  Crossman/  preaching  at  Canaan.  Have 
a  bad  cold  in  my  head. 

19.  Busied  in  writing  of  myself  years  back. 
Attended  meeting.     Sacrament  administered.     Rainy.     Thin  meeting. 
Had  a  coat  made.     Something  sickly  in  town.     Getting  ready  to  go 


20. 

21. 
away. 

22. 
ably. 

23- 


Rode  two  miles  to  see  a  spring  which  is  not  dry.     It  rains  consider- 

My  father  has  continued  applications  to  take  scholars.^ 

My  brother  N.  carried  me  up  to  Sheffield  in  a  wagon.     The  paper  this 


*  He  left  home  Sept.  27,  and  returned 
Nov.  10.  His  journey  only  extended  to  the 
new  settlements  out  in  Central  New  York. 

"  Among  the  early  missionaries  appointed 
by  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut, 
are  found  the  names  of  Rev.  Moses  C. 
Welch  for  1794,  Rev.  Messrs.  Joshua  Knapp, 
David  Huntington,  Ammi  R.  Robbins,  Lem- 
uel Tyler,  and  Levi  Hart  for  1795;  for  1796 
Rev.  Messrs.  Robbins,  Nott,  Lyman,  Ely, 
Kynne,  and  Benedict.  They  were  severally 
employed  for  periods  ranging  from  four  weeks 
to  four  months.  As  a  specimen  of  the  labor 
performed  by  itinerating  missionaries  at  that 
early  period  of  missionary  operations  in  the 
new  settlements  it  may  be  noted,  that  Mr. 
Robbins  on  his  mission  of  forty  days'  continu- 
ance, preached  forty-two  sermons,  in  addition 
to  his  other  ministerial  labors  performed."  — 
Hotchkiss's  History  of  Western  New   York,  p. 

177- 

-  Richard  Watson,  Bishop  of  Landaff,  a 
man  of  much  rude  strength.     His  Apology  for 


the  Bible  was  meant  to  be  an  answer  to  Paine's 
Age  of  Reason.  He  died  181 6,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-nine. 

3  After  the  French  victories  already  men- 
tioned, came  the  disastrous  battle  of  Alten 
kirchen  fought  on  the  i6th  of  September,  and 
the  rumors  of  that  event  had  probably  reached 
these  shores.  But  soon  after  came  victory 
again  to  the  French. 

*  In  Connecticut  they  generally  kept  Sat- 
urday night  and  not  Sunday. 

s  Jeremy  Belknap,  D.  D.,  of  Boston. 

^  We  have  already  recorded  this  fact. 

^  Joseph  W.  Crossman,  a  graduate  of 
Brown  University  in  1795,  was  pastor  at  Sal- 
isbury, Ct.,  from  1796  to  his  death  in  1812. 

*  These  schools  in  the  houses  of  minis- 
ters, some  of  them,  like  this  at  Norfolk,  to 
fit  young  men  for  college,  and  some  for 
young  men  who  had  completed  their  college 
course,  and  were  studying  divinit)-,  were  a 
marked  feature  of  New  England  life  a  ceiv 
tury  ago. 


24 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[179G. 


week  brings  news  of  the  misfortunes  of  the  French.     Some  writing  about  a 
disruption  of  our  States. 

24.  Began  my  school,  had  only  thirteen  scholars.  Live  at  Mr.  Hubbard's.' 
A  good  place. 

25.  My  friend  Turner  came  in  to  see  me  from  Williamstown.  Brought  me 
a  letter  from  my  friend  Davis.  Wrote  on  the  Being  of  a  God.  Showed  to  Mr. 
Judson.^ 

26.  Reading  Clark  on  the  Being  and  Attributes  of  God.  In  the  evening 
read  sermons  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hubbard. 

27.  In  the  afternoon  Air.  Judson  got  out  to  meeting,  the  first  time  since  his 
sickness.     Extreme  cold,  the  river  freezing  over. 

28.  My  school  increases,  ^^'rote  to  my  friend  Da\-is.  Sent  to  New  York 
for  Pres.  Edwards's  sermon,  Sin7ie>'s  in  the  Hands,  etc.^ 

29.  Much  troubled  with  the  salt-rheum.  Something  unwell.  Read  the 
papers.  Great  danger  that  we  shall  soon  be  involved  in  the  horrors  of  war 
with  the  French,  on  account  of  our  treaties  with  Great  Britain.  When  will 
wars  cease }  When  will  men  love  one  another  ?  May  God  avert  impending 
dangers. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  home.  Sent  my  Enfield's  Philosophy*  to 
Turner   to    carry   to   Williamstown. 

December. 

1.  The  weather  continues  severe.     If  winter  comes  on  now,  as  I  much 
fear,  without  rain,  it  will  be  distressing  indeed, 

2.  Gave  an  old  watch-chain   and   key  to  Mr.  Fuller,^  a  minister.     The 
North  River  shutting  up. 

3.  The  weatlier  moderates.     In  the  afternoon  went   to   skating.     Read 
some  in  the  Bible  almost  daily. 

4.  Attended   meeting.      People   here    appear   little    affected   with   their 
grievous   sickness. 

5.  Wrote  a  letter  home.     Afraid  I  shall  not  get  along  in  my  school  with- 
out correction. 

6.  In  the  evening  wrote  on  the  attributes  of  God  from  the  light  of  nature.* 
In  the  nisfht  it  rained  some. 


■  This  was  probably  Jonathan  Hubbard, 
Deacon  of  the  Sheffield  Church,  and  son  of 
Rev.  Jonathan  Hubbard,  the  first  minister  of 
Sheffield,  settled  in  1735.  Deacon  Jonathan 
Hubbard  died  in  1825,  aged  eighty. 

^  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson  vi^as  settled  in 
Sheffield  in  1791,  and  continued  till  his  death 
in  1S13.  He  had  been  settled  twice  before, 
seven  years  in  Norwich,  Ct.,  and  ten  years 
in  Taunton,  Mass.  He  was  a  theological 
teacher,  and  had  students  in  his  family. 
Young  Robbins  commenced  his  theological 
studies  under  his  direction.  Mr.  Judson  was 
a  native  of  Woodbury,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate 
of  Yale  in   1763. 


^  This  was  the  notable  sermon  preached 
by  Jonathan  Edwards  in  Enfield,  Connecticut, 
in  1741. 

*  A  text-book  for  schools  and  colleges 
prepared  by  Dr.  William  Enfield,  a  dissent- 
ing minister  in  England. 

5  This  was  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  a  gradu- 
ate of  Dartmouth  College  in  1791.  He  had 
taught  school  in  Sheffield,  and  studied  the- 
ology with  Rev.  Mr.  Judson.  He  was  settled 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  in  after  3'ears 
became  an  Episcopalian.     He  died  in  1S47. 

^  These  papers-  which  he  writes  all  pass 
probably  under  the  inspection  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Judson. 


1796-]  TEACHING    SCHOOL    AT    SHEFFIELD,  25 

7.  A  good  deal  unwell  with  an  ague  in  my  face.     At  night  took  a  sweat. 
Troubled  with  a  swelling  at  my  throat. 

8.  Cold  weather  again.     Snowed  yesterday  considerably.     Some  sleighing. 

9.  Am  pretty  well  suited  with  keeping  school.     As  yet  it  is  small,  averag- 
ing not  more  than  twenty.  * 

10.  In  afternoon  rode   out   in    a   sleigh.     Informed  that  there  has  been 
plenty  of  rain  at  the  westward.     Almost  all  mills  stop  here. 

11.  Very  comfortable  day.     Mr.  Judson  failed  in  sermon  through  indispo- 
sition.    Proclamation  for  thanksgiving.' 

12.  My  eyes  something  weak.     Wrote  on  the  goodness  of  God  from  the 
light  of  nature.     This  evening  felt  willing  to  be  annihilated." 

13.  My  brother  S.  here,  going  up  to  Stockbridge. 

14.  My  older  brothers  came  into  my  school.     N.  going  to  Albany.     Pretty 
good  sleighing.     At  evening  my  father  came  up  to  Mr.  Judson's.^ 

15.  Thanksgiving   in   this    State.     My   father   preached.     A   great   many 
people  —  uncommon   for   this   town. 

16.  My  little    brother"  came   along  back  from  Stockbridge.     At  evening 
snowed. 

17.  My  brother  came  back  from  Albany.     Consulted  old  Doctor  Barnard* 
about  my  throat. 

18.  It  snowed  very  hard.     Rode  to  the  meeting-house  with  Mr.  Judson. 
No  meeting. 

19.  It  hailed  some.     Very  cold.     Got  a  horse  to  ride  home. 

20.  There  have  lately  been  dreadful  fires  in  New  York,  Baltimore,  and 
Savannah.     Two  thirds  of  the  latter  destroyed. 

21.  In  the  afternoon  rode  home.     Was  almost  overcome  with  the  cold, 

22.  Thanksgiving  in  Connecticut.     Extreme  cold  and  stormy.     Ver)- agree- 
able at  home. 

23.  One  of  the  coldest  days  we  ever  have. 

24.  Traded  on  my  own  hpok^  for  the  first  time.     Rode  up  to  Sheffield. 

25.  Attended   meeting.     Comfortable   weather.     People    anxious  about  a 
President    of   the    V.    S. 

26.  My  school  amounts  to  more  than  thirty.     Aunt  Woodbridge'  called, 
going  to  Norfolk.     Wrote  to  Parker  at  Stockbridge.* 


'  The  old  Thanksgivings  in  New  England  ^  Not  yet  of  legal  age,  but  as  he  was  earn- 

did  not  fall,  on  fixed  days,  as  now,  but  ranged  ing  money  for  himself,  he   was  honored  in 

from  October  to  January,  though  usually  in  being  allowed  to  spend  it  for  himself. 
November  or  December.  '  As  will  be  remembered  her  first  Husband 

^  He   had   probably   been   exercising  his  was  Rev.  John  Keep,  a  superior  man,  who 

mind  in  a  Hopkinsian  way.  died  at  Shefiield  in  1785,  in  the  thirteenth  year 

^  To  help  Mr.  Judson  out  on  Thanksgiv-  of  his  ministry  in  that  town.     She  afterwards 

ing  Day.  married  Hon.  Jahleel  Woodbridge,  of  Stock- 

*  Young   Robbins,  as   before   mentioned,  bridge,   and   was    now   again   a   widow.     In 

had  three   brothers   younger   than    himself,  stopping  at  .Sheffield  she  was  back  again  at 

James    Watson,    Samuel,    and    Francis    Le  her  old    home,  and    in   the   midst   of  many 

Baron.  friends. 

'  Dr.  Lemuel  Barnard,  a  native  of  Deer-  ^  Joseph  Parker  was  his  classmate  at  Yale 

field,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1759.  College. 


26  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l796- 

/ 

27.  The  snow  very  deep  in  the  new  countries  North  and  West. 

28.  At  evening  walked  out.     Wrote  on  the  perfect  goodness  of  God. 

29.  Considerably  unwell.     Headache.     Very  good  sleighing. 

30.  Forgot  to  write  on  the  23d  that  a  piece  of  an  apple-core  came  out  of 
the  swelling  under  my  throat.  It  caught  on  the  inside,  the  15th  of  October, 
and  has  now  come  out.'     Snowed  considerably. 

31.  Talked  seriously  to  my  school.  Thus  another  revolving  year  has 
rolled  over.  My  conduct  poorly  bears  the  test  of  a  scrutinizing  conscience. 
May  I  not  live  another  year  in  such  a  thoughtless  and  inconsiderate  manner. 


'  He  swallowed  a  pin  some  months  since,  but  as  we  have  heard  nothing  more,  probably 
no  harm  came  of  it 


January. 

1.  Attended  meeting.  Have  no  heart  to  begin  a  year  in  a  suitable  man- 
ner. May  I  live  another  year  and  do  something  for  the  glory  of  him  to  whom 
only  it  belongs. 

2.  Am  unable  to  study  much  evenings.     Pretty  tired. 

3.  Traded  some  at  the  merchant's.     My  sister  B.  came  down  from  Paris.' 

4.  Very  cold.     Poor  fires  at  school. 

5.  Few  signs  of  peace  in  Europe,  although  an  English  ambassador  has 
gone  to  Paris. 

6.  Veiy  warm  and  pleasant.  At  even  conversed  seriously  with  Mr. 
Judson, 

7.  Agreed  for  a  pair  of  boots.     Read  Newton  on  the  Prophecies.^ 

8.  Extreme  cold.     Thought  to  be  the  coldest  we  have  had. 

9.  My  sister  S.  called,  going  up  to»  Stockbridge  with  Aunt  Woodbridge.^ 

10.  It  appears  that  John  Adams'*  is  chosen  President  of  the  United  States ; 
and  Thomas  Jefferson  Vice-President. 

11.  Stormy.     Wrote  on  the  Divinity  of  the  Scriptures. 

12.  Refused  to  take  my  boots.^ 

13.  One  of  the  children  that  has  come  to  school  steadily  till  yesterday,  now 
sleeps  in  death.     Difficulty  in  the  head ;  some  supposed  being  hurt  in  play. 

14.  Received  a  letter  from  my  classmate  Parker  at  Stockbridge.     Set  out 
to  go  home ;  returned  by  reason  of  storm.     Attended  the  funeral. 

15.  Moderate  weather.     We  hope  for  a  thaw. 

16.  Wrote  an  inscription  for  a  gravestone  for  Mr.  Hubbard's^  two  chil- 
dren that  died  last  summer. 

17.  Rode  up  to  Stockbridge  in  a  sleigh  with  Mr.  Hubbard. 

18.  Came  back ;  snowed  some. 


'  This  was   Elizabeth    (Betsey)  Robbins,  on   her  way  to   Norfolk.     After   a  stay   of 

Mrs.  Lawrence,  before  mentioned,  who  was  thirteen   days   she   is   now  returning   home, 

living  at  Paris,  Oneida  County,  New  York.  with  Sarah  Robbins  as  traveling  companion. 

She  was  seven  years  older  than  her  brother  *  This  was  a  warmly  contested  election, 

Thomas.  and  Mr,  Adams  was  elected  by  a  small  ma- 

^  Bishop  Thomas  Newton,  an  eminent  jority,  71  electoral  votes  out  of  140. 
English  divine.  He  was  born  at  Litchfield,  ^  Dr.  Robbins  was  always  nice  in  his 
Eng.,  in  1704,  was  Bishop  of  Bristol,  and  dress,  and  was  particular  to  have  the  ex- 
died  in  1782.  He  edited  editions  of  Milton's  act  articles  which  he.  had  bargained  for. 
Paradise  Lost  and  Paradise  Regained.  His  This  was  the  age  of  top-boots. 
Dissertations  on  the  Prophecies  was  his  chief  ^  This  was  probably  Mr.  Jonathan  Hub- 
work,  bard,  where  he  was  boarding,  though  there 

3  It    may    be    remembered    that   "  Aunt  were  other  families    of   the   name  in  Shef- 

Woodbridge "  called  at  Sheffield,  Dec.  26,  field. 

27 


28 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1797- 


ig.     My  school  will  average  at  more  than  forty.' 

20.  Trying  to  get  a  horse  to  ride  home.     Difficulty. 

21.  Received  a  letter  from   Davis,  Parker,  and   one    from    my  classmate 
Romeyn.^     Scholars  come  home  from  Williamstovvn.'     Rode  home.'* 

22.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  my  sister  B.  at  home. 

23.  My  father  disclosed  to  me  a  difficulty  he  has  which  is  truly  alarming.' 
May  God  have  mercy.     He  rode  up  to  Sheffield  with  me. 

24.  In  the  evening  went  to  see  wax  work. 

25.  Declined  going  to  a  ball,  though  urged.* 

26.  Much  taken  up  with  my  school  evenings  as  well  as  days. 

27.  Quite  thawy  weather,  which  is  the  first  we  have  had  since  about  the 
middle  of  December. 

28.  Began  to  make  a  double  cone  to  roll.' 

29.  Mr.  Judson  very  feeble.     Very  warm. 

30.  Cold  and  tedious  weather. 

31.  It  snows.     Mr.  Lawrence  and  my  sister  stayed  here  going  up  to  Paris.* 


February. 

1.  Apt  to  have  little  wood  at  the  school-house, 

2.  Had  people  in  to  see  the  school'. 

3.  Heard  from  home;  my  father  no  poorer. 

4.  My  children  learn  the  catechism  pretty  well.' 

5.  Felt  serious  at  meeting.     How  little  religion  there  is  in  the  world. 

6.  Frequent  changes  in  the  weather.     Sleighing  mostly  gone. 

7.  Things  look  unfavorably  respecting  the  French  towards  us. 

8.  Received  a  letter  from  my  classmate  Noble  at  Williamstown. 

9.  Unwell,  at  night  hard  sick.     Rainy  weather. 

10.  Had  my  boots  footed.     Feel  rather  better. 

11.  Traded  some.     Some  prospect  of  a  great  embargo. 

12.  Went  to  meeting  in  a  wagon.     Heard  Mr.  Grossman." 

13.  Snowed  a  little.     People  are  much  disappointed  about  moving. 


'  A  very  gratifying  gain,  since  November 
24l;h,  when  he  began  with  thirteen. 

^  The  name  stands  on  the  college  cata- 
logue, Romeyn,  but  pronounced  Romayne. 

^  The  winter  vacation  at  the  college  had 
come. 

*  It  was  Saturday,  and  he  was  going  home 
simply  to  spend  the  Sabbath,  and  see  his 
sister  Elizabeth. 

^  As  his  father  lived  yet  si.xteen  years 
after  this,  dying  in  1813,  his  trouble  did  not 
prove  immediately  dangerous,  though  very 
painful  and  trying. 

''  Evidently  balls  were  of  far  more  com- 
mon occurrence  than  now. 

'  It  will  be  remembered  that  he  made  a 


cone  for  the  Sophomores  at  Williams  Col- 
lege. He  is  now  making  a  double  cone  for 
his  school. 

^  Mr.  Grove  Lawrence  was  a  native  of 
Norfolk,  a  son  of  Capt.  Lawrence  who  had 
the  lawsuit  with  Mr.  Phelps.  He  lived  at 
Paris,  Oneida  Co.,  New  York.  They  were 
making  the  journey  back  to  Paris  some  sev- 
enty miles  from  Norfolk. 

9  It  was  the  old  custom  in  New  England, 
for  scholars  in  school  to  repeat  the  Assem- 
bly's Catechism  at  the  close  of  school  Satur- 
day. It  will  be  noticed  that  it  is  on  Saturday 
that  this  entry  is  made. 

'"  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Crossman,  pastor  at 
Salisburv,  Ct. 


I 


1 797-]  TEACHING   AT   SHEFFIELD.  29 

14.  The  French  have  had  a  battle  in  Italy,  which  lasted  eight  days.     Suc- 
cessful.' 

15.  Attended  a  public  exhibition  of  a  school  in  the  meeting-house.^ 

16.  Wrote  letters  to  my  classmates  Noble  and  Davis ^  at  Williamstovvn. 

17.  Wrote  to  Parker  at  Stockbridge.     On  the   13th  received  a  letter  from 
home. 

18.  Received  an  excellent  and  very  affectionate  letter  from  my  dear  Uncle 
Robbins.* 

19.  Mr.  Judson  preached  on  man.     Wrote  on  the  Divinity  of  the  Bible. 

20.  Cold,  raining  weather.     Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins. 

21.  At  evening  walked  down  to  Esq.  Lee's.'     First  men  here  gamble.* 

22.  The  prospect  of  peace  in  Europe  brightens.     Danger  of  difficulty  on 
the  Susquehanna  about  titles. 

23.  Talked  with  Mr.  Judson  on  the  Prophecies. 

24.  On  the  2ist  bought  Bishop  Watson's^  Apology.     Considerably  unwell. 

25.  Rode  home.     Saw  boys  playing  ball.     My  father's  difficulty  much  the 
same. 

26.  Chilly  weather.     No  sleighing. 

27.  Traded  some.     Talked  considerably  on   the   important  work   of  the 
ministry. 

28.  Rode  up  to  Sheffield.     Pretty  cold. 


March. 

I 

2 

4 


Much  engaged  in  writing  a  dialogue.' 

The  boys  play  ball  smartly. 

Warm  weather.     Something  unwell. 

My  classmate  Parker  at  Stockbridge  has  gone  to  Canada. 

Very  windy  indeed. 

Very  cold.     School  grows  thin. 

No  school  on  account  of  wood.     Wrote  all  day. 

Finished  my  dialogue.     We  are  in  some  danger  of  war.' 

The  boys  feel  much  engaged  to  learn  the  dialogue. 


'  During  the  Italian  campaign  in  the  clos-  and  Daniel  Noble's  home  was  at  Williams- 

ing  months  of  1796,  and  early  part  of  1797,  town. 

Napoleon  went  on  from  victory  to  victory.  ■•  Chandler  Robbins,  D.  D.,  of  Plymouth, 

There  was  nowhere,  however,  a  single  bat-  who  was  seriously  out  of  health, 

tie   lasting   eight   days,   but   rather   a  rapid  '  Elisha  Lee,  Esq.,  a  lavv^yer,  and  also  the 

succession  of  battles  in   which   he  was  vie-  first   postmaster   of   the   town   of    Sheffield, 

torious.  He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  in  tli,^ 

^  In    the   olden    New  England   days,  the  class  of  1777. 

meeting-house  was  apt  to  be  the  only  large  ^  Another  proof  of  the  low  state  of  morals 

public  building  in  town,  and  was  used  for  at  the  close  of  the  last  century, 

town  meetings,  school  exhibitions,  etc.  ''  Richard  Watson,  Bishop  of  Landaff. 

^  Henry  Davis  had  gone  from  his  school  "  For  his  scholars  to  speak, 

in  Stockbridge,   to    be    tutor    at    Williams,  9  With  France. 


30  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l797- 

10.  My  sister  S.  came  here  from  Stockbridge.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
J.  Woodbridge.'     A  great  call  for  candidates. 

11.  Snows  some.  My  sister  concludes  to  stay  over  the  Sabbath.  Read 
my  dialogue  to  Mr.  Judson  and  others.     Liked. 

12.  Sacrament  administered.  At  evening  went  with  my  sister  to  Sally 
Hubbard's. 

13.  My  brother  S.^  came  up,  and  my  sister  went  home.  Talk  here  about 
destroying  the  mill  pond.^ 

14.  Wrote  to  Davis*  at  Williams.     Prospect  of  peace  in  Europe  grows  dark. 

15.  One  of  the  principal  actors  in  my  dialogue  fails,  71011  volo.  Therefore  it 
must  fall  tlirough.     At  evening  walked  out. 

16.  Went  to  board  at  Moses  Hubbard's.     Very  muddy. 

17.  Received  a  letter  from  Davis.     Judson^  returned  from  Williamstown. 

18.  Serious  thoughts  have  little  place  in  my  heart.     Oh,  for  grace. 

19.  Heard  Mr.  Catlin,  of  North  Marlborough. 

20.  Received  an  excellent  letter  from  Uncle  Robbins.  Drank  tea  at  Gen. 
Fellows's.* 

21.  The  prospect  of  peace  in  Europe  is  entirely  vanished.  Lord  save  us 
from  the  horrors  of  war.  A  little  black  boy  of  about  four  years,  came  into 
school  and  asked  me  what  was  the  matter  of  my  thumb,  as  there  was  a  rag  on 
it.  I  told  him  I  cut  it.  Said  he  how  ?  I  told  him.  Said  he,  if  I  had  some 
plaster  I  would  give  you  some  to  put  on  it.  He  appears  to  act  from  the 
pure  dictates  of  nature,  without  the  least  cultivation.  If  in  any  one,  I  think 
we  can  see  nature  in  him.  Is  there  not  then  in  human  nature  a  principle  of 
benevolence.' 

22.  Think  of  going  to  Williamstown  next  week.     Very  mudd3\ 

23.  Very  rainy.  It  seems  that  there  will  be  rain  enough  to  supply  the 
deficiency  of  last  fall. 

24.  Settled  wnth  Mr.  Stanley.     Owed  him  £2   \os.     The  river  very  high. 

25.  Three  of  the  children  said  all  the  catechism.^  Dismissed  my  school.' 
Settled  my  affairs.     Cold  weather. 

26.  Very  pleasant  weather.     Pretty  full  meeting.     Fixing  to  go  home. 

27.  So  rainy  I  did  not  go  home.  In  the  afternoon  with  Judson  sailed  on 
the  meadow  in  a  canoe. 


'  Probably  Jonathan  Woodbridge,  son  of  officer,  born  in  Pomfret,  Ct.,  1733,  served  in 

Hon.  Jahleel  Woodbridge.    His  father's  death  the  French  War.     Led  a  regiment  to  Boston, 

occurred  the  year  before.     He  was,  later  in  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution.  After 

life,  known  as  Gen.  John  Woodbridge.  the  war  he  took  up  his  residence  at  Sheffield, 

^  Samuel  Robbins,  then  thirteen  years  old.  and  was  high  sheriff  of  Berkshire  County. 

^  This  was  the  mill  pond  which  caused  the  ^  Rather  a  daring  question  for  a  young 

great  sickness  of  the  year  before.  divinity  student  to  ask  in  1797,  but  it  can  now 

■*  Henry  Davis,  who  took  the  school   at  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

Stockbridge,   was,   as   before    stated,    called  ^  Almost    every    school   in    those    times 

away  to  be  tutor  at  Williams  College.  would  furnish  a  few  scholars  who  could  ac- 

'  This  was  Ephraim  Judson,  Jr.,  then  in  complish  the  feat  of  saying  the  whole  cate- 

the  Senior  class.  chism  through. 

*  Gen.   John    Fellows,    a    Revolutionary  '  Vacation. 


[797-]  AT   HOME   AT   NORFOLK. 


31 


28.  Mr.  Hubbard  carried  me  home  in  a  wagon.     Water  very  high.     Cold. 

29.  A  limner  at  our  house  had  taken  my  father,  and  mother,  and  sister  S. 
Last  week  read  the  speeches  of  Mr.  Adams  and  Mr.  Jefferson  at  their  inaugura- 
tion.' The  Empress  of  Russia,'  who  lately  died,  for  a  number  of  years  has  been 
in  such  dread  of  death  that  she  would  never  let  any  instances  which  happened  in 
the  court  be  told  her.  And  she  even  prohibited  funerals  to  be  attended  in 
Petersburg  in  the  day  time.  But  by  an  apoplectic  shock  she  died  in  twenty- 
four  hours  after  she  was  taken. 

30.  Read  Bicheno  ^  on  the  signs  of  the  times.     Settled  with  Betts. 

31.  Sent  money  to  my  brother  N. ;  fifteen  dollars.  O,  for  grace  to  enter 
on  the  important  work  of  the  ministry. 

April. 

1.  Went  to  the  sap-works  with  my  brother  }.■•  Agreed  to  go  to  Williams- 
town  next  week. 

2.  A  proclamation  for  a  fast.     Difficulties  in  my  father's  church. 

3.  Agreed  not  to  go  to  Williamstown  at  present.  Mr.  Grossman  here 
today.     Has  a  call  at  Salisbury;  ^200  settlement,  and  ^^120  salary.' 

4.  In  the  afternoon  attended  the  concert  of  prayer;  pretty  full  and 
serious.     Afterwards  a  church  meeting.     Warm  weather. 

5.  Very  hot  for  the  season.  Worked  hard  yesterday  and  today  at  ~the 
spinning  mill.  I  fear  that  my  brother  N.  will  give  us  all  trouble  with  a  con- 
nection.    Saw  a  man  sowing. 

6.  War  appears  inevitable.  Think  of  going  to  Williamstown  tomorrow. 
Bonaparte,^  the  French  general  in  Italy,  has  gained  a  great  battle  over  the 
Austrians.  Taken  23,000  prisoners,  and  killed  6,000  men.  This  was  about 
the  middle  of  January.  The  French  army  in  Italy  under  him  has  in  six 
months  taken  100,000  prisoners,  400  pieces  of  cannon,  no  stands  of  colors, 
and  destroyed  five  armies  of  the  Emperor. 

7.  Set  out  for  Williamstown.  Went  no  farther  than  Sheffield  on  account 
of  rain. 

8.  The  President  of  the  United  States,  Mr.  Adams,  has  issued  a  procla- 
mation to  convene  Congress.^     Went  on  to  Stockbridge.     Rainy. 


'  These  speeches  were  made  on  the  4th  of  *  James  Watson  Robbins,  fifteen  years  old. 

March,  and  it  is  now  the  29th.  ^  The  ordinary  form  of  settling  a  minister 

^  Catherine  II,  haughty  and  cruel,  though  at  that  time.  The  ;^200  was  to  provide  a 
powerful  as  a  sovereign.  She  was  born  at  house  and  lands,  and  the  other  was  for  the 
Stettin,  May  2,  1729,  and  died  at  St.  Peters-  yearly  support.  This  was  a  bargain  expected 
burg,  Nov.  17,  1796.  Her  death,  therefore,  to  last  for  life,  and  ordinarily  it  did  so  con- 
occurred  only  a  few  months  before  this  was  tinue. 
written.  ^  Bonaparte's  victorious  progress  was  as 

^  J.  Bicheno,  an  English  writer,  author  of  keenly  watched  on  this  side  the  water,  as  in 

several   popular  works.     His   book   on   the  Europe. 

Signs  of  the  Times  was  republished   in  this  '  That  is,  for  a  special  session.     Questions 

country,  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  1795,  and  at  growing  out  of  the  European  wars  were  dis- 

Springfield  in  1796.  turbing  this  country. 


32 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  \'^191' 


9.  Dr.  West' preached  on  Charity.  A  missionary  society^  is  established 
in  New  York  to  propagate  the  gospel  among  the  heathen.  There  is  one  of 
the  same  kind  in  London.     May  they  do  good. 

10.  Talked  with  Dr.  Sergeant^  about  my  father's  difficulty.  Went  on  to 
Williamstown.     Glad  to  see  my  friends  there. 

11.  Walked  about  to  sefe  old  acquaintances.     A  universal  scarcity  of  hay. 

12.  Was  with  my  old  friend  Davis  considerably.  Also  my  classmate 
Noble. 

13.  On  the  whole  a  very  good  visit. 

14.  Fast  in  Connecticut.  A  number  of  scholars  in  the  small-pox.  They 
are  much  engaged  in  building  at  Williams  College.  The  meeting-house  and 
some  houses  are  to  be  built  this  summer.     Came  down  to  Stockbridge. 

15.  A  universal  scarcity  of  money.  Very  warm.  My  horse  failed.  Got 
home. 

16.  Mr.  Pinckney,*  our  ambassador  at  Paris,  is  not  received.  The  wonder 
of  antichrist  is  likely  near  an  end. 

17.  Read  Edwards's  Miscellanies.^     At  evening  saw  a  comedy  acted. 

18.  Mantua  is  in  the  hands  of  the  French.  American  vessels  taken  by  the 
French.     Great  stores  found  in  Mantua. 

19.  Reading  Pres.  Edwards's  Miscellanies. 

20.  In  afternoon  worked  with  my  brother  N.  mending  fence. 

21.  Took  a  catalogue  of  the  scholars  that  my  father  has  ever  had.  They 
amount  to  one  hundred.^ 

22.  Warm.  Worked  at  the  garden  getting  sand.  My  father  went  to 
change   with   Mr.   Grossman.' 

23.  Heard  Mr.  C.  preach.  Read  a  letter  in  public  to  the  church.  A 
thief  came  to  the  house  last  night,  but  dare  not  come  in  on  account  of  the 
dog,  etc. 

24.  Play  ball  some.     The  spring  as  yet  rather  backward. 

25.  My  father  went  to  Sandisfield  to  a  council  and  dedication.  Set  out 
some  trees. 

26.  Attend  to  my  father's  scholars.     Finished  Edwards's  Miscellanies. 

27.  A  very  growing  season.     Read  some  in  Bible. 


'  Dr.  Stephen   West,  of  whom  we  shall  French  Directors  caused  the  rejection  of  our 

hear  more  as  we  pass  on.  conciliatory   propositions   and    the   order   to 

^  The    society  thus    established    was    in  Pinckney   to   quit   the    French   territory."  — 

Northern  New  York,  and  was  especially  for  Drake'' s  Diet,  of  Am.  Biography,  p.  720. 
work  among  the  Indians  of  this  continent.  ^  Edwards's  Miscellaneous  Observations  on 

^  Erastus   Sergeant,   M.  D.,   son   of   Rev.  Important  Theological  Sitbjects,  was  published 

John  Sergeant.  An  honored  physician.  Young  in  Edinburgh  in  1793,  ^"^  another  work  with 

Robbins   consulted   him    about    his    father's  the  same  essential  title  in  1796. 
physical   ailment.      Dr.   Sergeant  had  been  *  His  father  had  then  been  settled  in  Ncir- 

then  in  practice  about  thirty  years.  folk  thirty-six  years. 

■•Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  born   at  '  Joseph  W.  Grossman,  already  mentioned: 

Charleston,  S.  C,  Feb.  25,  1746.  He  had  accepted  his  call  to  Salisbury,  Ct., 

"Appointed  in  July,  1796,  minister  pleni-  and   was   preaching   there,    but   was  not  or- 

potentiary  to   France.     The  hostility  of  the  dained  until  June  of  that  same  year. 


I797-] 


AT    HOME   AT   NORFOLK. 


33 


28.  My  father  returned.  They  have  dismissed  Mr.  Storrs'  from  Sandis- 
field.     Worked  considerably. 

29.  Worked  hard  all  day  getting  water  on  the  mowing.     Very  tired. 

30.  Cold  and  rainy.  Feel  very  cold  and  stupid  in  things  of  infinite  im- 
portance. Received  a  letter  from  Davis.  Yesterday  wrote  a  letter  to  my 
classmate  Romeyn^  at  Schenectady. 

May. 

1.  Training  day.  In  afternoon  walked  out  with  my  sister.  My  brother 
went  after  shad.^     Rainy. 

2.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  friend  E.  Watson''  at  New  York.  Bonaparte  has 
made  peace  with  the  Pope.  •  A  prospect  of  a  bloody  campaign. 

3.  Read  some  sermons.  The  world  coming  either  to  Christianity  or  infi- 
delity, sects  being  laid  aside. 

4.  It  rains  very  frequently.  The  deficiencies  of  nature  in  one  season  are 
supplied  in  another. 

5.  Worked  considerably  at  the  water,  garden,  etc.  Cold.  Yesterday  went 
to  see  if  I  could  live  with  Dr.  Edwards^  this  summer.  He  was  not  at  home  ; 
but  his  wife  *  said  she  could  not  take  boarders. 

6.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Davis.     Set  out  trees. 

7.  Sacrament  administered.  Beholding'  the  ordinance  was  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  idea  that  I  should  be  shut  out  in  a  similar  manner  at  the 
Great  Day. 

8.  My  father  set  out  for  Stockbridge  to  be  doctored  by  Dr.  Sergeant  on 
account  of  his  ditficulty.^     Ministers  going  to  election.' 


'  Rev.  Eleazar  Storrs,  a  native  of  Mans- 
field, Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  the  class 
of  1762. 

"  He  was  ordained  pastor  of  this  church 
and  people  Feb.  26,  1766.  He  was  a  popular 
preacher,  and  retained  the  affections  of  his 
people  until  the  unhappy  Shays's  insurrec- 
tion. At  that  time,  from  his  measures  in 
favor  of  government,  a  considerable  number 
were  offended  and  left  his  ministrj'.  He,  how- 
ever, continued  his  pastoral  relations  till,  in 
consequence  of  ill  health,  he  was  dismissed, 
April  26,  1797."  —  I//sf.  of  the  County  of  Berk- 
shire, p.  301. 

^  This  was  Thomas  Romeyn,  as  Benjamin 
died  in  1796. 

^  It  was  an  important  matter  of  business 
every  spring  in  the  olden  time,  for  families  to 
lay  in  their  store  of  shad  for  the  year's  use. 
The  shad  in  the  Connecticut  river  in  those 
years  were  abundant  and  of  most  excellent 
quality. 

*  This  was  probably  the  nephew  of   Mr. 


James  Watson,  spoken  of  in  connection  with 
his  visit  to  New  York  the  previous  year. 

^  The  younger  Edwards,  Dr.  Jonathan  Ed- 
wards, left  his  pastorate  in  New  Haven,  Ct., 
in  1795,  and  in  1796  was  settled  in  Colebrook, 
Ct.  There  it  was  that  young  Robbins  went 
to  see  him  in  the  hope  of  studying  theology 
with  him. 

*  This  was  Dr.  Edwards's  second  wife.  Miss 
Mercy  Sabin,  daughter  of  Mr.  Hezekiah  Sa- 
bin,  of  New  Haven.  She  seemed  to  be  will- 
ing to  take  the  responsibility  of  answering 
young  Robbins's  question.  His  first  wife  was 
Miss  Mary  Porter,  of  Hadley,  Mass.,  who 
was   drowned  in   1792. 

'■  He  had  not  yet  made  a  public  profession 
of  religion. 

^  It  will  be  remembered  that,  about  a 
month  before,  young  Robbins  consulted  Dr. 
Sergeant  about  his  father. 

9  Election  that  year  was  at  Hartford,  and 
the  election  sermon  was  preached.  May   u 
by  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  of  Greenwich. 


34  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l797' 

9.     Read  the  Bible.     We  hope  war  may  be  avoided. 

10.  Have  some  thoughts  of  making  a  whirhng  table.  Work  at  the  water 
almost  daily. 

11.  My  brother  N.  gone  to  Kent.     My  father  sent  down  for  mamma. 

12.  Very  good  weather.  Rode  to  Sheffield  with  mamma,  and  saw  trees 
in  the  blow. 

13.  Read  in  the  volume  of  collected  sermons  just  published. 

14.  Thin  meetings  without  a  minister.  Read  in  public  both  parts  of  the 
day.* 

15.  Take  a  good  deal  of  pleasure  with  the  water.^  Read  sermons.  At 
even  walked  out. 

16.  There  is  an  account  that  our  differences  with  France  are  settled. 
Fear  it  is  not  true. 

17.  At  even  heard  the  school  children  speak  pieces. 

18.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  He  is  low,  but  gaining.  Scholars 
along  from  Williams  College.^ 

ig.     Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town,  and  attended  a  conference.  Prayed. 

20.  Rode  to  Canaan  in  quest  of  a  letter  from  New  York,  which  is  lost  be- 
tween here  and  Salisbur}^'*  The  weather  this  week  has  been  every  day  alter- 
nately fair  and  rainy. 

21.  Very  warm.  Read  all  day  in  public.^  Read  the  volume  of  collected 
sennons  last  week.     Thunder. 

22.  My  brother  J.*  went  after  my  father.  Received  an  excellent  letter 
from  my  friend,  E.  W.,'  New  York.     Copied  a  will. 

23.  Had  a  tooth  extracted.  No  confirmation  that  our  affairs  are  settled 
with  France.  It  appears  that  the  President  of  the  United  States  means  to 
send  another  envoy. 

24.  Jerome,*  a  Junior  in  Williams  College,  came  to  see  me.  My  father 
returned.     Laus  Deo,  considerably  well. 

25.  The  fullest  blow  for  fruit  ever  known  in  the  memor}'  of  any. 

26.  Did  but  little.  Scholars  to  see  us.  Warm  weather,  but  a  backward 
spring. 

27.  Wrote  in  my  diary  of  my  younger  years. 

28.  Pretty  full  meeting.     Read  some  in  the  Theological  Magazine. 

29.  Very  cold  for  the  season. 


'  His  father  being  absent  he  read  sennons  center  of  Salisburj',  the  distance  is  about  ten 

before  the  congregation  both  forenoon  and  miles, 
afternoon.  '  Sunday,  and  his  father  being  still  sick 

^  A  brook  ran  near  his  home,  and  he  was  and  absent,  he  again  reads  sermons  before 

probably  engaged  in  irrigating  the   mowing  the  congregation, 
lands.  *  James  Watson  Robbins. 

^  Going  home  for  the  spring  vacation.  '  E.  Watson,  before  noticed. 

■•  Canaan   adjoined    Norfolk,    and    Salis-  ^  Amasa  Jerome,  a  native  of  Stockbridge, 

bury    was    between    Canaan    and   the   New  graduate  of  Williams  in  179S,  and  afterwards  a 

York  line.     From   the  center  of  Norfolk  to  man  of  influence  and  character  in  the  ministry. 


1 797-]  -^T   HOME   AT   NORFOLK, 


35 


30.  Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  with  Aunt  Woodbridge.     Went  a 
fishing  ;  caught  none. 

31.  The  family  of  the  Mills's,'  formerly  at  Simsbury,  was  fourteen  children. 
All  lived  to  be  married  at  once.     Parents  living. 

June. 

1.  All  sat  round  fires.  The  scholars  came  down  from  the  chamber,  and 
got  wood  for  a  fire.^ 

2.  A  little  frost  this  morning.  Quite  sick  with  the  ague  in  my  face.  Had 
some  young  ladies  here  from  Kent.^ 

3.  The  coldest  May,  and  the  most  backward  spring  known  for  many 
years.     Things  are  just  coming  up  in  gardens,  etc.     Warm. 

4.  Yesterday  the  assembly  arose.'*     Our  legislature  finds  little  business. 

5.  A  little  riding  in  the  morning.  Went  to  Warren  from  Goshen  with 
Aunt  Woodbridge.^     Gave  cousin  Peter ^  a  little  piece  on  the  dead  languages. 

6.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.  Rode  to  my  brothers  at  Canaan.^  Con- 
versed with  Esther  de  rebus  privatis. 

7.  Came  home.  The  President  of  the  United  States  has  sent  two  envoys 
to  France  to  accommodate  our  differences.  The  unrivaled  Bonaparte  has  de- 
feated the  hitherto  successful  general  Archduke  Charles  in  Italy.  He  has  killed 
and  taken  about  20,000  men.  The  French  have  also  been  successful  on  the 
Rhine.  It  is  supposed  that  Germany  can  hold  out  no  longer,  and  this  will  be 
a  prelude  of  a  happy  peace. ^ 

8.  Mr.  J.  Watson  from  New  York  was  here.  Been  proving  cannon  at 
Salisbury.     Very  kind  to  invite  me  to  his  house,  etc. 

9.  Fine  weather.     Read  Bible,  etc.     A  steeple  raised  at  Torrington. 

10.  Excessive  hot.     Hurt  myself  in  work  at  the  water. 

11.  Rained  last  night.     At  even  went  to  see  a  young  man  with  a  broken 
leo' 

12.  Traded  some.     Very  hot  weather.     Visited  Mr.  Darley. 

13.  Rode    to  Winchester  with   my  father  to  association.     Dr.  Edwards' 
preached.     At  night  rained  a  great  deal. 

14.  There  seems  to  be  a  direct  account  of   peace  between  France   and 
Germany.     May  it  be  true. 

15.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Miss  Esther  Robbins.'°     Feel  some  unwell.     So  hot. 


'  This  was  Rev.  Gideon  Mills,  who  died  in  folk,  and  from  Goshen  to  Warren  was  about 

1772.  ten  or  twelve  miles. 

^  This  was  for  the  school-room  up  stairs.  *  Peter  Starr,  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  was 

^  Kent  was  about  twenty  miles   south  of  then  a  Junior  in  Williams  College. 

Norfolk,  bordering  on  New  York.  ''  He  went  home  by  Canaan. 

*  The   assembly  was   convened   on  Wed-  ^  A  continuation  of  successes  in  his  Italian 

nesday,  May  10,  so  the   session   had  lasted  campaign, 

about  three  weeks.  9  Rev.  Jonathan   Edwards,  D.  D.,  setded 

^  His  Aunt  Woodbridge  was  going  to  War-  the  year  before  at  Colebrook. 

ren,  probably,  to  visit  her  sister,  Mrs.  Starr,  '°  Miss  Esther  Robbins,  of  Canaan,  with 

and    young    Robbins    attended   her  thither.  whom  on  June  6th   he  had   talked  de  rebii. 

Goshen  was  the  next  town  south  from  Nor-  privatis. 


36 


PIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1797- 


16.  Helped  my  little  brothers  make  a  trough.  From  the  3CI  of  June  till 
today  it  has  been  very  hot  weather.     Cool.     Attended  a  funeral. 

17.  Last  Saturday  a  man  was  executed  at  Hartford. 

18.  Mr.  Catlin,'  of  North  Marlborough,  preached  here.  At  even  an 
unusual    light. 

19.  Rainy.     White-washed  in  the  house  considerably.     At  even  walked  out. 

20.  Dr.  West  and  lady^  came  at  noon.  Rode  to  North  Marlborough  and 
attended  the  association. 

21.  Hot.  Rode  home.  Considerable  contention  in  Congress.  People 
not   yet   done  first  hoeing. 

22.  Set  out  for  Stockbridge  to  study  with  Dr.  West.^  My  brother  brought 
me  to  Sheffield. 

23.  Came  to  Stockbridge  in  the  stage  very  early.  Received  kindly. 
Rainy.     Yesterday  destroyed  a  letter  which  I  received  April  11,  1796.* 

24.  Cool  weather.  Reading  Fuller's  letters.'  O,  that  I  may  be  prospered 
in  my  important  studies,  and  may  I  know  my  own  heart.  Dr.  W.  very  strict 
in  observing  holy  time. 

25.  Afternoon  rained  hard  while  at  meeting.  Serious.  Fears  of  a  false 
hope. 

26. 
a  visit 

27. 
daily. 

28. 


Finished  Fuller's  letters.     Mrs.  Sedgwick  and  her  daughters*  here  on 
Reading    Pres.    Edwards's    Inquiry?     Warm    weather    and    thunder 

Sleep  with  my 


Suppose  there  is  an  ordination  at  Salisbury  today.^ 
window  open  constantly. 

29.  Read  a  portion  of  the  Scriptures  every  day.     At  evening  Mr.  Swift 
came  here  from  Williamstown.     New  college  going  on  well. 

30.  Very  warm  weather  steadily.     Great  preparation  for  independence  all 
about.     Finished  Edwards's  Inquiry.     Wrote  home. 


'  Dr.  Jacob  Catlin. 

^  Dr.  Stephen  West,  of  Stockbridge.  Dr. 
West's  first  wife,  with  whom  he  was  then 
living,  was  Miss  Elizabeth  Williams,  daugh- 
ter of  Col.  Ephraim  Williams.  She  died  in 
1804.  His  second  wife  was  Miss  Eleanor 
Dewey,  daughter  of  Mr.  Daniel  Dewey,  of 
Sheffield. 

^  Rev.  Stephen  West,  D.  D.,  a  native  of 
Tolland,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1755, 
was  a  theological  teacher  of  acknowledged 
ability.  He  came  to  Stockbridge  as  suc- 
cessor to  Jonathan  Edwards,  in  the  work  of 
Christianizing  the  Hotlsatonic  Indians,  and 
was  pastor  of  Stockbridge  church  from  1759 
to  1770. 

*  Under  date  of   April   11,    1796,  after   a 


commonplace    entry,   is  the  following   R  .  . 

e  .  .  .  i Let  him  who  can,  guess 

the  riddle. 

'  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller,  a  distinguished  Bap- 
tist divine  of  England,  who  in  the  closing 
years  of  the  last  century  and  the  early  years 
of  the  present,  was  very  conspicuous  as  an 
evangelical  worker,  thinker,  and  writer. 

*  Wife  and  daughters  of  Hon.  Theodore 
Sedgwick,  who,  at  that  time,  was  a  member 
of  the  United  States  Senate. 

''  This  was  Edwards's  great  work  on  the 
Freedom  of  the   Will. 

*  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Crossman  was  ordained 
and  set  over  the  church  in  Salisbury  June 
2Sth,  1797,  as  we  find  by  the  church  records 
of  Salisbury. 


1797']  STUDYING    THEOLOGY    WITH    DR.    WEST.  37 

July. 

1.  Wrote  some.     Reading  Dr.  West's  Essay  on  Moral  Agency}     Walked 
down  to  see  my  classmate  Mason  studying  law  in  town. 

2.  An  amiable  young  woman  admitted  into  the  church.     Dr.  West  very 
strict  in  many  principles. 

3.  Wrote  to  Davis,  and  to  my  classmate  Noble  at  Williamstown. 

4.  A  serious  mutiny  in  the  British  fleet.     Ireland  almost  in  a  state  of 
insurrection.     Attended  the  concert  of  prayer. 

5.  Much  unwell.     Headache.     Studied  too  hard.     A  very  growing  season. 

6.  Finished  West  on  Agency.     Had  a  ticket  for  a  ball.^     Walked  down  to 
Mr.  Bidwell's. 

7.  Wrote  on  the  Divinity  of  the  Scriptures,     People  begin  to  mow. 

8.  Peace  between  France  and  Germany  almost  certain.     The  character 
of  Bonaparte  rises  fast. 

9.  In  the   morning  very  rainy.     Connecticut  about  forming  a  missionary 
society.^ 

10.  Wrote  to  Uncle  Robbins.     Read  Hume's  essay  on  Miracles.     Wrote 
on  the  Moral  State  of  Adam  before  the  Fall." 

11.  Read  Campbell's^  answer  to  Hume.     Drank  tea  at  Mr.  Sedgwick's. 

12.  Wrote  on  the  Moral  State  of  Man  Now.     Extremely  hot.     Fine  hay 
weather. 

13.  Read  Home's  letters  on  Missions.     A  conspiracy  discovered.     Blount/ 
a  senator  in  Congress,  had  a  considerable  hand  in  it. 

14.  Mr.  Sedgwick  and  Gen.  Skinner 'came  home  from  Congress.     After- 
noon walked  out. 

15.  Reading  Dr.  Taylor  on  Original  Sin.     A  hard  thunder-shower. 

16.  Afraid  1  am  resting  my  eternal  welfare  on   a  false  hope.     O   may  I 
know  my  own  heart. 


*  Dr.   Stephen   West's   Essay    on    Moral  were  prepared  to  be  read  before  Dr.  West, 

Agency  was  first  published  in   1772,  and  re-  as  a  part  of  his  theological  training, 
published  with  an  Appendix  in  1794.     It  was  ^  Rgy  George  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Professor 

a  work  that  attracted  considerable  attention  of  Church  History  in  St.  Andrew's  University, 

among  the   theologians   of    that    day.      Dr.  Scotland.     Hume,  the  author  of  the  work  on 

West  conferred  much  with  Dr.  Joseph  Bel-  Miracles,  which  Dr.  Campbell  answered,  was 

lamy,  of  Bethlehem,  Ct.,  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  the  well-known  English  historian  and  skepti- 

of  Newport,  R.  I.,  and  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  cal  writer, 
then  of  Colebrook.  *  William    Blount.      "In    1796,   he    was 

^  We  do  not  learn  whether  he  attended  chosen  president  of  the  convention   in  Ten- 

the  ball,  but  from  what  has  already  passed,  nessee.     He  was  afterwards  elected  by  that 

we  may  conclude  that  balls  were  regarded  as  State  to  a  seat  in  the  United  States  Senate, 

nnisances  rather  than  otherwise.  but  was   expelled   in  July,   1797,  for  having 

^  The  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  was  instigated  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees   to  as- 

not  fairly  organized  until  the  following  year,  sist  the  British  in  conquering   the    Spanish 

179S.  territories  near  the  United  States." 

^  These  papers,  the  one  before  mentioned  '  Mr.  Sedgwick,  Senator,  and  Gen.  Skin- 
on  the  Divinity  of  the  Scriptures,  and  this  on  ner,  of  Williamstown,  member  of  the  House 
the  Moral  Character  of  Adam  before  the  FaU,  of  Representatives. 


38  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l797- 

17.  Wrote  letters  to  my  father  and  my  sister  S.  Lyon,  in  Congress,  from 
Vermont,  ridiculed  extremely. 

18.  Reading  Edwards's  answer  to  Dr.  Taylor.'     Steadily  fine  weather. 

19.  Had  an  invitation  to  go  to  Maryland  as  a  Latin  instructor  in  a  gentle- 
man's family.     Received  a  letter  from  home. 

20.  Am  troubled  to  keep  my  attention  well  fixed  when  reading.  A  great 
many  cherries. 

21.  Rode  up  to  Lenox  to  see  my  cousin  Goodwin.^  At  night  slept  very 
poorly  on  a  feather-bed. 

22.  Rode  back.     Wrote  on  the  question  concerning  Original  Sin. 

23.  Read  in  Dr.  Hunter's^  Biography.     Showery  and  cooler. 

24.  Reading  Edwards's  Last  End  of  Creatioti.*  The  French  annoy  our 
vessels   very  much. 

25.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  Starr  at  Williams  College.  Lodged  at  Aunt 
Woodbridge's. 

26.  Wrote  to  my  friend,  E.  R.  Watson,  of  New  York.  "There  is  a  founda- 
tion laid  in  nature  for  kind  atTections  between  the  sexes  that  are  truly  diverse 
from  all  inclinations  to  sensitive  pleasure,  and  don't  properly  arise  from  any 
such  inclination."  —  Edwards's  Nature  of  True  Virtue,  Chap.  VI. 

27.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Rainy  weather.  Things  appear  more  favorable 
at  France.     Peace  is  made  with  Germany. 

28.  Complaint  that  wheat  is  much  blasted.  Bad  weather  for  hay  and 
grain. 

29.  Wrote  on  the  Necessity  of  Atonement.     Received  a  letter  from  Starr. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  my  classmate  Noble.  Comfortable  weather. 
Dr.  West  preached  very  close.     Read  Miss  Anthony's  life.' 

31.  Wrote  on  the  Necessity  of  Regeneration.  Some  prospect  of  a  general 
peace.     Montesquieu  the  most  comprehensive  and  piercing  genius  of  his  age. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Davis.  People  in  the  heat  of  harvest.  Generally  in 
the  country  good. 

2.  Reading  Dr.  West  on  the  Atonement.®     Heard  from  Williamstown. 

3.  Wrote  on  the  Nature  of  Atonement.     Cloudy  and  dry  weather. 

4.  England  in  a  most  deplorable  state.  Near  thirty  sail  of  their  fleet 
have  mutinied.  Things  look  very  dark.  If  God's  time  has  come  to  destroy 
that  wicked  nation  they  will  fall. 


■  Dr.   John   Taylor,   a   distinguished    dis-  '  Miss  Susanna  Anthony,  a  Quaker  lady, 

senting  minister  of  England,  who  wrote  and  distinguished  for    her   piety   and    goodness, 

published  a  treatise  on  Orighial  Sin.  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins  had  just  published  her 

2  Joseph  Goodwin,  before  noticed.  memoirs,  and  large  extracts  from  her  writings. 

^  Probably  this  was  Dr.  John  Hunter,  of  The  first  issue  was  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  1796. 

Scotland.  Two   editions  were  afterwards  published  at 

*  Edwards's  Last  End  of  Creation,  and  A^a-  Hartford,  Ct.,  the  first  in  1799. 

tare  of  True  Virtue,  were  published  together  <>  Dr.    West's  Essay  on  the  Scripture  Doc- 

in  the  spring  of  1755.  trine  of  the  Atonement  was  published  in  1785. 


1 797-]  STUDYING   THEOLOGY   WITH    DR.    WEST.  39 

5.  Heading  West  on  the  Resurrection.  Rainy.  Received  an  excellent 
letter  from  Uncle  Robbins.  A  large  account  in  it  from  England  of  the  mis- 
sionar)^  society  there. 

6.  Last  night  a  very  hard  shower. 

7.  Wrote  on  the  Cause  and  Nature  of  Regeneration. 

8.  Received  a  letter  from  home.  Concluded  not  to  go  to  Maryland.' 
Very  rainy. 

9.  A  dreadful  fire  at  Albany.  Eighty-two  dwelling-houses,  one  hundred 
and  sixteen  stores  and  out-houses  consumed. 

10.  Wrote  home.  Reading  view  of  religions,  Mr.  Fox^  has  delivered  a 
remarkable  speech  in  Parliament  on  reform. 

11.  A  delirious  man  in  town  has  killed  himself.  Thus  twenty  years  have 
rolled  over  my  head. 

12.  A  great  prospect  of  a  general  peace.  Had  my  name  printed  for 
books.'     Wrote  on  Promises  to  the  Unregenerate. 

13.  By  Dr.  W.'s  sermon  I  trust  I  was  brought  in  some  measure  to  see  the 
wickedness  of  my  heart. 

14.  Read  Dr.  Hopkins*  on  True  Holiness.  Wrote  on  the  same  subject. 
Very  cool  weather  for  the  season. 

15.  Wrote  letters  to  Noble  and  my  cousin  Starr  at  Williamstown. 

16.  Wrote  on  the  Ground  of  the  Sinner's  Justification.  I  am  amazingly 
stupid. 

17.  Read  in  Dr.  Hopkins's  System?     Good  weather.     People  haying  yet. 

18.  Discontents  in  Ireland  increase.  yVffairs  in  France  assume  a  new 
face.     Venice  in  a  very  bad  situation. 

19.  Wrote  on  the  Difference  between  Justification  by  Faith  and  by  Works. 

20.  Very  close  preaching.  Rainy.  Read  forty-sixth  chapter  of  Isaiah, 
Prophecy  perhaps  accomplished  in  the  present  war  [in  Europe]. 

21.  Received  a  letter  from  my  friend,  E.  Watson,  and  a  good  one  from 
Davis.  A  mayor  of  a  city  in  the  south  of  Ireland  writing  to  the  English  gov- 
ernment, gives  an  alarming  account  of  things  there.  He  concludes :  "  At  the 
moment  I  am  writing,  for  my  personal  safety,  I  carry  a  pistol  in  each  hand, 
and  a  sword  in  the  other."  ^ 

22.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins.     Wrote  on  Election. 

23.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Miller,^  a  student  at  Williams  College.  Reading 
Edwards's  Remarks.     Negotiation  opened  between  France  and  England. 

24.  An  account  that  the  mutiny  in  England  is  subsiding. 


*    He  had,  as  before  mentioned,  received  ^  This   Syste?n  was  published  in  .two  vol- 

an  application  from  Maryland  to  go  there  as  umes  in  1793. 
a  teacher.  ^  An  excellent  Irish  bull. 

^  Charles  James  Fox,  the  eloquent  English  ^  Joseph  Miller,  a  graduate  of   Williams 

orator  and  statesman.  College  in  1799.     He  was  a  native  of   Tor- 

3  That  is,  as  we  understand  it,  printed  to  rington,  Ct.,  and  afterwards  became  a  promi- 

be  pasted  into  his  books.  nent  lawyer  in  Litchfield  County,  Ct.,  remov- 

*  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  of  Newport,  R.  I.  ing  in  his  later  life  to  Richland,  Mich. 


40  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [l797' 

25.  Wrote  largely  on  the  Doctrine  of  Decrees.     Rainy  almost  every  day. 
My  brother  came  after  me. 

26.  Rode  Jwme  in  a  wagon.     Unwelcome  news  from  my  sister  B.' 

27.  Ver)^  full  meeting.     Seven  persons  taken  into  the  church.     May  God 
make  additions  of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

28.  Putting  my  name  on  books,  etc.     A  neighbor  invented  a  machine  to 
bore  logs  by  water.     Cool. 

29.  At  evening  young  Dr.  Perkins^  came  here   and  gave   my  father  a  pair 
of  metallic  points. 

30.  My  father  sowing.     Reading  Scott's^  Vindication. 

31.  Writing.     The  prospect  of  peace  in  Europe  increases. 

September. 

1.  Very  hot.     Visited  old  Mr.  Darley.     Preparing  for  my  journey. 

2.  My  father  set  out  for  Williamstown.     Worked  some. 

3.  Mr.  Avery/  of  Tyringham,  preached  here.     Fine  weather. 

4.  Set  out  for  Williamstown  with  my  sister  Sally.'  Came  to  Esq. 
W'alker's^  and  lodged.  There  was  a  festival  on  the  i6th  of  August  in  Boston, 
in  honor  of  President  Adams,^  the  most  extravagant  ever  known  in  the  United 
States. 

5.  Arrived  at  Williamstown.  My  father's  two  scholars  admitted  into 
college.     At  night  an  illumination,  and  a  class  of  forty.     Walked. 

6.  A  very  good  exhibition.  Saw  many  old  friends.  At  even  attended  a 
lecture  in  college  hall. 

7.  Came  down  to  Lanesborough.  The  new  college  at  Williamstown  is 
nearly  shut  in. 

8.  Came  down  to  Lenox  to  our  cousin  Goodwin's.^     Kindly  received. 

9.  Had  a  good  visit  at  our  cousins  ;  towards  night  came  down  to  Stock- 
bridge.     Not  very  well. 

10.  Troubled  with  our  horses  going  to  meeting.     At  even  made  a  visit  to 
Dr.  West.     Attended  singing  meeting. 

11.  Came  home.     A  prosperous  journey.     Some  profit. 


'  Elizabeth  Robbins's  marriage  with  Mr.  ington,  Ct.,  minister  of  the   Congregational 

Lawrence  did  not  prove  altogether  a  happy  church  in  Tyringham,  Mass.,    from   1789   to 

one.     They  lived,  it  will  be  remembered,  at  1808. 

Paris,  Oneida  County,  New  York.  ^  Sally  is  Sarah,  afterwards  Mrs.  Joseph 

2  Dr.   Elisha    Perkins,   of   Plainfield,    Ct.  Battell. 

He  calls  \i\va. young,  though  he  was  a  man  be-  *  William  Walker,  Esq.,  whose  son  Will- 

tween   fifty   and   sixty,    because    his    father,  iam  P.  Walker  was   graduated   at  Williams 

Joseph  Perkins,  had  also  been  a  physician  of  College  in  1798,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 

eminence  at  Plainfield,  and  had  very  recently  in  1803.     He  practiced  in  Lenox, 

died.  ^  It   was   so   much   for  Massachusetts  to 

^  Dr.  Thomas  Scott,  the  commentator,  who  own   the   second   President    of    the    United 

had   published  a    Vindication  of  the  Inspira-  States,  that  it  was  natural  to  make  a  hero  of 

Hon  of  the  Holy  Scripture,  republished  in  New  him. 

York  in  1797.  ^  Joseph  Goodwin,  before  mentioned   as 

■*  Rev.   Joseph   Avery,  a   native  of  Ston-  the  son  of  Mrs.  Robbins's  sister. 


1797] 


AT   HOME   AT   NORFOLK. 


41 


12.  The  yellow  fever  prevails  in  many  places.     It  is  a  great  wonder  that 
we  are  not  desolated  with  judgments. 

13.  Began  to  read  Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  History.     Have  something  of 
the  dysentery. 

14.  Some  robberies  near  Philadelphia.     Operated  on  the  rheumatism  suc- 
cessfully with  the  metallic  points.* 

15.  Never  felt  more  unhinged  and  doubtful  what  to  do  in  my  life.     Oh  for 
direction  ! 

16.  Took  water-levels  about.     Warm.     Reading  Mosheim. 

17.  Read  History  of  Redemption^     My  sister  B.  lives  now  comfortably. 

18.  Attended  freemen's  meeting.     Rainy.     Considerable  company. 

19.  Worked  hard  in   the  forenoon  cutting   stalks.     Little    prospect   of   a 
general  peace  in  Europe. 

20.  A  little  frost.     Wrote  to  Esther  Robbins.^     Heard  from  Uncle  Rob- 
bins;*  rather  unwell. 

Reading  Mosheim.     Worked  among  hay. 

Worked  a  good  deal.     It  made  me  feel  better  in  health. 

My  brother  buying  a  horse  for  my  father.     Very  fine  weather  all  the 


21. 

22. 

23- 
time. 


24. 

25- 


Mr.  Weston,'  of  Cornwall,  preached  here.     Full  meeting. 
Wrote    a    letter  to   Mr.  Oilman*  at   Marietta.     Yesterday  and  today 
much  troubled  with  an  ague  in  my  face. 

26.  Rode  to  Goshen  with  Dr.  Edwards  to  association.     Rainy.     A  good 
association.     Gillet'  licensed. 

27.  Good  weather.     Rode  home.     General  training  at  Salisbur)'.     Some 
Wrote  a  letter  to  Medad  Curtis. 
Yesterday  took  cold  and  am  distressed  with  the  ague.     Could  not  get 


Rode   to   the    south   end   of    the   town    and   attended   a   conference. 


frost. 

28. 
opium 

29. 
Warm. 

30.  Worked  some.  Helped  raise  a  small  building  near  by.  This 
month  has  been  very  pleasant  and  warm  weather.  As  yet  no  frost  of  conse- 
quence. 


'  He  was  trying  the  tractors  which  his 
father  had  received  from  Dr.  Perkins. 

^  Published  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  in 
1777,  with  an  introductory  note  by  Rev.  John 
Erskine. 

^  In  Canaan. 

^  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth. 

^  Rev.  Hercules  Weston,  graduated  at 
Dartmouth  in  1783,  and  settled  at  Cornwall, 
Ct.,  1792-1803. 

*"  Mr.  Benjamin  I.  Oilman,  who  married 
Hannah,  daughter  of  Chandler  Robbins,  D.D., 


of  Plymouth.     Mr.  Oilman  was  living  at  Ma- 
rietta, Ohio. 

^  This  must  have  been  Mr.  Nathan  Oil- 
lett,  of  Oranby,  Ct.,  who  was  graduated  at 
Williams  in  1798.  But  his  name  does  not 
appear  as  a  Litchfield  County  licentiate  in 
the  contributions  to  the  Ecclesiastical  History 
of  Connecticut.  Nathan  Oillett  was  settled 
in  Gilead,  a  parish  of  Hebron,  in  1799. 
Mr.  Robbins  speaks  of  him  familiarly  as 
he  would  naturally  speak  of  a  fellow  stu- 
dent. 


42 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l797- 


October. 

1.  My  father  preached  on  the  great  spirit  that  prevails  to  Christianize 
the  heathen.'     Rainy. 

2.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Capt.  I.  Holt.^     A  vast  many  people  for  this 
town. 

3.  Attended  the  concert  of  prayer.     Very  sickly  in  many  parts  of  the 
United  States. 

4.  Little  prospect  of  a  general  peace.     Rainy.     Reading  Mosheim. 

5.  Last  night  the  greatest  storm  of  wind  we  have  had  for  years, 

6.  At   evening  Mr.  Steele^  came  here  from  Paris.     My  sister's  family 
more  peaceable. 

7.  Worked  considerably,  picking  apples.     Hard  frosts  now. 

8.  Read  magazine.     Full  meetings ;  hope  some  seriousness. 

g.     Wrote  to  my  friend  L.  F.     Scholars  came.     We  have  a  great  deal  of 
company. 

10.  My  father  set  out  for  Stockb ridge  to  be  doctored.     Cold. 

11.  Read.     Attend  to  the  scholars  steadily.*     Papal  power  almost  daily 
declining.     Read  lecture  on  France  and  Portugal. 

12.  My  father  sent  down  for  my  mother  to  go  to  Stockb  ridge.     Quite  poor. 

13.  My  mamma  went  up  to  Stockbridge.     I  have  the  whole  care  of  busi- 
ness, and  attend  to  the  scholars. 

14.  Worked.     At  even  Mr.  Steele^  came  and  tarried.     Moderate  weather. 

15.  Mr.  Smith,  a  candidate,  came  to  preach.     He  preached  in  the  fore- 
noon, Mr.  Steele  in  the  afternoon.     Cold. 

16.  Dug  a  hole  for  potatoes.     Last  night  wrote  to  my  father,  and  to  my 
sister  B. 

17.  The  sickness  at  Philadelphia  abates.     Danger  of  internal  enemies  in 
our  Republic.     May  God  avert. 

18.  Worked  picking  corn.     Frequent  applications  to  take  scholars.^ 

19.  Had  some  company.     Buried  some  apples.^    Work  and  attend  to  the 
scholars  steadily. 

20.  Buried  potatoes.     Had  a  letter  from  my  father.     He  is  very  poor,  but 
gaining. 


I  The  Baptist  Missionary  Society  in  Eng-  took  the  church  at  Paris  there  were  nineteen 
land  had  been  organized  in  1792,  and  the  members.  There  were  received  during  his 
London  Missionary  Society  in  1795.  In  this  ministry  two  hundred  and  seventy-three  mem- 
country,  from  the  days  of  Edwards  and  the  bers. 

great  Whitefield  revivals,  tlie  missionary  spirit  '♦His  father  being  now  for  some  time 
was  abroad,  but  the  time  for  the  organ-  absent,  he  had  the  full  charge  of  the  scholars, 
ization  of  societies  for  foreign  work  had  not  ^  Rev.  Eliphalet  Steele,  just  before  men- 
yet  been  reached.  tioned. 

^  Capt.  Isaac  Holt,  Jr.     His  father  of  the  *  The  school  at  Norfolk  was  popular, 

same  name  died  in  1806.  ■'  The  practice   of  burying   potatoes   and 

^  Rev.  Eliphalet  Steele,  born  in  Hartford,  apples  in  the  fall,  to  have   them   crisp  and 

Ct.,  June  26,  1742,  graduated  at  Yale  College  fresh  in  the  spring,  was  common  among  the 

1764,  settled  at  Egremont,  Mass.,  1770-1794,  old  Connecticut  farmers,  and  is  perhaps  so 

and  at   Paris,  N.  Y.,  1795-18 17.     When  he  at  present. 


1 797-]  AT    HOME   AT    NORFOLK.  43 

21.  Read  some.     Cold.     Read  Theological  Magazine'^  at  evening. 

22.  A  ver)'  rainy  day  ;  no  meeting.     Prayed  in  the  family. 

23.  Attended  a   funeral.     Dr.  Edwards^  preached.     Have    little    time   to 
read. 

24.  The  papers  very  barren  of  news.     The  Governor  unable  to  attend  the 
assembly.^ 

25.  At  evening  had  a  spell  of  paring  apples. 

26.  Boiling  cider.*     My  brother  returned  from  Vermont ;  brought  back  the 
letter  I  wrote  on  the  9th.     My  father  gaining. 

27.  At  evening  had  a  great  husking.*     My  salt-rheum  rages  very  much. 

28.  Worked  pretty  hard.     My  heart  little  disposed  to  serious  things. 

29.  No  preaching.     I  read  all  day.*     Wet  and  cold  weather.     Read  His- 
tory of  Redemption^ 

30.  My  brother  J.*  went  after  my  father  in  a  wagon.     Had  a  husking. 

31.  My  brother  was  appointed  deputy  sheriff.'     Read  Mosheim.     Nego- 
tiations for  peace  go  on  very  slow. 

November. 

1.  My  father  came  home  very  poor.     Worked  pretty  hard. 

2.  Considerable  company.     Warm.     Produce  lower  than  last  year. 

3.  Worked  at  making  cider.     A  great  deal  made  this  fall. 

4.  Worked  pretty  hard.     Our  assembly  rose  yesterday.*"     Fine  weather 
this  week. 

5.  Rainy.     My  father  unable  to  preach.     Read  all  day ;  also  the  procla- 
mation. 

6.  Some  snow.     Made  a  medicine  and  some  salve  for  the  salt-rheum. 

7.  Went  into  Canaan  and  traded  some.     Very  cold. 

8.  Traded  some.     Find  little  time  to  read.     Read  newspaper. 

9.  Set  out  to  go  to  Cornwall.     Went  as  far  as  my  brother's  in  Canaan. 
An  agreeable  night, 

10.     Went  to  Cornwall.     Disappointed  about  taking  a  school  there.     Went 
on  to  Warren.     Dreadful  road. 


'  The  Theological  Magazine  was  published  the  old-fashioned  country  enjoyments.  It  was 

in  New  York.     It  was  started  in  1796,  but  a  festival    occasion,   rather   than   a   time  of 

continued  only  three  or  four  years.  mere  toil. 

^  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  of  Colebrook.  ^  His  father  was  still  absent,  and  no  one 

^  Gov.  Oliver  Wolcott,  and   this  the  fall  came  to  supply  the  pulpit, 
session  of  the  assembly.  ^  Jonathan     Edwards's     History    of    Re- 

*  From  the  entries  Oct.  25th  and  26th,  it  demption   was    published    in    Edinburgh,   in 

is  evident   that   the   family  was   engaged   in  1777- 

making  the  customary  supply  of  apple-sauce  ^  James  Watson  Robbins. 

for  the  season.  9  Nathaniel  Robbins. 

'  The  husking,  where  the  neighbors  were  '°  The  fall  session  of  the  assembly  meet- 
invited  in  of  an  autumn  evening,  was  one  of  ing  in  October  was  apt  to  be  short. 


44 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1797- 


11.  So  stormy  could  not  come  home.  My  brother  N.  came  there.  His 
connections  at  Kent  at  an  end.' 

12.  Very  rainy.     Little  meeting.     Read  Pres.  Edwards's  Life!" 

13.  Rode  home  across  Canaan  Mountain.     Warm.     Very  wet  season. 

14.  Worked  making  a  hog-pen.     Great  commotions  in  the  interior  of  France. 

15.  Mr.  Jefferson,  our  Vice-President,  grows  unpopular.  At  night  Mr. 
Judson  ^  came  here. 

16.  Thanksgiving.*  Mr.  Judson  preached.  Blessed  be  God  that  we  have 
such  abundant  cause  for  thankfulness.     O,  for  hearts  ! 

17.  Exceeding  cold  for  the  season.  Snowed  considerably.  Our  young 
people  much  addicted  to  frolicking. 

18.  Severe  weather.     In  the  afternoon  worked  sledding  wood. 

19.  My  father  preached  for  the  first  time  since  October  8th.  People  grow 
very  extravagant  at  our  great  cities. 

20.  At  evening  read  Peter  Porcupine's^  Papers.     Worked  getting  wood. 

21.  Read.  Human  nature  all  selfish.  Yesterday  in  the  afternoon  Dr. 
Goodrich,^  of  Durham,  called  here  very  well,  took  dinner,  and  towards  night 
rode  out  to  Capt.  Ives's.  This  morning  a  messenger  has  come,  and  informed 
us  that  he  has  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth.  He  got  up,  as  is  supposed,  well, 
got  partly  dressed,  and,  as  appears,  was  seized  with  a  fit  of  the  apoplexy, 
stretched  himself  on  the  floor,  and  expired.  It  was  about  an  hour  after  they 
heard  him  get  up,  before  they  found  him  dead. 

22.  Rainy  and  freezing.  My  brother  N.  has  a  great  deal  of  business. 
Litigation  much  prevails. 

23.  Great  complaint  of  a  scarcity  of  money.  Went  out  to  Capt.  Ives's ; ' 
saw  mourners,  corpse,  etc.     May  I  improve  rightly. 

24.  Steady  cold.  Austin,  of  New  Hartford,  came  here  to  study.  I  play 
some  at  chequers,  etc. 


'  From  previous  hints  about  the  connec- 
tions which  Nathaniel  was  likely  to  form,  the 
fact  recorded  in  this  entry  was  doubtless 
pleasing  to  his  family. 

^  This  was  doubtless  the  Life  of  Eihvards, 
by  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  first  published  in 
1764. 

^  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  of  Shefifield. 

■*  Thanksgiving  day  earlier  than  in  some 
years. 

'  The  Peter  Poraipine  Papers  were  writ- 
ten by  William  Cobbett,  a  controversial  Eng- 
lishman, who  was  born  in  1762,  came  to  this 
country,  and  settled  in  Philadelphia  in  1796. 
He  had  taken  the  iioin  de plu7ne  of  Peter  Por- 
cupine before  coming  hither,  and  carried  it 
back  with  him  on  his  return  in  1800.  He 
was  a  very  voluminous  writer,  and  of  marked 
ability,  so  much  so  that  Chancellor  Kent 
said  :  "Cobbett,  in  these  volumes  (twelve  vol- 


umes published  in  London  in  1801)  has  left  a 
picture  of  the  politics  and  leading  politicians 
of  America,  which  (with  caution)  must  be 
studied  by  all  who  would  understand  the  party 
questions  with  which  they  were  discussed." 

^  Rev.  Elizur  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  a  native  of 
Wethersfield,  graduate  of  Yale  College  in 
1752,  minister  at  Durham  from  1756  to  his 
death,  1797.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Cor- 
poration of  Yale  College.  He  was  father  of 
Hon.  Chauncey  Goodrich,  Representative  and 
Senator  in  Congress,  and  Lieut.-Govcrnor  of 
Connecticut.  Elizur  Goodrich,  LL.  D.,  a 
member  and  Secretary  of  the  Yale  Corpora- 
tion, was  also  his  son.  The  last  named  was 
father  of  Rev.  Chauncey  Allen  Goodrich, 
D.  D.,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  in  Yale  College 
from  1817  to  1S39,  and  from  1839  to  i860 
Professor  of  the  Pastoral  Charge. 

'  Where  Dr.  Goodrich  died. 


I797-] 


AT    HOME   AT   NORFOLK. 


45 


25.  Worked  some.     Read  a  tragedy.     My  salt-rheum  grows  better. 

26.  Read  History  of  Redemption.  Troubled  about  wood.  Sacrament 
administered. 

27.  Extreme  cold.  Think  of  keeping  a  ciphering  school.  Worked.  The 
Mohawk  River  was  crossed  on  the  ice  about  the  middle  of  this  month. 

28.  Yesterday  morning  Col.  Adams,'  of  Litchfield,  our  Chief-Justice,  died 
of  a  lingering  disorder,  aged  sixty-one  years.  Read.  There  are  said  to  be 
333,000,000  inhabitants  in  China. 

29.  Our  envoys^  have  arrived  at  France.  Worked  and  caught  a  very  bad 
cold.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell,^  Torringford,  requesting  me  to  go 
and  take  a  school  there. 

30.  At  evening  a  tragedy  spoken  in  town.  I  did  not  go.  Read  Mosheim. 
Excessive  cold. 

December. 

1.  My  sister  B.*  not  the  most  happy  in  her  family.  Troubled  with  a 
divided  household.     Had  a  great  coat  made  yesterday. 

2.  The  weather  moderates.  Received  a  long  and  foolish  letter  from 
Medad  Curtis. 

3.  Pretty  full  meeting,  and  very  serious.  We  hear  that  Gov.  Wolcott' 
died  last  Friday  morning  of  a  lingering  illness,  aged  seventy-one.  Thus  our 
Governor,  Chief  Judge,  and  one  of  the  first  of  the  clergy.  Dr.  Goodrich,  have 
gone  near  together. 

4.  Spoke  considerably  in  town  meeting  about  seating  the  meeting-house. 
Last  night  there  was  a  total  eclipse  of  the  moon,  but  it  was  so  cloudy  it  could 
not  be  seen  only  by  its  effect  on  the  light. 

5.  Thought  to  be  the  coldest  day  we  have  had.  Caught  a  bad  cold  last 
night.  The  season  is  ver)^  extraordinary.  About  the  middle  of  November 
cold  weather  came  on  and  everything  froze  up.  The  weather  continued  freez- 
ing cold  till  the  26th  of  November,  and  ever  since  that  it  has  been  extreme. 
Winter  is  undoubtedly  set  in.  Many  people  have  now  cider  to  make,  corn 
and  potatoes  to  gather  in.     Such  a  season  cannot  be  remembered. 


'  Andrew  Adams,  graduate  of  Yale  1760, 
Member  of  Congress  and  Chief-Justice  of 
Connecticut.  He  was  King's  Attorney  be- 
fore tiie  Revolution,  and  was  a  member  of 
the  Continental  Congress. 

^  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  John  Mar- 
shall, and  Elbridge  Gerry. 

^  Josiah  Buckingham  Battel!,  brother  of 
Joseph  Battell,  who  married  Sarah  Robbins, 
brother  also  of  Sally  Battell,  who  became 
the  wife  of  Rev.  Dr.  Abel  McEwen,  of  New 
London.  The  mother  of  these  was  Sarah 
Buckingham,  of  Milford,  Ct.,  and  hence  Jo- 
siah Battell 's  middle  name. 


■*  Mrs.  Lawrence,  at  Paris,  N.  Y. 

^  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.  D.,  son  of  Roger 
Wolcott,  Colonial  Governor  of  Connecticut. 
Oliver  Wolcott  was  born  in  Windsor,  east 
side  of  the  river,  Nov.  26,  1726,  but  removed 
to  Litchfield  on  his  appointment  to  be  high 
sheriff  of  Litchfield  County  in  1751.  He 
was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1747.  He  died,  as 
by  the  record  above,  Dec.  i,  1797.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  an  entry  in  the  diary  in 
October,  states  that  he  was  unable  to  be  pres- 
ent at  the  meeting  of  the  assembly.  The 
Wolcott  family  furnished  many  valuable  men 
for  the  public  service. 


46  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l797- 

6.  Read  Mosheim.     I  find  nothing  more  beneficial  for  a  hard  cold  than 
exercise. 

7.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh  with  my  father.     We  hear  now  and  then  of  a 
little  attention  to  religion. 

8.  Made  a  syrup  for  the  salt-rheum  of  winter-green,  sarsaparilla,  and  black 
birch  bark. 

9.  Worked  some.     The  weather  more  moderate.     At  evening,  my  brother 
A.  and  his  wife  came  over  to  make  us  a  visit. 

ID.     Had  no  room  to  sit  in  our  pew.'     We  are  troubled  about  my  sister  B. 

11.  Had  some  clothes  made.     People  apt  to  run  to  see  shows. 

12.  Considerable  noise  in  town  about  our  pew  in  the  meeting-house. 

13.  Rode  down  to  Torringford,  and  agreed  to  take  a  school  at  a  shilling  a 
week  by  the  scholar. "^ 

14.  Rode  home.  Very  warm,  so  that  the  frost  breaks  through,  and  people 
are  making  cider. 

15.  Rode  to  Canaan,  and  had  a  coat  cut  out.     A  cold  rain. 

16.  Traded  considerably.  Cold;  the  thaw  over.  Read  some.  Wrote  a 
letter  to  Davis  and  another  to  Denison,^  now  preceptor  at  Williamstown. 

17.  We  hear  now  and  then  of  a  little  religious  interest.     Laics  Deo. 

18.  My  father  desired  the  town  to  let  him  have  a  pew  in  the  meeting- 
house. It  was  debated,  and  they  refused.  Giles  Pettibone"  talked  extremely 
saucy. 

19.  Had  some  clothes  made  ;  a  jacket  I  cut  myself  sets  very  well.  Ex- 
treme cold.     Finished  reading  the  fourth  volume  of  Mosheim. 

20.  Rode  down  to  Torringford  with  my  brother  F.^ 

21.  By  far  the  coldest  day  we  have  had.  Felt  much  concerned  about 
Frank,*  after  he  went  away,  on  account  of  the  cold.  In  the  afternoon  began 
my  school. 

22.  Boarding  at  Mr.  Battell's.     Weather  moderates. 

23.  Cold  for  a  long  time  past,  but  no  sleighing.  Mr.  Mills'  went  over  to 
preach  at  Litchfield.     They  are  destitute. 

24.  No  preaching.     I  read  all  day.     Difficult  moving;  ice. 

25.  What  time  I  can  get  reading  Dr.  Trumbull's  History  of  Co?inccticut^ 


'  There  seems  to  have  been  an  outbreak  ^  Francis  LeBaron  Robbins,  who  carried 

at  Norfolk,  of  the   fierce   democratic  spirit  him  down  to  Torringford  to  keep  school, 

sitting  in  judgment  on  the  minister's  rights  *  This   is   short  for   his   brother  Francis 

and  privileges.  LeBaron. 

^  This  is  not  the  old  shilling  of  the  pounds,  ^  Samuel  J.  Mills,  minister  at  Torringford 

shillings,  and  pence  order,  as  we  understand,  from  1769  to  1S33. 

but  the  more  modern  New  England  shilling,  ^  Dr.  Benjamin  Trumbull,  minister  at  North 

or  the  sixth  part  of  a  dollar.     With  thirty  Haven,  Ct.,  from  1760  to  1820.     The  first  vol- 

scholars  this  would  give  five  dollars  a  week,  ume  of   his  History  of  Connecticut  had  just 

which  meant  far  more  then,  than  the  same  been  published,  when  Mr.  Robbins  went  to 

sum  now.  Torringford,  and  was  eagerly  read  all   over 

^  Charles  Denison.  the    State.     The  second  volume  did   not  ap- 

*  Giles  Pettibone  was  a  prominent  man  in  pear  until  181S.     It  still  remains  a  book  of 

town,  and  had  been  often  representative  to  authority,  and  is  much  prized  among  schol- 

the  assembly.  ars,  especially  Connecticut  men. 


1797']  TEACHING   AT   TORRINGFORD.  47 

26.  1  have  a  very  good  school  of  youths,  about  twenty-five.     Rainy. 

27.  Very  cold.  Trumbull's  history  very  good.  My  father  preached  a 
dedication    sermon   at   Torrington.' 

28.  At  evening  attended  a  brilliant  wedding.     Stayed  too  late. 

29.  The  English  have  defeated  the  Dutch  fleet  in  a  great  naval  fight.^ 

30.  At  night  received  a  good  letter  from  mamma,  and  one  from  Mr.  Gil- 
man  at  Marietta.     Read  Newton's^  Letters. 

31.  Pleasant  weather.  Good  preaching.  Read  Theological  Magazine. 
Wrote  a  letter  to  mamma.  Thus  another  year  has  passed  over  me.  How  do 
I  fall  in  debt  every  year.  I  resolve  and  resolve  and  that  is  the  most.  O,  for 
assistance  that  I  may  live  answerable  to  mercies  received. 


*  Torrington   is  the   town  of  which  Tor-  Duncan    defeated    the    Dutch     fleet     under 

ringford  is  a  parish.  Admiral  De  Winter,  the  latter  losing  fifteen 

^  This  was  the   battle   of    Camperdown,  ships, 
fought  Oct.   II,    1797,    in    which    Admiral  ^  Rev.  John  Newton 


January. 

1.  Have  a  poor  heart  and  little  inclination  to  begin  the  year  as  a  moral 
agent  and  an  accountable  being  ought  to  do, 

2.  At  night  received  letters  from  my  sister  S.,  my  cousin  P.  Starr,  and 
from  Davis. 

3.  Much  dejected  in  spirits.  May  it  be  a  means  of  giving  me  true 
humility  and  submission.     Read  in  Mr.  Newton's  Letters  to  his  Wife. 

4.  My  school  increases.     Read  Pope's  Homer's  Iliad} 

5.  Considerable  snow  last  night  and  today. 

6.  Talked  seriously  to  my  school.  Very  much  pleased  with  Homer's* 
Iliad, 

7.  Read  the  Theological  Magazine.  Great  things  doing  to  Christianize  the 
heathen.     May  they  be  succeeded.     At  evening  attended  a  singing  meeting. 

8.  Read  ^ixe.ic\i's  Beauties  0/  Ilistory.^     At  night  it  snowed.     Wrote  home. 

9.  At  evening  began  an  evening  school.  At  length  a  definitive  treaty  of 
peace  is  concluded  between  France  and  Germany,  A  very  good  newspaper 
this  week. 

10.  Not  very  well.     At  evening  wrote.     Thawy  weather. 

11.  Very  cold.     Read  Stretch's  Beauties  of  History. 

12.  At  evening  had  a  school.     Unwell  for  the  want  of  sufficient  exercise, 

13.  Heard  from  home.     Warm.     Exercised  considerably. 

14.  At  evening  wrote  to  my  sister  S.,  and  to  Esther  Robbins. 

15.  Very  warm.     The  snow  goes  very  fast.     Read  Beauties  of  History. 

16.  Yesterday  a  young  man  at  Norfolk  had  his  arm  cut  off;  a  misfortune 
in  bleeding. 

17.  A  thorough  January  thaw.     Things  in  France  appear  unfavorable  to- 
wards the  United  States.     Read. 

18.  Had  some  occasion  for  reproof  in  my  school.     Cold, 

19.  I  get  tired  and  almost  sick  with  my  school  day  and  evening, 

20.  Went  to  live  at  Mr,  Mills's.     Read  Mr,  Strong  against  Universalists,^ 


'  The  translation  of  Homer's  Iliadhy  Pope  Calvinism  Improved,  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Jo- 
was  first  published  by  subscription  from  17 15  seph  Huntington,  of  Coventry.  Dr.  Hunt- 
to  1720,  but  it  has  appeared  in  many  editions,  ington  died  in  1794,  and  the  existence  of  any 
and  found  a  multitude  of  readers  in  every  such  work  was  not  known  until  after  his 
generation  since.  death.     It  was  Universalist   in   its  doctrine. 

^  L.  M.  Stretch's  Beauties  of  History,  pub-  It  was  published  in  1796,  and  was  soon  fol- 

lished  in  London  1797  and  1815.     Two  vol-  lowed  by  a  treatise  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Nathan 

umes.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  entitled,  77/1?  Doctrine  of 

^  One  of  the  great   theological   events  in  Eternal  Misery  Consistent  with  the  Infinite  Be- 

Connecticut,  near  the  close  of  the  last  cent-  nez'olenceof  God.     This  last  was  the  work  that 

ury,  was  the  appearance  of  the  book  entitled  Mr.  Robbins  was  reading. 

49 


5©  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1798. 

21.  At  evening  went  to  singing   meeting.     Mr.  M.  preached   closely  on 
Divine  Sovereignty.' 

22.  Connecticut  River  is  now  principally  open.     In  the  afternoon  rainy. 

23.  Very  cold.      Sudden   changes   in   the   weather  lately.      Considerable 
speculation  in  the  State  concerning  a  Lieutenant-Governor. 

24.  It  appears  the  French  are  about  to  destroy  the  Pope.^     The  French 
are  excessive  haughty. 

25.  Considerably  unwell.     Thinking  of  a  subject  for  a  dialogue.     Some 
headache. 

26.  Snowed,  but  warm.     We  have  as  yet  had  no  sleighing  of  consequence. 

27.  Cold,  and  snowed  hard  all  day.     Talked  seriously  to  my  school. 

28.  Yesterday  and  last  night  the  hardest  storm  we  have  had  since  March, 
1796.     People  breaking  paths. 

29.  Engaged  writing  a  dialogue.     Considerably  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my 
jaw. 

30.  Pleasant  weather,  and  excellent  sleighing. 

31.  Towards  night  rode  home.     Found  at  my  father's  Uncle  Starr,  Peter, 
etc.     My  father  has  a  great  deal  of  company.^ 

February. 

1.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  Wrote  some.  My  brother*  does  a  great 
deal  of  business  as  sheriff. 

2.  Visited  the  school.     Saw  Combs,^  the  scholar,  at  Williams  College. 

3.  Rode  back  to  Torringford.     Cold.     Very  good  sleighing. 

4.  Mr.  Mills  gone  to  preach  at  Winsted,  now  vacant.^  Read  all  day. 
My  classmate  King'  came  here  ;  brought  a  letter  from  Davis  at  Somers.  I 
wrote  back  to  Davis. 

5.  Had  a  very  good  visit  from  King.     Wrote  on  a  dialogue. 

6.  Our  commissioners  in  France  in  a  very  critical  situation. 

7.  Cold,  and  very  good  sleighing.     My  school  improves  very  well. 

8.  Extreme  cold.     I  pray  in  the  family  in  Mr.  Mills's  absence. 

9.  Have  very  full  evening  schools.  It  seems  the  whole  world  is  engaged 
in  sleighing. 

10.  Heard  from  home.     Saw  Lee's  new  arithmetic.     Appears  pedantic. 

11.  At  even  finished  my  dialogue.     Read.     Mr.  Mills  preached  on  the  Ten 
Commandments. 


'  This  was  a  favorite  topic  with  the  New  *  Nathaniel  Robbins. 

England  divines  a  hundred  years  ago.  *  There  was  no  graduate  of  Williams  Col- 

^  They  did  greatly   cripple   his  temporal  lege  by  the  name  of  Combs.     He  may  have 

power,  and  broke  in  upon  it  still  more  in  the  been  in  the  Academy. 

present  century ;    but  the   Pope  is   not  yet  *  Rev.  Ezra  Woodworth,  who   had  been 

destroyed.  settled  in  Winsted  in  1792,  was  about  to  leave. 

^  It  is  more   and  more  evident  that  the  ^  Salmon  King.  He  and  Davis  were  at  So- 

parsonage  at  Norfolk  was  a  center  of  many  mers,  Ct.,  studying  theology  with  Dr.  Charles 

varied  influences.     Streams  were  flowing   in  Backus,  at  that  time  one  of  the  most  conspic- 

and  cut  continually.  uous  theological  teachers  in  New  England. 


1798.] 


TEACHING   AND    STUDYING   THEOLOGY   AT   TORRINGFORD. 


51 


12.  Mr.  Bordwell,'  of  Kent,  and  wife,  came  here  for  a  visit.     Instructive, 
though  odd. 

13.  Troubled  some  with  a  pain  in  my  jaw.     Great  noise  at  Congress  that 
Mr.  Lyon  has  spit  in  Mr.  Griswold's '  face. 

14.  Snowed   considerably.     Mr.    Bordwell   preached  a   lecture.     Evening 
wrote. 

15.  Warm.     At  evening  wrote  a  letter.     Congress  too  much  in  parties. 

16.  Fine  sleighing.     Mr.  Bordwell  went  home.     Read  in  l^&\Vs^  Letters  to 
Paine. 

17.  Wrote  to  Joseph  BattelL*     Wrote.     Considerably  unwell.     Cold. 

18.  Mr.  Mills  in  sermon  represented  Christ  sold  at  vendue.^     The  Theo- 
logical Magazines  arrived. 

19.  The  Magazine  vQxy  good.     The    missionary  spirit  increasing.     Wrote 
very  late. 

20.  My  school  does  very  well.     At  night  very  cold  and  stormy.     After  long 
debate  in  Congress,  Mr.  Lyon  '  was  not  expelled. 

21.  Quite  sick  all  day  with  a  pain  in  my  jaw.     Dismissed  school. 

22.  Feel  much  better.     Read  Magazine.     At  evening  saw   S.  Kingsbury 
from  Norfolk.     My  brother  James  sick. 

23.  Quite  thawy  all  day.     Snow  goes  very  fast. 

24.  Talked  seriously  to  my  school.     May  I  do  some  good.     Read  Magazine. 

25.  Snowed.     Felt   something   serious.      At   evening  walked   up   to   Dr. 
Woodward's.' 

26.  Cold.     All  freezes  up.     Went  to  Col.  Strong's.^     Congress  conducts 
ridiculously, 

27.  Mr.  Griswold  and  Mr.  Lyon  at  Congress  have  been  fighting.'     Very 
cold.     Heard  from  home. 

28.  Gave    my   dialogues   to   my   school.     Conversed  with    Mr.    jNIills   on 
Divinity.'" 


'  Rev.  Joel  Bordwell,  minister  at  Kent 
from  1758  to  181 1,  when  he  died.  He  was 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1756. 

^  The  persons  engaged  in  the  quarrel  were 
Mathew  Lyon,  of  Vermont,  and  Roger  Gris- 
wold, of  Connecticut.  Lyon  was  a  Democrat, 
and  a  somewhat  notorious  character.  Roger 
Griswold  was  a  distinguished  Federalist,  and 
was  afterwards  Governor  of  Connecticut. 

^  David  Levi,  a  tradesman  of  London,  of 
considerable  fame  as  a  writer  and  man  of 
learning. 

•♦  Who  afterwards  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Mr.  Robbins's  sister  Sarah. 

'  Mr.  Mills  in  his  pulpit  performances 
couM  say  and  do  things,  that  in  other  men 
would  have  seemed  odd,  but  were  natural  and 
admissible  with  him. 


*  There  was  an  effort  to  expel  him  for  his 
low  and  dirty  act,  but  the  effort  miscarried. 
In  iSoi,  it  will  be  remembered  that  Mr.  Jef- 
ferson and  Mr.  Burr  had  an  equal  number  of 
electoral  votes,  and  the  man  who  turned  the 
scale  for  Mr.  Jefferson  is  said  to  have  been 
this  Mathew  Lyon. 

'  Dr.  Samuel  Woodward,  an  honored  phy- 
sician. 

^  Col.  John  Strong. 

9  As  Congress  did  not  expel  Mr.  Lyon, 
the  affair  led  on  to  a  personal  encounter. 

'°  Mr.  Mills  was  not  so  much  known  as  a 
theologian  as  a  man  of  broad  and  general 
power,  with  a  quaint  stj'le  of  speaking  and 
writing.  In  those  respects  he  was  one  of  the 
most  original  and  well-known  preachers  of 
his  generation. 


52 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1798. 


March. 

1.  Good  sleighing.     Some  unwell.     At  evening  rode  over  to  Torrington.' 

2.  In  the  morning  rode  back.  Had  a  ver}'  good  visit  at  Mr.  Gillet's.^ 
Rainy  and  hail. 

3.  My  school  engaged  learning  dialogues.  Robberies  and  murders  grow 
frequent  in  this  country. 

4.  At  evening  wrote.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Woodworth,'  of  Winsted, 
preached  here. 

5.  At  evening  made  some  visits,     A  very  great  and  universal  cry  for  hay. 

6.  Was  invited  to  a  ball.  At  my  evening  school  went  deep  into  mathe- 
matics. For  equal  mills,  as  the  square  of  the  hight  of  one  dam  multiplied 
by  its  quantity  of  water,  so  is  another. 

7.  Much  distressed  with  my  old  pain  in  my  jaw.     Wrote. 

8.  My  boys  spoke  one  dialogue.  Poor  but  hopeful.  In  evening  wrote  a 
short  dialogue. 

g.     Quite  warm.     The  sleighing  seems  to  be  going. 

10.  Sap  runs  a  little.     Mr.  Hallock*  came  here  from  Simsbury  to  preach. 
Some  awakening  up  the  country. 

11.  A  very  uncomfortable  storm.     At  night  wrote  on  an  oration  for  my 
exhibition. 

12.  At  evening  had  a  peculiar  interview  with  .     The  sleighing  is 
gone. 

13.  Went  to  board  at  Col.  Strong's.^     Finished  my  night-school. 

14.  Saw  Uncle  Starr.     Mr.  Griswold,*  of   New  Milford,  has  published  a 
piece  defaming  that  association. 

15.  Saw  Mr.  Judson,  of  Sheffield.     Wrote  home.     Merchants  break  very 
frequently.     The  King^  of  Prussia  is  dead. 

16.  Dreadful  stirring.     People  begin  to  make  sugar. 

17.  Walked  up  to  see  Bissell,*  formerly  a  scholar  at  our  house.     Many 
people  are  going  up  to  Winsted  to  have  the  small-pox. 

18.  Saw  Josiah  Battell.     Roads  and  turnpikes  very  much  the  rage  of  the 
day. 


'  Torrington  Centre  was  a  few  miles  from 
Torringford. 

^  Alexander  Gillet,  native  of  East  Granby, 
graduate  at  Yale  in  1770;  settled  in  Wolcott, 
Ct.,  1773  to  1791;  settled  in  Torrington  1792 
to  1826. 

^Church  in  Winsted  organized  in  1790; 
Ezra  Woodworth,  first  pastor  from  1792  to 
1799. 

*  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  pastor  at  Can- 
ton Centre  from  1785  to  1826.  He  received 
the  degree  of  A.M.  from  Yale  in  1788. 

^  Col.  John  Strong,  a  native  of  Windsor, 


Ct.,  born  in  1733,  and  one  of  the  early  settlers 
on  the  west  side  of  Torrington. 

^  Rev.  Stanley  Grisvvold  was  a  native  of 
Torringford,  graduated  at  Yale  in  17S6,  set- 
tled at  New  Milford  in  1790,  and  dismissed 
in  1802.  While  pastor  at  New  Milford  he 
embraced  Unitarian  sentiments,  and  involved 
himself  and  his  church  in  a  course  of  disci- 
pline. 

''  Frederick  William  H. 

^  The  second  settler  in  Torringford  was 
Benjamin  Bissell,  who  went  there  in  1745. 
His  descendants  were  numerous. 


1798.]  TEACHING   AND    STUDYING   THEOLOGY   AT   TORRINGFORD.  53 

19.  My  school  much  engaged  preparing  for  exhibition.  Griffin,'  a  college 
acquaintance,  called  to  see  me. 

20.  There  is  every  appearance  that  the  French  are  determined  to  go  to 
Great  Britain      Our  commissioners  not  like  to  do  anything. 

21.  Parties  high  at  Congress.  Went  to  board  at  Mr.  Battell's.^  A  hard 
storm. 

22.  At  evening  my  children^  spoke  their  dialogues  very  well.  Poor  weather 
for  sugar. 

23.  At  night  rode  out.     Got  some  warm  sugar. 

24.  Took  a  very  affectionate  leave  of  my  school.  A  peculiar  scene. 
Made    out    the    school-bill ;    a   great   job.     Very  stormy. 

25.  The  winter  breaking  up.     Very  bad  going. 

26.  Helped  my  boys  to  make  a  stage  in  the  meeting-house.''  Fixed  things 
in  good  order.     All  feel  much  engaged  in  the  exhibition. 

27.  We  had,  I  think,  the  best  exhibition  of  a  school  I  ever  saw.  All  my 
own  composition.  I  closed  with  an  oration.  At  night  had  an  agreeable 
company  at  Mrs.  Battell's.  My  father  came  down,  brought  me  a  horse,  and 
attended  the  exhibition. 

28.  My  wages  for  thirteen  weeks,  boarding  myself  (which  was  low),'  were 
sixty  dollars.  People  paid  me  very  cheerfully.  Had  a  great  audience 
yesterday. 

29.  Rode  home.  Snow  in  the  road  a  great  part  of  the  way.  Dangerous 
riding. 

30.  Very  warm ;  snow  goes  very  fast.  My  cousin,  G.  Thompson,*  must 
die  soon  by  reason  of  his  intemperance ;  very  stupid. 

31.  My  sister  B.'s  family  more  peaceable.  The  streams  very  high.  I  think 
I  gain  constantly  in  the  knowledge  of  geography  and  history. 

April. 

1.  My  father  exhibited  the  proclamation  for  a  Fast.  Our  nation  and  State 
are  in  great  danger  of  internal  commotions.  May  God  save  this  nation  as  he 
has  heretofore. 

2.  Wrote  the  former  transactions  of  my  life.  Finished  my  first  little 
diary.  Rainy.  The  season  is  backward.  A  good  deal  of  snow  yet.  Very 
little  sugar  weather.  A  very  great  scarcity  of  hay.  Danger  that  many  cattle 
will  die.  A  very  great  spirit  of  litigation  prevails;  eight  hundred  cases  before 
the  present  county  court.  I  had  a  very  agreeable  school  at  Torringford. 
They  improved  beyond  all  expectation.     My  connection  with  them  was  very 


'  George  Griffin,  in  the  class   of    1797  at  '  That  is,  his  board  was  low,  probably  not 

Yale.  more  than  a  dollar  a  week. 

-  William  Battell.  ^  Irene  Robbms,  of  Branford,  Ct.,  sister  of 

^  The  younger  scholars  of  the  school,  for  Rev.  Ammi  Ruhamah  Robbins,  married  Mr. 

whom  he  had  written  a  special  dialogue.  G.  D.  Thompson.     G.  Thompson  is   doubt- 

*  In  the  old  New  England  towns,  the  meet-  less    one    of    her    sons.      His    mother    was 

ing-house  had  to  serve  for  almost  all  public  living   at    this    time    at    Plymouth,   Massa- 

occasions.  chusetts. 


54  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1798- 

agreeable.  I  was  never  irritated  or  spoke  a  cross  word  to  one  of  them.  Their 
affection  and  esteem  for  me  appeared  to  be  no  less  than  I  had  for  them. 
They  were  generally  from  fourteen  to  eighteen  years  of  age ;  and  on  the 
whole  I  do  not  believe  there  is  a  more  agreeable  school  in  the  country. 

3.  There  has  been  a  good  deal  of  cider'  made  this  spring,  as  well  as  in 
the  winter  thaws.  Dreadful  going.  Attended  the  concert  of  prayer.  It 
snows. 

4.  Difficulties  in  my  father's  church.  Parties  in  Congress  seem  to  be 
permanently  fixed.     The  French  take  our  vessels  at  a  great  rate. 

5.  Reading  Montesquieu's  Spirit  of  Laws.^  Wrote  to  the  printer  at 
Hartford. 

6.  Fast  day.  My  heart  very  cold  in  the  duties  of  religion.  A  young 
child  died  in  town  with  a  scald. 

7.  The  Democrats  made  a  great  stir  in  this  State  to  influence  the  ensuing 
election  for  Congress.     Read  Mosheim's  History. 

8.  Read  History  of  Redemption.  Quite  warm.  The  ground  settles  very 
fast. 

9.  In  consequence  of  some  late  news  from  Congress,  handbills  were  sent 
last  night  from  Litchfield  through  the  country.  They  had  a  very  good  effect. 
The  Democrats  ^  had  scarcely  any  votes ;  not  one  here. 

10.  The  President  of  the  United  States*  has  issued  a  proclamation  for  a 
National  Fast.     Opened  a  potato  hole  ;  half  rotten. 

11.  Finished    Mosheim's   Ecclesiastical  Histoiy?     Very   good    and   useful. 
May   I    retain. 

12.  Began  to  read  Prideaux's*  Connections.     Rainy.     Our  country  seems  in 
a  degree  in  commotion. 

13.  Worked  considerably.     Drove  plough ;  caught  cold. 

14.  Troubled   some   with   rheumatism.      Metallic    points    useful.      Read. 
Rainy. 

15.  Mr.  Morgan,  about  to  settle  at  North  Canaan,  preached  here,  my  father 
preached  there. 

16.  Read  Prideaux.     Streams  very  high.     It  seems  that  the  country  will 
be  almost  ruined  by  litigation. 


'  The  family  cider  was  regarded  as  one  of  has  been  reading  Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  His. 

the  essentials  of  life,  and  if  it  could  not  be  /t7r;y  for  some  months.     Mosheim  died  in  1755, 

made   in   the  fall,   it  must  be   made  in  the  at  the  age  of  sixty-one,  while  connected  with 

spring.  We  remember  that  apples  were  buried  the  University  of  Gottingen.     His  works  were 

in  the  fall.     Out  of  these  probably  the  spring  first   translated   into   English  in  1764,  but  a 

cider  was  made.  much  better  edition   was   furnished   by   our 

^  Esprit  des  Lois  first  published   in  1748.  own    countryman,    Dr.   James    Murdock,   in 

"  One  of  the  most  laborious  books  ever  writ-  1845. 
ten."  '  Dr.    Humphrey   Prideaux,   whose    Con- 

^  Connecticut  was  then  very  strongly  Fed-  nection  of  the  Old  and  yV^tc  Testament  with  the 

eral.  History  of  the  Jeius  and  Neighboring  Nations 

*  Second  year  of  President  John  Adams's  has  been   of  such  service  to  scholars.     He 

administration.  was  born  at  Padstow  in  Cornwall,  England, 

^  It  will  be  remembered  that  Mr.  Robbins  in  1648,  and  died  in  1724. 


1798.]  AT    HOME    AT    NORFOLK.  CC 

17,  Very  cold  for  the  season.  Ground  so  frozen  that  it  can't  be  plowed. 
Bought  Dr.  Trumbull's  History  of  Connecticut. 

18.  The  papers  give  us  the  instructions  to  the  French  commissioners,  and 
the  accounts  received  from  them.  France  determines  all  nations  shall  be 
tributaries.  War  seems  inevitable.  Worked  some.  Connecticut  River  has 
not  been  known  so  high  for  many  years.  Universally  the  streams  are  at  a 
very  unusual  hight.  The  great  depth  of  the  frost  has  made  a  long  season  of 
mud,  and  almost  impossible  to  move.  The  ground  not  settled  yet.  We  have 
had  a  very  long  and  severe  winter.  I  think  the  longest,  though  not  the  cold- 
est, I  can  remember. 

ig.     Warm.     At  night  finished  the  first  part  of  Prideaux's  History. 

20.  Yesterday  we  had  the  melancholy  news  of  the  death  of  our  cousin, 
George  Thompson.*  He  died  of  a  kind  of  a  consumption  occasioned  by  his 
licentious  life.     A  great  deal  of  rain  this  spring. 

21.  My  mamma  much  troubled  with  complaints,  nervous,  etc.  Quite  un- 
well.    Quite  warm.     Made  a  syrup  to  drink  for  the  salt-rheum. 

22.  Rainy.     I  grow  better  in  health  since  I  came  from  Torringford. 

23.  Read  the  History  of  Connecticut.^     Worked  considerably. 

24.  My  father  went  to  Stockbridge  to  be  doctored  for  his  old  difficulty. 
Public  news  very  interesting. 

25.  My  father  returned  without  effecting  anything.     Worked  pretty  hard. 

26.  Worked.     Made  a  very  good  great  gate  for  a  fence. 

27.  Very  hot.     Our  National  Fast  is  put  off  by  reason  of  our  election. 

28.  A  very  hot  and  growing  time.  On  the  24th  bought  Ramsay's^  History 
of  the  American  Revolution.     Read  it. 

29.  A  man  at  Southington  lately  died  with  the  hydrophobia.  Missionary 
societies  I  fear  will  be  too  common.* 

30.  Quite  warm.  A  family  in  town  poisoned  eating  herbs.  Read 
Ramsay's   History. 

May. 

1.  Worked.     Put  on  linen  clothes  for  the  first  time.     Extremely  hot. 

2.  The  conduct  of  the  French  towards  this  country  is  nearly  equal  to  a 
declaration  of  war.     In  the  afternoon  a  very  great  shot  of  rain.^ 

3.  My  classmate  King*  came  here  to  make  me  a  visit.  Afternoon  he 
preached  a  lecture.     The  first  preacher  in  the  class. 


*  Vide  note  on  March  30th  ult.  expression  "  shot  of  rain."  The  word  must 
^  Trumbull's.  have  been  used  in  those  days  to  signify  a 
^  David  Ramsay,  M.  D.,  born  April  2, 1749,  sudden  and  powerful  shower,  perhaps  accom- 

in  Lancaster,  Penn.,  graduated  at  Princeton  panied  with  high  winds. 

College  in  1765,  settled  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  ^  Salmon  King,  who   had  been   studying 

as  a   physician,  and  became   eminent.     His  with   Dr.  Charles   Backus,  of   Somers.     He 

History  of  the  American  Revolution  in  two  vol-  had  recently  been  licensed  (April  10)  by  the 

umes,  published  in  1789.  Tolland   Association.      "The   first   preacher 

*  If  there  was  danger  of  this  when  he  in  the  class "  means  simply  that  he  was  the 
wrote,  what  shall  we  say  now?  But  his  fear  first  one  of  the  Yale  class  of  1796  to  receive 
was  quite  unnecessary.  his  license  to  preach.     It  was  not  yet  two  years 

^  We  have  once  before,  at  least,  had  this  since  he  was  graduated  at  Yale  College. 


56 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[1798. 


4.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robbins.     My  brother  J.  came  from  Hartford, 
having  been  after  shad."     Good  luck ;  one  weighed  above  six  pounds. 

5.  My  father  bought  a  number  of  apple-trees  at  14^'.  each.     Worked  a 
good  deal  setting  them  out.     Read  in  Peter  Pindar.^ 

6.  If  it  be  such  a  trial  to  be  excluded  from  the  visible  church,  what  will 
it  be  at  last  ? 

7.  Worked.     Making   a   fence    round   the    house.     Dr.   West  came   and 
tarried  here  going  to  election.     The  Democrats  in  this  countr}'  lose  ground  fast. 

8.  A  great  struggle  in  the  State  of  New  York  for  Governor.     Mr.  Jay  has 
likely  got  it.     My  father  had  a  small  building  drained. 

9. .  My  father  went  to  election.     This  is  the  day  in  all  the  States  but  this 
for  the  Fast.     May  God  hear  the  prayers  of  his  people. 

10.  Rained  a  little.  The  young  people  here  very  fond  of  balls;  chil- 
dren too. 

11.  Finished  the  fence  before  the  house.  Jonathan  TrumbulP  is  chosen 
Governor,  and  John  Treadwell,*  being  the  highest,  is  put  in  Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor of  this  State. 

12.  Pettibone^  at  Williams  College,  from  this  town,  dangerously  sick. 
His  friends  gone  up.     My  father  went  to  Canaan  to  preach. 

13.  IMr.  Farrand^  preached  here;  seventy-eight  years  old.  Holds  his  age 
remarkably. 

14.  Got  the  water  on  the  mowing.  The  trees  in  full  bloom.  Cool 
weather   steadily. 

15.  Dr.  Elisha  North  thinks  of  settling  in  this  town.  Read  Ramsay's 
History.    Disturbances  at  Philadelphia  at  the  late   Fast. 

16.  This  day  the  Fast  was  attended  through  this  State.  Pretty  full  meeting 
here.     The  first  National  Fast  since  I  can  remember.'     Pettibone  like  to  live. 

17.  Received  a  letter  from  my  classmate  Noble  at  William stown.  Wrote 
to  Sally  Battell. 

iS.     Read  Ramsay.     A  very  dry  and  cool  season. 


'  May  was  the  month  for  filling  the  Con- 
necticut shad  barrel,  or  barrels,  for  the  year. 

^  Peter  Pindar  was  Dr.  John  Wolcott,  of 
England,  born  at  Dodbrooke,  Devonshire,  in 
1738,  and  dying  in  1819.  He  was  a  very  bold 
and  effective  satirist,  and  George  III,  Dr. 
Samuel  Johnson,  Boswell,  and  many  others, 
felt  the  sharp  arrows  of  his  wit. 

^  Jonathan  Trumbull,  of  Lebanon,  chosen 
Governor  of  Connecticut  in  1798,  to  take  the 
place  of  Gov.  Oliver  Wolcott,  who  died  near 
the  close  of  1797,  was  the  son  of  the  famous 
Gov.  Jonathan  Trumbull  of  the  Revolution- 
ary period.  He  was  chosen  each  year  for 
eleven  years,  till  his  death  in  1809.  He  and 
his  father  were  both  graduates  of  Harvard 
College. 


■•  John  Treadwell  was  of  Farmington,  and 
after  the  death  of  Gov.  Trumbull  just  named, 
was  Governor  for  t^vo  years.  He  was  the 
first  President  of  the  American  Board  of 
Foreign    Missions. 

^  Sereno  Pettibone,  who  recovered  from 
this  illness,  and  graduated  at  Williams  Col- 
lege in  1800. 

*  Rev.  Daniel  Farrand  had  been  settled 
at  Canaan  forty-six  years,  at  the  time  of  this 
preaching.  He  remained  five  years  longer, 
till  his  death  in  1803. 

^  Our  autumnal  Thanksgivings  have  now 
all  become  National  as  well  as  State  appoint- 
ments, but  a  National  Fast  has  not  occurred, 
as  we  remember,  since  the  close  of  the  War 
of  the  Rebellion. 


1798.]  AT    HOME   AT   NORFOLK.  57 

19.  Worked  a  little  at  planting.     The  water  very  useful  for  the  mowing. 

20.  Read  Dr.  West'  on  Infant  Baptism.     Some  seriousness  in  some  parts 
of  the  town. 

21.  Very  warm.     Read  Ramsay.     Rode. 

22.  Every  preparation  is  making  in  the  United  States  for  war.^     War  be- 
tween France  and  Switzerland. 

23.  Pettibone  at  college  recovering.     Worked  some.     Unwell. 

24.  Finished  Ramsay's  History.     One  of  the  most  entertaining  histories  I 
ever  read.     Had  a  pair  of  boots  made. 

25.  Rained  a  good  deal.     We  have  had  none  of  consequence  before  since 
the  2d  of  the  month.     Read  Peter  Pindar. 

26.  Quite  cool.     Rode  to  Torringford  with  my  sister  Sally.^     Mr.  Griswold, 
of  North  Milford,  has  ruined  his  character  by  imprudence.* 

27.  In  the  morning  a  little  frost.     Mr.  Mills  preached,  and  Mr.  Gaylord,^  of 
Hartland,  a  third  sermon. 

28.  A  very  hard  rainy  day.     My  friends  at  Torringford  quite  affectionate. 
Weighed  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  pounds. 

29.  So  rainy  I  could  not  ride  home.     Got  all  my  pay  for  schooling. 

30.  Rode  home  with  my  sister.     Switzerland  seems  fast  falling  a  prey  to 
the  French.     Traded  considerably. 

31.  Read.     Streams   very   high.     A   bad  time   for  seeds   to  grow.     Cold 
and   wet. 

June. 

1.  Had  some  clothes  made.     Pained  with  a  whitlow  on  a  finger. 

2.  Worked  a  little  at  highways.  Our  representatives  returned  from  the 
assembly.  Went  to  see  Pettibone  ;  recovering.  It  has  rained  every  day  this 
week,  but  the  Sabbath. 

3.  My  father  exchanged  with  Mr.  Morgan'  at  Canaan.  A  very  great  in- 
attention to  religion  prevails  here. 

4.  Finished  reviewing  Dr.  Ramsay.  Mr.  Backus's  election  sermon  this 
year  extraordinary. 

5.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  classmate  Noble.  Rode  to  Canaan  with  my  father 
to  attend  an  installation.  Saw  my  classmate  Denison'  at  Canaan.  The  French 
everywhere  triumphant,  are  excessively  haughty  and  proud ;  every  exertion  is 
making  to  invade  England,  in  which  Spain  and  Holland  will  assist.  Their 
projects  in  all  parts,  especially  to  the  East,  are  romantic.  .  The  balance  of 
Europe  seems  destroyed  ;  what  will  be  the  event  is  left  with  the  wise  Disposer 
of  all  events. 


'  This  was  not  Dr.  Stephen  West,  of  Stock-  *  Vide  previous  note, 

bridge,  but  Dr.  Samuel  West,  of  New  Bed-  ^  Rgy  Nathaniel  Gaylord,  first  minister  of 

ford,  Mass.  West  Hartland,  settled  from  1782  to  1841,  fifty- 

^  Notwithstanding  all   the  ominous  signs  nine  years.     He  graduated  at  Yale  in  1774. 
growing  out  of  the  hostile  movements  of  Eu-  *  Rev.  Solomon  Morgan,  about  to  be  in- 

ropean  nations,  we  were  happily  saved  from  stalled  at  North  Canaan, 
war,  in  those  years.  '  Charles  Denison,  of  the  class  of  1796  at 

^  Sally  is  Sarah  Robbins.  Yale. 


58 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1798. 


6.  Mr.  Morgan  was  installed  at  North  Canaan.'  Rode  with  my  sister 
down  to  my  brother  Ammi's. 

7.  Rode  home ;  quite  wet.  Had  a  good  visit.  I  never  saw  the  streams 
in  Canaan  so  high. 

8.  Read  Dr.  Trumbull's  History.  A  late  conspiracy  is  discovered,  the 
most  formidable  in  the  records  of  time.^  The  wet  weather  is  extraordinary. 
On  the  last  day  of  May  Connecticut  River  was  higher  at  Hartford  than  it  has 
been  for  twelve  years,  except  this  last  spring.  Whole  fields  of  summer  crops 
destroyed. 

9.  Rode  some.  We  have  at  length  got  fair  weather  after  more  than  a 
fortnight  of  wet. 

10.  Felt  very  serious.     The  churches  in  the  countrj^  apparently  declining. 
At  evening  wrote  to  Sally  Battell,^  Torringford. 

11.  Rode  to  Goshen,  and  back  for  my  brother  N.*     My  brother  A.'  quite 
sick  with  the  colic.     My  mamma  went  over  to  Canaan. 

12.  Rode  to  Canaan.     My  brother  low,  but  getting  better.     Warm. 

13.  Rode  home  with  my  mamma.     Mr.  Adams,  of  Canaan,  much  afflicted 
with  my  father's  disorder. 

14.  Dr.  North,^  of  Goshen,  came  to  our  house  and  operated  upon  my  father 
for  his  disorder.     Quite  warm. 

15.  Rode  up  to  Stockbridge  from  Sheffield  in  the   stage,  to  live  with  Dr. 
West.^ 

16.  Began  to  read  Jones's^  Canon  of  the  New  Testament.  May  I  be  directed 
in  my  studies  this  summer. 

17.  Read  the  Magazine  and  Bible.     I  fear  I  don't  know  my  own  heart. 

18.  Read  steadily.  My  health  very  good,  but  I  fear  it  will  be  impaired  by 
study. 

19.  A  number  of  ministers  with  Dr.  West  went  to  Williamstown  to 
association. 

20.  Very  warm.     Political  union  in  the  country  ver}-  much  increases.     The 


'  Rev.  Solomon  Morganwas  installed  June 
6,  over  the  church  in  North  Canaan,  where 
he  remained  till  his  death  in  1S04.  He  had 
been  previously  settled  in  Voluntown,  now 
Sterling,  Ct. 

^  "Corresponding  Society  of  London 
was  formed  about  the  year  1791,  to  spread 
liberal  opinions,  and  check  the  tyranny  of  the 
British  government,  then  much  alarmed  by 
the  French  Revolution.  Home  Tooke  and 
other  members  were  tried  and  acquitted, 
October,  1794-  The  meetings  of  the  society 
at  Copenhagen  Fields  and  elsewhere  in  Octo- 
ber and  November,  1796,  were  termed  trea- 
sonable. On  April  21,  1798,  Messrs.  O'Con- 
nor, O'Coigley,  and  others,  were  tried  for 
corresponding  with  the  French  Directory,  and 


James  O'Coigley  was  executed  as  a  traitor, 
protesting  his  innocence,  on  June  7th."  — 
ffaydn^s  Dictionary  of  Dates,  N'ew  York,  18  j8, 
p.  148. 

^  Afterwards  married  to  Dr.  Abel  Mc- 
Ewen,  of  New  London. 

*  Nathaniel  Robbins. 

^  Ammi  Ruhamah,  of  Canaan. 

''  Dr."  Elisha  North,  who  has  been  before 
spoken  of  as  having  thoughts  of  settling  as  a 
physician  in  Norfolk. 

^  Dr.  Stephen  West,  of  Stockbridge. 

^  William  Jones,  of  England,  known  as 
"  Trinity  Jones  "  or  "  Jones  of  Wayland,"  a 
clergyman  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  a 
voluminous  writer.  He  was  born  at  Lowick, 
England,  1726,  and  died  in  iSoo. 


1798.]  AT    HOME   AT   NORFOLK.  59 

President  of  the  United  States  has  addresses  constantly  from  all  parts  of  the 
country,  of  support,  etc. 

21.  A  growing  season.  Ministers  returned.  Read  Jones.  Wrote  some. 
At  Williamstown  yesterday  the  thermometer  rose  to  ninety-six. 

22.  A  distressing  thought  that  I  have  tried  all  my  days  to  dishonor  God. 
A  very  growing  season.     Dry. 

23.  All  negotiation  with  France  seems  to  be  at  an  end.  Two  of  our  en- 
voys' have  left  Paris,  one  has  arrived  at  New  York.  War  seems  begun. 
Finished  reading  Jones's  Canon.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Esther  Robbins.  Went 
into  the  water. 

24.  Last  night  a  verj^  fine  shower.  Read  in  Dr.  Dwight's  sermons  against 
Infidel  Philosophy.^     Warm. 

25.  In  the  morning  Dr.  West  told  me  I  must  write  a  sermon.  I  therefore 
set  apart  the  day  to  fasting  and  prayer.  Trust  I  had  some  help.  O,  for 
humility !     Wrote  to  my  friend  Davis  ^  at  Somers. 

26.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  John  iii:  5.  Read  newspaper,  etc.  Had 
green  peas. 

27.  Wrote  most  of  the  day.     O,  for  assistance.     Towards  night  walked  out. 

28.  Finished  my  sermon.  Suited  myself  better  than  I  expected.  Today 
I  suppose  there  is  an  ordination  at  Sandisfield.     Fine  weather. 

29.  On  the  29th  made  a  commonplace  book.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
sisters.     In  afternoon  Mr.  Shepard,"*  of  Lenox,  preached  a  lecture  here. 

30.  Read  Jones's  =  Catholic  Doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  I  have  four  first  cousins 
in  college  ;  ^  their  fathers  all  educated  at  Yale,  none  of  these  there.  Two  at 
Harvard,  one  at  Providence,  and  one  at  Williams.  Attended  a  funeral  of  a 
young  woman  died  in  town. 

July. 

1.  Read  the  Bible.  At  night  a  hard  shower.  There  seems  to  be  as 
much  religion  in  this  as  in  most  any  town. 

2.  Excessive  hot.  The  thermometer  rose  to  ninety-two ;  yesterday  it  was 
at  eighty-eight.  I  could  not  be  comfortable  in  any  place  with  most  of  my 
clothes  off.  Wrote  on  the  question :  Does  the  Absolute  Dependence  of  the 
Creature  Tend  to  Unconcern  and  Security  ? ' 


'  The  three  envoys  to  France  were  John  ''  Rev.  Samuel    Shepard,  D.  D.,    minister 

Marshall,  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  and  at  Lenox  from  1794  to  his  death,  January  5, 

Elbridge  Gerry.     The   two   former  were  re-  1846,  a  native  of  Chatham,  Ct,  and  a  gradu- 

quested  by  the  French  government  to  leave  ate  of  Yale  1793. 

the   country,  while    Elbridge  Gerry  was   al-  '  William  Jones,  just   before   noticed   as 

lowed  to  remain.  the  author  of  the   Canon  of  the  Scriptures. 

^  Two  sermons  on  the  Nature  and  Danger  ^  These  were  Samuel  Prince  Robbins,  of 

of  Infidel  Philosophy  addressed  to  the  candi-  Harvard,  Lewis  Gould,  of  Harvard,  Lemuel 

dates  for  the  Baccalaureate  in  Yale  College,  LeBaron,    of    Brown,   and    Peter    Starr,    of 


1797- 


Williams. 


3  Henry  Davis,  his  classmate  at  Yale,  who  '  This  was  one  of  the   questions  in  the- 

is  still  at  Somers  studying  theology  with  Dr.       ology  which   Dr.  West   had   probably  given 
Charles  Backus.  him  as  a  step  in  his  theological  training. 


6o  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^TQ^- 

3.  Read  Jenyn's  Origin  of  Evil}  Attended  the  concert.  A  violent 
shower  while  we  were   at   meeting. 

4.  Independence  is  celebrated  in  almost  every  town.  A  great  frolic. 
Wrote  a  piece  on   Decrees   to  send   to  Williamstown. 

5.  Wrote  letters  to  my  Uncle  Robbins,  and  to  cousin  Sam.  P.  Robbins.^ 
Yesterday  a  man  was  very  much  hurt  with  a  cannon  at  Lenox.  A  man  lately 
killed  himself  in  Washington. 

6.  Wrote  on  the  question,  Does  Repentance  Imply  a  Willingness  to  be 
Cast  off  Forever  .-"^     Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  v:   i. 

7.  Ver}^  barren  in  composition.  O,  for  divine  assistance,  without  which 
I  can  do  nothing.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  iii:  ig.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the 
newspaper  on  the  ball  in  this  town  July  4th. 

8.  Wrote  some.     Read  the  Bible.     Wrote  at  meeting. 

9.  Wrote  almost  all  day.  My  piece  published  in  the  paper.  Wrote  a  letter 
to  my  cousin  P.  Starr  at  Williams  College,  and  sent  my  piece  on  Decrees. 

10.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Rom.  iii :  19.     Walked  out.     Quite  cool. 

11.  Troubled  with  the  headache.  Read  Edwards's  Religious  Affections^ 
The  people  in  this  countr}'  generally  very  Federal  on  the  Fourth  of  July. 
People  generally  wear  cockades.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

12.  Wrote  letters  to  my  father  and  my  brother  A.  Wrote  on  a  sermon. 
Democrats  in  Congress  very  impudent. 

13.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman  who  died  of  a  consumption.  At 
night  Mr.  Weeks '  and  Mr.  Smith,  candidates,  came  here  and  lodged.  People 
haying  generally. 

14.  The  Delaware,  sloop  of  war,  has  taken  a  French  privateer  of  twelve 
guns  and  seventy  men.  May  this,  our  first  stroke  of  war,  be  a  prelude  to  a 
glorious  success,  under  God. 

15.  Read  the  Bible.  I  am  ver)'  hardened  and  stupid.  I  think  it  is  un- 
lawful for  Christians  to  marr)'  any  other. 

16.  Finished  my  semion  on  Rom.  v:  i.  It  took  me  full  three  days.  Con- 
gress has  declared  treaties  with  France  void.  A  man  lately  died  in  London 
aged  thirt}'-one.     His  hight  seven  feet  and  nine  inches  ! ! ! 

17.  Read  Edwards's  Religious  Affectiotis,  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin 
Starr  at  Williams  College.     Made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Sedgwick's.^ 

18.  Quite  wet  and  cool  for  the  season.  Congress  has  passed  an  excellent 
sedition  bill ;  in  the  House  of  Representatives  forty-four  to  forty-one. 

19.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Day,'  tutor  at  Williams  College.  Begun  a 
sermon   on   Luke   xii :   36. 


*  Soame    Jenyn.      His    works,    including  '  Holland  Weeks,  settled  in  1799,  at  Wa- 
above,  published  in  1790,  in  four  volumes.  terbury,  Ct.  Graduated  at  Dartmouth  in  1795, 

'  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  and  and  received  the  honorary  degree  of   A.  M. 

his  son.  at  Yale  in  1800. 

^  This  was  one  of  the  tough  theological  ^  Hon.  Theodore   Sedgwick,  a   native   of 

points  which  students  had  to  settle  in  their  West  Hartford,  Ct.,  a  man  eminent  in  many 

own  minds  in  those  days.  ways. 

*  Pres.  Edwards's  treatise  on  the  Religions  '  Jeremiah  Day,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  afterwards 
Affectio7is  was  first  published  in  1746.  President  of  Yale  College  from  1817  to  1846. 


1798.]  STUDYING   THEOLOGY   AT   STOCKBRIDGE.  61 

20.  Wrote  considerably.  In  afternoon  walked  out.  People  beginning  to 
harvest. 

21.  Warm.  The  weather  has  been  ver}'  cool  for  the  season  and  pretty 
wet  for  about  a  fortnight.     Worked  with  Dr.  West  in  hay.     Tired. 

22.  At  evening  visited  Esq.  Bacon.'  Read  the  Bible.  Dr.  West  com- 
monly preaches   forty-five   minutes. 

23.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  xii :  36.  We  had  cucumbers.  The 
President  of  the  United  States  has  formally  dismissed  all  French  consuls, 
which  closes  all  connection  with  France.  On  the  i6th  Congress  closed  the 
longest  and  most  important  session  under  our  present  Constitution. 

24.  Read  Mason  ^  on  Self  Knowledge.  Mr.  Hooker,  of  Goshen,  here. 
Warm. 

25.  Wrote  a  lengthy  letter  to  Esther  Robbins ;  another  to  my  sister  S. 
Finished  reading  Mason. 

26.  Failed  of  sending  my  letters.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Tutor  Day. 
My  piece  that  I  lately  wrote  for  the  paper  is  published  in  Porcupine's  Gazette. 
Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xxviii :   18. 

27.  Never  had  such  a  view  of  divine  wrath.     Unfortunate  in  composing. 

28.  \\Tote  considerably.     Excessive  hot.     Went  into  the  water. 

29.  Mr.  Shepard,^  of  Lenox,  preached  here.  Very  warm;  rainy.  Read 
some  in  the  Greek  Testament. 

30.  Rode  up  to  Williamstown.  Very  kindly  received.  The  new  college 
and  new  meeting-house  go  on  fast.     The  former  good,  the  latter  elegant. 

31.  Attended  the  examination  of  the  Seniors.  I  examined  some.*  Much 
less  Democracy  here  than  there  was  two  years  ago. 

August. 

1.  Examined  a  good  deal.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  class  pass  a  better  ex- 
amination. All  were  admitted  for  degrees ;  twenty-eight  in  all.*  At  evening 
attended  an  exhibition  of  the  societies. 

2.  Rode  down  to  Stockbridge.  Made  a  visit  to  Mr.  Goodwin's*  at  Lenox. 
Ver}'-  warm. 


'  John  Bacon,  native  of  Canterbury,  Ct.,  were  not  able  to  graduate  on  Commencement 
graduate  of  Princeton  College,  1765,  first  a  Day  were  afterwards  admitted  to  the  bach- 
minister,   and  settled    over  the    old    South  elor's  degree. 

Church,  Boston,  from  1771  to  1775,  then  an  ^  The  following   is   fuller  information  re- 
able  lawyer,  resident  at  Stockbridge.  specting  Mr.  Goodwin,  of  Lenox,  spoken  of 

-  John  Mason,  of  Cheshunt,  Hartfordshire,  in  note  under  date,  Jan.  4,  1796.     His  name 

Eng.  was  Joseph  Goodwin,  and  he  was  the  son  of 

^  Samuel  Shepard,  D.  D.  Benjamin  and  Hannah  (LeBaron)  Goodwin. 

*  His   school-teaching  had  doubtless  fur-  He  was  born  in  Boston,  Dec.  26,  1761,  and 

bished  up  his  mind,  so  that  asking  questions  in  17S4  married  Susannah  Keith,  of  Easton, 

was  easy.  Mass.     He  removed  to  Lenox  in  1785,  where 

^  This  was  the  fourth  class  graduating  at  he  was  engaged  in  the  iron  manufacture,  and 

Williams  College,  and  was  a  large  advance  was  president   of  the   Berkshire  bank.     He 

on  the  previous  classes  as  to  numbers.     Mr.  represented  the  town  of  Lenox  in  the  Massa- 

Robbins  states  the  number  as  twenty-eight ;  chusetts  Legislature  for  thirteen  years.     He 

but    on    the     Triennial    Catalogue  it  stands  removed  to  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  in  181 1,  and  died 

thirty.     Probably  one  or  two  members  who  there  in  1822. 


62  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1798. 

3.  Quite  unwell  with  iri}-  journey.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S. 
P.  Robbins.  President  Willard'  not  like  to  live.  Unable  to  officiate  at 
Commencement.  Jerome,^  from  Williams  College,  came  here  to  study.  We 
had  green  corn. 

4.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xxviii :  i8.     Read  Magazim. 

5.  Read  considerably.  Rainy  weather.  The  missionary  ship,  Duff,  has 
been  heard  of  at  Canton. 

6.  Finished  reading  President  Edwards's  Religious  Affections.  The  Eng- 
lish clergy  are  making  resolves  to  observe  Sabbath  better  than  they  have 
done. 

7.  Read  Toogood's'  answer  to  Mr.  White  on  Dissenting  from  the  Estab- 
lished Church.     Walked  out. 

8.  Began  a  sermon  on  Psalm  xivi :  lo.  Very  hot;  last  week  and  this  the 
heat  of  har\'est.     Generally  in  country  good. 

9.  Finished  my  sermon  I  began  yesterday.  The  heat  almost  makes  me 
sick.     Can  hardly  keep  about. 

10.  Finished  reading  Toogood.  A  very  growing  season.  My  former 
classmate,  B.  Fowler,'*  called  to  see  me.  For  three  days  the  heat  has  been 
excessive.     The  thermometer  at  about  ninety-two  and  one  half  each  day. 

11.  Almost  sick  with  the  heat. 

12.  Finished  reading  the  Bible  in  course,  which  I  began  about  the  begin- 
ning of  the  last  year. 

13.  Read  President  Stiles's*  election  sermon.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  friend 
Davis  at  Somers. 

14.  Read  some  manuscripts  between  Mr.  Bacon  ^  of  this  town  and  Dr. 
Hopkins  ^  on  the  Atonement. 

15.  Read  Robinson's  Proofs  of  a  Co7ispiracy.  Quite  warm.  Grasshop- 
pers very  thick. 

16.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  24.  A  cloud  seems  to  be  thickening  in 
Europe,  soon  to  burst  on  France.     "  Ye  shall  hear  of  wars,"  etc. 

1 7 .  Steadily  warm.     Dr.  Sargeant's  daughter  taken  very  crazy.     Walked  out. 

18.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  24.  Went  into  the  water.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  classmate  Denison,  tutor  at  Williams  College. 

ig.     Sickness  begins  to  prevail  considerably  at  Philadelphia.     The  Presi- 


'  President  Joseph    Willard,  of   Harvard  tages  afforded  by  the  Church  of  England  to 

College.     His  disease,  whatever  it  was,  did  her  communicants. 

not   then   prove  fatal.     He   lived   six  years  *  Bancroft  Fowler,  his  classmate  at  Vale, 

longer,  dying  in  1804.  afterward    Professor  at   Bangor   Theological 

*  Amasa  Jerome,  who  was  graduated   at  Seminary. 
Williams  that  j-ear.     The   Seniors  were  dis-  ^  This  sermon  of  Pres.  Stiles  was  preached 
missed  to  prepare   for  Commencement,  and  in  17S3,  just  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution- 
he  came  there  probably  to  write  his  oration.  ary  War,  and  was  memorable  as  a  highly  pa- 
He  was  afterwards  pastor  at  New  Hartford,  triotic  and  historical  production. 
Ct.  6  John    Eacon,   Esq.,   already   noticed   as 
^  Rev.  Charles  Toogood,  a  dissenting  min-  once  pastor  of  the  Old  South  Church,  Bos- 
ister,  wrote  a  reply  to  a  sermon  published  by  ton. 
Rev.  Thomas  White,  on  the  religious  advan-  ''  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  of  Xewport,  R.  I. 


179S.]  STUDYING    THEOLOGY   AT    STOCKBRIDGE.  63 

dent  of  the  United  States  received  with  unfeigned  respect  in  all  places  from 
Philadelphia  to  his  home  at  Braintree. 

20.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  friend  E.  Watson,  New  York.  Wrote  in  my 
common-place.     Read  the  History  of  Popery. 

21.  Wrote  to  Denison  at  Williams  College.  Last  night  Mr.  Williston,'  the 
missionary,  stayed  here.  He  has  the  greatest  appearance  of  piety  and  zeal  of 
any  man  I  ever  saw.     Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xxvi :  4. 

22.  Wrote  in  the  afternoon  ;  attended  the  funeral  of  an  elderly  man.  Till 
now,  it  has  been  steadily  hot  for  about  three  weeks. 

23.  Wrote.  At  noon  my  friend  Davis  came  here.  Just  begun  to  preach. 
Rode  to  Lenox  with  him,  called,  etc.     He  is  courting  at  Williamstown. 

24.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  paper  here,  addressed  to  the  President  and 
Trustees  of  Williams  College.     Read  Robinson's  Proofs  of  a  Conspiracy^ 

25.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xxvi:  4.  Read  Robinson.  Warm. 
Yellow  fever  prevails  at  Philadelphia. 

26.  Excessive  hot.  Read  the  Bible.  I  almost  fear  at  times  I  am  out  of 
the  reach  of  divine  mercy. 

27.  Began  a  sermon  on  Jer.  viii :  20.  Wrote  home.  Read  Lowman^ 
on  the  Revelation. 

28.  Wrote  to  Davis  at  Williamstown.     Comfortable  weather. 

29.  On  the  27th  my  piece  came  out  in  the  paper.  Bonaparte  is  blocked 
up  in  Corsica  by  a  British  fleet.  Rebellion  high  in  Ireland.  Rebels  lost  six 
thousand  in  one  battle.     Dr.  Edwards  here. 

30.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Jer.  viii :  20.     Cool  weather. 

31.  Read  Lowman.^  An  excellent  book.  Afternoon  attended  a  sacra- 
mental lecture.  **  The  summer  is  ended,"  and  O  may  I  not  add  the  rest  of  the 
text  with  too  great  propriety. 

September. 

1.  Began  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iv:  24.  Finished  Robinson's  Proofs  of  a 
Conspiracy.     Laus  Deo,  that  that  conspiracy  has  been  detected. 

2.  Read  Lowman. 

3.  In  the  morning  my  father  came  here  and  went  on  to  Williamstown 
with  Dr.  West.     Saw  my  brother  James. 

4.  Rode  to  Williamstown ;  very  tired.  My  brother  J.  admitted  into 
college  ;  passed  a  good  examination.  At  even  attended  an  exhibition  of  part 
of  the  Senior  Class.  I  think  I  have  been  injured,  but  O  may  I  feel  that  God 
works  all  things. 

5.  The  Seniors   exhibited   very  well.     In   the   new  meeting-house.     An 


'  This   was  doubtless   Seth    Williston,   a  a  time,  but  was  found  not  to  rest  on  truth, 

graduate  of  Dartmouth  College  in  1791.  (See  note  June  8,  1798.) 

^  John  Robisoii    (not   Robinson).     Proofs  ^  Rev.  Moses  Lowman,   an   emment   dis- 

of  a  Co}ispiracy  against  all  the  Religions  and  senting  minister  in  England,  of  the  last  cent- 

Govermnents  of  Europe  carried  on  in  the  Secret  ury.     Among  other  works  he  wrote  A  Pa7-a- 

Meetings  of  Free  Masons,  Ilhtminati,  and  Read-  phrase  and  Notes  on  the  Revelation  of  St.  John, 

ing  Societies.     This  book  had  a  great  run  for  London,  1737  and  1791- 


64  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l798. 

agreeable    Commencement.     Many    people.       Kindly    entertained     at    Esq. 
Noble's.     Saw   and   conversed    with    Davis. 

6,  Directed  my  father  to  propound  ine  for  a  member  of  his  church  next 
Sabbath.'  I  fear  I  have  gone  wrong.  O  for  light,  particularly  the  knowledge 
of  my  own  heart.  Rode  down  to  Lenox ;  stayed^  at  Mr.  Goodwin's.  Very 
tired. 

7,  Rode  down  to  Stockbridge.  At  even  Dr.  West  and  my  father  came 
here.  The  corporation  had  a  hard  struggle  to  reintroduce  Dr.  Hopkins's 
system  as  a  classic,  but  could  not.^ 

8.  My  father  went  off.  Wrote.  Read.  Rebellion  in  Ireland  runs  high. 
The  French  conduct  intolerably  everywhere. 

9.  Finished  reading  Lowman  on  the  Revelation.  An  excellent  book.  A 
species  of  Illuminatism  in  Leyden,  near  Deerfield. 

10.  Pretty  warm.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Eph.  iv :  24,  which  is  my  tenth, 
and  which  concludes  my  study  of  divinity  under  an  immediate  instructor.^ 
Have  lived  very  happily  at  Dr.  West's,  and  I  hope  received  much  good  in- 
struction. Parted  with  him  at  night  affectionately.  Board  twelve  weeks,  six- 
teen dollars.* 

11.  Rode  to  Sheffield  in  the  stage;  from  there  home  on  horseback. 
Sickly  at  Sheffield.  Sickness  rages  at  Philadelphia,  New  York,  New  London, 
and  some  at  Boston.  Forty  thousand  said  to  be  moved  out  of  Philadelphia, 
and  above  fifty  die  some  days.^ 

12.  Rode  out  with  my  father  and  attended  a  conference.  Much  affected. 
Very  dry  season. 

13.  My  parents  preparing  to  go  their  journey  next  week.  Read  some. 
Wrote, 

14.  Worked  some.     Very  little  fruit  this  fall. 

15.  Quite  warm.  I  think  this  is  the  best  year  for  Indian  corn  that  I  ever 
saw.  Set  apart  this  day  for  fasting  and  prayer  for  a  preparation  for  the  solemn 
covenant  which  I  expect  to  enter  into  tomorrow. 

16.  My  father  preached  upon  the  Qualifications  for  Communion.  I  this 
day  entered  into  the  most  solemn  and  important  covenant  that  I  ever  have  or 
shall  in  this  world.  Last  evening  my  brother  A.  and  wife^  came  here  to  go 
to  Plymouth.     Very  hot. 


*  Up  to  this  time,  notwithstanding  all  his  *  This  board  bill,  which  probably  included 

religious  exercises  and  emotions  he  has  not  instruction,  shows  the  simplicities  of  the  old 

felt  himself  worthy  to  be  a  member  of  the  New  England  times, 
church.  ^  The  yellow  fever  "raged  with  unparal- 

^  It  will  be  remembered  that  Hopkins's  leled  violence  in  Philadelphia  in  October, 
5)'j&/«  ^Z>/Vv«//j' was  thrown  out  from  being  1762.  .  .  This  fever  again  spread  great  dev- 
a  text-book  at  Williams  College  two  years  astation  at  Philadelphia  in  July,  1793,  carry- 
before,  ing  off  several  thousand.     It  again  appeared 

^  The  old  system  of  theological  instruction  in  October,  1797,  and  spread  its  ravages  over 

was  very  short  as  compared  with  the  modern  the  northern  coast  of  America  in  September, 

seminary  course.     But  Mr.  Robbins  had  stud-  1798."  —  HaydiCs  Dictionary  of  Dates. 
ied  before  at  Mr.  Judson's  at  Sheffield,  and  a  ^  They  came  from    Canaan,   and   stopped 

little  at  Torringford.  over  night. 


1798.]  AT    HOME   AT   NORFOLK.  65 

17.  This  morning  my  parents,  my  brother  A.  and  his  wife  set  off  for  Plym- 
outh in  a  wagon.*  May  God  give  them  a  prosperous  journey.  Wrote  to 
Uncle  Robbins. 

18.  Reading  the  fifth  volume  of  RoUin's  Ancient  History,  which  I  have  not 
read  before. 

19.  Whitewashed.     Finished  Rollin.     Rained  some.     The  season  ver)'  dry. 

20.  Wrote.  Not  very  well.  Bache,^  a  Democratic  printer  in  Philadelphia, 
of  the  paper  Aiirofa,  is  dead.  The  yellow  fever  rages  ver}^  much  in  Philadel- 
phia and  New  York.  In  the  former  about  fifty  or  sixty  die  daily ;  in  the 
latter  about  forty. 

21.  Rainy.  Worked  some  making  a  fence.  Read  Prideaux's  Connections. 
^  22.  Rode  to  Colebrook  to  see  Dr.  Edwards,  In  the  afternoon  worked 
getting   in  rowen. 

23.  No  preaching.  I  read.'  There  seems  to  be  some  hopeful  religious 
attention  at  Torringford. 

24.  Read  Prideaux.     Cool  and  dr}\     Few  apples. 

25.  Rode  with  Dr.  Edwards  to  Cornwall  through  Watertown.  The  asso- 
ciation began  my  examination.* 

26.  My  examination  was  lengthy  (about  three  and  one  half  hours)  and 
particular.  Was  licensed  unanimously  to  preach  the  gospel.  May  I  never 
forget  my  insufficiency,  and  constantly  look  to  the  infinite  fountain  for  help. 
This  morning  there  was  some  frost,  which  is  the  first  we  have  had.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Warren  with  Uncle  Starr.  If  it  were  not  God's  will  that  I  should 
become  a  preacher,  I  trust  that  I  sincerely  wished  that  I  might  not  be 
licensed ;  but  as  I  was  licensed  unanimously,  I  humbly  hope  that  it  is  God's 
will.  Newspaper,  under  the  head  of  New  Haven,  Sept.  19th,  says :  Died 
in  this  city  of  a  lingering  deca}^,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Lines,^  in  the  eighty-first  year 
of  his  age,  well  known  to  the  public  for  his  feats  of  strength  and  activity  in 
his  younger  days,  and  for  a  fund  of  wit  and  humor  through  his  whole  life. 

27.  In  the  afternoon  rode  home.  Regimental  trainings  ver^-  frequent  and 
common.     Today  at  Norfolk. 

28.  Pretty  cool.     Attend  to  scholars.     Made  some  blackball. 

29.  Veiy  cool  for  the  season.  In  the  afternoon  rode  to  Goshen  to  preach 
by  exchange  with  Mr.  Hooker.* 

30.  Felt  disagreeably  in  the  morning.     Had  a  pretty  good  night.     Preached 


'  The   fact   that  he  mentions  the  wagon,  associations  were  accustomed  to  do  their  work 

implies  that  journeys  of  this  sort  were  then  thoroughl)-. 
more  commonly  made  on  horseback.  '  When  in  college,  in  New  Haven,  Mrs. 

-  Benjamin  Franklin  Bache,  whose  paper,  Jeremiah  Townsend,  a  widow,  with  whom  the 

the  Aurora,  opposed  Washington  in  his  ad-  writer  boarded,  used  to  tell  out  of  her  own 

ministration,  and  was  now  opposing  Adams.  knowledge  and  experience  (for  her  memory 

^  He  had  sermons  enough,  but  he  had  not  reached  back  before  the    Revolution)  many 

yet  been  licensed  to  preach.  funny  stories  of  this  Mr.  Ebe.-ezer  Lines. 

*  It  was  the  Litchfield  North  Association,  ^  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  minister  at  Goshen 

by  which    he   was    examined   and  licensed.  from    1791    to    1810,  known   as  an  excellent 

The  length  of  his  examination  shows  that  the  theological  teacher. 


66  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROP.BINS,    D.D.  [179S. 

both  parts  of  tlie  clay ;  succeeded  better  than  I  expected.  After  I  began  I 
felt  considerable  freedom  ;  trust  I  had  divine  assistance.  O  may  I  never  be 
insensible  of  the  infinite  importance  of  the  work,  and  of  my  own  great 
insufficiency. 

October. 

1.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Sold  some  fat  cattle  of  my  father's.'  Dys- 
entery prevails  considerably  in  country. 

2.  Sickness  in  our  cities  seems  to  increase.  It  seems  to  fall  remarkably 
upon  printers  —  Bache,  editor  of  the  Aurora,  Philadelphia,  Greenleaf,  editor  of 
Argus,  New  York,  Fenno,  editor  of  Gazette  of  the  United  States,  Philadelphia, 
Webster,  printer  at  Philadelphia,  McLean,  an  editor  of  the  New  York  Gazette, 
New  York,  and  some  others. 

3.  In  New  London  about  ten  or  twelve  die  in  a  week.     Read  Prideaux. 

4.  Worked  some.  Bonaparte  is  on  the  sea,  and  will  probably  experience 
a  reverse  of  his  success. 

5.  Worked.     Making  a  walk  before  the  house. 

6.  It  has  been  ver}'  warm  all  the  week.  It  rained  some.  Wrote.  Had 
some  clothes  made. 

7.  One  of  the  most  rainy  days  I  ever  saw,  which  we  wanted  very  much. 
Preached  both  parts  of  the  day.^     Tired. 

8.  Rainy.  Dysentery  prevails  some  in  the  country.  Finished  my  black- 
ball ;  ver)'  good. 

9.  Worked  considerably.     The  weather  warm  after  the  storm. 

10.  Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  to  attend  a  conference.  Preached. 
Sickness  more  than  ever  in  our  cities. 

11.  Wrote.  Rode  about  town.  At  night  we  had  a  great  husking.  Com 
very  good  universally.     I  think  the  best  year  for  it  that  I  ever  knew. 

12.  Worked  considerably.     Quite  warm.     The  season  dry. 

13.  Finished  our  walk  before  the  house.  Expected  my  parents  very  much  ; 
but  they  came  not.^ 

14.  Preached  all  day.     A  full  meeting.     At  e\ening  had  company. 

15.  My  father  had  some  cattle  prized;  very  low.  Young  beef  sells  at  15 
cents  a  hundred.     All  produce  about  as  low  as  it  was  eight  years  ago. 

16.  Lyon,  of  Vermont,  has  lost  his  election ;  and  farther,  has  been  tried 
and  found  guilty  of  sedition.  Sentenced  to  four  months'  close  imprisonment, 
and  to  pay  a  fine  of  one  thousand  dollars." 

17.  Yesterday  rode  down  to  Litchfield  to  attend   an  ordination.     Heard 


'  By  many  entries  in  the  diary,  it  will  be  ^  j^  ^^s  Saturday,  and  as  his  father  did 

recognized  that  young  Robbins  was  brought  not  get  home,  the  consequence  was  that  he 

up  to  work  and  to   business,  as  well   as   to  had  to  preach  again  the  next  day,  which  he 

study.     In  those  days  almost  all    classes   of  rather  dreaded. 

New    England    people    worked    with    their  *■  Mathew  Lyon,  who  personally  insulted 

hands.  Mr.  Roger  Griswold,  on  the  floor  of  Congress. 

^  His  father  was  away  on  his  journey  to  It  was  easier  to  convict  a  man  of  political 

Plymouth,  and  he  supplied  the  pulpit,  crimes  then  than  now. 


1798.]  AT    HOME    AT    NORFOLK.  67 

the  examination.  A  great  many  ministers,  but  none  asked '  to  sit  with  the 
council.  I  was  Icindly  entertained  at  Esq.  Lord's.  Attended  the  ordination  of 
Mr.  Dan  Huntington.^  I  think  the  most  people  I  ever  saw  on  a  similar 
occasion.  Dr.  Dana  preached.  In  the  afternoon  rode  home.  Towards  night 
my  parents,  brother  A.  and  wife,  with  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  arrived  safely 
from  Plymouth.'     They  have  had  a  very  prosperous  journey.     Laus  Deo. 

18.  My  Uncle  Robbins  in  a  poor  state  of  health.  Gillet,"  a  candidate, 
came  here  to  see  us. 

19.  Quite  cool.     Read  some  strictures  on  Harvard  College. 

20.  Rode  to  my  brother's  at  Canaan.     Read  a  sermon. 

21.  Preached  for  Mr.  Farrand,  who  preached  at  Salisbury. 

22.  Had  a  serious  talk  with  C.  Robbins  ;  in  danger  of  being  unfortunately 
connected.     Rode  home.     Very  warm. 

23.  Read  Prideaux.  Rainy.  There  is  an  account  that  far-famed  Bonaparte 
is  captured  in  a  naval  engagement.  We  hope  it  is  true.  The  French  use 
every  effort  to  ruin  us  by  intrigue.  Our  people  grow  more  united,  and  more 
exasperated  with  them. 

24.  Finished  the  third  volume  of  Prideaux.  Quite  cold.  At  night  Mr. 
Crossman^  and  his  wife  came  here  and  lodged. 

25.  Worked  some.  At  night  Mr.  Weeks,''  a  candidate,  came  here  and 
tarried. 

26.  Quite  warm.     Wrote,     Rode  out  to  Canaan  and  traded.     Gave  a  note. 

27.  Expected  to  have  gone  to  New  Marlborough  to  preach  for  Mr. 
Stevens ; '  apparently  not  like  to  live  long.  The  afternoon  being  very  rainy 
prevented. 

28.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  My  father  preached.  Yesterday  my  Aunt  Wood- 
bridge  ^  came  here  from  Warren  on  a  visit. 

29.  Rode  to  Goshen  with  my  aunt ;  tarried  at  Mr.  Hooker's.     Ver}^  cold. 

30.  The  factions  are  taken  up  on  the  new  sedition  law.  Rode  home. 
Wrote  to  J.  Woodbridge,'  Stockbridge. 

31.  My  brother  James  went  off  to  college  at  Williamstown.  May  he  be 
carried  safely  through,  and  prepared  for  usefulness  in  his  day.  Made  extracts 
from  ancient  history. 


'  That  is,  ivere  asked.     There  is  no  fixed  tied  the  next  year  (1799)  in    Gilead  Parish, 

usage  in  this  respect.     Sometimes  other  min-  Hebron,  Ct. 

isters  are  invited,  as  a  matter  of  courtesy,  to  ^  Joseph  W.  Grossman,  minister  at  Salis- 

sit  with  councils,  but  certain  ministers  object  bury,  Ct. 

to  this  on  the  ground  of  the  rules  of  Congre-  ^  Holland  Weeks,  settled  the  next  year  at 

gational  propriety.  Waterbury,  Ct. 

^  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  as  before  stated,  "  Rev.   John    Stevens,    of  New   Marlbor- 

was  the  father  of  Bishop  F.  D.  Huntington,  ough,  Mass.,  who  died  on  the  6th  of  January 

D.  D.,  of  Central  New  York.  following. 

3  This  was  the  last  time,  probably,  in  ^  His  Aunt  Woodbridge,  left  a  widow  in 
which  the  brothers,  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Stockbridge,  was  making  a  stay  now  in  War- 
Plymouth,  and  Rev.  A.  R.  Robbins,  of  Nor-  ren,  with  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  who  married  her 
folk,  ever  saw  each  other  on  earth.  sister. 

*  Nathan  Gillet,  probably,  who  had  just  9  J.  Woodbridge  was  the  son  of  Hon.  Jah- 

graduated  at  Williams  College,  and  was  set-  leel  Woodbridge. 


68  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l798- 

November. 

1.  Cold.  Traded  some.  Received  two  letters  from  my  friend  J-  Wood- 
bridge.     Afternoon  attended  a  sacramental  lecture.     Wrote. 

2.  Last  night  it  snowed  a  good  deal.  Making  out  catalogues  of  ancient 
kings. 

3.  For  four  days  now  have  studied  closely.  Yesterday  our  assembly  rose.' 
They  have  incorporated  the  missionary  society.^ 

4.  Came  to  the  holy  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  Had  something  of 
a  sense  of  my  own  unworthiness.  My  father  preached  in  the  forenoon  and  I 
in  the  afternoon. 

5.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.     Read  Prideaux.     Made  an  ink-stand. 

6.  It  continues  cold.  Read  considerably.  Worked  some.  My  brother 
A.  here. 

7.  Had  made  a  good  new  saddle  and  saddle-bags.  My  father  pays  for 
the  saddle  £3  12s.,  and  I  for  the  other  ^i  5^.  Attended  a  church  meeting. 
An  ugly  difficulty. 

8.  Rode  to  Warren.  Bad  riding.  There  seem  to  be  horse  thieves  in  the 
country. 

9.  Rode  down  to  Kent  with  my  Uncle  Starr.  I  never  was  at  Kent 
before.     Kindly  received. 

10.  Visited  some.     Afternoon  rode  back  to  Warren.     Very  cold. 

11.  Preached  for  my  uncle  all  day.  At  evening  considerable  company 
came  in. 

12.  Rode  home  by  Canaan.  Found  that  a  man  had  been  to  get  me  to  go 
and  preach  at  Marlborough.^ 

13.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  J.  Woodbridge.  Bonaparte  is  in  Egypt.  He 
seems  to  find  rather  uncomfortable  times. 

14.  Had  some  clothes  made.     Wrote  a  letter  to  Miss  E.  Robbins.* 

15.  Set  out  to  go  and  preach  at  Marlborough.  Exclusive  of  my  library, 
which  contains  upwards  of  thirty  volumes,  I  have  no\v  the  use  of  a  horse  this 
winter,  as  my  father  designs  to  give  me  one  next  spring,  a  saddle,  bridle,  and 
saddle-bags  new,  and  a  little  money.  I  am  in  debt  about  £4.  los.  With  the 
money  I  have  got  keeping  school,  I  have  bought  the  chief  of  the  clothes  I  have 
had  since  I  left  college,  and  paid  Dr.  West  for  my  living  there.  By  the  help 
of  Providence,  I  hope  to  be  able  now  to  support  myself.  I  came  on  to  New 
Hartford,  and  saw  Baker  who  was  hurt  in  a  scrape  at  Capt.  Austin's  on  the 
evening  of  the  29th  of  October,  the  worst  I  ever  heard  of.  I  came  on  to 
West  Simsbury,'  and  tarried  at  Mr.  Hallock's.^  A  great  awakening  there.  I 
preached  at  night  at  conference.  A  surprising  seriousness  and  attention. 
Trust  I  was  assisted.     Some  sweetly  trembling  and  praising  souls  sta5'ed  and 


'  This  was  the  fall  session,  meeting  about  ^  Marlborough,  Ct. 

the  middle  of  October.  ■•  Esther  Robbins,  of  Canaan. 

-  The    Connecticut    Missionary     Society,  '  Now  Canton  center, 

which  was  the  earliest  of  the  .State  mission-  *  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  already  noticed, 

ary  societies  in  this  country.  A  man  of  large  influence. 


'798-] 


PREACHING  AT  MARLBOROUGH,  CT. 


69 


conversed  till  near  midnight.     O  may  the  great  work  prevail  and  spread  over 
all  the  land.     And  all  the  praise  be  to  God. 

16.  Mr.  Gillet/  of  Torrington,  also  at  Mr.  Hallock's.  After  some  converse 
in  the  morning  with  three  young  women  who  tarried  all  night,  and  with  the 
family,  came  off.  I  never  witnessed  such  a  scene  before.  A  turnpike  road  is 
made  from  New  Hartford  to  Hartford.  Very  good.  Crossed  the  ferry  at 
Wethersfield;^  bad.  Arrived  at  Marlborough,  about  twenty  miles  from  Hart- 
ford, at  dusk  in  safety.' 

17.  This  is  a  society  formed  of  three  towns  in  three  counties."*  The  towns 
are  Hebron,  Colchester,  and  Glastonbury. 

18.  Last  night  there  was  considerable  thunder.  Rainy.  Preached.  A 
thin  meeting.  Very  tired.  The  last  week  has  been  very  good  weather,  and 
the  snow  went  off  in  the  beginning. 

19.  Quite  rainy.  The  account  is  confirmed  that  Admiral  Nelson  has 
obtained  a  victory  over  the  French  fieet,^  though  Bonaparte  was  not  in  it.  I 
live  at  a  certain  Mr.  Carter's.  A  good  house.  Began  a  sermon  on  Psalm 
ciii :  2  for  Thanksgiving. 

20.  Began  to  read  in  the  Bible  at  Psalms.  O  may  I  retain.  It  snowed 
here  all  clay.     Wrote. 

21.  Wrote.  Considerable  snow.  Began  to  read  Morse's  Universal  Geog- 
raphy!'    Cold. 

22.  Finished  my  Thanksgiving  sermon.     Read  the  Bible. 

23.  Read  Morse.     Walked  out.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

24.  Read  and  wrote.  May  I  be  prepared  for  the  approaching  Sabbath. 
Bought  me  a  new  Psalm  Book. 

25.  Rode  to  meeting.  People  here  appear  very  hard.  Talked  very  seri- 
ously with  a  young  lady  in  the  house.  In  future,  when  I  am  silent  about  it,  it 
may  be  taken  for  granted  that  on  the  Sabbath  I  preached  all  day. 

26.  Many  rejoicings  in  England  for  their  late  naval  victory.  Rode  to 
Hebron,  saw  Mr.  Basset,^  and  my  classmate  King.  Came  back  through 
Gilead. 

27.  Quite  warm.  The  snow  thaws  considerably.  Began  a  sermon  on 
Jer.  viii :  22. 

28.  Rode  out.     Wrote  considerable.     Read  Bible. 


'  Rev.  Alexander  Gillet. 

'^  Marlborough,  whither  he  was  journey- 
ing, was  southeast  from  Hartford,  and  his 
path  would  run  naturally  through  Wethers- 
field. 

^  From  West  Simsbury  (Canton)  to  Marl- 
borough was  a  day's  journey  of  not  far  from 
forty  miles. 

■*  The  three  counties  were  Hartford,  New 
London,  and  Tolland. 

^  The  battle  of  the  Nile  was  fought  Aug. 
I,  1798. 


*  Dr.  Jedediah  Morse,  of  Charlestown,  a 
native  of  Woodstock,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale 
17S3,  published  a  small  geography  in  17S4. 
His  larger  work  in  two  volumes  was  pub- 
lished in  1793,  and  in  many  future  editions. 
He  is  known  as  father  of  American  geog- 
raphy. 

^  Rev.  Amos  Basset,  D.  D.,  was  a  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  in  1784,  and  received  his  title  of 
D.  D.  from  Williams  College  in  1817.  He 
was  pastor  at  Hebron  from  1794  to  1824. 
He  was  a  native  of  Derby,  Ct. 


70 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [179^- 


29.  Had  a  pretty  lengthy  exercise.  Quite  warm.  The  most  pleasant 
Thanksgiving '  we  have  had  for  years.  The  snow  in  a  great  measure  gone. 
Blessed  be  God  that  we  have  such  great  reason  for  thankfulness.  O  for 
hearts. 

30.  Slept  very  poorly  last  night.  Wrote  home.  This  society  requested 
me  to  continue  with  them  till  the  first  of  next  April.  I  gave  the  committee 
some  encouragement  of  staying.  May  God  direct  me  in  every  undertaking. 
Have  nervous  feelings. 

December. 

1.  Wrote  considerable.  At  night  almost  overwhelmed  with  the  weight  of 
the  ministerial  work. 

2.  It  snowed  considerably.  People  here  attend  meeting  pretty  well. 
Very   nervous. 

3.  The  late  naval  action  took  place  in  Rosetta  Bay,  in  one  of  the  mouths 
of  the  Nile.  The  English  had  twelve  ships  and  two  frigates ;  the  French 
thirteen  ships  and  four  frigates.  Never  a  more  complete  victory.  Of 
the  French  ships,  nine  were  taken,  two  blown  up,  and  two  escaped ;  frigates, 
one  burnt,  one  sunk,  and  two  escaped.  Nelson  the  hero.  Rode  down  to 
West  Chester^  alias  Pine  Swamp,  and  made  visit  to  Mr.  Robbins;^  also  to 
Colchester  and  agreed  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Cone  next  Sabbath. 

4.  Began  a  sermon  on  Psalm  Ixxx  :  14-15.  Had  a  scholar  come  to  study 
with  me. 

5.  Wrote.  Some  people  in  to  see  me.  The  librar}-  of  the  society"*  is 
brought  to  this  house.     Read  some. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Psalm  Ixxx:  14-15.  Preached  a  lecture  pre- 
paratory to  the  sacrament.     It  snowed.     Received  some  money. 

7.  Wrote  some.     Have  considerable  many  visitors. 

8.  Rode  to  Colchester  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Cone.^     Afternoon  it  snowed. 

9.  Very  cold  and  stormy  all  day.     Very  thin  meeting. 

10.  Last  night  one  of  the  most  tedious  snow-storms  we  ever  have.  Rode 
back  to  Marlborough.     Cold. 

11.  Set  out  early  to  ride  home.  I  believe  the  coldest  day  we  have  had. 
The  snow  about  one  and  one  half  feet  deep,  and  very  little  road.  Arrived  at 
Mr.  Hallock's,  West  Simsbur^-,  at  dusk.  Attended  an  evening  lecture.  Dr. 
Edwards*  preached.     A  ministers'  meeting  there. 

12.  The  ministers  censured  my  dress.'     Rode  home.     A  ver}'  poor  path 


'  As  to  the  state  of  the  weather,  he  prob-  country   parish   owned   a   parish    library   in 

ably  means.  I79^- 

2  Usually  spelled  Westchester,  a  parish  in  *  Rev.  Salmon  Cone,  pastor  at  Colchester 
the  town  of  Colchester.  1792-1830.     A  graduate  of  Yale  1789. 

3  Rev.  Robert  Robbins,  a  graduate  of  Yale  *  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  of  Colebrook. 
1760,  pastor  at  Westchester  from  1764  to  '  Probably  because  of  his  particularity  in 
1804.  He  was  probably  a  descendant  of  the  matter  of  his  dress.  But  a  young  man 
lohn  Robbins,  of  Wethersfield,  and  if  re-  who  had  made  such  a  winter  journey  on 
lated  at  all  to  Thomas  Robbins,  only  very  horseback  about  forty  miles,  in  extremely 
distantly.  cold  weather,  and  through  untrodden  snow, 

*  It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  this  plain  need  not  be  considered  effeminate. 


lycjS.]  PREx\CHING   AT    MARLBOROUGH,    CT.  7t 

all  the  way.     1  never  was  more  fatigued  with  any  journey.     I  froze  both  ears. 
I  crossed  the  river  at  Hartford  yesterday  in  a  boat. 

13.  Traded  considerably.  Rode  out  to  Canaan  in  a  sleigh.  Warmer.  At 
evening  it  snowed. 

14.  Snow  very  deep  here  ;  almost  two  and  one  half  feet  generally.  At  the 
westward  deeper  still.     Assisted  in  making  my  father's  rate  bill. 

15.  Rode  to  my  brother  A's  in  Canaan,  and  back  in  a  sleigh.  Cold. 
Very  good  sleighing.  My  father  rode  up  to  New  Marlborough,  to  preach  for 
Mr.  Stev^ens '  in  a  dying  state. 

16.  Preached.  Extreme  cold  and  windy.  I  suppose  on  account  of  my 
exercise  and  labor  the  week  past,  I  have  not  felt  so  healthy  and  strong  for  a 
long  time. 

17.  My  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  ^  in  a  school  at  Goshen.  At  evening  we  had 
some  letters  from  my  brother  Tames  ^  at  Williams  College.     Wrote  some. 

18.  Had  a  pair  of  socks  made. 

19.  Had  some  clothes  made  by  Warren,  of  Canaan.  N.  B.  I  suppose  he 
took  some  cabbage.*  Made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Adams's.  My  friend  J.  \^'oodbridge 
came  to  my  fathers  and  brought  his  brother  Timothy'  to  live.  The  15th,  i6th, 
17th  days  there  was  such  a  blast  of  wind  from  the  northwest  as  I  hardly  ever 
knew.     Happily,  the  snow  being  covered  with  a  little  crust,  lay  still. 

20.  Set  out  for  Marlborough.  Rode  to  West  Simsbury.  The  road  con- 
siderably filled  up.  At  evening  preached  at  Mr.  Hallock's.  The  awakening 
appears  as  powerful  as  ever.  We  had  a  very  solemn  meeting.  Many  tears. 
O  that  the  flame  might  spread  to  this  place  and  to  all  places,  for  the  sake 
of   Christ. 

21.  Comfortable  weather.  Bought  a  number  of  books  in  Hartford.  Good 
sleighing  and  a  great  deal  of  business  doing.  Crossed  the  river  on  the  ice  at 
Rocky  Hill.^  At  dusk  arrived  safely  at  Marlborough,  my  desired  haven ;  very 
tired.     O  for  gratitude. 

22.  Wrote  considerably.  Read  some.  Settled  my  disordered  things. 
Made  some  ink.     Read  Young's  Night  Thoughts. 

23.  Quite  stormy.  Read  some.  I  live  in  an  excellent  family.  Opposi- 
tion appears  in  Congress  at  the  beginning  of  the  session. 

24.  Wrote  steadily.  Very  good  sleighing.  I  don't  like  this  part  of  the 
State  as  well  as  western. 


'  Rev.  John  Stevens,  who  died  in  the  next  '  Timothy  Woodbridge,  son  of  Hon.  Jah- 

month,   Jan.  6.  1799.     He   had  been  only  a  leel  Woodbridge,  of   Stockbridge.     He  was 

little  more  than  four  years  settled  in   New  born  Nov.  22,  1783,  and  was  now  nearly  six- 

Marlborough.  teen  years  old.     He  was  brought  to  be  fitted 

^  Samuel    Prince    Robbins,   son    of    Dr.  for  college.     He  was  graduated  at  Williams 

Chandler   Robbins,   of  Plymouth,     He   had  in    18 12,   and   afterwards    settled    at   Green 

graduated  at  Harvard,  a  few  months  before.  River,  N.  Y. 

^  James    Watson    Robbins,   now    in    his  ''  Rocky  Hill  is  five  or  six  miles  southerly 

Freshman  year   at   Williams   College.  from  Hartford,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Con- 

*■  Mr.   Robbins   rarely,   in    his   diary,    in-  necticut  River,  over  against  the  southern  part 

dulges  in  a  joke  ;  but  this  may  be  accepted  of  Glastonbury,  where  Dr.  Calvin  Chapin  was 

as  something  in  that  direction.  so  long  pastor. 


•J2  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^TQ^- 

25.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Jer.  viii :   22.     At  evening  walked  out. 

26.  Began  a  sermon  on  Psalm  xc :  9.  Rode  out.  It  is  an  unhappiness 
that  there  are  about  six  respectable  families  in  this  place  who  are  churchmen. 

27.  Wrote.  In  sermonizing  I  commonly  write  about  a  page  in  an  hour. 
Warm,  and  it  thaws  considerably.     Read  Thomson's  Seasons. 

28.  Mr.  Huntington,'  the  former  minister  here,  called  to  see  me.  At  night 
visited  a  rich,  stupid,  poor  old  man. 

29.  On  the  25th  wrote  a  letter  to  Lewis  Adams,  Hartford.  Wrote  consid- 
erably.    Rainy.     Mr.  Asa  A.  Mills  and  wife  from  Norfolk,  called  to  see  me. 

30.  Quite  blustering.  Preached  very  seriously.  The  people  here  appear 
serious,  but  secure.  I  think  there  has  not  been  greater  preparations  for  war 
in  Europe  since  the  beginning  of  the  present  war  than  now. 

31.  Made  several  visits.  Rode  to  Easthampton  (Chatham)  and  saw  Mr. 
West,^  minister  there.  Had  some  dispute  with  a  churchman.  Thus  "another 
year "  rolled  over  my  head.  A  retrospective  view  certainly  ought  to  fill  me 
with  shame  and  humility. 


'  Rev.  David  Huntington,  a  graduate  of  ^  Rev.  Joel  West,  a  graduate  of  Dartmouth 

Dartmouth    1773,   minister   at   Marlborough       1789,  minister  at  East  Hampton  1792-1825, 
1776-1797,  a  native  of  Lebanon,  Ct.  a  native  of  Columbia,  Ct. 


January. 

1.  Finished  my  last  year's  diary.  Attempted  to  fast  and  pray.  Cor- 
ruptions of  heart  ver}^  great.  Wrote  a  long  letter  to  two  young  ladies  in  the 
house,  Misses  J.  and  E.  Carter.     Wrote  a  letter  home.     Snowed  considerably. 

2.  Mr.  Mills  from  Norfolk  called  here,  going  home.  Wrote.  Read 
Thomson's    Seasons. 

3.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Psalm  xc :  90,  It  snowed  considerably. 
Company  here   from   abroad, 

4.  Began  a  sermon  on  Mark  xvi :  16.  The  text  given  me  by  a  friend. 
Good  sleighing  as  can  well  be. 

5.  Very  cold.  Mr.  Carter  has  cut  an  oak-tree,  and  brought  it  up  for 
wood,  which  had  in  a  hollow  in  the  upper  part  a  root  of  spikenard,  now  alive, 
having  grown  two  summers  at  least.     Wrote. 

6.  Snowed  a  little.  Weather  very  severe.  At  evening  had  company. 
France  seems  to  be  losing  strength  as  fast  as  she  ever  got  it.  Commodore 
Warren  has  beat  them  in  a  sea  fight.^ 

7.  Visited  some.     Read.     Too  much  given  to  levity. 

8.  Wrote  steadily.  Weather  moderates.  Finished  reading  Thomson's 
Seasofis. 

9.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  Rode  to  Gilead  in  a  single  sleigh.  Saw 
my  classmate  King,^  now  preaching  there. 

ID.  Rode  back  to  Marlborough.  Weather  very  pleasant;  thaws  consid- 
erably. Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Snow  at  Norfolk  nearly  four 
feet  deep. 

11.  Wrote  considerably.  Quite  warm.  I  think  I  never  wrote  easier  than 
now  lately. 

12.  Wrote  all  day.  Snow  goes  very  fast.  Feel  very  unfit  for  the  great 
work  to  which  I  am  called,  of  preaching  the  gospel. 

13.  It  snows  some.     People  here  pretty  good  to  attend  meeting. 

14.  Wrote,  endeavoring  to  make  some  records  of  this  church,  which  must 
be  taken  by  verbal  accounts.^     The  sleighing  is  gone. 

15.  Rode  with  the  school  visitors,  and  saw  the  schools  in  the  society. 
Read  ^ohxnson's*  Proofs  of  a   Conspiracy. 


I  Oct.    12,   1798,  a   French   fleet   of   nine  this  business  for  some  time,  as  will  be  seen 

ships  carrying  troops  to  Ireland  was  attacked  by  later  entries.     In  some  cases  he   had  to 

by  Sir  John   Borlasse    Warren,  and   five   of  gather  the  facts  by  personal  inquiry, 
the  ships  were  captured.  "*  This  was  not  Robinson,  but  John  Robi- 

^  Rev.    Salmon   King,   his    classmate    at  son,  who  wrote  a  book  entitled,  Proofs  of  a 

Yale.     He  was  a  native  of  Vernon,  Ct.     In  Conspiracy  against  all  the  Religions  and  Gav- 

1800  he  was  settled  in  Manchester,  Ct.  ernments  of  Europe,   etc.,   which   was   after- 

^  The  church  records  in  Marlborough  had  wards  regarded  as  a  false  alarm.     (See  pre- 

bcen   neglected.     Mr.    Robbins   wrought   at  vious  notes.) 

73 


74  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ['799- 

i6.  Visited  the  other  schools.  There  are  five  in  the  society.  Bad  riding. 
Read. 

17.  Had  the  headache  hard.     Wrote  some.     At  night  quite  sick. 

18.  So  unwell  unable  to  study.     Visited  all  day.     Quite  warm. 

19.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Robbins.  Afternoon  rode  to  Gilead  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  King. 

20.  It  rained  some.     There  appears  to  be  but  little  religion  in  the  world. 

21.  It  snowed  considerably.     Rode  back.     Visited.     Quite  cold. 

22.  Wrote  all  day.  At  night  finished  reading  Robinson's  Proofs.  An 
excellent  book. 

23.  Wrote.  Got  a  bad  tremor  by  a  little  violent  exercise.  Read  consid- 
erably. 

24.  Wrote  a  good  deal.  Read  some  in  Col.  Humphrey's'  works.  At 
night  it  snowed  some. 

25.  Rode  out  and  visited  some  old  people  in  the  society.  There  are  several 
people  here  past  eighty,  and  some  over  ninety  years.  I  live  in  a  very  agree- 
able family. 

26.  Finished  my  long  sermon  on  Mark  xvi:  i6.  Rainy.  Very  little 
sleighing. 

27.  In  the  morning  it  rained  hard.  Mr.  Skinner,^  a  native  of  this  place, 
late  minister  at  Coventry,  preached  for  me  in  the  afternoon. 

28.  Rode  to  Lebanon.  Visited  Mr.  Gurley,^  Exeter  society,  and  tarried 
with  Mr.  Ely  at  the  old  society.     Quite  cold. 

29.  Visited  Mr.  Brockway*  at  Lebanon  Crank.  Saw  some  college  friends 
studying  law  at  Hebron.  Rode  back  to  Marlborough.  Began  a  sermon  on 
Isa.  xli :  21. 

30.  Awakening  very  great  and  remarkable  at  Hartford.  Was  called  to  see 
a  woman  very  sick. 

31.  Wrote  some.  Had  company.  Something  of  the  headache.  Read  in 
the  History  of  Peter  the  Gr-eat. 

February. 

1.  Wrote  fast  all    day.     At   evening  walked   out.     Mr.  Perry,^  of   Rich- 
mond, and  his  wife  came  here  on  a  visit. 

2.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xli :  21.     Began  another  on  James  iii :   19. 


'  Col.   David   Humphreys,    son   of    Rev.  had  been    settled   at  North  Coventry  1794- 

Daniel  Humphreys,  minister  of  Derby,  Ct.,  1798,  and  was  now  dismissed. 

1733-1787-     Col.  Humphreys  was  graduated  ^  Rey_  jQ^n  Gurley,   a  graduate  of  Yale 

at   Yale   College  in   177 1,  was  aid   to  Gen.  College,  1773,  minister  in  Lebanon,  Ct.  (Exe- 

Israel   Putnam,   and    to    Gen.    Washington.  ter  Parish),  1775-1S12.     He  was  the  father 

He  was  afterwards  Minister  to  Portugal  and  of  Rev.  Ralph  R.  Gurley. 

.Spain.    He  was  the  author  of  a  Life  of  Putnam,  *  Rev.  Thomas  Brockway,  minister  at  Leb- 

and  of  many  miscellaneous  writings  in  poetry  anon  Crank  (now  Columbia),  1772-1S07. 

and  prose.  s  Rgy,  David  Perry,  a  native  of  Hunting- 

""  This  was  Rev.  Ichabod  Lord  Skinner,  a  ton,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1772,  minister  at 

graduate  of  Yale  in  the  class  of  1793,  who  Richmond,  Mass.,  1784-1816. 


1 799-]  PREACHING   AT   MARLBOROUGH,    CT.  75 

3.  Last  night  a  pretty  deep  snow  fell.     Mr.   Perry  refused  to  preacli." 
Very  tired. 

4.  Rode  out.     Wrote  home.     Wrote  to  Ur.  West,  of  Stockbridge.     Pretty 
cold.     Good  news  of  awakenings  in  Litchfield  County. 

5.  Good  sleighing.     Rode  and  visited.     Wrote  some. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  James  iii :   19.     Began  another  on  Rom.  xiii: 
13.     Quite  pleasant. 

7.  Wrote    some.      Afternoon    preached    a   private    lecture.      Very   cold. 
Read    Mr.    Pickering's^   report   on    French    affairs. 

8.  Wrote  all  day.     At  evening  walked  out.     At  night  it  began  to  rain. 

9.  Very  rainy  all  day.     The  snow  gone.     At  night  read  Davies's^  sermons. 
ID.     People  here  very  attentive,  though  no  special  seriousness.     I  hope  I 

have  killed  the  half  way  practice  in  baptism  here."*     Talked  ver}'  seriously  v\-ith 
young  women  in  the  house. 

11.  Rode  out  and  visited.     Read  the  History  of  Peter  the  Great. 

12.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  West,'  of  Easthampton.  Had  company. 
Was  called  to  see  a  young  woman  in  a  dying  state.     O  my  stupidity !     Cold. 

13.  Wrote  some.  The  young  woman  I  went  to  see  last  night  is  gone. 
Had  company. 

14.  Mr.  Morgan,*  minister  at  North  Canaan,  called  to  see  me.  He  tells 
me  my  Aunt  Woodbridge  is  not  like  to  live  long.  Rode  to  Easthampton, 
preached  a  sacramental  lecture,  and  returned. 

15.  Began  a  sermon  on  Job  xiv :  2,  Attended  the  funeral  of  Lucy  Car- 
rier.    Veiy  many  people.     Cold  and  tedious. 

16.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Job  xiv  :  2.     At  evening  read. 


'  It  was  hardly  fair  to  hinder  a  young  min-  use,  without,  it  would  appear,  any  formal  ac- 

ister  by  visiting  and  then  not  preach  for  him.  tion  of  the  church  upon  the  subject. 

^Timothy  Pickering,  a  native  of   Salem,  "The  following  anecdote  is  given  on  the 

born  in    1746.     From   1795  ^^   1^°°  '"'^  ^^^  authority  of  Mr.  Cone:    'While  the  society 

United  States  Secretary  of  State.  was  holding   their  meeting   to   vote   on   the 

^  Rev.  Samuel  Davies,  President  of  Prince-  cjuestion  of  his  settlement,  and  the  members 

ton  College.  of  the  church  were  assembled  by  themselves 

'*  The  half-way  covenant  plan  of  baptism  /;/  one  of  the  pews,  to  act  on  the  same  que^- 
and  church-membership  was  widely  going  out  tion,  a  member  of  the  society  casting  his  eyes 
of  use  in  the  closing  years  of  the  last  century,  toward  the  little  company,  inquired  whether 
and  the  opening  years  of  the  present.  To  the  same  number  of  persons  could  not  be 
show  the  condition  to  which  the  half-way  picked  from  among  them  equal  in  all  re- 
covenant  had  reduced  the  church  in  the  spects  to  those  church-members.  A  vener- 
neighboring  town  of  Colchester,  we  copy  the  able  member  of  the  society  by  the  name  of 
following  from  the  Contributions  to  the  Ecclc-  Wright,  made  the  laconic  reply,  '  You  need 
siastical  History  of  Connecticut,  p.  364:  not  pick.'     To  so  low  a  state  was  the  church 

"  In  a  paper  submitted  by  the  church  to  reduced  in  point  of  numbers  and  standing." 
Mr.  Cone  for  his  assent,  as  a  condition  of  his  '  Rev.  Joel  West,  already  noticed, 

settlement "  (Mr.  Salmon  Cone  was   settled  *  Rev.  Solomon  Morgan,  a  native  of  Gro- 

there  in  1792),  "it  is  stated  that  the  half-way  ton,  minister  in  North  Canaan  from   1798  to 

covenant  had  been  a  stanchng  regulation  of  his  death  in  1S04.     He  had  been  previously 

the  chiuch  from  the  time  of  its  organization  settled  in  Canterbury,  Ct.,  and  in  Sterling, 

(1703),  but  during  his  ministry  it  went  out  of  Connecticut. 


76  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

17.  It  snowed  most  all  day.     Very  tired  with  preaching. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Difficulty  in  crossing  the  ferry.  A  great  awaken- 
ing there.  Attended  a  conference  ;  very  full.  Prayed,  etc.  Many  under  the 
most  powerful  conviction ;  and  many  rejoicing  Christians.  Very  kindly  en- 
tertained at  Mr.  Strong's.  O  that  the  glorious  work  may  become  universal. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  father,  announcing  the  melancholy  death  of  my 
dear  Aunt  Woodbridge.'     She  died  on  the  9th  instant. 

19.  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  is  a  Free  Mason;  but  he  gave  me  as  great 
an  impression  of  their  ridiculous  frivolities  as  I  have  ever  had.  Dr.  Hopkins,^ 
of  Newport,  has  lately  been  struck  with  a  fit  of  the  numb-palsy.  Returned. 
Bought  some  books.  Became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Lockwood,^  of  Glaston- 
bury.    Read  Abclard  and  Eloisa.* 

20.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xxv :  11.     Rode  out  in  a  sleigh. 

21.  Rode  with  the  visitors,  and  saw  the  schools.     Read  Abelard  and  Eloisa. 

22.  Wrote  considerably.  At  evening  walked  out.  In  the  forenoon  quite 
rainy.     Snowed  some. 

23.  \V rote  ten  pages.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Ps.  xxv :  11,  and  the  one 
on  Rom.  xiii :   13.     Very  cold. 

24.  I  fear  my  sermon  on  James  ii :  19  has  given  some  offence.  I  fear  I 
have  not  a  talent  like  some  of  delineating  truth  without  offending. 

25.  Rode  in  a  sleigh  and  visited  two  schools.  Quite  cold.  "  Died  at 
Warren,  on  the  9th  instant,  of  a  lingering  illness,  Mrs.  Hannah  Woodbridge, 
in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  her  age  ;  widow  of  the  Hon.  Jahleel  Woodbridge, 
of  Stockbridge,  and  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Philemon  Robbins,  of  Eranford, 
deceased.  Her  funeral  was  attended  the  Sabbath  after,  and  a  sermon 
preached  on  the  occasion  from  Isa.  Ivii :  15,  first  clause,  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Robbins,  of  Norfolk."  —  Connecticut  Courant for  February  2^th. 

26.  Read.     Wrote.     Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited  a  number  of  places. 

27.  Read.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication  in  the  paper.  At  evening 
walked  out.     It  snowed  considerably. 

28.  Wrote  making  records  for  the  church  in  this  place.  Finished  reading 
Eloisa  and  Abclard.     Traded  some.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Cone,  of  Colchester. 

March. 

I.     Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xlvi :   10.     At  evening  rode   out  in  a  sleigh 
with  company. 


'  We  may  recall  facts  which  have  already  what  we  should  now  call  paralysis.     He  was 

been  stated,  that  Mrs.  Woodbridge  was  Han-  for  a  time  unable  to  use  his  lower  limbs,  but 

nah   Rebekah,   daughter   of   Rev.   Philemon  was  partially  restored  so  that  he  preached, 

Robbins.     Her  first  marriage  was  with  Rev.  and  lived  about  four  years  longer. 
John  Keep,  minister  of  Sheffield,  Mass.,  who  ^  Rev.  William  Lockwood,  settled  at  Glas- 

died  in  1785,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five.     Her  tonbury    1797-1804,    a    man    of   remarkable 

second     marriage    was    with    Hon.    Jahleel  learning  for  his  time.     He  was  son  of  Rev. 

Woodbridge,    of    Stockbridge,    Mass.,    who  James  Lockwood,  of  Wethersfield. 
died  a  few  years  before  her  own  death,  which  "*  The  Li'i-cs  0/ Abclard ivid  Eloisa,  with  the 

occurred,  as  above  given,  Feb.  9,  1799.  original  letters,  had  been  published  in  Lon- 

^  Dr.  Samuel    Hopkins  was    at  this  time  don  in   1784,  in  quarto.     This  was  probably 

seventy-eight   years    old.      His   disease   was  the  work  that  Mr.  Robbins  read. 


1 799-]  PREACHING    AT   MARLBOROUGH,    CT.  77 

2.  Wrote.  Afternoon  my  brother  X.'  came  here  to  make  me  a  visit. 
Very  good  sleighing.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Abraham  Hall,  of  Vermont, 
requesting  me  to  go  lip  there  and  preach. 

3.  Pleasant  weather,  and  full  meeting.     Very-  tired. 

4.  My  brother  went  off.  Quite  cold.  Visited.  Froze  one  of  mv  ears. 
Wrote  some.  There  is  an  account  that  Bonaparte  is  assassinated  in  Egypt. 
Perhaps  a  philanthropist  would  wish  it  true.^ 

5.  Extreme  cold.  Probably  the  most  severe  we  have  had  all  winter. 
Afternoon  much  distressed  with  a  pain  in  my  jaw. 

6.  My  jaw  pained  me.  Wrote  to  Hudson  and  Goodwin,  Hartford.  Went 
to  see  the  school  near  by.     Excellent  sleighing. 

7.  Weather  more  moderate.     Wrote  all  day.     Evening  walked  out. 

8.  It  thaws  considerably.  Wrote.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xlvi :  10. 
At  evening  visited. 

9.  It  rained  considerably.  Began  a  sermon  on  Eccl.  xii :  i.  Quite 
unwell. 

10.  Pretty  full  meeting.  I  preached  u^Don  Decrees.^  People  gave  very 
great  attention. 

11.  The  Fifth  Congress  of  the  United  States  came  to  a  close  on  the 
Sabbat/i,  3d  day.  New  ambassadors  are  appointed  to  go  to  France.  Rode  to 
Hebron,  visited  Mr.  Basset,  and  at  Gilead  Mr.  King.     Rode  back. 

12.  Last  night  it  snowed  a  little.  Ven.-  cold  and  tedious.  Wrote  some. 
Had  company. 

13.  Wrote  considerably.  I  think  people  in  this  part  of  the  State  are  not 
generally  so  orderly  and  regular  as  in  the  western. 

14.  Last  night  the  snow  fell  about  twelve  inches  ;  the  deepest  we  have  had 
all  winter.  The  committee  of  the  society  came  to  see  me.  It  seems  to  be  the 
general  wish  that  I  should  settle  here.  I  cannot  think  it  to  be  duty.  My 
age,*  health,  improvements,  etc.,  are  not  sufficient. 

15.  Wrote  some.  Steady  cold  w-eather.  They  have  given  Mr.  King  a  call 
to  settle  at  Gilead. 

16.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Eccl.  xii :  1.  Began  another  on  Esther  iv  :  16. 
Pleasant  weather.  Yesterday  wrote  a  piece  for  publication,  and  sent  it  to 
Hartford. 

17.  I  accidentally  threw  off  the  cushion  at  the  meeting-house.  The  young 
people  appear  serious  ;^  but  I  fear  nothing  special.  Read  the  proclamation 
for  a  Fast. 

18.  Wrote  to  Esq.  Foot,  of  this  society,  a  churchman ;  and  to  Mr.  Cone,  of 
Colchester.     Mr.  King  has  given  them  a  negative  at  Gilead.*     Quite  cold. 


'  Nathaniel  Robbins.  *  He  was  twentA--one. 

^  In  1799  Americans  looked  at  Bonaparte  ^  This  is  a  somewhat  unexpected  sentence 

almost  wholly  through  English  eyes.  to  follow  the  previous  one. 

'  A  common  topic  for  sermons  and  theo-  *  As  before  stated  he  settled  in  the  min- 

logical  discussions  in  those  days,  but  seldom  istry  at  Manchester,  Ct.,  and  was  there  from 

brought  up  in  the  pulpit  now.  iSoo  to  1808. 


78  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^799- 

19.  Wrote.     It  thaws  some.     Had  company. 

20.  Wrote  considerably.     It  rained.     Had  company. 

21.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Esther  iv  :   i6.     Quite  rainy. 

22.  This  day  is  Fast  through  this  State.  Preached.  Pretty  tired.  May 
God  be  entreated  by  his  people. 

23.  Snow  mostly  gone.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  17.  Rode  to 
Hebron '  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Basset."^ 

24.  Pretty  cold.  Had  a  full  meeting.  They  sing  here  excellently.  At 
evening  went  to  a  singing  meeting. 

25.  Rode  back.     Visited  some.     Very  bad  riding.     Winter  breaking  up. 

26.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Lebanon^  from  Hebron  with  Mr.  Basset. 
Attended  a  ministers'  meeting ;  eight  ministers.  By  special  desire  I  preached. 
Full  meeting.     The  ground  very  open. 

27.  Afternoon  rode  back  to  Marlborough  in  the  rain.  A  bad  time,  but  got 
home  well.  I  think  I  never  lived  in  a  family  which  seemed  so  much  like 
home  as  this. 

28.  Wrote  considerably.     It  snowed  some.     Pretty  cold. 

29.  Went  with  the  visitors  to  the  schools.  Disputed  considerably  with 
Esq.  Foot,  a  churchman. 

30.  People  here  say  we  have  had  the  longest  and  coldest  winter  we  have 
had  for  many  years.  It  is  doubtless  true.  There  is  a  ver}-  great  and  general 
cry  for  hay ;  I  think  more  than  last  year,  or  the  year  before.  Finished  my 
sermon  on  Ps.  li :  17. 

31.  Pleasant  weather.  Full  meeting.  Appointed  the  concert  of  prayer  to 
be  attended  on  the  usual  time. 

April. 

1.  Quite    warm.      Rode    over   to    East    Hampton,*   and   back.      Visited. 
Many  cattle  die  in  different  places. 

2.  Wrote  in  the  records.     Afternoon  attended  concert  of  prayer,  the  first 
time  in  this  place.'     It  rained  considerably. 

3.  Wrote  a  piece   for  publication.     Quite  cold   and  tedious.     It  rained 
considerably. 

4.  Wrote  to  Hudson  and  Goodwin,  Hartford.*     Had  an  agreeable  inter- 
view.    Began  sermon  on  Matt,  xviii :  7. 


'  Marlborough    adjoins    Hebron    on   the  time,   filling  the   ofiice   from    1783    to    1S23. 

west  side  of  the  Hebron  line.     The  Marlbor-  He  was  the  father  of  Ezra  Stiles  Ely,  D.  D., 

ough  pulpit  had  recently  been  left  vacant  by  of  Philadelphia. 

the   unexpected   resignation   of   Rev.   David  -*  A  parish  in  the  town  of  Chatham,  some 

Huntington,    who    had    been    pastor    there  ten    miles    from    Hebron,   passing    through 

twenty-one   years.  Marlborough. 

-  Amos  Basset,  D.  D.,  was  the  able  min-  s  The   concert    of    prayer    used    then,   it 

ister  of  Hebron  from  1794  to  1824.     He  was  seems,  to  be  held  on  Tuesday.     Some  years 

graduated  at  Yale  in  1784.  later  it  was  on  Monday,  and  soon  it  was  gen- 

3  Lebanon  was  east  from  Hebron,  about  erally  fixed  for  Sunday  evening,  and  by  com- 

ten  miles  over  a  hilly  country.     Rev.  Zebu-  mon  usage  remained  so. 

Ion  Ely  was  the  pastor  at  Lebanon,  at  that  ^  Printers  in  Hartford,  Ct. 


1 799-]  PREACHING   AT    MARLBOROUGH,    CT.  79 

5.  Wrote  steadily  all  day.     At  even  walked  out. 

6.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  ground  settles  fast.  Finished  my  sermon 
on  Matt,  xviii :  7.  It  is  supposed  that  we  have  had  one  of  the  longest  winters 
within  the  memory  of  man.  It  has  also  been  very  severe.  I  never  knew  so 
much  sieighing,  or  such  a  complaint  for  hay.  Great  quantities  of  grain  and 
vegetables  have  been  given  to  cattle,  but  still  numbers  die.' 

7.  Rode  to  Easthampton  and  back.  Exchanged  with  Mr.  West."^  Fine 
weather. 

8.  The  French  make  great  progress  in  Italy.  Quite  warm.  People  do 
not  so  generally  attend  Freemen's  Meeting  as  at  the  westward.  Rode  out. 
Wrote  in  church  records. 

9.  Wrote.  Pretty  cool.  Finished  reading  Voltaire's  History  of  Peter  the 
Great} 

10.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.     Walked  out. 

11.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rev.  xxii :  18,  19.  Received  forty  dollars'*  from 
this  society.     Visited. 

12.  Wrote  all  day;  eleven  pages,  the  most  I  ever  did  in  one  day.  At 
evening  visited, 

13.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Rev.  xxii :  18,  19.     Disputed  with  a  Methodist. 

14.  Had  a  very  full  and  attentive  meeting.  Sung  a  part  of  Pope's 
Messiah^  in  public.     Very  fine  weather. 

15.  Pretty  warm.  Spring  seems  to  be  coming  on.  Visited.  A  pretty 
sickly  time.  Warm  weather  coming  on  after  so  long  and  severe  a  winter  pro- 
duces fevers. 

16.  Finished  with  the  church  records.  I  have  done  much  more  to  them 
than  I  expected.  Fixing  for  my  journey.  Had  an  agreeable  and  I  hope 
useful  interview  with  two  young  ladies  in  the  house. 

17.  Received  thirteen  dollars  of  the  society.  I  have  preached  here  twenty- 
one  Sabbaths.  One  I  gave  them.  My  wages  for  twenty  are  one  hundred 
dollars.^  They  have  paid  me  seventy,  and  owe  me  thirty.  I  feel  disagreeably 
in  leaving  this  societ}^  but  think  it  best,  and  duty.  Took  an  affectionate 
leave  of  Mr.  Carter's  family  where  I  have  lived.     I  think  I  have  never  lived 


'  With  the  present  great  resources  of  the  shillings,  and  pence.  Now  he  reckons  in 
countr)-  and  with  every  transit,  such  a  calam-  dollars.  His  change,  in  this  respect,  prob- 
ity would  not  be  likely  to  occur,  except  in  the  ably  corresponds  with  the  change  in  society 
new  fields  of  the  West.  about  him. 

^  Rev.  Joel  West,  minister  at  East  Hamp-  s  -phe  words  were  probably  set  to  some 

ton  from  1792  to  his  death  1825.     A  graduate  anthem.     But  we  have  now  in  some  of  our 

of  Dartmouth  College  in  1789.  hymn-books  for  church  use,  the  grand  lines 

^  His  Histoire  de  Pierre  le  Grand,  not  so  from  the  Messiah  beginning, 


"Rise,  crowned  with  light,  imperial  Salem,  rise." 


commonly  read  now  as  his  Histoire  de  Charles 
XII. 

*■  In  1796,  when  young  Robbins  had  com-  ^  Five  dollars  a  Sabbath  would  be  small 

pleted  his  college  course,  he  added  up  his       pay  now,  but  relatively  the  pay  was  then  bet- 
expenses,  and  stated   the  result  in  pounds,       ter  than  it  is  in  many  country  parishes  today. 


8o 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1799- 


in  a  more  agreeable  family.'  I  have  spent  a  much  happier  winter  than  I 
expected.  Laus  Deo.  I  don't  know  that  I  have  done  any  real  good  to  that 
people,  or  that  one  soul  is  better.  O  for  humility !  Came  on  to  Hartford, 
Dined  at  Mr,  Strong's.^  The  awakening  at  Hartford  still  continues.  There 
is  reason  to  hope  for  one  hundred  and  fifty.  It  also  spreads  in  Wethersfield, 
Farmington,  Simsbury,  etc.  Quite  warm.  Tarried  at  Marshall's  tavern  in 
Northington.' 

18.  Breakfasted  with  Mr.  Hawley.''  Missed  my  road.  Arrived  home 
safely,  and  found  all  well.  Bad  riding  through  the  woods.  Rode  some  of  the 
way  on  snow  path.  Considerable  snow  now  here.  A  cr}'  for  hay  is  universal. 
I  think  the  season  is  more  than  a  fortnight  forwarder  at  Marlborough  than  it 
is  here.     It  has  been  a  pretty  good  season  for  sugar. 

19.  Paid  the  merchant  a  debt  of  more  than  twenty  dollars.  Awakenings 
are  in  the  greater  part  of  the  towns  of  this  country.     Laus  Deo, 

20.  Quite  cold.  Read  some.  Wrote  an  addition  to  my  sermon  on  De- 
crees. Awakenings  are  very  great.  It  is  beginning  in  Norfolk  with  power. 
I  believe  there  never  was  a  greater  work  of  God  in  this  land ;  perhaps  not  so 
universal  as  in  1741  and  '42,  but  where  it  is,  more  powerful  and  more 
evidently  the  work  of  God  only.  It  is  evidently  "the  still  small  voice."  It  is 
in  about  half  of  the  towns  of  this  county,  and  perhaps  nearly  as  great  a  part 
of  the  county  of  Hartford.  Let  all  the  glory  be  to  him,  to  whom  only  it 
belongs.     And  may  his  grace  never  depart  from  us.^ 

21.  Preached  on  the  Divine  Decrees.  People  gave  great  attention.  After- 
noon I  was  more  than  an  hour  in  sermon.  A'er}-  tired.^  Unable  to  attend  the 
conference  in  the  evening. 

22.  Ver}'  cold  for  the  season.  Quite  a  melancholy  time.  Bought  the 
horse  which  I  have  had  the  past  winter  for  about  fifty  dollars.  Traded  some. 
My  brother  Ammi  ^  came  here. 


'  This  was  the  family  of  Mr.  Eleazer 
Carter.  None  of  his  descendants  are  now 
living  in  Marlborough,  but  a  son  of  his 
brother,  Charles  Carter,  now  (1884)  ninety- 
four  years  old,  is  living,  and  his  son,  Charles 
Carter,  Jr.,  is  one  of  the  present  deacons  of 
the  church. 

^  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of  Hartford,  then 
one  of  the  foremost  ministers  in  New  Eng- 
land. 

^  The  ancient  town  of  Farmington  had  a 
parish  on  the  south  called  Southington,  and 
on  the  north  called  Xorthington.  The  south- 
ern part  is  now  the  town  of  Southington,  and 
Xorthington  is  now  the  town  of  Avon. 

*  Rev.  Rufus  Hawley  was  one  of  the  half 
century  ministers  of  Connecticut.  He  was 
LCttled  in  Avon  in  1769,  and  remained  till  his 
death  in  1826.     He  was  a  plain  and  simple 


extempore  preacher,  but  with  elements  of 
graphic   power. 

5  "  The  era  of  modern  revivals  dates  from 
the  year  1792.  During  all  the  closing  )-ears 
of  the  last  century,  and  as  many  of  the  pres- 
ent, revivals  were  very  general,  not  only  in 
this  State,  but  throughout  New  England."  — 
Contribiitioits  to  the  Eccl.  Hist,  of  Connecticut, 
p.  199. 

*  It  was  but  natural  that  the  young  minis- 
ter, fresh  home,  should  preach  in  his  father's 
pulpit.  He  is  yet  only  twenty-one  years  old. 
It  was  not  inconsistent  with  the  thought  and 
habit  of  those  days  that  he  should  preach  on 
the  "  Divine  Decrees,"  even  in  a  time  of  re- 
ligious awakening. 

^  He  then  resided  in  Canaan,  adjoining 
Norfolk  on  the  west,  but  a  few  years  later 
removed  to  Colebrook,  just  east  of  Norfolk. 


1799']  -^T    HOME    AT    NORFOLK.  8l 

23.  Worked  some.  Rode  into  Canaan  and  back.'  Yesterday  I  received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Bogue,  of  Winchester.     My  Uncle  Starr  came  here. 

24.  Rainy.  I  am  under  great  obligations  to  respect  my  dear  Aunt  Wood- 
bridge.^     Rode  to  Winchest^r.^ 

25.  Preached  for  Mr.  Bogue.  This  is  the  day  appointed  by  the  President 
of  the  United  States  for  a  general  Fast.''  May  our  feeble  attempts  at  worship 
be  acceptable  to  the  Most  High.  Yesterday  I  caught  a  bad  cold.  Quite 
unwell,  particularly  with  a  pain  in  my  jaw.     Rode  home. 

26.  Last  night  my  pain  in  my  jaw  was  very  severe.     Traded  considerably. 

27.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Mills,  of  Torringford.  Rainy.  Quite  sick  with  my  ague 
all  day. 

28.  Not  able  to  sit  ujd  but  little  ;  at  times  my  pain  is  quite  severe.  O  for 
resignation. 

29.  Quite  unable  to  sleep  nights.  Spring  seems  to  come  on.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Jeremiah  Mills,^  of  Torringford. 

30.  Pleasant  weather.  Am  some  relieved  of  my  pain,  blessed  be  God. 
Have  scarcely  had  so  sick  a  turn  for  years.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
Awakenings  seem  to  increase  in  this  town. 

May. 

1.  Caught  a  bad  cold  by  working  out  a  little,  and  at  even  had  a  severe 
turn  of  the  ague.     Quite  rainy. 

2.  Wrote  a  long  letter  to  Capt.  Hubbard,  of  Colchester.  A  young  woman 
died  in  town  of  a  quick  consumption.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture.^  A 
hard  shower  of  rain. 

3.  Snow  to  be  seen  in  many  places.  Rode  to  Torringford  in  company 
with  Mr.  Smith,  a  candidate.  Preached  a  lecture  there.  The  awakening 
there  very  great.  A  number  of  my  quondam  pupils  to  appearance  sweet 
Christians.     At  evening  attended  conference.     Ver^'  serious. 

4.  Conversed  seriously  and  agreeably  with  my  young  friends  at  Mr. 
Mills's^  and  Mr.  Battell's.     Afternoon  rode  to  Winsted. 

5.  Preached  and  attended  a  conference.  Considerable  seriousness  here. 
This  is  the  day  appointed  by  the  assembly  for  contribution  through  the  State 
for  the  missionary  society.^     In  this  place  it  was  four  dollars. 


^  Probably  to  accompany  his  brother  Am-  ^  l"he  first  Sunday  in  May  was  a  sacra- 
mi  home.  mental   Sabbath.     Young  Robbins  preached 

^  Her  death,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  the  preparatory  lecture  in  Norfolk  on  Thurs- 

recorded   under   date   of    Feburary   25,   two  day,  and  went  the  next  day  to  Torringford, 

months  before.     She  had  doubtless  left  him  and  did  the  same, 
some  legacy  or  token  of  remembrance.  ^  Rev.    Samuel   J.   Mills,  of  Torringford, 

*  Winchester  adjoins  Norfolk  on  the  S.  E.  married  Esther  Robbins,  daughter  of  Samuel 

*  Because  of  our  European  complications  Robbins,  of  Canaan.     She  was  distantly  re- 
and  dangers.  lated  to  the  Norfolk  minister. 

'  Jeremiah  Mills  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Sam-  ^  The  Missionary  Society  of  Connecticut 

uel  J.  Mills,  was  born  in   1777,  so  that  he  was  organized  in   1798,  and  for  many  years 

was  now  about  twenty-two  years  of  age.     The  the   annual    collection   was   taken  for   it   in 

author  of  this  diary  was  born  the  same  year.  May,  by  State  authority. 


82 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1799- 


6.  Rode  home.  Prayed  and  dined  with  the  military'  company.  Turner,' 
a  candidate  belonging  to  this  town,  now  preaching  at  New  Marlborough,  came 
here  to  see  us.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Catlin,  of  New  Marlborough. 
Foot  companies  much  more  respectable  than  horse.^     Warm. 

7.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Miss  Jerusha  Carter.^  Quite  wet  and  cold.  Mr. 
Atwater,'*  tutor  at  Yale  College,  called  here  going  to  Middlebur}-,  Vt.,  to 
preach.  Contributions  are  large.  In  this  town  twenty-six  dollars,  New  Hart- 
ford forty,  Farmington  forty,  Colebrook  nine,  etc.  I  hope  in  two  hundred 
societies  there  will  be  fifteen  dollars  in  each.' 

8.  My  father  set  out  for  Hartford.  In  the  morning  the  ground  was 
covered  with  snow.     Very  cold  for  the  season. 

9.  Rode  to  south  part  of  the  town ;  preached  a  lecture,  and  attended  a 
conference.  There  were  a  great  many  people,  and  very  serious.  In  most  of 
the  towns  hereabout,  instead  of  the  customary  diversions,  dancing,  etc.,  people 
are  assembled  today  for  religious  worship  and  conversation. 

10.  Set  out  on  my  journey  to  Vermont.^  O  for  assistance  and  direction 
in  the  undertaking.  Expect  to  be  gone  all  summer.  Dined  with  Mr.  Catlin,^ 
New  Marlborough.     Came  on  to  Stockbridge. 

11.  In  the  morning  called  on  Dr.  West.  He  got  home  from  Hartford  last 
night.  He  solicited  me  to  tarry  over  the  Sabbath.  Contrarj^  to  previous 
arrangement  I  consented.     Quite  cold, 

12.  Preached.  Almost  as  cold  as  winter.  Water  froze  nearly  half  an  inch 
thick  last  night.     At  even  my  friend  Mr.  Woodbridge  ^  called  to  see  me. 

13.  Rode,     Hay  very  scarce.     Came  to  Williamstown. 

14.  Received  a  letter  of  the  President,  which  he  was  about  to  send  me, 
appointing  me  to  deliver  an  oration  at  the  ensuing  Commencement.'  Con- 
ferred with  the  president.  Afternoon  attended  an  exhibition.  Wrote  home. 
My  cousin  Starr  a  fine  scholar  and  promising  character. 

15.  Quite  warm.  Rode  through  Pownal  to  Bennington.  Dined  with  Mr. 
Swdft.  Shaftsbury,  part  of  Arlington,'"  and  Sunderland  to  Manchester.  Ver}' 
tired.     Tarried  at  tavern. 


'  His  old  friend,  Nathaniel  Turner,  of 
Williams   College. 

^  Not  abstractly  considered,  but  according 
to  the  habits  of  those  years. 

^  A  member  of  the  family  where  he 
boarded   in   Marlborough,    Ct. 

*  Jeremiah  Atwater,  D.  D.,  afterwards 
President  of  Middlebury  College.  He  was 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1793,  ^'^'^  ^^^"^  ''^  New 
Haven,  Ct.,  in  1S5S. 

5  That  is,  on  the  average,  which  would 
have  realized  the  sum  of  $3,000.  But  the 
actual  result  of  the  contributions  that  year, 
as  shown  in  the  first  volume  of  the  Connec- 
ticut Evangelical  Magazine,  was  $2,033.63,  a 
less  amount  than  some  single  churches  in 
Connecticut  now  furnish  yearly  to  home 
missions. 


*  Mr.  Robbins  later  was  a  missionary,  com- 
missioned by  the  Connecticut  Missionary  So- 
ciety to  the  Western  Reserve,  Ohio,  but  this 
Vermont  journey  seems  to  have  been  on  his 
own  motion. 

^  This  country  hospitality  was  general  in 
those  days. 

^  Probably  Mr.  John  Woodbridge,  before 
mentioned. 

9  The  coming  Commencement  would  be 
three  years  after  his  graduation,  when,  ac- 
cording to  custom  at  that  time,  some  were 
appointed  to  give  masters'  orations. 

'°  Pownal,  Bennington,  Shaftsbury,  and 
Arlington  are  Vermont  towns  whose  west- 
ern boundary  is  New  York.  Sunderland 
and  Manchester  are  one  tier  back  from  the 
New  York  line. 


l-jgc).]  ON  A  JOURNEY  THROUGH  VERMONT,  83 

16.  Saw  my  Uncle  Gould.  Quite  rainy.  A  bear  killed  here  this  morning. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Dorset  and  tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson.' 

17.  Rode  through  part  of  Rupert,  Pawlet.  Dined  with  Rev.  Mr.  Griswold.' 
Wells  to  Poultney,^  Found  old  friends,  and  tarried.  In  Dorset  and  Wells 
saw  liberty  poles. 

iS.  Being  considerably  urged,  I  consented  to  stay  and  preach  on  the 
Sabbath.  My  horse  has  the  horse  distemper,  which  retards  me  in  my  journey 
very  much.     Quite  cool.     Walked  out. 

19.  People  here  very  little  used  to  preaching.  At  even  walked  out.  Had 
a  loud  dispute  with  some  Arminians  and  Democrats. 

20.  Quite  contrary  to  my  intention,  at  the  solicitation  of  the  people,  I 
concluded  to  continue  here  two  Sabbaths.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
Found  a  number  of  people  here  who  moved  from  Norfolk.'' 

21.  Warm.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  the  northward.  Rode  through  Hamp- 
ton, Fairhaven,  Westhaven,  Benson,  and  dined  at  Rev.  Mr.  Kent's.^  Went 
through  Orwell,  part  of  Shoreham,  to  Cornwall.  Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Wooster*  in  a  log-house,  the  first  in  which  I  ever  slept. 

22.  Mr.  Wooster  rode  with  me  to  Middlebur}\  Afternoon  rode  to  the 
north  part  of  the  town,  and  found  many  quondam  Norfolk  people.  They 
kindly  received  and  entertained.  Roads  here  are  not  yet  dr}^,  and  extremely 
bad,  some  places  almost  impassable.     Warm. 

23.  Last  night  there  fell  considerable  rain.  There  is  a  neighborhood  in 
the  north  part  of  Middlebury  and  south  part  of  New  Haven,  mostly  of  Nor- 
folk people.     Preached  a  lecture.     Quite  warm.     Wrote  home. 

24.  Set  out  for  Poultney.  We  now  have  hot  weather  for  the  first  time  this 
year.  Rode  to  Benson,  and  tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Kent.  Bad  riding.  I  came 
from  home  a  little  too  early  in  the  season. 

25.  Got  to  my  present  home  in  safety.  Zaus  Deo.  I  live  at  a  Mr. 
Thompson's.^  Somebody  from  Goshen.  Afternoon  quite  shower3^  Since 
Wednesday  vegetation  has  been  astonishing  rapid.  Blossoms  begin  to  appear 
on  apple-trees.     Wrote. 

26.  People  here  stare  at  preaching  as  if  it  were  some  new  thing.  They  are 
however  attentive.     Gave  some  account  of  awakenings  below. 


'  Rev.  William  Jackson,  D.  D.,  a  gradu-  Connecticut   people,   and   western    Vermont 

ate  of  Dartmouth  in  1790,  settled  in  Dorset,  from  the  western  towns  of  Connecticut. 
Sept.  27,  1796.     All  this  part  of  Vermont  was  '  Rgy,    D^n   Kent,   a  native   of   Suffield, 

very  new.     There  was  no  church  in  this  vicin-  Ct.,  and  the  Congregational  minister  at  Ben- 

ity  that  was  over  fifteen  or  twenty  years  old.  son  from  1792  to  1828. 

^  Rev.  John   Griswold,  a  native   of   Nor-  ^  Rev.    Benjamin   Wooster,   a    native    of 

wich,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Darmouth  College  in  Waterbury,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College 

17S9,  was   settled   at   Pawlet,   Oct.  23,  1793,  in  1790,  and  minister  at  Cornwall  from  1797 

and  remained  till  1830.  to  1802. 

^  There  had  been  a  quarrel  and  a  division  ''  Dr.    William    Thompson,    of   Hartford 

in  the   church   at  Poultney,  and   since    1796  Theological  Seminary,  and  Dr.  Augustus  A. 

there  had  been  no  settled  minister.  Thompson,  of  Roxbury,  Mass.,  are  brothers 

*  Vermont   was    very  largely  settled    by  and  natives  of  Goshen,  Ct. 


84  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

27.  Unhappily  a  majority  of  the  people  of  this  and  the  neighboring  towns 
are  deluded  Democrats.  Lyon  '  is  a  man  of  great  art,  and  has  done  vast 
damage  to  this  State.     Visited.     Fine  weather. 

28.  Visited.     Some  very  obstinate  deists  here.     Disputed  them  some.^ 

29.  Rode  to  Middlebury,  and  attended  a  council.  The  church  here  in  a 
very  bad  situation.  Got  acquainted  with  some  ministers  ;  those  of  the  Baptist 
only  hold  communion. 

30.  Rode  back.  Very  warm.  Afternoon  rode  out.  Quite  rainy.  An  ox 
near  here  killed  with  lightning.     Got  quite  wet. 

31.  Caught  a  bad  cold  by  being  wet  yesterday.  Much  pained  with  the 
toothache.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture.  Quite  cold.  It  seems  the  past 
winter  has  been  no  less  unusually  severe  in  Europe  than  in  this  country,  both 
as  to  quantities  of  snow  and  severity  of  weather.  In  England  the  Thames 
froze  over;  for  a  time  many  roads  were  impassable  on  account  of  snow, 
and  many  persons  perished.  In  Germany  the  rivers  froze,  and  there  were 
great  quantities  of  snow.  It  is  said  such  a  winter  has  not  been  known  in 
Europe  for  two  or  three  centuries.  It  is  also  said  that  very  hard  winters 
have  come  about  once  in  four  hundred  years.  In  this  country  it  has  been 
long  and  severe,  but  probably  not  so  cold  and  tedious  as  the  one  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year  1780,  or  the  beginning  of  the  year  1741.  The  stage-sleigh 
ran  from  Boston  to  Portsmouth  eighteen  weeks  successively.^  At  the  north- 
ward, in  Canada,  the  winter  has  not  been  more  severe  than  usual.  Just  and 
true  are  thy  ways. 

June. 

1.  Quite  sick  with  my  cold  and  the  toothache.  Infidels  in  religion  are 
apt  to  be  Democrats. 

2.  But  just  able  to  preach  ;  there  is  too  much  levity  in  my  conduct. 

3.  Had  a  tooth  extracted  which  tore  my  jaw  very  much.  Received  ten 
dollars  from  this  town.  Preached  a  lecture  to  a  pretty  large  and  attentive 
audience.     It  is  a  trial  to  be  urged  contrary  to  our  wishes. 

4.  Rode  to  Granville,  N.  Y.,"*  and  attended  the  association  of  ministers 
and  churches  for  the  western  district  of  Vermont,  and  parts  adjacent.  The 
association  adopted  the  articles,  a  copy  of  which  I  bought. 


'  Rev.  Asa  Lyon,  a  native  of  Pomfret  ^  That  is,  he  held  an  argument  with  them. 
{Abington  Parish),  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Dart-  ^  Only  a  few  winters  since  there  were  six- 
mouth,  1790,  a  man  of  strong,  original,  but  teen  weeks  of  consecutive  sleighing  in  the 
somewhat  daring  and  eccentric  mind.  One  northern  parts  of  Massachusetts,  but  only 
who  knew  him  intimately  describes  him  about  twelve  that  winter  in  the  vicinity  of 
thus:  "He  had  a  dark  complexion,  coarse  Boston.  Eighteen  weeks  of  consecutive  sleigh- 
features,  powerful  build,  more  than  six  feet  ing  between  Boston  and  Portsmouth,  along 
high,  large  boned,  giant  framed,  and  a  little  the  shore,  would  not  probably  occur  once  in 
stooping."  lie  was  the  Congregational  min-  a  century.  There  is  a  difference  in  this  re- 
ister  at  South  Hero,  1S02-1840.  He  was  spect  between  the  ocean  shore  and  fifty  miles 
also  largely  occupied  with  civil  and  political  inland. 

affairs,  was  much  in  the  Vermont  legislature,  *  Granville  is  in  Washington  County,  N.Y., 

was  member  of  Congress  1815-1817.  just  over  the  line  from  Pawlet,  Vt. 


f799-] 


ON    A    JOURNEY    THROUGH    VERMONT, 


8S 


5.  Attended  association.  Very  warm.  The  ministers  tallied  considerably 
of  dividing  into  two,  but  concluded  it  is  not  best.  Rode  back  to  Poultney. 
Strongly  requested  to  return  here.     Am  sorry.*     O  for  direction. 

6.  Rode  through  Caslleton,^  Hubbardton,  jDart  of  Sudbury  to  Whiting/ 
and  tarried  with  an  old  acquaintance.  It  rained  considerably.  People  are 
yet  planting.     Wheat  looks  promising.     A  very  growing  season. 

7.  Rode  through  Cornwall"  to  Middlebur}',  Treated  kindly  by  my  old 
friends.     Visited  a  son  of  Linus  Beach,  formerly  from  Norfolk,  just  gone. 

8.  The  young  man  died  last  evening.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral.-' 
Rainy.     The  roads  not  yet  dry. 

9.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  great  shot^  of  rain.  My  jaw  has  been  very 
sore  since  my  tooth  was  drawn,  and  is  yet.  Preached  in  the  lower  part  of 
New  Haven.''  A  pretty  full  meeting.  I  guess  one  half  quondam  Norfolk 
people.^ 

10.  Visited  some.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote.  Since  the  winter  the  season 
has  been  extraordinary.  We  had  a  cold  March,  a  cold  April,  and  a  cold  May. 
The  season  has  not  been  so  backward  generally  for  a  great  number  of  years. 
Perhaps  it  was  in  some  parts  in  the  year  1789.  A  Philadelphia  account  says: 
"  The  natural  world  seems  to  vie  with  the  moral  in  retrogression.  The  season 
is  such  as  to  bring  farmers'  business  nearly  a  month  in  arrears."  Warm 
weather  did  not  properly  come  on  till  the  23d  of  May.  For  a  number  of  days 
after  that  vegetation  was  astonishingly  rapid,  and  it  has  been  a  very  growing 
season  ever  since,  though  pretty  wet. 

11.  Fixed  my  things.     Very  warm.     Read  some.     Walked  out. 

From  the  Boston  Mercury  oi  June  11.  [An  after  entry.]  "It  is  with  the 
deepest  sorrow  that  I  communicate  the  melancholy  event  of  the  death  of  his 
late  Excellency,  Increase  Sumner,^  Esq.,  which  happened  this  day  about  1 1 
o'clock.     Moses  Gill.""     In  this  death  that  State  has  met  with  a  very  heavy 


"  He  went  to  Vermont  on  a  tour  of  obser- 
vation and  usefulness,  and  not  with  the  pur- 
pose of  settling  there.     He  had  other  plans. 

^  Poultney,  Castleton,  Hubbardton,  and 
Sudbury  were  in  Rutland  County.  In  all 
these  towns  churches  had  been  organized, 
but  they  were  all  without  settled  ministers. 

^  A  church  had  been  organized  in  Whit- 
ing about  five  months  before,  but  was  with- 
out a  minister. 

*  Cornwall,  in  Addison  County,  as  already 
stated,  had  a  settled  minister,  Rev.  Benjamin 
Wooster. 

^  Another  illustration  of  the  short  time 
elapsing  between  death  and  burial. 

^  We  can  make  nothing  of  this  word  but 
"  shot."  The  word  may  then  have  been  used 
for  a  violent  rain-fall. 

^  A  church  had  been  organized  in  New 
Haven,    nearly   two   years   before,    Nov.  15, 


1797,  but  there  was  no  settled  pastor  there, 
until  Rev.  Silas  L.  Bingham,  a  native  of 
Hebron,  Ct.,  Yale,  1790,  was  installed  June 
22,  1804. 

*  He  finds  people  who  had  moved  up  to 
Vermont  from  his  native  town  wherever  he 
goes. 

9  Increase  Sumner,  a  native  of  Roxbury, 
Mass.,  Harvard  1767,  was  chosen  Governor 
in  1797  to  succeed  Gov.  Samuel  Adams.  He 
was  of  a  superior  mind  and  character,  but 
hardly  equal,  comparatively,  to  the  estimate 
of  the  diar)'. 

'°  Moses  Gill,  Harvard,  1784,  was  chosen 
Lieutenant-Governor  with  Mr.  Sumner,  and 
upon  the  death  of  the  last  named,  was  Gov- 
ernor for  that  year.  He  was  succeeded  in 
the  following  year  by  Caleb  Strong,  of  North- 
ampton, a  man  of  fine  presence  and  superior 
character. 


86  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

and  perhaps  an  irreparable  loss.  Without  doubt  he  was  the  best  calculated  to 
fill  that  office  of  any  man  that  has  ever  presided  over  that  Commonwealth.  O 
that  it  might  be  a  means  of  good  to  that  great  people,  by  teaching  them  not  to 
trust  too  much  in  an  arm  of  clay.     Gov.  Sumner  was  in  his  fifty-third  year. 

12.  ■  The  weather  very  unsteady.  Rode  about  in  New  Haven  ;  visited  old 
acquaintances.     Very  bad  riding. 

13.  Rode  to  Middlebury  Falls.     Requested  to  preach. 

14.  I  live  with  a  Mr.  Foot.'     Great  number  of  mills  at  this  place.     Rainy. 

15.  Quite  cool.  Walked  out  to  see  the  gun  manufactory."  They  work  here 
largely  at  this  business.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Wrote  a  letter  to 
my  brother  N. 

16.  Dr.  Edwards/  of  Colebrook,  is  chosen  President  of  Union  College, 
and  leaves  it  wholly  with  the  association  whether  he  must  go.  Preached  in 
the  court-house.     People  here  generally  exceedingly  stupid."* 

17.  Very  warm.  There  seems  to  be  very  great  preparations  for  war  in 
Europe,  and  determinations  to  pursue  it  with  vigor.  The  Austrians,  Russians, 
and  Turks,  against  the  French  and  their  conquered  countries.  A  frame  of  a 
house,  partly  covered,  so  that  a  poor  family  lived  in  it,  burnt  near  by.  A  man 
killed  in  town  by  the  fall  of  a  tree.     Visited. 

18.  Read  considerably.  Wrote  to  my  brother  J.,  and  cousin  P.  Starr,^  at 
Williams  College.  Very  warm.  Received  a  long  and  excellent  letter  from 
my  father.  The  work  of  God  still  goes  on  in  Connecticut  with  great  power. 
Let  all  the  people  praise  Thee.  I  fear  that  my  dear  Uncle  Robbins  must  die 
soon.  He  lately  set  out  for  Connecticut,  but  was  forced  to  turn  back  from 
Providence.  My  Aunt  Thompson  has  been  up  and  made  a  good  visit.  She 
arrived  at  Norfolk  the  day  after  I  left  home.     For  me  unfortunate. 

ig.  A  fine  growing  season.  The  roads  dry  very  fast.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  the  man  who  was  killed.  One  killed  at  Moulton  in  the  same 
manner,  the  same  hour,  of  the  same  age,  and  left  a  similar  family.  The  two 
men  had  long  been  intimately  acquainted. 

20.  Rode  into  New  Haven,  and  preached  a  lecture.     Something  rainy. 

21.  Rode  back  to  Middlebury.  Quite  warm.  Many  people  in  these  parts, 
who  are  the  most  serious,  are  opposed  to  sound  doctrines.  Heard  a  Baptist 
preach.     He  would  not  differ  with  me.^     Heard  of  the  death  of  Gov.  Sumner.' 


'  In  1783  Daniel  Foot  moved  from  Pitts-  his   death.      The    coincidences   between   his 

field,  Mass.,  taking  with   him  his  five  sons,  own  life  and  death,  and  those  of  his  illustri- 

Philip,  Freeman,  Martin,  Stillman,  and  John,  ous  father,  have  often  been  pointed  out. 
his  wife  remaining   behind   at   Pittsfield   till  *  In  the  hearing  of  the  gospel  message, 

the  following  year.     It  was  with  one  of  the  ^  His  brother  James  Watson  is  a  freshman 

men  above  named,  probably,  that  Mr.  Robbins  in  the  college,  and  his  cousin  Peter  Starr,  of 

made  his  home  in  Middlebury.  Warren,  Ct.,  is  to  graduate  that  summer. 

'  Jonathan  Nichols   had   a   contract  with  ^  Doctrinally,  a  Calvinistic  Baptist  and  an 

government  to  manufacture  a  thousand  guns.  average   Congregationalist   are    much   alike. 

^  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards  had  been  pastor  They  separate  on  rites  and  ordinances, 
at  the  North  Church,  New  Haven,  1769-1795.  '  It  was  eleven  days  after  Gov.  Sumner's 

He    had   been  at  Colebrook  from    January,  death  that  the  news  reached  him.     The  pas- 

1796,  to  June,  1799,  and  was  now  going  to  sage  already  reported,  under  date  of  June  11, 

Union  College  for  a  brief  presidency  before  was  from  an  after  entry. 


1 799-]  ^N    A    JOURNEY    THROUGH    VERMONT.  87 

22.  Wrote  a  long  letter  to  my  parents.     Wrote  to  my  sister  S. 

23.  Very  warm.  A  shower.  Many  people  here  opposed  to  what  I  con- 
sider the  plain  truth. 

24.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Had  considerable  dispute  with  a 
man  on  imputation. 

25.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Was  invited  to  dine  with  the 
Free-Masons.  Mr.  Sanders,  of  Vergennes,  preached.  They  were  pretty 
orderly ;    still    I    hate    Masonry. 

26.  Mr.  Sanders'  is  a  pretty  agreeable  man,  but  not  a  divine.  Very  warm. 
Considerable  noise  with  trooping,^  etc. 

27.  Dreadful  slaughter  and  bloodshed  in  Europe.  There  have  not  been 
such  battles  during  the  war,  as  lately  between  the  Austrians  and  French. 
They  fight  most  obstinately.  It  appears  the  French  are  defeated  in  all 
quarters.'  Laus  Deo.  In  the  conquered  countries  are  insurrections  and  mas- 
sacres.    The  plague  is  in  Bonaparte's  army  in  Egypt. 

28.  In  all  the  wars  and  confusion  God  is  at  the  helm.  Rode  to  Ver- 
gennes.'*    Visited  friends  there.     Steady  hot  weather. 

29.  This  is  a  place  of  considerable  business.  I  believe  this  State  is 
recovering  from  infidelity  and  great  immoralities.  Rode  to  Capt.  Phelps's,' 
New  Haven. 

30.  Had  a  pretty  full  and  serious  meeting.  Very  hot.  Received  three 
dollars  as  a  contribution.  [Later  entry.]  This  last  was  the  day  that  my  dear 
Uncle  Robbins^  was  summoned  from  our  world. 

July. 

1.  Rode  to  Monkton''  and  preached  a  lecture  in  a  house.     Had  a  long 
discourse  with  a  number  of  Methodists.     A  very  hard  thunder-shower. 

2.  Rode  down  to   Middlebury.     Yesterday  the  wind  was  very  high  in 


'  Daniel   C.    Sanders,    D.  D.     He   was   a  *  Chandler  Robbins,  D.  D.,  of  Plymouth, 

doctor  of  divinity  in  title,  but  Mr.  Robbins,  in  Mass.     His  father,  Rev.  Philemon  Robbins, 

saying  that  he  was  not  a  divine  means  that  the  life-long  minister  at  Branford,  Ct.  (1733- 

he   was   not   theologically  educated   and   in-  17S1),  had  nine  children,  three  sons  and  six 

structed.     He  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in  daughters.     His  three  sons  were  all  started 

1788,  and  was  minister  at   Vergennes   from  on  a  course  of  public  education.     One  of  them 

1794  to  1799.     He  was  dismissed  about  two  died  while  m  college.     The  other  two  were 

months  after  this  interview,  Aug.  24,  1799.  the   eminent  ministers   at   Plymouth,  Mass., 

~  The  old  fashioned  troopers  in  their  occa-  and  Norfolk,  Ct.  Chandler  Robbins  was  or- 
sional  gatherings  for  exercise,  were  apt  to  be  dained  at  Plymouth,  Jan.  30,  1760,  and  con- 
rather  disorderly,  tinued  till  his  death,  June  30,  1799. 

^  During  the  spring  and  early  summer  of  The  grandfather  of  Chandler  and  Ammi 
this  year  there  had  been  a  succession  of  bat-  Ruhamah  was  Nathaniel  Robbins  of  Cam- 
ties,  in  which  the  French  were  beaten,  such  bridge,  whose  wife  was  Hannah  Chandler, 
as  Stokach,  Verona,  Magnano,  Cassano,  Adda,  Hence  the  given  name  of  the  Plymouth  pas- 
and  Zurich.  tor. 

*  Vergennes  was  about  fifteen  miles  north-  ^  Monkton,  in  Addison  County,  Vt.,  had 

west  of  Middlebury,  near  Lake  Champlain.  no  Congregational  church  at  that  time,  nor 

'  Captain   Matthew   Phelps,   one    of    the  was  there  any  organized  until  May  24,  1824. 

most   enterprising  men   of    the   early   town.  There    was    probably   Methodist    preaching 

His  son,  Maj.  Matthew  Phelps,  was  gradu-  there,  though  it  may  have  ioeen  by  a  man  of 

ated  at  Middlebury  College  in  1804.  some  other  denomination. 


88  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

some  places.     I  am  requested  l)y  this  town  to  preacli  here  while  I  continue  in 
the  country.     Afternoon  rode  to  Starksborough '  with  company. 

3.  Had  a  good  night  with  Deacon  HalP  and  family,  formerly  from  Nor- 
folk. I'reached  a  lecture.  The  Methodists  have  had  considerable  hold  in 
these  new  towns,  but  they  are  evidently  on  the  decline.  The  Baptists  still 
pretty  strong. 

4.  Rode  to  Bristol  and  preached  a  lecture  with  a  great  concavity  for  my 
footstool,  and  a  greater  concavity  for  my  canopy.'  Had  a  dispute  with  some 
Arminian*  people.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  May  this  day  be  recognized  with 
gratitude  and  praise  by  all  American  people. 

5.  Awakenings  increase  in  Connecticut,  particularly  in  Norfolk.  Laus 
et  gloria.     Warm    and   showery.     Rode    down    to    Middlebur)^ 

6.  Began  an  oration  for  the  next  Commencement.'  O  for  a  sense  of  the 
importance  of  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

7.  People  here  appear  to  be  something  serious.  Gave  some  account  of 
the  awakenings  below.  I  cannot  help  hoping  that  it  will  extend  to  this  part 
of  the  country. 

8.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Caught  a  bad  cold  from  a  wet  floor.  The 
French  armies  have  ill  success. 

9.  Wrote  on  my  oration.     Read  some.     At  evening  walked  out. 

10.  Rode   and  visited.     People   talk   considerably  about   the    awakening. 
Weather  pretty  cool. 

11.  Visited  a  woman  in  New  Haven  most  gone  with   the    consumption. 
My  cold  quite  bad.     People  beginning  to  mow, 

12.  Wrote  on  my  oration.     Troubled  with  the  dysentery.     It  rained  some. 

13.  Quite    unwell.     I   weighed   one   hundred    and   twenty-one.     Wrote    a 
letter  to  President  Fitch ^  and  one  to  Dr.  Howe,^  of   Poultney. 

14.  Fashionable  people  here  think  I  preach  too  close.     Warm.     Troubled 
with  a  diarrhoea. 

15.  The  morning  rainy.     Set  out  on  a  journey  northward.     Rode  through 
New  Haven  to  Moulton  and  tarried. 

16.  Went    through   a   part   of    Ferrisburgh*   to    Charlotte.'     Visited '  Mr. 
Newell,'°  formerly  minister  at  Goshen.     Through  Shelburne  to  Burlington  Bay. 


'  There  was  no  Congregational  church  in  ^  Ebenezer  Fitch,  D.  D.,  President  of  Will- 

Starksborough  until  1S04.  iams  College. 

^  With  the  old   Norfolk   families  he   felt  '  Neheniiah  Howe  and  Silas  Howe,  were 

peculiarly  at  home,  and  it  was  a  great  pleas-  among  the  first  settlers  of  Poultney  between 

ure   to    them   to  see   some   one   who   could  1770  and  1780.     Silas  Howe  was  first  deacon 

revive  the  old  memories.  of  the  Congregational  church. 

3  There  was  no  Congregational  church  or-  ^  No   Congregational    church    in    Ferris- 

ganized  at  Bristol  until  July  8,  1805.     By  his  burgh  until  1824. 

description  we  understand  that  he  preached  '  Charlotte  is  in  Chittenden  County, 

in  the  open  air.  '°  This  was  Rev.  Abel  Newell,  a  graduate 

■*  Probably  the  terms  Arminian  and  Meth-  of  Yale  in  1751,  and  settled  at  Goshen,  Ct, 

odist  are  meant  in  this  Vermont  connection  1755-1781.      He   was   already   an   old   man, 

to  be  somewhat  interchangeable.  nearly  fifty  years  out  of  college,  but  he  lived 

5  Early  in  the  ne.\t  September.  till  1S13. 


1799]  O^  ^   JOURNEY  THROUGH  VERMONT.  89 

Found  some  acquaintance.     Very  kindly  entertained  at  Col.  Keyes's.'     My 
disorder  has  left  me.     Gratia  Deo. 

17.  May  I  remember  this  morning.  This  morning  at  Col.  Keyes's  a  gen- 
tleman asked  me  if  I  wished  to  look  at  a  late  Walpole  paper.^  I  took  it,  and 
looking  among  the  deaths  I  saw,  "  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  sixty." 
How  was  I  shocked. 

Crossed  Onion  River  bridge ;  a  great  curiosity.  Passed  through  Colches- 
ter, Essex,  Westford,  Fairfax,  a  part  of  Fletcher  to  Fairfield.^  Quite  hot 
weather.  People  all  engaged  in  haying.  These  northern  towns  appear  new. 
Found  friends  at  Fairfield. 

18.  Rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town.  Visited  Norfolk  people.  People 
here  live  mostly  in  log-houses.  I  am  now  the  farthest  from  home  that  I  have 
ever  been,  about  two  hundred  and  thirty  miles.'' 

19.  A  little  rain.     Afternoon  preached  a  lecture. 

20.  Rode  back  to  the  middle  of  the  town.  This  is  a  good  town  for  grass. 
Very  hot  weather. 

21.  Preached  in  a  barn.  Full  meeting.  Saw  Esq.  Turner,Mormerly  from 
Norfolk. 

22.  Laid  the  plan  of  a  house  for  a  man  about  to  build.  Afternoon 
preached   a   lecture. 

23.  Rode  down  to  Fairfax  with  Esq.  Turner,  and  preached  a  lecture. 
Forded  the  river  La  Moille  as  I  did  going  up.  Came  to  Essex  and  lodged. 
Some  rain. 

24.  Came  to  Stephen  Butler's.*  He  was  formerly  from  Norfolk.  Almost 
overcome  with  the  heat.  In  the  coolest  place  I  could  find  was  put  to  it  for 
breath.  Towards  evenifig  rode  to  Jericho,'  and  visited  a  Mr.  Kingsbury.'  A 
very  dry  season.     Fine  hay  weather. 

25.  Found  old  acquaintance.  Mr.  Kingsbury  has  trials.  He  is  the  only 
settled  minister  north  of  Cornwall.  He  rode  with  me  to  Essex.  People 
almost  universally  drink  water,  and  that  oftentimes  poor.  Preached  a  lecture 
in  a  barn.     We  had  a  very  fine  shower. 

26.  Rode  in  company  with  Esq.  Turner  and  wife  through  part  of  Jericho, 
forded  Onion  River,  through  Williston  to  Hinesburgh.'  I  think  I  never  saw 
better  land  than  the  meadows  of   the    Onion  River.     Afternoon  preached  a 


*  Probably  Elnathan  Keyes,  a  graduate  of  *  Fairfield  is  within  twelve  or  fifteen  miles 

Dartmouth,  who  was  a  practicing  attorney  in  of  the  Canada  line. 

Burlington  as  early  as  1794.  ^  Probably  Bates  Turner,  elsewhere  men- 

^  The  Ftirmer^s  Mtiscum   was   started   in  tioned. 

Walpole,   N.    H.,   April    11,  1793,   and  still  ^  From  1801  to  1806  Stephen  Butler  was 

exists  in  the  succession,  as  the   Cheshire  Re-  constable  in  Essex,  Vt. 

publican,  now  published  at  Keene,  N.  H.  '  There  was  a  Congregational  church  at 

^  The  first  named  towns  were  in  Chitten-  Jericho,  founded  in  1791. 

den   County,   and    the    others    in   Franklin.  ^  Rev.  Ebenezer  Kingsbury,  a   native   of 

Franklin  County  touches  New  York  on  the  North  Coventry,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 

west  and  Canada  on  the  north.     In  none  of  in  1783. 

the  above  named  towns  was  there  a  Congre-  '  Hinesburgh  had  a  Congregational  church 

gational  church  except  in  Essex.  founded  in  17S9,  but  Williston  had  none. 


go 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1799- 


lecture.  People  in  this  State  do  not  appear  to  be  so  much  infected  with  infi- 
delity, as  erroneous  views  in  religion.  The  Methodists  have  a  pretty  strong  hold 
at  Hinesburgh,  Starksborough,  and  Monkton,  but  not  much  at  the  northward  of 
those  places.  The  disorganizing  principles  of  the  Baptists  do  considerable 
damage.  In  most  of  the  towns  people  seem  disposed  to  hear  preacliing,  and 
wish  to  get  regular  ministers.  I  have  many  applications.  Masonic  lodges  are 
forbidden  to  meet  by  law  in  Great  Britain.' 

27.  The  Methodists  go  great  lengths  in  fanaticism.  They  hurt  their  own 
cause.     Eat  green  peas.     Rode  to  Starksborough.^     Excessive  hot. 

28.  Preached  in  a  barn.  People  appear  serious.  Methodists  appear  to 
hate  me  with  great  sincerit>'.^  The  Baptists  are  very  jealous  of  regular,  edu- 
cated ministers.     Eat  cucumbers. 

29.  Rode  to  Monkton,''  and  preached  in  a  neighborhood  of  Methodists,  by 
previous  desire.  Their  champion,  Mitchel,  was  present.  After  meeting  we 
had  considerable  talk.  The  hearts  of  all  people  are  in  God's  hands,  and  may 
he  direct  them  in  the  right  way.     Rode  to  New  Haven,  and  tarried. 

30.  People  generally  beginning  harvest,^  which  comes  in  pretty  well.  The 
last  two  weeks  the  heat  of  haying.  Rode  down  to  Middlebury.  Thanks  to 
God  for  such  a  prosperous  journey.  It  has  been  fatiguing,  but  I  have  been 
surrounded  with  mercies.  Universally  a  dry  and  hot  season.  We  have  the 
other  extreme  from  the  spring.  The  riding  in  this  countr)-  very  good  now. 
Flies  are  very  troublesome  to  a  traveler.  I  am  ver^^  kindly  treated  wherever 
I  go.  Very  great  want  of  ministers  in  this  State.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
father  announcing  the  mournful  death  of  my  dear  Uncle  Robbins,  and  another 
from  cousin  Samuel  P.  Robbins,^  at  Norfolk,  soon  after  he  heard  the  affecting 
news.  O  that  I  might  have  feeling,  and  take  due  notice  of  such  solemn  calls 
of  God's  holy  providence.  My  friend  N.  Turner  is  settled  at  New  Marl- 
borough.    I  am  very  sorr}^,  and  believe  he  has  done  wrong. 

31.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Deacon  Steele,'  of  Hinesburgh,  and  another  to  Dr. 
Hall,  of  Starksborough.     Walked  out. 


'  That  is  a  quiet  remark,  by  the  way,  sug- 
gested doubtless  by  what  he  saw  of  Masonry 
in  Vermont.  As  we  know  from  a  previous 
utterance,  he  did  not  admire  the  institution 
there. 

-  There  was  no  Congregational  church  in 
Starksborough. 

^  There  was  far  more  of  denominational 
jealousy  and  prejudice  in  the  country  at  the 
beginning  of  this  century  than  now. 

*  No  Congregational  church  at  Monkton 
till   1824. 

^  The  harvest  was  the  gathering  of  the 
grains,  wheat,  rye,  oats,  etc.,  which  did  not 
usually  begin  in  New  England  till  haying  was 
well-nigh  done. 


^  Samuel  Prince  Robbins  was  the  son  of 
Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth.  He 
had  graduated  the  year  before  at  Harvard 
College.  A  few  years  later  he  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  at  Marietta, 
Ohio,  his  cousin.  Rev.  Thomas  Robbins, 
the  author  of  this  diar}-,  preaching  the  ser- 
mon. 

'  Dea.  Josiah  Steele  was  from  East  Hart- 
ford, Ct.  He  was  the  chief  mover  in  the  or- 
ganization of  the  Congregational  church  in 
Hinesburgh,  and  was  its  first  deacon.  His 
son  Eliphaz  was  clerk  of  the  church  from 
1S02  to  18 1 8.  The  men  going  up  from 
Connecticut  were  ^pt  to  be  church-going 
people. 


1 799-]  ON    A    JOURNEY    THROUGH    VERMONT.  9 1 

August. 

1.  Wrote  on  my  oration  for  Commencement.     Had  company. 

2.  Received  a  letter  from  the  town  of  Charlotte,  requesting  me  to  go  there 
and  preach.  I  cannot  go.'  For  about  a  fortnight  past  I  think  there  has  been 
as  hot  weather  as  I  ever  knew  for  so  long  a  time.  Nights,  however,  rather 
cool. 

3.  Finished  my  oration.     Went  into  the  water.     Walked  out  and  drank  tea. 

4.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  heavy  shower  on  the  very  thirsty  ground. 
Full  meeting. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  People  in  the  hight  of  harvest.  It  comes  in 
generally  very  full.  Lmis  Deo.  There  has  been  a  remarkably  good  season  to 
get  hay.     Became  considerably  acquainted  with  Gov.  Tichenor.'^ 

6.  Nearly  all  the  maritime  forces  of  Europe  are  now  in  the  Mediterranean 
Sea.  Carnage  is  expected.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Hills,  of  Charlotte.  Re- 
ceived one  from  my  brother  James.     Walked  out. 

7.  Wrote  home.  Rode  to  Waybridge,^  and  preached  a  lecture.  Rode 
down  to  Cornwall  and  visited  Mr.  Wooster.  Great  quantities  of  wheat  in  this 
country. 

8.  Rode  back  to  Middlebury.  They  are  building  a  large  and  good 
bridge  here.     The  building  of  it  will  cost  eighty  dollars  besides  the  materials. 

9.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Bates  Turner,''  of  Fairfield.     Attended  conference. 

10.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  brother  A.,  and  one  to  my  friend  D.  Noble.  As 
I  expect  to  be  taken  up  tomorrow,  which  will  be  my  birthday,  it  being  the 
Sabbath,  I  set  aside  this  day  to  fasting  and  prayer.  Showers.  At  evening 
was  informed  that  a  town-meeting  is  warned  here  to  give  me  a  call.  I  was 
much  surprised  and  very  sorry .^ 

11.  My  voice,  I  think,  is  not  so  clear  and  strong  as  it  has  been.  I  fear  I 
shall  fail.  Thy  will  be  done.  Thanks  to  God  who  has  brought  me  to  the 
close  of  another  year,  and  to  another  joyful  birthday.^  O  for  more  gratitude 
and  love.     My  last  year  has  been  happier  than  I  could  have  expected. 

12.  Rode  out  and  visited  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town.  In  the  morning 
had  a  long  talk  with  some  unprincipled  men  about  the  situation  of  the  town. 
Showery. 

13.  Rode  to  Salisbury,'  and  preached  a  lecture.  Afterwards  had  a  dispute 
with  a  young  man  there  in  public  on  doctrines.     Quite  warm.     Returned. 

'  Because  he  is  engaged  at  Middlebury,  II,  p.  192,  Bates  Turner  is  given  as  among 

so  long  as  he  stays  in  Vermont.  the  early  settlers  of  Fairfield.     He  was  prob- 

^  Isaac  Tichenor,  a  graduate  of  Princeton,  ably  of  the  Turner  family  of  Norfolk,  Ct. 
1773,  Senator  in  Congress  and  Governor  of  '  Ministers  were  so  scarce  in  all  this  re- 
Vermont,  gion  that  it  was  hard  to  resist  the  importu- 

^  Mr.  Robbins  in  his  diary  spells  this  place  nities  of  people  asking  him  to  stay  and  settle 

Waybridge.     It   is   now  written  Weybridge.  with  them.     But  he  had  formed  other  plans 

There  was  a  Congregational   church  in  this  of  labor. 

town  organized  in  1794,  but  the  first  settled  ''  He  was  now  twenty-two  years  old. 

minister  was  Rev.  Jonathan  Hovey,  a  native  of  ^  Salisbury   adjoins    Middlebury   on    the 

Mansfield,  Ct.,  who  began  his  work  in  1S06.  south.      It   had   no   Congregational    church 

■*  In  the  Vermont  Histoi-ical  Gazetteer,  Vol.  until   February,    1S04. 


92  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

14.  Rode  to  New  Haven  and  \dsited.  People  generally  have  done  haying 
and  harvest.' 

15.  Returned.     Began  a  sermon  on  Luke  ii :   10.^     Visited. 

16.  The  combined  armies  of  Austria  and  Russia  seem  likely  to  restore 
Europe  to  its  primitive  state.     Preached  a  sacramental  lecture. 

17.  Wrote.  Afternoon  Deacon  Hall  and  wife  from  Starksborough  called 
to  see  me.  Rode  to  Cornwall,^  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Wooster.  Forded  the 
creek  in  this  town.  The  Methodists  in  the  towns  above  tell  many  false  stories 
about  me.     May  I  forgive  my  enemies. 

18.  Had  a  full  meeting.  Conversed  considerably.  Visited  a  sick  man. 
Mr.  Wooster,  as  a  minister,  is  rather  solitary. 

19.  Rode  back.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Walked  three  miles. 

20.  Wrote  considerably.  Learning  my  oration.  Attended  a  small  con- 
ference. 

21.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  ii :  10.  Visited.  I  think  this  town  is 
like  to  be  a  large  place.* 

22.  Studied  some.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Went  to  the  town-meeting, 
which  was  warned  to  give  me  a  call ;  and  after  saying  a  number  of  things, 
desired  them  not  to  come  to  any  vote.^  I  am  not  willing  to  be  settled.  The 
matter  dropped  easily. 

23.  Walked  to  Waybridge  and  back.^     A  very  hot  and  dry  season. 

24.  Rode  out.     It  is  rather  trying  to  leave  old  friends  here. 

25.  Had  a  very  full  and  attentive  meeting.  Very  many  people  called  in 
to  see  me. 

26.  Received  five  dollars  of  this  town.'  Set  out  for  Connecticut.  Rode 
through  Salisbury,  Leicester,  Brandon,  and  Pittsford  to  Rutland.^  Tarried 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Ball.' 


'  Haying  and  harvesting  would  be  two  or  ^  This  was  a  true  and   honorable  course 

three   weeks   later    in    this   region   than    in  of   conduct.     Some  j'oung  men  would  have 

southern  New  England.  allowed  them  to  extend  the  call,  even  though 

^  "  And  the  angel  said  unto  them,  fear  they  were  determined  not  to  accept  it.  But 
not,  for  behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  Mr.  Robbins  was  a  very  conscientious,  care- 
great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people."  ful,   sincere   Christian  man,   and  would  not 

^  Cornwall  joins  Middlebury  on  the  west.  seem  to  act  a  double  part. 

^  His  conjecture  was  right.     Middlebury  *  Weybridge  touches  Middlebury  on  the 

is  one  of   the  important  towns  of  Vermont  northwest  corner  of  the  town, 

for   business;   as   also  for  other  things.     A  '  His  journey  to  Vermont  was  evidently 

Congregational   church  was   organized  here  not  a  money  making  expedition. 

Sept.  5,  1790,   and   two   months   later   Rev.  ^  At    first   he    starts   southward  through 

John   Barnett,  a  native   of   Windsor,  Ct.,  a  a   more   inland    tier   of    towns    than    those 

graduate  of  Yale   in   1780,  was  set  over  it.  through   which   he   came   up. 

He  remained  for  five  years.     When  Mr.  Rob-  'Rev.    Heman   Ball,   D.  D.,  a   native   of 

bins  was  here  they  had  no  minister,  but  in  Springfield,  Mass.,  graduate  of   Dartmouth, 

the   fall   of   that  year  (1799)  Rev.  Jeremiah  1791,  who    was   settled   at   Rutland,  Feb.  i, 

Atwater,   D.  D.,   came    here,    and    in    iSoo  1797.     The   Congregational   church   at  Rut- 

Middlebury  College   was  founded,  and   Dr.  land  was  one  of   the  older  churches  of  the 

Atwater  was  made  its  first  President.  State. 


1 799-]  GOING   TO    COMMENCEMENT.  93 

27.  Rutland  is  the  largest  place  I  have  seen  in  the  State.  Called  on  Rev. 
Mr.  Haynes,'  West  Rutland.  Rode  through  Ira,  Castleton,  and  tarried  in 
Poultney.^     Cool  nights. 

28.  A  very  dry  season.  This  morning  a  little  frost.  In  some  places  it  is 
quite  sickly.  Rode  through  Wells,  etc. ;  the  same  road  in  which  I  went  up. 
Tarried  at  Arlington. 

29.  Rode  to  Bennington.  A  rainy  day.  Very  joyful.  Tarried  with  Mr. 
Swift.     This    State   much   engaged   in   electioneering. 

30.  Rode  to  Williamstown.  Found  my  brother  James ;  kindly  received. 
Quite  warm. 

31.  My  oration  was  affirmed.  Visited  Mr.  Swift.  College  in  a  good 
situation. 

September. 

1.  A  hard  Tain.  Rather  a  thin  meeting.  Preached  all  day.  Attended 
the  holy  sacrament.  O  for  a  sense  of  its  importance.  Became  acquainted 
with  President  Willard.^  After  meeting  the.  President  delivered  an  excellent 
discourse  to  the  candidates  for  degrees  in  the  chapel. 

2.  Had  a  long  talk  with  the  President.  Visited.  There  is  the  best 
meeting-house  *  here  I  have  ever  been  in.  At  night  tarried  at  Mr.  Swift's  with 
ministers. 

3.  Afternoon  rainy.  My  father  and  brother  A.,  Uncle  and  Aunt  Starr,^ 
and  other  friends,  arrived  in  town.     At  evening  attended  an  exhibition. 

4.  It  rained  moderately  the  greatest  part  of  the  day.  In  the  afternoon 
no  procession.  A  great  many  people.  The  exhibition  very  good.  I  delivered 
an  English  oration  on  Annihilation.*  Took  my  second  degree.  Thanks  be 
to  sovereign  grace,  who  has  thus  prepared  me  through  seven  happy  years,  in 
which  I  have  been  allied  to  college. 

5.  In  the  morning  quite  rainy.  My  father  is  this  day  fifty-nine  years  old. 
Visited  a  scholar  very  sick,  but  happily  recovering. 

6.  Set  out  for  home  with  my  father  and  others.  Came  down  to  Stock- 
bridge.^ 

7.  Arrived  home  safely  after  an  absence  of  nearly  four  months.  My 
most  sanguine  hopes  for  the  summer  have  been  answered.  O  for  gratitude. 
At  night  very  rainy.     Very  refreshing  to  the  thirsty  ground. 


'  Rev.  Lemuel  Haynes,  the  famous   col-  in  which  he  was  graduated  three  years  be- 

ored  preacher.     He  was   a  native   of   West  fore. 

Hartford,  Ct.,  but  was  settled  at  West  Rut-  =  Rev.  Peter  Starr  and  wife  from  Warren, 

land  from  1788  to  1818.  to  see  their  son  graduate.     Mrs.  Starr  was 

^  From  Poultney  down   he   followed   the  sister  of  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins,  of  Norfolk, 
path  in  which  he  came  up.  *  Rather  a  rare  and  unique  subject  for  a 

3  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  D.  D.,  from  1781  Commencement  oration,  but  capable  of  being 

to  1804  President  of  Harvard  College.     He  effectively  handled. 

was  the  son  of  Rev.  Samuel  Willard,  minister  ^  His   Aunt  Woodbridge  was   no   longer 

of  Biddeford,  Me.  there  to  welcome  her  friends.     She  died,  it 

*  A  great  contrast   to  the  meeting-house  will  be  remembered,  the  previous  February. 


94  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

8.  My  father  rode  to  Colebrook  and  preached.'  I  never  saw  such  an 
appearance  in  this  town  as  now.  The  work  of  God  is  indeed  very  great. 
Forty  are  already  added  to  my  father's  church.  Many  more  have  hopes,  and 
the  work  still  goes  on  gloriously.  How  shall  we  bless  and  praise  the  Most 
High. 

9.  Went  on  a  journey  to  New  Haven.  Dined  at  Litchfield.  Rode  on  to 
Salem,  and  tarried  at  Mr.  Fowler's.     Found  old  acquaintance. 

10.  Forenoon  very  rainy.  Rode  into  New  Haven.  From  Litchfield  here 
is  a  turnpike  road.  Found  many  former  friends.  About  forty  freshmen  are 
admitted  into  college.  Afternoon  there  was  an  oration  delivered  to  the 
P.  B.  K.  Society.  Dr.  TrumbulP  preached  on  the  evidences  of  Christianity. 
It  was  seven  years  this  day  since  I  was  admitted  into  college. 

11.  The  exercises  were  lengthy,  but  pretty  good.  Afternoon  very  hot. 
Many  eminent  characters  were  present.  I  took  a  degree  of  master  of  arts 
with  my  class. 

12.  Attended  meeting;  P.  B.  K.  Society.  We  had  considerable  debate 
about  altering  it  from  a  secret  society^  to  some  other,  but  could  not.  A 
part  of  a  regiment  of  the  United  States  army  is  encamped  near  this  city. 
Left  town  and  came  to  Cheshire. 

13.  I  think  I  have  not  felt  the  heat  more  any  day  this  year.  Came  on  to 
Torringford  and  arrived  home  in  safety. 

14.  My  sister  S.  quite  unwell.  Worked  some.  Dr.  Perkins,'*  inventor  of 
the  metallic  tractors,  died  lately  in  New  York  of  the  j'ellow  fever.  He  went 
down  to  oppose  it,  and  fell  a  sacrifice. 

15.  Rode  to  Colebrook  and  preached.  Some  awakening  there,  but  not 
great. 

17.  Walked  out.     Afternoon  rode  with  my  mamma. 

18.  Worked  considerably.  My  father  is  employed  incessantly  in  his 
ministerial    labors. 

19.  My  father  has  entered  four  scholars  in  Williams,  and  three  in  Yale 
College  this  fall.  Rainy.  A  number  of  people  came  here  to  be  examined  by 
the    church   committee    in   order  to   be   propounded   for  communion.     They 


'  Dr.    Jonathan    Edwards,     whose     long  before   the   writer  entered   Yale    College  in 

ministry  had  been  at  New  Haven  Ct,   had  1835. 

been  at  Colebrook  from  January,  1796,  and  *  Dr.  Elisha  Perkins,  son  of  Dr.  Joseph 

was  dismissed  in  June,  1799,  to  be  President  of  Perkins,  of  Norwich,  Ct.,  was  a  physician  in 

Union  College.     He  removed  with  his  family  large  practice  in  Plainfield,  Ct.     About  1796 

to  Schenectady  in  July  of  that  summer.     The  he  invented  the  metallic  tractors,  two  instru- 

Norfolk  minister  supplied  the  pulpit  in  Cole-  ments,  one  with  steel   points,  and  one  with 

brook  on  that  second  Sabbath  of  September,  brass,  which  being  passed  over  the  diseased 

and  his  son  Thomas  probably  preached   in  parts  of  the  body  would,  as  was  claimed,  re- 

the  Norfolk  pulpit.  move  the  disease.     For  a  few  years,  both  in 

-  Dr.    Benjamin    Trumbull,    minister    at  this  country  and  in  England,  Dr.  Perkins  and 

North  Haven  from  1760  to  1S20,  a  native  of  his  tractors  had  a  great  reputation.     He  died 

Hebron,  graduate  of  Yale,   1759,  author  of  September,  1799,  as  the  diary  relates.     The 

Y'/ic  History  of  Councctknt.  excitement   about   the  metallic  tractors  was 

^  The  secrecy  was  mostly  taken  out  of  it  temporary. 


1 799-]  ^T    HOME   AT   NORFOLK.  95 

appear   very  well.     Their   relations    are    clear   and   rational.     I   preached    a 
lecture.     People  flock  to  all  meetings.     Began  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  vi :  2. 

20.  Wrote.  Traded  some.  The  assassination  of  the  French  plenipoten- 
tiaries at  Rastadt'  seems  to  have  been  a  project  of  the  Directory. 

21.  Rode  out.  Wrote  considerably.  My  brother  A.  and  wife  came  over 
to  make  us  a  visit. 

22.  My  father  not  being  ver}- well,  I  preached  all  day.  The  house  very 
much  crowded.  I  have  never  preached  to  so  large  an  audience.  Very  serious 
and  attentive.  ]My  father  propounded  twenty-four  persons  for  communion. 
At  evening  the  conference  very  full. 

23.  Laying  out  to  go  to  Plymouth  with  my  sister.  My  cousin  Isaac  Rob- 
bins"  came  to  make  us  a  visit  on  his  way  from  Ohio  to  Plymouth.  He  has 
been  from  Plymouth  above  nine  years.  He  is  a  Methodist,  "sometimes" 
preacher. 

24.  Rode  with  my  father  to  New  Hartford,^  and  attended  association. 
Went  on  the  new  turnpike  road ;  like  to  be  very  good. 

25.  Rode  home.  A  military  brigade  met  yesterday  at  Bennington,  and 
were  reviewed  by  Gov.  Gill.* 

26.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  Mr.  Gillett,'  of  Torrington,*  preached  a  lecture. 
My  father  has  had  a  stated  Thursday  lecture  all  summer. 

27.  Had  a  new  hat  made.  Dr.  Humphreys  and  wife  from  Pawtucket, 
came  to  visit  us.     Preparing  for  our  journey. 

28.  This  morning  considerable  frost ;  the  first  real  one  that  we  have  had. 
A  fine  year  for  apples  and  cider.  In  the  afternoon  set  out  with  my  sister  for 
Plymouth.     Rode  to  New  Hartford. 

29.  Mr.  Grifiin  is  absent.  Preached.  Very  windy.  The  awakening  has 
been  very  great  there,  but  has  mostly  subsided.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Catlin. 
New  Marlborough,  and  one  to  Mr.  N.  Munger,  Middlebur}',  Vt. 


'  "  On  the  breaking  up  of  the  Congress  of  ford  was  filled  by  Edward  D.  Griffin,  then  a 

1799  without  any   definite   result,  the  three  young  man   of    twenty-nine.     He   afterward 

French   plenipotentiaries  set  out  for  Stras-  became  the  celebrated  Dr.  Griffin,  Professor 

burg  on  the  evening  of  April    19,  but  they  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  Pastor  of 

had  scarcely  got  beyond  the  gates  of   Ras-  Park  Street  Church,  Boston,  and  President 

tadt,  when  they  were  attacked  by  a  number  of  Williams  College  from  1S21  to  1S37.     He 

of  Austrian  hussars ;  two  of  the  three  were  was  a  native  of  East  Haddam,  Ct.,  born  Jan. 

slain,  and  the  other  sabered  and  left  for  dead  6,  1770. 

in  a  ditch.  .  .  .  This  flagrant  violation  of  the  "•  Elected  Lieutenant-Governor,  but  Gov- 

law  of  nations  roused  the   indignation  and  ernor  by  the  death  of  Gov.  Increase  Sumner, 
horror  not  only  of  France,  but  of  all  Europe."  ^  Alexander    Gillett,    a    native    of    East 

—  Chajnbers's  Encvdopcsdia,  Vol.  VHI,  p.  1 17.  Granby,  Ct.  (Turkey  Hills),  graduated  at  Yale, 

^  Isaac  Robbins  was  a  son  of  Dr.  Chand-  1770,  the  pastor  at  Torrington  from  1792  to 

ler,  Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  born  in  1770,  now  1826. 

twenty-nine  years  old.     He  was  living  out  in  *  Torrington  was  the  name  of  the   town 

Ohio.  of  which  Torringford  was  a  part.     It  was  an 

3  At  this  time,  the  pulpit  of  New  Hart-  important  town  in  western  Connecticut. 


96 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1799- 


dusty. 


Rode  to  Glastonbury  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Lockwood.'     Very  dry  and 
My  sister  is  hardly  able  to  perform  the  journey. 


October. 

1.  Rode  to  Marlborough,  and  tarried  at  my  old  home,  Mr.  Carter's.  This 
societ}'  has  given  Mr.  Gould,^  who  is  chosen  tutor  at  Williams  College,  a  call 
to  settle  with  them  in  the  ministry. 

2.  There  has  been  considerable  awakening  in  this  parish  the  past  sum- 
mer, but  I  fear  it  is  subsiding.  Rode  through  Hebron  and  Windham  to 
Plainfield.  Fine  weather.  My  sister  very  tired.  The  academy  in  this  town 
very  flourishing. 

3.  Rode  on  through  Sterling  in  Connecticut ;  and  in  Rhode  Island,  Cov- 
entry, Foster,  Scituate,  and  tarried  at  a  tavern  in  Johnston,^  three  miles  from 
Providence.     My  sister  quite  unwell  by  the  fatigue  of  the  journey. 

4.  Rode  on.  Walked  around  Providence.  This  city  appears  flourishing. 
Went  into  the  Baptist  and  new  Presbyterian  meeting-houses ;  *  the  best  meet- 
ing-houses in  New  England.  Rode  through  Providence,  part  of  Rehoboth, 
Barrington,*  and  Warren  to  Bristol.  Bristol  and  Warren  are  very  pretty 
towns.  We  arrived  safely  at  Dr.  Bradford's ;  *  an  uncle  by  marriage.  Very 
kindly  received. 

5.  My  sister  quite  unwell.  My  uncle  here  lives  in  a  fine  situation,  a  mile 
from  the  town,  on  a  large  farm  on  Mount  Hope,  the  celebrated  seat  of  King 
Philip.  Fences  here  are  most  wholly  large  stone  walls.  Read  some  in  T/ie 
Forresters, 

6.  Attended  meeting  and  the  holy  sacrament.  O  may  my  mind  be 
solemnized  whenever  I  approach  the  holy  table.  Heard  Mr.  Wight,^  the 
minister  here,  preach.     Dr.  Bradford  is  a  man  of  great  information. 


'  Rev.  William  Lockwood  was  the  pastor 
at  Glastonbury  from  1797  to  1804,  when  he 
was  obliged  to  resign  on  account  of  ill-health, 
and  was  never  able  to  resume  the  pastoral 
charge,  though  he  lived  till  1828.  His  father, 
James  Lockwood,  was  an  eminent  man  in  his 
generation,  was  pastor  at  Wethersfield  from 
1739  to  1772,  when  he  died;  was  a  Fellow  of 
Yale,  was  solicited  to  succeed  Pres.  Clap  as 
President  of  Yale,  and  also  was  offered  the 
Presidency  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  but 
he  declined  both  these  offers. 

^  Mr.  Vinson  Gould,  graduated  at  Will- 
iams in  1797,  and  two  years  later  was  chosen 
tutor.  He  did  not  accept  the  Marlborough 
call.     He  was  a  native  of  Sharon,  Ct. 

^  In  Rhode  Island  Congregational  churches 
are  few  now,  and  were  fewer  then.  In  none 
of  the  four  towns  here  named  was  there  a 
Congregational  church. 

■*  The  fathers,  at  the  beginning  of  this  cent- 
ury,  often  called    Congregational    churches 


Presbyterian.  The  meeting-house  here  re- 
ferred to  was  probably  that  of  the  so-called 
Beneficent  Church. 

^  At  Barrington  was  the  oldest  Congrega- 
tional church  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island, 
founded  in  1670. 

^  This  William  Bradford  was  of  the  fourth 
generation  from  the  illustrious  William  Brad- 
ford of  1620,  Governor  of  the  Plymouth 
Colony.  He  was  a  physician  in  large  and 
successful  practice,  first  living  at  W^arren, 
and  then  on  Mount  Hope,  Bristol.  His  wife 
was  Mary  Le  Baron,  of  Phinouth,  born  1731, 
half-sister  of  Thomas  Robbins's  mother.  Dr. 
Bradford  lived  with  her  twent)-four  j-ears  in 
the  married  state,  and  then  lived  thirty-three 
years  a  widower.  His  wife  died  in  1775,  at 
the  age  of  forty-four,  while  he  lived  on  alone 
until  180S. 

^  Rev.  Henry  Wight,  D.  D.,  native  of 
Medfield,  Mass.,  graduate  of  Harvard,  17S2, 
pastor  at  Bristol  from  1785  to  182S. 


[799-]  ON   A   JOURNEY   TO    PLYMOUTH,    MASS. 


97 


7.  Walked  out  with  a  cousin.  The  people  here  do  much  in  the  African 
trade.  There  is  considerable  shipping  owned  here.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Warren  and  back.     There   is  very  little  religion  here  even  in   form.' 

8.  Walked  on  to  Mt.  Hope,  which  affords  one  of  the  finest  prospects  I 
ever  saw ;  and  I  guess,  equal  to  any  in  New  England.  Rainy.  Dined  with 
Capt.  De  Wolf,^  the  husband  of  one  of  my  cousins.  He  has  a  set  of  china- 
ware  which  cost  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  in  Canton. 

9.  After  a  fine  visit  we  left  our  friends  at  Bristol.  Rode  through  Warren, 
Swansea,  and  Dighton  to  Taunton.  Tarried  at  Col.  Crossman's.^  They  were 
very  kind. 

10.  A  very  hard  rain.  A  number  of  soldiers  are  stationed  in  this  town. 
Towards  night  we  rode  to  Raynham.  Being  rainy  we  were  obliged  to  stop  at 
a  private  house. 

11.  Our  hosts  were  very  kind.  They  would  not  take  anything.  INIy  sister 
evidently  gets  better.  Came  to  Middleborough  to  Mr.  Barker's."*  Preached  a 
sacramental  lecture.  The  English  missionary  ship  has  gone  a  second  voyage 
to  the  South  Seas. 

12.  Rode  through  Carver  to  Plymouth.  Found  friends  all  well.  The 
departure  of  my  dear  uncle  Robbins  has  made  a  great  blank.  We  have  had  a 
very  prosperous  journey.  O  for  gratitude.  At  evening  a  Mr.  Kendall^  came 
to  Aunt  Robbins's  to  board ;  a  candidate  hired  to  preach  here,  now  a  tutor  at 
Harvard  College. 

13.  Heard  Mr.  Kendall  preach.  He  appears  to  be  an  Arminian^  in  full. 
A  very  great  congregation  here.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Gave 
an  account  of  awakenings  at  the  westward.     Prayed  with  a  dying  man. 

14.  Wet  and  cloudy  weather  still  continues.     Walked  and  visited. 

15.  Fine  weather  after  nearly  a  week  of  wet  and  bad.  Dined  with  Mr.  W. 
Goodwin.^  Read  the  articles  of  capitulation  of  Mantua.  The  Russians  and 
Austrians  took  it  after  a  short  but  vigorous  siege,  and  found  in  it  great  stores. 
Attended  a  funeral. 


'  This  remark  very  true  and  characteris-  Mr.  Barker  was  born  in  1751,  graduated  at 

tic  of  Rhode  Island  in  the  last  century,  and  Yale  in  177 1,  and  settled  at  Middleborough 

early   part   of  the  present.     It  was,  at   that  in  1781.     He  remained  here  till  his  death  in 

time,  missionary  ground  for  the  Connecticut  1815. 

churches.  ^  This  was  James   Kendall,  D.  D.,  ^fter- 

^  The  DeWolfs,  of   Bristol,  have   been  a  wards  pastor  for  a  life-time  at  Plymouth,  and 

conspicuous  family  for  character  and  wealth  under  whose  ministry  the  church  passed  from 

for  generations.  the  Trinitarian  to  the  Unitarian  faith. 

^  This  was  the  father  probably,  of  Rev.  *  Already  the  theology  which  came  from 

Joseph   W.   Grossman,   who   had   been   two  Harvard  was  different  from  that  which  came 

years  before  settled  at  Salisbury,  Ct.     Joseph  from  Yale. 

W.  Grossman  was  a  graduate  of  Brown  Uni-  '  This  Mr.  W.  Goodwin  was  a  son  of  Na- 

versity  in  1795.  thaniel    Goodwin.      His    mother  was   a   Le 

''  Rev.  Joseph  Barker,  who  was  born  and  Baron,  but  he  was  not  nearly  related  to  Mr. 

brought  up  in  Branford,  Gt.,  where  Thomas  Robbins.     The  Goodwins  and  Le  Baroiis  in- 

Robbins's  grandfather  Philemon  was  minister.  termarried  considerably. 


98  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

16.  The  Dutch  fleet  in  the  Texel  have  surrendered  to  the  British  for  the 
Stadtholder  without  any  opposition.  Dined  with  Dr.  Thacher.  At  evening 
preached  a  private  lecture  to  a  large  audience.  Walked  and  viewed  the  mode 
of  curing  fish. 

17.  Yery  cold  for  the  season.  This  town  has  increased  much  since  I  was 
here  last.  There  is  considerable  maritime  trade  and  fishing.  My  sister's 
health   amends. 

18.  Made  considerable  inquir}^  concerning  my  ancestr}^  and  noted  what  I 
could  get.  My  cousin  Lemuel  Le  Baron,'  a  graduate  at  Providence,  is  here 
keeping  school  for  a  short  time. 

19.  Rode  to  Rochester  with  my  sister  and  cousin  I.  Robbins.^  Found  all 
well  at  my  uncle's.     Warm. 

20.  Preached  for  my  uncle.^     Cloudy,  and  a  thin  meeting. 

21.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  had  considerable  company. 
Many   fine    singers   here. 

22.  Quite  cold.  My  uncle  is  an  excellent  man.  People  here  trade  con- 
siderably. 

23.  We  have  had  a  very  fine  visit  here.  Set  out  for  Plymouth.  Came  on 
to  Mr.  Everett's  *  at  Wareham,  and  unfortunately  found  him  and  his  wife  gone. 
Dined.  Wrote  him  a  letter  and  came  on.  Went  into  the  furnace  at  CarA-er, 
and  arrived  at  Plymouth  safely.     Quite  cold. 

24.  My  Uncle  W.  Le  Baron,^  whom  I  have  not  seen  before,  appears  quite 
agreeably.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

25.  Dined  at  Aunt  Thompson's.^  She  having  failed  through  misfortune  has 
again  begun  in  trade,  and  has  fair  prospects.  This  town  is  in  a  very  great 
tumult  respecting  a  minister. 

26.  Dined  at  Gen.  Goodwin's.  A  very  elegant  dinner.  Saturday  and 
Sabbath  evenings  here  seem  to  be  considerably  devoted  to  visiting.  Talked 
freely  with  my  friends  on  sentiments  in  divinity. 

27.  Heard  Mr.  Kendall  preach.  I  think  it  will  be  a  great  misfortune  to 
this  town  to  have  him  for  their  minister.  I  fear  he  will  lead  souls  astray.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference. 

28.  A  rainy  day.  Saturday  evening  my  cousin  Chandler  Robbins  came 
here  from  the  eastward  on  a  short  visit.     This  town  in  a  srreat  ferment  on 


'  A  son  of  Rev.  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  minister  that  preached  for  him  that  day  was,  Oct.  16, 

at    Rochester.     This    cousin   had   graduated  1S32,  installed  as  colleague.     This  parish  is 

that   fall    at   Brown   University.  now  knowTi   as   Mattapoisett.     Rev.  Mr.  Le 

^  Isaac   Robbins  from   Ohio.     It  will   be  Baron  died  in  1836,  in  his  90th  year, 
remembered   that   he  appeared   at   Norfolk,  *  Rev.  Noble  Everett,  a  native  of  Wood- 
only   a  few  weeks   before,  on  his  way  from  bury,   Ct.,   graduated   at  Yale   in    1775,  and 
Ohio  to  his  home  in  PljTnouth.  minister  at  Wareham  from  1782  to  1819. 

3  Lemuel    Le  Baron,  born   in    1747,   two  ^  William  Le  Baron,  born  1751.     He  was 

years  after  his  sister,  the  wife  of  the  Norfolk  sLx  years  younger  than  his  sister  Elizabeth, 

minister,  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  176S,  and  ^  Irene  Robbins,  daughter  of  Rev.  Phile- 

was  settled  in  Rochester  in  1772,  where  he  mon  Robbins,  of   Branford,  married  Mr.  G. 

remained  for  life.    He  continued  sole  pastor  D.  Thompson.     We  suppose  her  to  be  the 

till    1832,  sixty  years,  when  the  young  man  "  Aunt  Thompson  "  he  speaks  of. 


1700.]  ON    A    JOURNEY    TO    PLYMOUTH,    MASS.  99 

account  of  a  billet  which  was  yesterday  pinned  on  the  cushion,  and  addressed 
to  the  minister.     At  evening  it  appeared  to  be  from  my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins.' 

29.  In  the  morning  set  out  for  Boston.  -Fine  weather.  Saw  the  Presi- 
dent's situation  in  Quincy,.^     Arrived  at  Boston  in  the  evening. 

30.  Found  friends  more  and  better  than  I  expected.  A  great  deal  of 
parade  in  honor  of  the  President's  birthday.  The  most  splendid  militar}- 
parade  that  I  ever  saw.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  business  done  here.  The 
streets  very  full  and  crowded.  At  evening  attended  the  theater  with  my 
cousin  J.  Le  Baron. 

31.  My  feet  and  ankles  are  quite  sore  with  walking  on  the  pavement. 
Called  on  Mr.  E.  N.  Robbins.  He  was  very  hospitable.  If  I  shall  ever  go  to 
Boston  again  he  will  assist  me  into  inquiring  into  our  ancestry.  Left  Boston. 
Called  and  visited  Mr.  Cobb,  of  Kingston,  who  is  one  hundred  and  five  years 
old  last  April.     Arrived  safely  at  Plymouth. 

November. 

I.  Visited  friends.  Quite  cold.  At  evening  attended  a  meeting  with  the 
brethren  of  the  church,  to  converse  about  a  minister.  Some  of  the  serious 
people  seem  to  be  strangely  deluded. 

3.  Took  an  affectionate  leave  of  all  friends,  and  set  out  for  home  with 
my  sister.  Dined  with  Mr.  Barker,^  of  Middleborough,  and  came  on  to 
Taunton. 

3.  Very  cold  all  day.  Preached  for  a  new  society  three  miles  from  the 
center  of  the  town.  The  center  of  the  town  is  determined  to  have  a  Cam- 
bridge Arminian*  minister.     At  evening  had  company. 

4.  Cold  morning.  Rode  through  a  part  of  Attleborough  and  Rehoboth  to 
Pawtucket.^  Tarried  with  Dr.  Shumway.  Saw  the  mill-works,  gnn-works, 
cotton-works,  etc.     At  evening  preached  a  lecture  to  a  pretty  large  audience. 

5.  Came  through  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  to  Plainfield.  My  sister 
rides  very  well.*     Found  friends  kind. 

6.  Rode  to  Norwich.  Came  on  to  Lebanon,  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Gur- 
ley.^     Fine  weather. 


*  Peter  Oilman  Robbins,  the  youngest  *  This  remark  seems  to  suggest  that  this 
child  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  born  in  1781,  was  a  horseback  journey. 

and  now  only  sixteen  or  seventeen  years  old,  ^  Rev.  John  Gurley,  the  maiden  name  of 

^  Travelers  through  Quincy  for  nearly  a  whose   wife  was   Mary   Porter,    of   Hebron, 

hundred  years,  have  been  careful   to  take  a  great  aunt  of  the  editor  of   this  diary.     He 

look  at  the  Adams's  mansion.  has  spent  many  days  and  nights  in  this  old 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Barker,  already  noticed.  parsonage  house.     Here  were  born  John  W. 

*  Arminian  as  used  in  connection  with  the  Gurley,  a  brilliant  lawyer,  killed  in  a  duel  at 
Congregational  churches  of  New  England  at  New  Orleans,  Mary,  wife  of  Rev.  Dr.  Gillett, 
the  beginning  of  this  century,  was  a  general  of  Hallowell,  Me.,  Henry  H.,  member  of 
rather  than  a  strictly  technical  term.     It  im-  Congress,  and  judge  in  Louisiana,  Ralph  R., 

•  plied  a  low  state  of  doctrine,  and  of  practical  for  a  long  course  of  years  Secretary  of  the 
piety.  American  Colonization   Society.     After   the 
5  Pawtucket  was  not  then  a  town,  but  a  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Gurley  Mrs.  Gurley  mar- 
part  of  Providence.  ried  Gen.  Absalom  Peters. 


1(^0  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOiMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

7.  Rode  through  Colchester  to  Marlborough.  Received  thirty  dollars' 
from  this  society. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Strong.''  Afternoon  something 
rainy. 

9.  Left  Hartford,  and  at  evening  arrived  home,^  Found  all  well.  We 
have  had  an  exceeding  prosperous  journey.  Our  most  sanguine  wishes  have 
been  answered  and  plans  accomplished.  This  week  has  been  remarkably 
good  weather  for  the  season.  What  shall  we  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his 
mercies?     O  bless  the  Lord  our  souls. 

10.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  fuller  congregation  in  this  town.  The  work  of 
God  continues  here  with  great  power.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon.  At 
evening   attended   conference. 

11.  Received  letters  which  had  come  for  me  in  my  absence  ;  one  from  Mr. 
N.  Munger/  and  one  from  Mr.  Andrews,  Middlebury,  Vt.  My  horse  is  pretty 
poor.' 

12.  Rainy.  Afternoon  a  number  of  persons  were  examined,  to  be  pro- 
pounded for  communion.  My  parents  hope  that  my  brothers  James  and 
Francis  Le  Baron  are  subjects  of  the  divine  work  in  this  place.  Laiis  et 
gloria. 

13.  Quite  cold.  My  sister's  health  is  essentially  benefited  by  our  journey. 
Wrote.     Read  newspaper. 

14.  Weather  ver)^  pleasant.  Wrote  considerably.  Attended  to  my  father's 
scholars,  three  of  whom,  we  hope,  are  serious  young  men. 

15.  Last  night  we  had  considerable  company,  and  today  they  are  sick. 
Afternoon  Mr.  Smith,  of  Sharon,^  came  here  and  preached  a  lecture.  Another 
company  went  off. 

16.  Rode  to  Litchfield.  Got  acquainted  with  Mr.  Allen.  Rode  back  to 
Goshen,  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Hooker.'  Last  Sabbath  twenty-five  young 
persons   were    added   to   his   church. 

17.  In  the  morning  Mr.  Grossman,  of  Salisbury,  and  wife  came  here  by 
mistake  expecting  to  have  exchanged  with  Mr.  Huntington,*  of  Litchfield.  I 
preached  in  the  forenoon,  Mr.  Grossman  in  the  afternoon. 


'  This,  as  may  be  remembered,  was   the  ^  Rev.  Cotton  Mather  Smith,  a  native  of 

sum  due  him  when  he  left  Marlborough,  in  Suffield,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1751.     Set- 

the  month  of  April  previous.  tied  at   Sharon  from  1755  to  1806,  fifty-one 

^  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  before  noticed.  years. 

^  About  thirty  miles    from   Hartford  to  ">  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker  settled  at  Goshen 

Norfolk.  From  Norfolk  to  Plymouth,  through  from  1791  to  1813.     A  prominent  educator  in 

Rhode  Island,  and  back  home,  a  journey  of  divinity.     His  daughter  was  the  wife  of  Dr. 

about  two  hundred  and  eighty  miles.  Elias  Cornelius,  one  of  the  early  Secretaries 

*  Mr.  Nathaniel  Munger  was  chosen  one  of  the  American  Education  Society,  and  also 

of  the  selectmen  of  Middlebury,  Vt.,  in  the  of  the  American  Board, 

year  1795.  *  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  father  of  Bishop 

5  If,  as  we  suspect,  he  had  recently  carried  Fred.  D.  Huntington,  whom  we  have  before 

Thomas  Robbins  and  sister  to  Plymouth  and  noticed  in  connection  with  visits  to  the  Nor- 

back,  he  may  be  excused   for  being  a  little  folk   parsonage,  and   as   tutor   at   Yale   and 

worn  and  weary.  Williams,  was  settled  in   1798  at  Litchfield. 


1 799-]  ^'^   HOME   AT   NORFOLK.  lOI 

i8.     Rode  to  Warren.     Made  a  visit  at  my  Uncle  Starr's.     At  night  rainy. 

19.  Very  cold.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture.  My  cousin  P.  Starr  at  a 
very  great  loss  what  course  of  life  to  pursue. 

20.  Rode  home.  Dined  with  my  brother  A.  at  Canaan.  The  turnpike 
road  through  this  town  is  just  completed,  and  very  good  indeed.  My  cousin 
S.  P.  Robbins'  now  here  on  a  visit.  Now  keeping  school  and  studying 
divinity  with  Mr.  Hyde,"  at  Lee. 

21.  My  cousin  went  off.     Read  newspaper.     Worked  some. 

22.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Dr.  Baylies,^  of  Bristol,  R.  I.  My  cousin  Isaac 
Robbins''  came  here  from  Plymouth. 

23.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  Last  night  Mr.  Judson  tarried  here  on  his 
return  from  Mr.  Weeks's  ^  ordination  at  Waterbury.  My  mamma  gave  me  a 
plain  gold  ring.  Wrote  in  this  almanac  from  a  plain  diary  which  I  have  kept, 
as  I  lately  bought  this  at  Boston. 

24.  A  full  and  attentive  assembly.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Something  rainy. 

25.  Wrote.  Studied  some  in  genealogy.*  At  evening  my  father  returned 
from  Warren.  He  preached  there  yesterday,  and  at  Sharon  last  Thursday,  as 
if  passing  under  the  frown  of  Providence  in  not  specially  visiting  them  in  the 
present  revival. 

26.  Very  cold.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  attended  a  conference.  At  even- 
ing received  a  letter  from  the  committee  in  Brookfield,^  requesting  me  to  go 
there  and  preach.     Received  a  letter  from  Uncle  Starr. 

27.  Worked  considerably.  May  we  have  sincere  hearts  to  celebrate  a  day 
of  thanksgiving  and  praise. 

28.  This  is  Thanksgiving  Day  in  this  State,  Massachusetts,  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  I  believe  in  Vermont.  A  very  good  day,  and  full  meeting.  My 
father  preached.  Never  had  this  and  the  neighboring  towns  such  infinite 
cause  for  thanksgiving  as  now.  Had  an  agreeable  time  at  home,  which  may 
be  the  last  Thanksgiving  I  shall  ever  enjoy  at  my  father's  house.  At  evening 
it  snowed. 

29.  Set  out  for  Brookfield.  Snow  not  enough  for  sleighing.  Dined  at 
Goshen.  Came  to  Warren.  '  Uncle  Starr  and  church  committee  examining 
candidates  for  communion. 


'  Son  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  and  be-  *  Probably  on  his  way  back  to  Ohio, 

fore  noticed.  '  Rev.  Holland  Weeks,  settled  at  Water- 

^  Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.  D.,  another  well-  bury  in  November,  1799,   but  his  stay   was 

known  theological  educator  of  his  day,  pastor  short.     He  was  dismissed  in  1806. 
at  Lee,  Mass.,  from  1792  to  1833.     A  graduate  *  He  began  to  show  his  taste  for  this  kind 

of  Dartmouth  in  1788,  a  native  of  Franklin,  of  study,  at  an  early  age.     He  was  one  of  the 

Ct.  early  genealogists  of  New  England,  a  leader 

3  Dr.  William  Baylies,  native  of  Uxbridge,  and   originator   in   this   department.     What- 

Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  in  1760,  a  dis-  ever  he  did  he  had  to  do  under  difficulties, 

tinguished   physician.      He  was   resident   at  Now   the   helps  for  this  labor  have  greatly 

Dighton,  but  officially  was  much  at  Bristol  as  accumulated. 

Judge  of  Court  of  Common  Pleas  and  Reg-  '  Brookfield  was  in  Fairfield  County,  nearly 

ister  of  Court  of  Probate.  thirty  miles  south  from  Norfolk. 


102 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[1799- 


30.  Quite  cold.  Came  on  to  New  Milford.  Dined  with  Mr.  Taylor.'  He 
appears  old  and  quite  unwell.     Arrived  at  Brookfield. 

December. 

1.  Preached.  Quite  cold.  Pretty  full  meeting.  I  fear  I  may  dishonor 
the  religion  which  I  have  professed,  and  the  cause  which  I  attempt  to  proclaim. 

2.  Read  Du  Pan's  ^  History  of  the  Destruction  of  Helvetic  Liberty.  Weather 
moderate.  I  hope  we  shall  not  have  so  severe  a  winter  as  two  or  three  of  the 
last. 

3.  Read  Night  Thoughts.     I  live  at  one  Deck's. 

4.  Finished  Du  Pan's  History.  Visited  Deacon  Camp,  who  was  one  of 
my  father's  deacons  for  several  years. 

5.  There  appears  to  be  no  special  seriousness  in  this  quarter.  On  the 
ist  of  September  the  English  army  in  Holland,  under  the  Duke  of  York,  made 
a  general  attack  on  the  French  and  Dutch,  and  were  compelled  to  retreat  to 
their  former  position.     Read  Night  Thoughts.     Snowed  some. 

6.  Walked  out.  Warm.  The  drought  last  summer  was  very  great  in  this 
part  of  the  country,  and  generally  the  latter  harvest  was  light.  Wrote.  Read 
History  of  Gustavus  Vasa.^ 

7.  It  snows,  but  the  weather  is  warm. 
Man,  and  on  Criticism.* 

8.  Much  troubled  with  nose  bleeding. 
opposed  to  sound  sentiment. 

9.  Very  cold.     Rode  out  and  visited. 
Gustavus  Vasa. 

ID.  I  could  not  get  one  of  Thomas's  almanacs  for  this  year,  till  I  bought 
this  at  Boston  in  October.  I  have  however  kept  a  diary  all  the  year.  Writing 
off  my  diary.     Read  the  Bible. 

11.  Wrote  in  my  diary.     Wrote  on  my  family  piece.^ 

12.  Read.  \\'eighed  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine;  three  or  four  pounds 
more  than  I  ever  have.  Rode  out  and  heard  Mr.  Rogers,^  of  New  Fairtield, 
preach  a  lecture.     Visited. 


Wrote.  Read  Pope's  Essay  on 
The  people  here  are  generally 
Finished  reading  the  History  of 


'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Taylor  had  at  this  time 
been  minister  at  New  Milford  fifty-one  years. 
No  wonder  that  he  appeared  old.  He  was 
the  father  of  Prof.  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor, 
D.  D.,  so  long  the  distinguished  teacher 
of  theology  in  the  New  Haven  Theolog- 
ical Seminary.  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  of  New 
Milford,  died  in  the  year  following  this 
visit. 

^  James  Mallet  Dupan.  His  work  had 
reference  to  the  invasion  of  Switzerland  by 
the  French.  It  was  translated  from  the 
French,  and  published  in  London  in  1798. 

^  A  Life  of  Gustavus  Vasa,  in  two  vol  umes, 
was  published  in  New  York  in  1791.     This 


was  probably  the  work  referred  to  in  the 
diar}'. 

*  Pope's  Essay  on  Criticism  was  published 
in  171 1.  An  able  writer  describes  it  as  "un- 
questionably the  finest  piece  of  argumenta- 
tive and  reasoning  poetry  in  the  language." 
His  Essay  on  Alan,  which  has  been  better 
known  among  people  at  large,  was  published 
in  1733- 

^  Genealogical  record  of  his  family. 

^  Rev.  Medad  Rogers,  minister  at  New 
Fairfield,  1786-1822.  He  was  graduated  at 
Yale  in  1777.  This  church  was  organized  in 
1742,  and  is  now  one  of  the  smallest  Congre- 
gational churches  in  Connecticut. 


1 799-]  PREACHING   AT    BROOKFIELD,    CT.  103 

13.  Wrote  in  my  diary.  Worked  out  and  visited.  Began  to  read  Pres- 
ident Stiles'' s  Lifc.^     Cold. 

14.  Finished  copying  my  diary,  which  cost  me  much  labor.  The  President 
made  an  excellent  address  at  the  opening  of  Congress.  Mr.  Sedgwick,  of 
Stockbridge,  is  chosen  speaker.  The  armies  in  Holland  had  a  terrible  en- 
gagement on  the  2d  and  3d  of  October,  in  which  the  Bavarians  and  Italians 
were  defeated.     Many  people  here  quarreling  with  the  Scripture  doctrines. 

15.  Weather  very  pleasant.  Burhans,^  the  former  Episcopal  minister  at 
Lanesborough,  now  settled  at  Newtown,  preaches  here  everj'^  fourth  Sabbath. 

16.  Rode  out.     It  snowed  considerably.     No  sleighing  here  hitherto.    Read. 

17.  Finished  reading  the  Life  of  President  Stiles.  It  is  a  very  valuable 
piece  of   biography.     Quite  cold. 

18.  Read  in  a  small  work  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker,^  of  Hartford.  Walked 
out  and  visited. 

19.  Rainy.  Rode  to  New  Fairfield,  and  preached  a  lecture  for  Rev.  Mr. 
Rogers.*  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Some  hopeful  appearances  of 
seriousness  there. 

20.  Rode  down  to  Danbury,  and  visited  Mr.  Langdon.^  Very  poor.* 
People  sleigh  some,  though  there  is  little  snow.     Rode  back  to  Brookfield. 

21.  Read  the  Bible.     Wrote  on  a  sermon.     Visited  a  school  near  by. 

22.  Preached  plainly.  At  evening  had  considerable  company.  This  is 
the  last  Sabbath  for  which  I  was  hired  here.  The  people  have  agreed  for  the 
present  not  to  have  preaching  in  the  extreme  season. 

23.  Was  requested  to  go  and  teach  the  public  school  in  Danbury.  I  have 
not  expected  to  teach  school  any  more  ;  but  as  I  am  not  at  present  engaged, 
and  as  there  is  a  prospect  that  I  shall  be  employed  to  preach  there,  or  near 
by,  I  have  engaged.  This  latter  was  my  chief  motive,  for  I  hope  by  leave  of 
providence,  I  may  never  renounce  that  employment,  which  is  the  delight  of 
my  soul,  and  the  desire  of  my  younger  years.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Weeks,^  of  Waterbury. 

24.  Last  evening  heard  a  report  of  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington,^  but 
could  not  believe  it.  Today  it  seems  to  be  strengthened.  O  that  it  may  be 
false  !     Had  company.     Received  twenty  dollars  from  this  town. 

25.  Rode  to  Danbury.'     The  hero  and  father  of  America  is  indeed  gone 


'  The  Life  of  Ezra  Stiles,  President  of  Yale  *  See  note  Dec.  12,  1799. 

College,  written  by  his  son-in-law,  Dr.  Abiel  ^  Timothy  Langdon,  graduated  at  Yale  in 

Holmes,  of    Cambridge,    was    published   in  1 781,  and  settled  at  Danbury  t 786. 
1798.  ^  "  Very  poor  "an  expression  which  will 

^  Rev.   Daniel    Burhans,  D.  D.,   graduate  be  often  used  ;  means  very  ill. 
of  Williams,    1804,    received   his   degree   of  '  Rev.  Holland  Weeks. 

D.  D.  from  Trinity  College,  1834.  ^  Washington  died  December  14,  and  the 

^  The  famous  Thomas  Hooker,  of  Hart-  first  rumors  of  this   most   impressive   event 

ford,  1636-1647.     Not  far  from  thirty  separ-  reached   Danbury   ten   days  afterwards.     So 

ate  publications  were  made  from  his  writings.  slowly  did  things  move  in  that  generation. 
We  have   no   clue   as  to  which  one  he  was  '  Only  four  or  five  miles  from  Brookfield 

reading.  to  Danbury. 


I04  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l799- 

from  the  world  he  founded.     Afternoon  began  my  school.     Quite  cold.     Wrote 
home. 

26.  I  board  with  a  Mr.  Whittlesey.  In  coming  from  Brookfield,  I  spilled 
ink  from  my  ink-stand  in  my  saddle-bags  and  damaged  my  clothes. 

27.  The  weather  moderates  considerably.  At  evening  visited  Mr.  Lang- 
don.     Pretty  poor. 

28.  My  school  yet  is  very  small.  They  are  very  ignorant  in  things  of 
religion.  The  newspapers  seem  to  be  filled  with  lamentations  on  the  death  of 
Gen.  Washington.  The  whole  country  seems  to  be  in  mourning.  All  seem 
to  think  that  his  character  is  above  panegyric.  Put  a  ribbon  on  my  arm  as 
most  of  the  gentlemen  have  done. 

29.  Mr.  Langdon  being  unwell,  I  preached  all  day.  At  evening  had 
company. 

30.  Rainy.  The  snow  is  gone.  From  the  i6th  till  now,  it  has  been  very 
comfortable  w'inter  weather,  and  people  have  moved  both  with  carts  and  with 
sleighs  all  the  time.  At  evening  a  committee  of  the  town  requested  me  to 
deliver  an  oration  on  Thursday,  on  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington.'  The  time 
is  short,  but  I  have  undertaken  it.     Began  my  oration. 

31.  In  the  forenoon  no  school  for  want  of  wood.  Wrote  on  my  oration. 
Adieu  1799. 


*  Young    Robbins  was    only   twenty-two   years   old,  and  it  was  a  striking  testimony  of 
confidence  to  ask  him  to  perform  a  service  of  this  dignity  and  importance. 


1800. 

January. 

1.  O  for  humility  under  a  sense  of  my  inattention  to  the  infinite  mercies 
of  a  glorious  God.  Am  so  taken  up  with  my  school,  writing  my  oration,  etc., 
that  I  cannot  devote  this  day  as  I  ought.     Weather  cold. 

2.  In  the  morning  finished  my  oration.'  Afternoon  attended  public  exer- 
cises in  commemoration  of  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington.  About  noon  a 
procession,  civil,  military,  and  Masonic,  ver)'  long,  moved  in  good  order  to  the 
meeting-house.  There  was  very  good  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  I  made 
the  first  prayer  and  delivered  my  oration.  Rev.  Mr.  Ely,  of  Bethlehem,^ 
concluded.  There  was  a  great  concourse  of  people,  and  everything  was 
conducted  worthy  of  the   solemnity  of  the  occasion.     Dined  out. 

3.  Newspapers  from  all  quarters  are  in  mourning.  Congress  has  recom- 
mended to  wear  a  badge  of  mourning  for  thirty  days,  and  they  (members  of 
Congress)  are  to  wear  black  during  the  session.     At  evening  invited  out. 

4.  Quite  cold,  but  no  snow.     Afternoon  rode  to  Ridgeburj'.^ 

5.  Preached  for  Mr.  Camp.*  He  is  quite  poor,  not  like  to  live  long.^ 
This  is  a  very  small  society.     Verj^  cold.     Rode  back  to  Danbury. 

6.  Monroe  ^  is  chosen  Governor  of  Virginia.  Received  a  letter  from  the 
committee  of  this  town  requesting  a  copy  of  my  oration  for  publication.  I  am 
disappointed,  and  don't  know  what  to  say.     At  evening  invited  out. 

7.  My  school  increases.  The  coldest  weather  we  have  had.  Afternoon 
no  school  for  want  of  wood.     Began  to  write  off  my  oration. 

8.  At  evening  visited.  Wrote.  There  is  no  New  Year's  address  from 
Hartford.^ 

9.  Weather  moderates.  The  French  succeed  against  the  allied  powers.^ 
Visited.     Traded  considerably. 


'  He  had  but  three  days  for  his  writing.  ^  Mr.  Camp  recovered   from  this  illness, 

^  This  was  Rev.  John  Ely,  of  Bethel,  not  and  lived  till  1813. 
Bethlehem.     The  place  now  known  as  Beth-  *  James  Monroe,  afterwards  President  of 

lehem  was  then  commonly  written  Bethlem.  United  States.     Governor  of  Virginia,  1799- 

This  last  was  the  place   where  Dr.  Joseph  1S02. 

Bellamy  filled  out  his  long  ministry  of  fifty-  ^  Omitted  probably  because  of  the  mourn- 

one  years.     From  Bethel  came  Prof.  Laurens  ing  for  Washington.     These  annual  addresses 

P.    Hickok   and   Pres.    Seelye,    of    Amherst  were    usually    humorous,    and    would    have 

College.  seemed  out  of  place  at  a  time  like  this. 

^  Ridgeburv,  an  ecclesiastical  parish  in  the  *  The  reference  here   is   probably  to  the 

town  of  Ridgefield,  was  only  four  or  five  miles  battles   of    Bergen  and   Alkmaer,   in  which 

from  Danbury.  the   allied   armies   were   defeated,    Sept.    19, 

■•  Samuel  Camp,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1764,  1799,  and  the  battle  of  Zurich,  in  which  Mas- 
minister  at  Ridgebury,  1769-1S04.  sena  beat  the  Russians,  Sept.  25,  1799. 

los 


Io6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1800. 

10.  My  father's  two  classmates,  Whites,*  live  in  this  town.  They  are  both 
Sandemanians.^ 

11.  Talked  seriously  with  my  school.  They  are  ignorant.  Wrote  on  my 
oration.     Rode  to  Ridgebury.     I- have  agreed  to  preach  there  several  Sabbaths. 

12.  Mr.  Camp  decays.     People  here  pretty  attentive.     Returned. 

13.  At  evening  finished  copying  my  oration,  and  sent  it  away  for  publica- 
tion.    Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Tucker  of  this  town. 

14.  Traded  some.  Read  Gen.  Lee's  oration  on  the  death  of  George 
Washington,  delivered  at  the  request  of  Congress.^ 

15.  The  newspapers  from  all  quarters  are  filled  with  lamentations,  eulogies, 
and  poems  on  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington.  I  believe  it  is  certain  that 
there  was  never  such  a  striking  instance  of  a  nation  in  mourning.  It  is  not 
imaginary  but  real. 

16.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  My  boys  play  ball  freely.  My  school 
consists  of  about  thirty  scholars.  At  night  much  afflicted  with  my  old  diffi- 
culty of  a  pain  in  my  face.  Wrote  a  letter  home.  Mr.  L.  Knapp  from 
Norfolk  called  to  see  me.  Received  two  letters  from  my  father.  Mr.  Lang- 
don  and  I  do  not  fully  agree  in  religious  sentiment. 

17.  Afternoon  quite  rainy.  Was  invited  to  a  great  supper.  Troubled  with 
my  pain. 

18.  Had  a  great  coat  made.  Hope  my  school  is  inquisitive  *  in  serious 
things.     Rode  to  Ridgebury. 

19.  Quite  cold  and  tedious.     At  evening  returned. 

20.  My  health  is  uncommonly  good  this  winter.  My  school  worries  me 
very  little,  but  I  find  very  little  time  to  study.  At  evening  attended  a 
wedding. 

21.  Was  invited  to  supper  with  a  great  company.  O  that  I  may  not  be 
permitted  to  dishonor  the  religion  I  have  professed. 

22.  Very  good  weather.  No  snow  at  all.  Some  troubled  with  the  head- 
ache. 

23.  Inspected  a  proof-sheet  of  my  oration.  At  evening  walked  out.  Read 
in  Sandemanian  books. 

24.  My  school  consists  of  a  little  over  thirty.  Many  of  them  have  not 
been  governed  very  well.     Mr.  Langdon^  appears  to  be  in  a  consumption. 

25.  There  has  been  another  explosion  in  Paris  evidently  effected  by  Bona- 
parte.^    Rode  to  Ridgebury.     Quite  cold. 


'These   were   Joseph   Moss   White,   and  *  "Inquisitive."     Several  times  Mr.  Rob- 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Russell  White,  in  the  class  of  bins   uses   this    word  where  we   should  say, 
1760,   at  Yale,  with   Rev.  Ammi   Ruhamah  "attentive  to,"  or  "interested  in." 
Robbins.                                                                            =  Mr.  Langdon,  the  pastor  of  the  Danbury 

^  Followers  of  Robert  Sandeman,  of  Scot-  church,  was  fatally  ill,  though  he  was  a  young 
land,  a  small  sect  not  differing  much  from  man  comparatively,  only  having  been  nineteen 
other  Christians  in  respect  to  their  doctrinal  years  out  of  college.  The  disease  which  year 
belief,  but  having  many  peculiar  forms  and  by  year  carries  off  such  multitudes  was  prey- 
ceremonies,  ing  upon  him. 

^  Gen.    Henry  Lee,   a    prominent    ofiScer  *  The  Directory  abolished,  and  Bonaparte, 

under  Washington  during  the  Revolutionary  Ducos,  and   Sieyes    appointed  an   executive 

War,  now  a  member  of  Congress.  commission  November,  1799. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING    SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  I07 

26.  Very  cold.  Last  night  received  of  Ridgebur)^  society  twelve  dollars 
and  one  half.  People  here  appear  attentive.  O  that  good  may  come. 
Returned. 

27.  Inspected  another  proof-sheet  of  my  oration.  At  evening  had  a  long 
talk  with  Mr.  E.  R.  White'  upon  principles.  The  Sandemanians  are  very 
mild. 

28.  My  oration  is  published.^  It  appears  as  well  as  I  expected.  At  even- 
ing walked  out.     Very  cold. 

29.  Severe  cold.  The  most  extreme  weather  we  have  had  this  winter. 
Set  out  for  home.     Rode  as  far  as  Warren,  and  tarried  at  my  uncle's.^ 

30.  Dined  at  my  brother's  in  Canaan,  and  arrived  home  safely  finding  all 
well,  though  in  mourning.  My  sister  B.  is  down  from  Paris.  My  brother  N. 
is  gone  to  Plymouth.  Were  it  not  for  that  our  family  could  be  all  together, 
which  has  not  been  for  several  years. 

31.  Weather  moderates.  At  evening  much  troubled  with  the  pain  in  my 
jaw.  Some  sleighing  in  this  town,  though  almost  all  the  way  between  here 
and  Danbury  is  bare. 

February. 

1.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  severe  snow-storm.  Paid  a  debt  to  a  mer- 
chant. At  evening  talked  seriously  with  my  brother  and  sister  on  the  solemn 
transaction  they  expect  to  pass  through  tomorrow. 

2.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon,  and  my  father  in  the  afternoon.  I  had  the 
affecting  pleasure  of  seeing  my  father  admit  into  his  church  my  sister  Sarah 
and  brother  James.* 

3.  Last  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  special  seriousness  con- 
tinues here.  My  father  has  admitted  into  his  church  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  persons  since  last  June. 

4.  Last  night  it  snowed  and  hailed  considerably.  Dined  at  Warren,  and 
tarried  at  Brookfield.'     Afternoon  it  rained  some  and  thawed  veiy  much. 

5.  Arrived  at  Danbury  and  began  school.  Weather  quite  warm  and 
snow  goes  fast.  Read  the  details  of  late  events  at  Paris.'  There  is  some 
prospect  that  royalty  will  succeed ;  but  it  is  ver}^  small.  It  is  said  that  Louis 
XVII, ^  who  is  said  to  have  died  in  1795,  is  still  alive. 

6.  Had  a  very  severe  turn  with  my  jaw.     Read. 

7.  Wrote.     The  sleighing  is  nearly  gone. 


'  Rev.  E.    R.   White,   father   of  the   two  ^  Rev.  Peter  Starr. 

Sandemanians    already    spoken    of,   was,   in  *  It  was  this  event  probably,  that  called 

1736,  made  pastor  of  this   Danbury  church.  him  home  for  this  mid-winter  visit. 

After  being  settled  nearly  thirty  years,  he  led  ^  His  last  preaching-place  before  going  to 

off  a  company,  and  formed  what  was  called  Danbury. 

"  The*  New  Danbury  "  church.     After  a  time  *"  The  Consulate.     Napoleon  Bonaparte, 

this  new  organization  joined  with  the  Sande-  Cambaceres,  and  Lebrun  appointed  consuls, 

manians.  Dec.  24,  1799" 

^  A  gratifying  fact  to  a  young  author,  and  ^  The  story  of  the  Lost  Prince  had  already 

especially  under  the   peculiar  circumstances  begun,  and  only  a  few    years    ago   filled    a 

of  this  case.  volume. 


Io8  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBDINS,    D.D.  [180O. 

8.  Amazing  stupidity  in  all  matters  of  religion  prevails  in  this  quarter. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Ridgebury.' 

9.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  very  hard.     A  very  good  snow  about  eight 
or  nine  inches.     Had  few  hearers.     At  evening  returned. 

10.  By  previous  appointment  had  a  serious  meeting  with  my  school. 
Some  others  attended.  Am  requested  to  preach  here  on  the  22d^  of  the 
month.     Would  be  glad  to  be  excused,  but  it  seems  almost  indispensable. 

11.  Very  good  sleighing.     At  evening  walked  out.     Read. 

12.  Pretty  cold.  At  evening  rode  in  a  sleigh  to  Brookfield  and  back  with 
company. 

13.  Had  no  school  in  the  forenoon  for  want  of  wood.  At  evening  walked 
out.     Very  cold. 

14.  Began  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xliv  :  28.^     It  snowed  almost  all  day. 

15.  Wrote  considerably.     O  for  more  tenderness  of  spirit. 

16.  Last  evening  went  to  bed  at  about  half  past  eleven.  At  half  past  one 
Mrs.  Whittlesey  was  taken  sick,  and  at  sunrise  a  fine  son  was  born.  Slept 
very  little."  Was  quite  unable  to  preach.  Rode  to  Ridgebury.  At  evening 
attended  a  singing-meeting. 

17.  Returned.  Very  fine  sleighing.  At  evening  had  a  meeting  with  my 
school  and  others. 

18.  Am  invited  out  to  tea  almost  every  day.     Wrote  on  my  sermon. 

19.  My  school  requires  much  attention,  and  at  times  is  quite  wearisome. 
Walked  out. 

20.  At  evening  finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xliv:  28.  I  am  under  a 
disadvantage  in  writing  upon  the  subject  as  I  have  already  written,  and  that 
[his  address]  is  published. 

21.  Wrote  to  my  father.     Quite  warm.     The  snow  goes  very  fast. 

22.  This  is  the  day  appointed  by  Congress  to  commemorate  the  death  of 
Gen.  Washington.  It  was  generally  attended  to  in  the  country.  The 
exercises  were  lengthy,  and  as  I  performed  the  whole  (Mr.  Langdon  being 
unwell)  I  was  very  tired.  We  had  the  usual  exercises  of  a  Sabbath  afternoon ; 
then  read  Gen.  Washington's  valedictory  address,  which  employed  forty-five 
minutes,  then  had  music.     Our  music  was  very  good.^     Dined  out. 

'  In   supplying   the  pulpit    at    Ridgebury  ^  The  text  chosen  for  his  sermon  on  the 

during  Mr.  Camp's  illness,  Mr.  Robbins  usu-  22d.     It  was  a  very  suggestive  text  from  its 

ally  rode  over  from  Danbury  Saturday  after-  rich  historical  connections  and  associations. 

noon,  and  returned  Sabbath  evening.     It  was  "  That  saith  of  Cyrus,  he  is  my  shepherd,  and 

a  short  journey,  and  in  exigencies  he  went  shall  perform  all  my  pleasure :   even  saying 

over  Sunday  morning.  to  Jerusalem,  Thou  shaltbe  built;  and  to  the 

*  Congress  had  requested   the   people  of  temple,  Thy  foundation  shall  be  laid." 
the  United  States  to  observe  Washington's  *  As  he  was  never  to  have  any  children 

birthday  this  year,  as  a  sacred  day  of  com-  himself  he  was  more  sympathetic  under  the 

memoration.     The  22d  fell  this  year  on  Sat-  circumstances  than  might  have  been  expected, 
urday.     His   oration,   before   delivered,   was  ^  A  commemoration  like  this  in  one  New 

published,  and  it  was  rather  hard  for  a  young  England  town,  may   be   taken   as  a  kind  of 

man  not  to  repeat  himself  on  such  a  subject.  sample,  showing  what  was  going  on  that  day. 

It  shows,  however,  great  confidence  in   him  far  and  wide,  throughout  the   country.     No 

on  the  part  of  the  people  of  Danbury,  to  urge  man   can   ever  again   be   to   this   land  what 

this  second  service  upon  him.  Washington  was  a  century  ago. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING    SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT. 


109 


23.  Rode  to  Ridgebur}'.     The  sleighing  is  about  finished.     At  night  very 
tired.' 

24.  Returned.     At  evening  had  a  serious  meeting.     Will  the  God  of  all 
grace  let  one  drop  of  mercy  fall  upon  it  ? 

25.  It  is  customary  here  for  little  children  to  have  dances,  even  the  young- 
est in  my  school.^     Walked  out.     Snow  is  almost  gone. 

26.  Mrs.  Whittlesey  gets   well    very   fast.     There    is    a   prospect   that   a 
military  academy^  will  be  established  in  the  United  States. 

27.  Wrote.     Quite  warm.     At  evening  walked  out. 

28.  Mrs.  Whittlesey's  mother,  the  wife  of  E.  R.  White,  my  father's  class- 
mate, died  in  the  afternoon  of  a  consumption.'*     Quite  cold  and  chillv. 

March. 

1.  It  snowed  all  the  forenoon  very  hard.     Afternoon  rode  out  in  a  sleigh. 
The  snow  is  very  much  drifted. 

2.  Rode  to  Ridgebury,  preached  and  returned.     The  Sandemanians  have 
no  prayers  at  funerals.* 

3.  At  evening  had  a  serious  meeting.     The  snow  goes  pretty  fast. 

4.  Warm.     At  evening  rode  in  a  sleigh  to  Ridgefield ;  made  a  visit  to 
Mr.  Goodrich,^  and  returned. 

5.  Poor  sleighing.     My  school  [scholars]  are  pretty  wearisome. 

6.  At  evening  rode  to  one  part  of  the  town,  and  preached  a  lecture.     Mr. 
Rogers  was  down  from  New  Fairfield,  and  a  number  of  his  people. 

7.  Very  cold.     Capt.  Truxton  has  fought  a  very  hard  drawn  battle  with  a 
French  ship.^ 

8.  I  do  not  know  that  any  special  seriousness  is  on  the  minds  of  my 
school. 

9.  It  snowed  moderately  all  day.     Thin  meeting.     At  evening  returned. 
10.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father.     Mr.  Bogue,^  of  Winchester,  like  to 


'  His  work  on  Saturday,  followed  by  two  feasts,  or  dining  at  each  other's  houses  dur- 

sermons  on   Sunday,  might  well   make   him  ing   the   intervals   of    public   worship  ;    still 

tired.  others  were  the  washing  of  each  other's  feet, 

-  This  is  one  of   those  little   side  lights,  the  kiss  of  charity  on  receiving  new  members 

which  help  to  show  us  what  wrong  impres-  to  the  church,  something   like  a  community 

sions  people  have  of  the  New  England  of  the  of  goods,  etc.,  etc. 
past.  ^  Rev.    Samuel    Goodrich,    graduated    at 

^  The  institution  at  West  Point  was  opened  Yale,  1783,  minister  at  Ridgefield,  17S6-1S11. 

in  the  following  year,  1802.  He  was  father  of  Rev.  Charles  A.  Goodrich, 

*  It  does  not  appear  that  Mrs.  Whittlesey  settled  in  1816  over  the  First  Church  of  Wor- 
was  a  Sandemanian,  though  her  father  was.  cester,  and  of  Samuel  G.  Goodrich,  "  Peter 
Still  she  would  naturally  be  kindly  disposed  Parley."  The  two  brothers  were  for  many 
to  those  with  whom  her  father  was  thus  years  associated  at  Hartford,  Ct.,  in  the  pub- 
associated.  Mrs.  Whittlesey's  mother  was  lication  and  sale  of  the  Peter  Parley  books, 
probably  well  advanced  in  life,  as  her  hus-  ^  Not  an  action  of  much  consequence  prob- 
band  was  forty  years  out  of  college,  and  she  ably,  as  it  does  not  stand  in  the  list  of  im- 
was  a  grandmother.  portant  naval  battles. 

^  This  is  one  of  the  Sandemanian  pecul-  ^  Rev.  Publius  V.  Bogue,  settled  in  Win- 

iarities.     Another  was  a  weekly  celebration  Chester,    January,     1791,    dismissed    March, 

of   the    Lord's   Supper.     Another  was   love-  iSoo. 


no 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D,D. 


[1800. 


be  dismissed.  Received  another  from  Uncle  Starr,  and  one  from  a  committee 
in  Castleton,  Vt.,  requesting  me  to  go  there  to  preach.  O  for  direction  !  At 
evening  had  a  very  serious  meeting. 

11.  Snow  goes  very  fast.  My  school  are  pretty  much  engaged  learning 
dialogues.'  Was  disappointed  in  getting  some  of  my  orations  from  the  printers, 
as  they  are  all  sold." 

12.  Read.  The  sleighing  is  gone.  I  drink  tea  out  the  greater  part  of  the 
time. 

13.  Quite   warm   and   pleasant.      Rode    to    Ridgebury,    and   attended    a 

wedding. 

14.  Mr.  Langdon  quite  poor.  It  appears  most  likely  he  will  not  be  able 
to  preach  long.     There  seems  to  be  a  kind  of  rest  among  European  armies. 

15.  Rainy.  Visited  an  old  woman  near  her  death.  Rode  to  Ridgebur)-. 
Ver\'  bad  riding. 

16.  Very  pleasant.  Pretty  full  meeting.  Visited  a  man  lying  insensible 
below  his  hips  by  a  fall  from  a  building.  It  is  supposed  his  spinal  marrow  is 
broken.     Returned.     Had  a  hard  time  with  my  face. 

17.  At  evening  had  a  meeting.  Wrote  considerably  on  a  dialogue  which  I 
began  on  the  isth. 

18.  Rainy.     Walked  out.     Finished  my  dialogue. 

19.  Mr.  Livingston,^  in  Congress,  having  brought  forward  some  resolutions 
censuring  the  President  for  his  conduct  respecting  Thomas  Nash,  they  were 
negatived  sixty-one  to  thirty-five.  The  committee  visited  my  school,  and 
appeared  well  pleased. 

20.  At  evening  walked  out.  There  are  many  orations,  sermons,  eulogies, 
published  on  the  death  of  Gen.  Washington,  and  many  of  them  very  good, 

21.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  Wrote  to  the  committee  at  Cas- 
tleton, Vt.     Quite  rainy. 

22.  Wrote  to  my  father.  A  long,  cold,  and  wet  storm.  Think  of  having 
an  exhibition  of  my  school. 

23.  Rode  to  Ridgebury.     Very  bad  riding.     Attended  a  funeral. 

24.  Returned.  A  long,  cold  storm.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  serious 
meeting. 


'  He  is  preparing  for  an  exhibition. 

^  The  popular  demand  was  doubtless  in- 
creased by  the  peculiar  feelings  among  the 
people,  consequent  upon  the  death  of  one  so 
honored  and  beloved. 

'  Edward  Livingston,  a  member  of  Con- 
gress from  New  York  City  1795-1802,  intro- 
duced some  resolutions  censuring  President 
Adams.  The  case  was  this  :  President  Adams 
had  given  back  to  the  British  government 
one  Thomas  Nash,  charged  with  having  com- 
mitted murder  on  board  a  British  frigate. 
The  President  acted  under  the  conditions  of 


the  treaty  between  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain  touching  the  extradition  of 
criminals.  But  the  enemies  of  the  President 
claimed  that  the  man  returned  was  not  a 
British  subject,  but  an  American  citizen  by 
the  name  of  Jonathan  Robbins,  of  Danburj^ 
Ct.  On  these  resolutions  of  Mr.  Livingston 
a  great  debate  arose  in  Congress.  John  Mar- 
shall, of  Virginia,  then  forty-five  years  old, 
closed  the  debate  with  a  powerful  speech  de- 
fending the  President,  and  the  resolutions 
failed,  as  above,  by  a  vote  of  sixty  one  to 
thirty-five. 


iSoo.]  TEACHING    SCHOOL    AT    DANBURY,    CT.  Ill 

25.  The  French  have  got  a  new  constitution,  and  in  operation.  Bonaparte 
is  at  the  head.'  He  has  written  a  letter  to  the  British  king  on  the  subject  of 
peace.     Lord  Grenville^  answers  it,  refusing  to  depart  from  estabhshed  forms. ^ 

26.  Rode  to  Brookfield,  and  attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Ripley.* 
Formed  some  acquaintance  with  the  ministers  and  returned.  Spring  is  fast 
advancing. 

27.  Fine  weather.     At  evening  walked  out. 

28.  Wrote.  Received  yesterday  a  present  of  nearly  seven  dollars  from  a 
number  of  people  here  for  preaching  on  the  2 2d  of  February.^  After  consul- 
tation with  some  judicious  persons  I  have  agreed  to  try  and  have  an  exhibition. 

29.  My  first  engagement  here  being  out  the  first  of  April,  I  am  requested  to 
continue  longer.  After  due  consideration,  and  I  hope  not  without  a  sense  of 
duty  concerned,  I  have  agreed  to  continue.     Rainy.     Rode  to  Ridgebury. 

30.  Mr.  Camp  is  much  better  than  I  expected  ever  to  have  seen  him.  He 
concludes  hereafter  to  try  to  preach.  Quite  tired.  The  new  French  constitu- 
tion is  formed  with  great  art.  The  first  consul  has  nearly  as  much  power  as 
any  of  the  sovereigns  of  Europe. 

31.  Returned.  The  frost  is  mostly  out  of  the  ground.  Had  a  stage  made 
in  the  court-house  for  my  exhibition,  which  I  have  appointed  and  advertised 
to  be  on  Wednesday.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  town,  and 
preached  a  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  a  young  woman.     Quite  cold. 

April. 

1.  In  the  morning  while  my  school  were  in  high  spirits  preparing  for  our 
exhibition.  Divine  Providence  visited  us  in  a  most  striking  manner.  A  little 
boy  between  ten  and  eleven  years  old,  youngest  in  the  school,  who  has  been  a 
constant  member  while  at  home,  was  kicked  by  a  horse  on  the  back  of  his 
head,  and  in  a  moment  sunk  into  eternity.  Determined  to  defer  our  exhibi- 
tion till  Friday. 

2.  Very  warm.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  with  my  school.  INIr. 
Langdon  preached.     It  was  a  very  solemn  season.     O  for  grace. 

3.  Preparing  for  our  exhibition.  Warm.  Am  much  more  healthy  this 
spring  than  I  was  last. 

4.  Rainy.  Afternoon  had  a  very  good  exhibition ;  all  my  own  composi- 
tion.*    My  school  appeared  to  very  good  advantage. 

5.  Quite  rainy.  Last  night  had  thunder.  On  the  2d  I  received  twenty- 
four  dollars  from  the  committee  at  Ridgebur}'. 


'  First  consul,  as  before  stated.  ^  Not  a  great  sum  of  money,  but  it  was 

^  Lord  Grenville,  William  Wyndham.  for  a  single  sermon,  and  the  ordinary  pay  at 

^  The  established  forms  meant  that  kings  that  time   for  a  Sabbath's  service  involving 

should  treat  with  kings,  and   not  with  men,  two  sermons,  at  least,  was  on    the    average 

born  subjects.  about  five  dollars. 

*  Rev.  Erastus  Ripley,  graduated  at  Yale,  ^  It  will  be  remembered,  when  he  taught 

1795.   The  previous  minister,  Thomas  Brooks,  at  Torringford,  that  he  prepared  all  the  ma'e- 

died  in  September,  1799,  after  a  ministry  of  rial  for  the  exhibition,  just  as  he  had  done 

forty-two  years,  and   Mr.  Robbins   had   sup-  here.     He  seems  to  have  had  a  remarkable 

plied  the  pulpit  part  of  the  time  in  the  interim.  facility  in  this  kind  of  writing. 


112  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBIVS,    D.D,  [1800. 

6.  Mr.    Langdon    preached    in    the    forenoon,    and    I    in   the    afternoon. 
Attended  the  holy  sacrament.     O  for  a  heart  to  feel  its  solemnity. 

7.  Cool.     People  beginning  to  plough.     Rode  to  New  Milford.     Roads 
pretty  dry. 

8.  Had  a  good  visit  with  Mr.  Taylor.'     He  appears  to  be  near  his  mortal 
goal.     Rode  back  to  Danbury. 

9.  Began  my  school  for  a  second  quarter. 

10.  Cool.  The  prospect  is  that  I  shall  have  a  large  school  this  summer. 
The  school  has  received  celebrity  from  my  exhibition. 

11.  This  day  is  the  Fast  through  this  State.  O  that  God  would  enable  his 
people  to  be  humble.  Saw  blossoms  on  a  fruit  tree.  At  evening  had  a  pretty 
serious  meeting. 

12.  Rainy.  Afternoon  wrote.  Poor  Ireland  is  like  to  be  swallowed  in 
the  vortex  of  British  policy. 

13.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Bethel  and  preached.^     Rainy  all  day. 
14.-    A  serious  storm.     Returned.     At  night  had  a  meeting. 

15.  My  school  increases.  Worked  on  a  mathematical  question  stated  in 
the  papers.     Many  persons,  particularly  children,  sick. 

16.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father,  enclosing  one  from  the  committee  in 
Southampton,^  Mass.,  requesting  me  to  go  there  and  preach.  Think  I  must 
decline. 

17.  Quite  warm.  People  are  gardening.  Spring  advances  rapidly.  A 
prospect   of   an   early  season. 

18.  Read  The  Forresters.'^  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Had  a  pain  in  my 
face. 

19.  Last  night  being  in  great  pain  in  my  face,  I  took  a  quantity  of  lauda- 
num. At  two  times,  I  believe,  I  took  thirty  or  forty  drops.  In  consequence 
am  quite  sick.  I  have  rarely  had  so  sick  a  day.  Toward  night  with  difficulty 
rode  to  Ridgefield. 

20.  Mr.  Goodrich'  rode  to  Danbury,  and  preached  for  Mr.  Langdon.  Had 
a  full  and  attentive  meeting.     Very  tired. 

21.  Returned.  Rainy.  Determined  to  have  my  meetings  steadily  Mon- 
day evenings.     Whether  the  divine  blessing  will  attend  them  I  know  not. 

22.  It  is  said  that  Gen.  Washington  is  spoken  of  in  the  handsomest 
manner  in  many  London  papers.*  Cold  and  wet.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  my  father  enclosing  one  from  Charlotte,  Vt.,  requesting  me  to  go 
there  and  preach.     Wrote  an  answer  to  Southampton,  and  to  Charlotte.'' 


'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Taylor,  before  mentioned,  *■  The  Forresters,  an  American  tale,  being  a 

grandfather  of  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor,  D.D.,  so  sequel  to  the  History  of  John  Bult  the  Cloth- 

eminent  as  a  theological  teacher  in  the  Yale  ier,   sixteenmo.      Boston,    1796.    By   Jeremy 

Seminary.     He  was  very  near  his  end,  but  he  Belknap,  D.  D.,  Boston, 
had  been  more  than  fifty  years  in  the  ministry  s  See  note  March  2,  1800. 

at  New  Milford.  6  jh^re  is  now  no  land  beneath  the  sun 

^  Preached  for  Rev.  John  Ely.  where  the  name  of  George  Washington  is  not 

3  Southampton,    Mass.,  is   a  small    town,  regarded  as  one   of  the  grand  and  shining 

but  noted  for  the  large  number  of  ministers  names  of  the  race, 
it  has  raised  up.  7  Declining  both  invitations. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING   SCHOOL    AT    DANBURY,    CT.  H3 

23.  Wrote  home.  My  school  makes  me  considerable  care.  It  does  not 
appear  to  be  ascertained  whether  a  new  Pope  '  is  elected. 

24.  Finished  reading  The  Forresters.  A  pretty  thing.  The  votes  of  Massa- 
chusetts seem  to  be  divided  between  Mr.  Strong  and  Mr.  Gerry  ^  for  Governor. 
Visited  Mr.  Langdon.  Very  poor.  Amazing  preparations  in  Europe  for  the 
ensuing  campaign.  Germany,  Russia,  and  England  seem  determined  on  the 
restoration  of  monarchy  in  France.^ 

25.  It  is  very  evident  that  Gen.  Washington  was  greatly  esteemed  in 
Europe.     Wrote.     Walked  out. 

26.  The  committee  of  this  society  have  requested  me  to  preach  here  till 
June.  I  have  agreed  to,  Deo  volente.  I  have  commenced  a  sermon  on  Rev. 
xxii:  17.  At  night  a  thunder-shower.  Many  people  are  tried  for  sedition, 
and  all  found  guilty.* 

27.  In  the  forenoon  quite  rainy.     Preached  all  day. 

28.  A  very  warm  and  growing  season.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

29.  Wrote  considerably.  The  utmost  exertions  are  made  in  the  city  of 
New  York  by  Federalists  and  Anti-Federalists,  respecting  the  approaching 
elections  in  that  city. 

30.  Rainy.     Fruit  trees  are  generally  blossoming  very  promisingly.     Wrote. 

May. 

1.  Worked  with  my  children  cleaning  the  door-yard  of  the  school-house. 
Quite  cool. 

2.  Worked  considerably  at  the  school-house.  My  school  is  very 
agreeable. 

3.  We  have  had  lowery  weather  about  a  fortnight.  Wrote  considerably. 
Finished  my  sermon  on  Rev.  xxii :   17. 

4.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  more  than  an  hour  on  the  subject  of  mis- 
sions, and  contributions  for  their  support.  Afternoon  above  twenty-three 
dollars  were  collected.'     At  evening  had  a  full  and  serious  meeting. 

5.  Dined  with  the  military  company.  The  militia  here  appear  very  well. 
Training  here  on  the  green  today.^  In  the  evening  all  hands  dance.  Even 
the  least  of  my  school  join  the  game.  No  less  than  four  different  sets  [com- 
panies] are  dancing  this  evening.     In  the  morning  a  little  frost. 


'  Pope  Pius  VII  was    elected  March  13,  these   foreign   subjects   were   regarded  with 

1800,  but  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  news  had  great  suspicion,  and  these  laws  were  provided 

reached  this  country,  so  that  it  could  already  so  that  the  President  might  expel  these  peo- 

have  been  circulated  among  the  people.  pie  from  the  land  if  they  were  suspected  of 

^  Caleb  Strong  and  Elbridge  Gerry.     Mr.  conspiracy.     But  these  laws  were  subject  to 

Strong  was   chosen    Governor  in    1800,  and  such  abuse  that  they  soon  became  unpopular 

was  reelected  until  1S07.  and  were  repealed. 

^  They  succeeded   after   a   time,  but   the  ^  This  was  the  first  Sabbath  in  May,  when 

monarchy  somehow  did  not  stay  restored.  in   all   the   Congregational    churches    of  the 

*  The  alien  and  sedition  laws,  so  called,  State  collections  were  taken  for  missions  by 

were  enacted  by  Congress  in  179S.     It  was  State  authority. 

estimated  that  there  were  at  that  time  in  the  *  First  Monday  in    May  training   day   in 

United  States  30,000  subjects  of  France,  and  Connecticut,  and  largely  a  holiday.     In  Dan- 

50,000  subjects  of   Great  Britain.     As  there  bury  it  was  kept  as  a  thorough  holiday,  young 

was  then   prospect   of  a  war  with   France,  and  old  joining  in  festivities. 


114  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [180O. 

6.  Yesterday  and  today  are  both  play  days,  so  that  I  do  not  keep  school. 

7.  Quite  rainy.     Began  to  read  Payne's  Geography} 

8.  The  Anti-Federal  ticket  has  prevailed  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and 
they  have  chosen  Democratic  members  for  their  assembly.  It  is  said  that 
this  will  make  a  majority  of  Democratic  electors  in  their  legislature,  and  bring 
Jefferson  into  the  Presidential  chair.  Blessed  be  God  that  all  things  are  in 
His  hands,  and  may  He  avert  such  an  evil  from  this  country-,  for  His  name's 
sake.  1  do  not  believe  that  the  Most  High  will  permit  a  howling  atheist  to 
sit  at  the  head  of  this  nation  !^ 

9.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Ridgefield.  Grain  is 
very  scarce  in  Europe.     The  king  of  Denmark  is  dead.^ 

10.  We  have  had  steady  cool  weather  for  about  three  weeks.  I  fear  my 
scholars  are  fearfully  stupid. 

11.  Had  a  full  and  serious  meeting.  Preached  with  plainness  on  "Is 
there  no  Balm  in  Gilead  ?  " 

12.  Very  warm.  Wore  thin  clothes.  Fruit  trees  are  in  all  their  pride. 
At  evening  had  a  good  meeting.  Wrote  home.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Whittlesey, 
now  in  Hartford. 

13.  A  very  growing  season.  My  school  is  pretty  large.  Read  Payne's 
Geography. 

14.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  Endeavored  to  collect  former  facts  respect- 
ing my  school. 

15.  Very  warm.  Thunder-shower.  Wrote  the  history  of  the  public  school 
in  this  town. 

16.  Mr.  Langdon  quite  poor.     Vegetation  comes  on  rapidly. 

17.  There  is  still  hope  that  the  New  York  Legislature  will  be  Federal. 
My  school  considerably  inquisitive  about  serious  things. 

18.  The  people  here  are  pretty  attentive  at  meeting.  I  conclude  they 
have  not  been  greatly  used  to  doctrinal  preaching. 

ig.  The  Democratic  papers  speak  with  great  vagueness  of  the  triumph  of 
their  cause.     We  hope  and  pray  that  the  Most  High  will  interpose." 

20.  Went  to  see  wax-work.     Rainy. 

21.  Cool  for  the  season.  It  is  said  that  the  Emperor  of  Germany  is  dan- 
gerously ill. 

22.  After  school  rode  to  New  Fairfield,  and  preached  a  lecture.  Quite 
tired.     Last  evening  had  a  serious  meeting. 


^  Universal  Geography,  X\Movo\\xvi\t^,ioX\o,  son    Frederick   was    appointed   regent;    but 

London,  1791,  by  John  Payne.  Christian  VII  did  not  die  till  1808. 

^  We  let  this  sentence  stand  just  as  it  is,  ■»  The  Most  High  did  not  interpose  in  the 

because  it  so  clearly  shows  how  high  party  sense  here  intended,  and   Mr.  Jefferson  be- 

spirit  van  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  came   President   in    1801.     But  by   that  act 

century.     This   language  came  from  a  mild-  God  did  interpose  to  prevent   Aaron   Burr, 

tempered,  gentle,  Christian  man.     What  then  one  of  the  wickedest  men  that  ever  figured 

could  come  from  one  of  a  violent  and  stormy  in  American  politics,  from  becoming  Presi- 

tempcr.  dent;  and  Mr.  Jefferson  was  not  the  horrible 

^  That  was  probably  a  false  report.    Chris-  man  that  the  good  people  of  New  England 

tian  VII  became  deranged  in   1784,  and  his  thought  he  was. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING   SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  II5 

23.  Returned.  Rainy.  It  is  said  that  the  New  York  Legislature  will  have 
a  bare  majority  of  Anti- Federalists.  Mr.  Pickering'  is  dismissed  from  office, 
and  Mr.  McHenry^  has  resigned.  Gen.  MarshalP  is  appointed  Secretar}'  of 
State,  and  Mr.  Dexter,-*  of  War. 

24.  Warm.  Sixteen  persons  have  died  in  Newtown  in  about  a  month 
without  any  apparent  epidemic. 

25.  Pretty  full  meeting.  People  here,  in  a  measure,  seem  to  forget  the 
Sabbath  except  during  public  worship.  Saw  Francis  Benedict  from  Norfolk, 
who  infonned  me  that  my  father  was  considerably  unwell. 

26.  A  hard  rain.  W^ote  considerably.  My  school  consists  of  fort)' 
scholars. 

27.  People  generally  are  much  disheartened  about  the  approaching  Presi- 
dential election.     Our  hope  must  be  in  the  Most  High. 

28.  I  get  pretty  tired  in  my  school.  In  the  evening  had  a  meeting.  More 
grown  people  attend  than  have  heretofore. 

29.  Wrote  to  my  old  friend  Davis,'  now  tutor  at  Yale  College. 

30.  It  appears  that  England  and  Austria  must  fight  the  French.  The 
Russians  have  withdrawn  from  the  coalition.  It  appears  that  our  commis- 
sioners are  like  to  make  a  peace  with  France. 

31.  The  Archduke  Charles,^  on  account  of  ill  health,  has  withdrawn  from 
the  scene  of  war.  Put  my  horse  in  a  carriage  for  the  first  time.^  Had  no 
injur}^ 

June. 

1.  Rainy.  People  here  very  easily  prevented  from  attending  meeting.' 
Very  tired.     Mr.  Langdon  very  poor. 

2.  Preparing  for  my  journey.^  Very  warm.  Afternoon  dismissed  my 
school  for  two  or  three  weeks.     Received  money  from  the  school  committee. 

3.  The  warmest  weather  we  have  had  this  year.  Rode  from  Danbur^- 
through  Litchfield  home.     Found  both  of  my  parents  unwell. 

4.  My  father  was  taken  sick  at  Farmington,  on  his  way  to  the  election 
on  the  7  th  ult.,  and  had  perhaps  the  hardest  turn  he  has  ever  had.  He  was 
absent  from  home  nearly  three  weeks.  He  is  apparently  getting  his  health 
again,  but  has  not  yet  preached  or  attended   meeting,  except  last  Sabbath 


*  Timothy    Pickering,   of    Salem,   Mass.,  ^  This  horse,  given  him  by  his  father,  had 

Secretary   of   State.  been  kept  in  constant  use   for  more  than  a 

^  James  McHenry,  Secretary  of  War.  year  and  a  half.     With   him   he   had  made 

^  John   Marshall,   of  Virginia,  appointed  journeys,  shorter  and  longer,  of  many  hun- 

Secretary  of  State  in  place  of  Mr.  Pickering.  dreds  of  miles,  and  yet  this  is  the  first  time 

"  Samuel    Dexter,   of   Massachusetts,   ap-  he  has  ever  been  tried  in  a  carriage.     This 

pointed  Secretary  of  War  in  place  of  Mr.  fact  itself  would  show  that  he  was  living  in 

McHenry.  the  hoi'seback  age  of  New  England. 

^  Henry  Davis,  tutor  at  Yale,  1798-1S03,  *  Sunday  rains  have  long  had  a  peculiarly 

afterwards  President  of  Middlebury  and  Ff  am-  injurious  effect  upon  people, 
ilton  Colleges.  ^  We  have  heard  nothing  before   of   any 

^  Charles  Louis,  of   Lorraine.   Archduke  intended  journey ;  but  we  shall  soon  d'scover 

of  Austria,  born  1771,  died  1847.  the  occasion  for  it. 


Il6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1800. 

afternoon.'     My  mamma  has  frequent  poor  turns.     Quite  tired  with  my  yes- 
terday's labor. 

5.  Rode  out  with  my  mamma.     Worked  some. 

6.  Cool.  Worked  considerably  whitewashing.  My  father  has  ten  schol- 
ars, the  most,  grown  young  men,  four  of  them  professors  of  religion. 

7.  Read  The  Forresters.  Rode  out  in  a  carriage.  People  in  this  town 
much  engaged  in  making  roads  after  the  manner  of  turnpikes. 

8.  Preachedw  Had  a  very  full  and  serious  meeting.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference. 

9.  On  the  6th  rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town,  and  attended  a  confer- 
ence. Preparing  for  the  General  Association,^  which  is  to  meet  here  next 
week. 

10.  Wrote  to  Miss  Rachel  Starr,  one  of  my  school-girls.  Quite  warm. 
Rode  to  Canaan  with  my  father  and  attended  the   association.^ 

11.  Afternoon  returned.  Very  hot.  My  mamma  quite  unwell.  Much 
troubled  with  nervous  affections. 

12.  Worked  considerably.  My  brother  went  to  Salisbury,  to  the  dedica- 
tion of  a  new  meeting-house,  which  is  supposed  to  be  the  best  in  the  State. 

13.  We  have  much  to  do  in  preparing  for  the  General  Association.  Am 
very  healthy. 

14.  Worked.     Afternoon  rode  with  my  mamma  to  my  brother's  in  Canaan. 

15.  Preached  for  Mr.  Farrand.*  He  is  quite  old  and  failing.  Last  night 
my  mamma  had  a  very  bad  turn ;  unable  to  attend  meeting. 

16.  Rode  home  early.     Worked.     Towards  night  ministers  came.^ 

17.  About  noon  the  ministers  generally  came  to  attend  the  association. 
I  have  much  care  and  lalior.  Of  thirteen  associations  twenty-three  members* 
were  present,  three  delegates  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  two  other  ministers  from  Virginia,  and  several  neighboring  ministers. 
The  association  was  opened  before  dinner.  Mr.  Hart,  of  Preston,'  was 
moderator.     Afternoon  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Backus,®  of  Somers. 

18.  The  ministers  mostly  sup  and  breakfast  where  they  lodge,  and  all  dine 


'  His  father  had  now  been  in  the  pastoral  reached   Norfolk   Monday   night.      The   old 

office  at  Norfolk  nearly  thirty-nine  years.  Connecticut  General  Association  was  purely 

^  The  meeting  of  the  General  Association  a  ministerial  body,  with  no  lay  delegates, 
of  the  State  in  one  of  the  country  towns,  was  ^  Two  delegates  were  ordinarily  appointed 

a  great  event,  not  likely  to  be  repeated  in  from  each  district  association,  so  that  if  all 

that  particular  town  for  a  life-time.     This  is  had  been  there,  there  would  have  been  twenty- 

what  called  Mr.  Robbins  from  his  school  in  six. 
Danbury.  7  Levi  Hart,  D.  D.,  of  the  Second  Church 

^  This  was  the  local  district   association,  in  Preston,  Ct.  (now  Griswold),  was  one  of 

Litchfield  North.  the   prominent   ministers   of  the    State,  and 

'■  Rev.  Daniel  Farrand,  minister  at  Canaan,  was   well   known   as   a   theological    teacher. 

1752-1803.     He  was  a  graduate   of   the   col-  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1760,  and  was 

lege  of  New  Jersey  in  1750,  and  received  the  minister  at  Preston,  1762-1808. 
degree  of  A.  M.  from  Yale  in  1777.  s  Charles  Backus,  D.  D.,  of  Somers,  wa» 

5  All  journeys  were  made  with  horses,  and  still  more  celebrated  as  a  theological  teacher, 

some    of   the   members   of    the    association  but  was  cut  off  in  middle  life. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING    SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  II7 

here.'     The  people  are  very  kind.     Afternoon  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr. 
Freeman  from  Dutchess  County,  N.  Y. 

19.  In  the  forenoon  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Freeman  from  Virginia. 
About  two  o'clock  the  association  adjourned,  and  after  dinner  the  most  went 
away. 

20.  Much  worried.  Wrote.  Bought  a  repeating  watch  ;  cost  fifty  dollars. 
Had  a  new  bridle  made  ;  cost  two  dollars  and  one-half. 

21.  Afternoon  left  home  for  Danbury.    Rode  to  Warren.    A  very  dry  season. 

22.  Last  night  a  very  plentiful  shower.  What  shall  we  render  ?  Preached 
for  my  Uncle  Starr.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Ver)'  happy  effects 
of  awakening.  About  seventy  persons  have  been  added  to  my  uncle's  church 
in  about  half  a  year.  In  Norfolk  in  less  than  a  year  there  have  been  more 
than  one  hundred  and  thirty  added. 

23.  Rode  to  Danbury,  A  woman  died  here  with  the  small-pox  on  the  21st. 
It  is  supposed  she  took  it  from  a  child  who  came  home  too  soon.^ 

24.  In  my  absence  there  has  been  a  request  for  me  to  preach  at  Weston.^ 
Began  my  school.     Very  warm. 

25.  Wrote  to  the  committee  at  Weston.  Mr.  Langdon  has  been  a  journey 
for  his  health,  and  appears  to  be  helped.  A  man  has  undertaken  to  publish  a 
Democratic  paper**  in  this  town.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

26.  Yesterday  eat  green  peas  and  new  potatoes.  Traded  considerably. 
Bought  a  piece  of  linen  at    four  cents  a  yard.     People  beginning  to  mow. 

27.  Last  evening  had  a  request  to  deliver  an  oration  at  Ridgebury  on  the 
4th  of  July.  Am  sorry.  Today  wrote  to  Esq.  Waterman,  of  Weston.  At 
evening  rode  to  Ridgebury.  Found  it  very  difficult  to  avoid  attending  with 
them  on  the  4th  of  July.^ 

28.  Returned  to  Danbury.  Rode  to  Weston.  Mr.  Johnson,  the  minister, 
is  old  *  and  about  resigning.     He  was  classmate  with  my  father. 

29.  There  are  many  sectaries,  especially  Episcopalians,''  in  this  quarter  of 
the  State. 

30.  Returned.     Cool  nights. 


*  That  is,   they  were   quartered   all    over  eral   that   any   Democratic   invasion   of  this 

the   town,  but   to  save  travel   they  were  all  kind  into  one  of  the  old  Connecticut  towns 

dined  at  the  center  by  the  contributions  of  was  not  likely  to  be  generally  popular, 
the  people.  ^  He  had  preached  there  so  much  that  it 

^  This  marks  a  very  important  difference  would   seem  ungracious  not  to  comply  with 

between  innoculation   for  the  small-pox  and  their  request,  which  was  meant  to  be  compli- 

vaccination.     The   real    small-pox  might   be  mentary. 

taken   from   one   who   was  passing   through  '^  Mr.  Johnson  had  been  there  thirty-seven 

the  disease  resulting  from  innoculation,  but  years.     The   diary   says   he  was   "about   rc- 

nothing  of  the  kind  can  occur  from  vaccina-  signing."     But   he   seems  to   have  remained 

tion.  there  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  18 10. 

'  The  place  called  Weston  is  that  part  of  '  This  is  reversing  the  order  of  calling  hard 

the  ancient  town  now  known  as  Easton,  and  names.     Members  of  the  Established  Church 

was  about  twelve  miles  southerly  from  Dan-  of  England  are  fond  of  calling  other  men  sec- 

bury.     The  minister  there   was   Rev.  James  taries  and  dissenters.     But  in  New  England 

Johnson,  who  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1760,  for   two    hundred   years,   Congregationalists 

and  settled  in  Weston  in  1763.  were  members   of  the  Established    Church, 

"*  Connecticut    had  been  so  strongly  Fed-  and  Episcopalians,  etc.,  were  dissenters. 


Il8  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1800. 

JULV. 

1.  Warm.  The  campaign  in  Europe  seems  to  be  opening  in  favor  of  the 
Austrians.'  It  seems  that  France  and  Austria  must  fight  alone.  The  new 
Pope  ^  has  entered  upon  his  functions. 

2.  Began  my  oration  for  the  4th.  At  evening  had  a  meeting.  How  sure 
it  is  that  means  and  instruments  are  nothing. 

3.  At  evening  finished  my  oration.  Had  a  severe  return  of  pain  in  my 
jaw  and  right  side,  it  having  been  heretofore  on  the  left. 

4.  In  the  morning  we  had  news  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Jefferson.  It  is  to 
be  hoped  that  it  is  true.^  Rode  to  Ridgebury,  and  attended  the  exercises 
about  noon,  then  returned ;  attended  and  assisted  here  about  three  o'cloclc* 
There  was  here  great  parade,  civil  and  military.  Things  were  conducted  with 
great  regularity.     Very  warm. 

5.  Rather  unwell.     Rode  to  Weston.     Quite  hot. 

6.  Full  meeting.  Almost  overcome  with  heat.  Thermometer  rose  to 
ninety-one. 

7.  Returned.  Afternoon  excessive  hot.  Thermometer  at  ninety-four 
degrees.     Mr.    Langdon    very   poor. 

8.  Worked  some  at  hay.  A  very  hard  shower.  The  new  Pope  has 
entered  upon  his  functions  by  washing  the  feet  of   twelve  priests, 

9.  Weather  continues  very  hot.  Lord  Nelson  has  received  presents  of 
immense  value  since  his  recent  victory.     Yesterday  eat  cucumbers. 

10.  Last  evening  had  a  meeting.  Worked  at  hay.  People  in  the  heat  of 
haying. 

11.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Thermometer  at  about  ninety  every  day  this 
week. 

12.  The  news  of  Mr.  Jefferson's  death  is  contradicted.  My  children 
appear   to   be   very   stupid.     Rode   to   Weston. 

13.  Very  warm.  Much  worried.  People  here  appear  to  be  exceeding 
stupid  and  thoughtless  about  divine  things.  Rode  to  Reading'  and  tarried 
with  Mr.  Bartlett.^ 

14.  Returned.  Cooler.  The  prospect  seems  to  increase  that  we  shall  not 
have  a  Federal  President. 

15.  This  town  is  peculiar  for  good  gardens.  Quite  rainy,  which  comes 
very  seasonably. 


'  It  was  some  stray  and  uncertain  report  about  four  miles  from  the  one  place  to  the 

probably  that  caused   this   entry.     Through  other. 

the  months  of  May  and  June,  1800,  several  ^  Rev.  Nathaniel    Bartlett,  a  graduate  of 

battles  were  fought,  in  all  of  which  the  Aus-  Yale,  1749.     A  most  able  and  excellent  min- 

trians  were  defeated  ister,  who  died  in  1810,  at  the  age  of  ninety- 

^  Pius  VII.  four,  being  at  the  time  of  his  death  the  oldest 

3  This  is  another  outburst  of  the  political  minister  in   the  State.     Besides  serving  the 

prejudice  and  hate  common  at  that  time.  church  faithfully  in  his  life,  at  his  death  he 

"  He  had  a  busy  4th  of  July.  left  it  a  legacy  of  $3,000.     He  was  a  native  of 

s  Now  spelled  Redding.     This   place  ad-  Guilford,  Ct.     The  name  Bartlett  is  frequent 

joined  Weston,  and  the  ride  was  one  of  only  on  our  college  catalogues. 


l800,]  TEACHING   SCHOOL  AT   DANBURY,    CT.  II9 

16.  Weather  much  cooler  than  it  has  been.     At  evening  had  a  pretty  full 
meeting. 

17.  Showed  to  the  overseers  of  schools  some  writings  of  my  scholars  for 
premium.     Worked  some  at  hay. 

18.  Gave  premiums  to  several  of  my  scholars.     Saw  a  lion.     I  never  had 
an  idea  of  such  ferocity.' 

19.  Very  warm.     Rode  to  Weston.^     This  week  people  generally  will  get 
in  their  harvest,  perhaps  the  best  known  for  many  years. 

20.  At  eleven  o'clock  the   thermometer  was   at   ninety.     Preached  with 
great   plainness. 

21.  Received  from  this  society  twenty  dollars.     Disputed  with  a  Unitarian. 
Returned.     Visited  some  sick  persons. 

22.  Quite  cool.     Finished  writing  a  piece  for  the  public  paper. 

23.  Read  Spalding^  on  the  new  heavens,  and  the  new  earth.     I  believe  he 
is  wrong,  but  find  some  difficulty.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

24.  Perhaps  the  present  war  in  Europe  has  never  been  carried  on  w-ith 
greater  obstinacy  than  now  between  France  and  Austria. 

25.  Very  warm.     Thermometer  at  ninety-three.     Some  gentlemen  visited 
my  school.     Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant.     A  shower. 

26.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.     Rode  to  Newtown.*     This  is  a  much 
more  handsome  place  than  I  expected. 

27.  Preached  for  Mr.  Clark.*     Very  warm.     Returned. 

28.  Helped  in  making  some  currant  wine.     Afternoon  walked  out.     Saw 
Mr.  Ripley*  from  Brookfield. 

29.  Closed   the   second   quarter   of   my  school.     Accounts   are   that   the 
French   are   obtaining  great   successes.' 

30.  Excessive  hot.     The  thermometer  rose  to  ninety-four.     Have  difficulty 
in  breaking  my  horse  in  a  carriage.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

31.  Wrote  to  my  father.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.     Thermometer  at 
ninety-seven.     Eat  succotash, 

August. 

1.  Wrote  to  my  brother  N.     Had  pain  in  my  face. 

2.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.     Last  night  a  little  rain.     A  dry  season. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Canaan,*  a  part  of  Norwalk. 


'  This,  for  a  full-grown  man  who  had  been  ^  Rev.  Jehu  Clark,  graduated  at  Yale  in 

through  college,  seems  like  child-like  simplic-  1794.  and   settled   in  Newtown   in   October, 

ity.     But   Barnum,  though   he   originated  in  1799,  less  than  a  year  before  this  visit.     Mr. 

that  part  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  unfor-  Robbins  had  doubtless  known  him  at  college, 

tunately  had  not  yet  been  born.  and  preached  for  him  as  an  act  of  friendship. 

^  He  is  supplying  the  pulpit  there.     Rev.  ^  Erastus  Ripley,  ordained  at  Brookfield 

Mr.  Bartlett,  Senior,  is  even  now  eighty-four  the   March   previous, 

years  old.     His  son  Jonathan  was  settled  as  ^  This  is  a  true  report, 

colleague   with   him  in  1796,  and  continued  ^  This  was  not  the  town  of  Canaan,  but  a 

till  1809,  but  was  forced  to  resign  because  of  ill  parish  of  the  town  of  Norwalk,  which  is  now 

health.  Theson  was  probably  sick  at  this  time.  known  as   the   town   of  New  Canaan,  lying 

^  John  Joachim  Spalding,  an  eminent  Swed-  between  the  present  Norwalk  and  the  New 

ish  clergyman.  York  line,  about  eighteen  miles  south  from 

*  About  eight  miles  from  Danbury.  Danbury. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1800, 


3.  Preached  for  Mr.  Mitchell.'  Towards  evening  Mr.  Lewis,"  of  North 
Stamford,  came  and  preached  a  third  sermon.     Very  dry  in  this  quarter. 

4.  Returned.     Mr.  Langdon  quite  poor. 

5.  Quite  cool.     Began  a  new  quarter  in  my  school. 

6.  A  worthless  Democratic  paper  in  this  town  contains  some  remarks 
upon  mo.  It  gives  me  no  uneasiness,  and  I  am  satisfied  it  will  not  injure  my 
character.'     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

7.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Goodwin,*  printer  in  Hartford.  Rode  to  Bethel  and 
back.     "Wrote  considerably. 

8.  Very  warm.     A  shower  of  rain.     Began  a  dialogue,  Columbus.^ 

9.  A  rainy  day.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 

10.  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Ridgefield,*  preached  here.  I  was  a  hearer  all  day. 
Read  Spalding's'  lectures. 

ri.     My  school  increases.     A  very  growing  season. 

12.  Genoa  was  given  up  by  the  French  on  the  5th  of  June.'  They  were 
reduced  to  extremities.  It  is  said  that  they  are  at  the  same  time  successful  in 
other  parts  of  Italy. 

13.  The  Superior  Court  is  sitting  here.  Dismissed  my  school  to  attend. 
Had  a  hat  made  for  my  father. 

14.  Last  evening  had  a  meeting.  Read  the  Life  of  Columbus.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Goodrich. 

15.  Wrote  home.  At  evening  a  number  of  attorneys  here.  At  evening 
Dr.  Morse,  the  Democratic  printer '  here,  was  called  before  the  selectmen  and 
made  a  confession  which  he  is  to  publish. 

16.  Afternoon  rode  to  Norwalk.     At  evening  quite  unwell. 

17.  Rainy.  The  earth  very  dry.  Preached  for  Mr.  Burnett,'"  he  being 
absent. 


'  Rev.  Justus  Mitchell,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1776,  settled  over  this  Canaan  parish  1783- 
1806. 

^  Rev.  Amzi  Lewis,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1768,  was  pastor  at  North  Stamford,  Ct., 
1795-1819. 

^  We  shall  see  what  became  of  this  editor 
by  and  by. 

''  George  Goodwin,  so  long  one  of  the 
owners  and  publishers  of  the  Connecticut 
Courant.  The  Connecticut  Courant,  one  of 
the  early  New  England  papers,  was  estab- 
lished in  1764.  In  1773  it  was  bought  by  Mr. 
Ebenezer  Watson,  who  carried  it  on  till  1777, 
when  he  died.  Then  Mr.  George  Goodwin, 
a  young  man  of  twenty-one,  was  associated  in 
business  with  Mrs.  Watson,  and  the  paper 
was  carried  on  for  two  years  under  the  name 
of  Watson  &  Goodwin.  In  1779,  Mrs.  Wat- 
son was  married  to  Mr.  Barzillai  Hudson, 
and  for  many  years  the  firm  of  Hudson  & 
Croodwin  was  one  of  the  best  known  in  the 


State  as  a  printing  and  publishing  office. 
Mr.  Goodwin  lived  till  May  14,  1844,  dying 
at  the  age  of  eighty-eight.  His  son,  of  the 
same  name,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  died 
in  187S,  at  the  age  of  ninety-six. 

^  Mr.  Robbins's  dialogue  or  drama  on 
Columbus  was  written  doubtless  for  histor- 
ical instruction,  rather  than  for  tragic  or 
comic   effect. 

*  See  note  March  4,  1800. 

^  See  note  July  23,  1800. 

^  Genoa,  which  had  been  in  the  possession 
of  the  French,  was  blockaded  by  an  English 
and  Austrian  fleet,  starved  out  and  compelled 
to  capitulate.  A  few  days  later,  June  14, 
after  the  signal  defeat  of  the  Austrians  at  the 
battle  of  Marengo,  Genoa  was  restored  to  the 
French. 

9  The  discipline  of  the  Democratic  printer 
has  begun. 

'°  Rev.  Matthias  Burnet,  D.D.,  pastor  at 
Norwalk,  1785-1806. 


[8oo.] 


TEACHING    SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT. 


^ 


i8.  Returned.  Had  a  very  hard  turn  of  pain  in  my  face.  It  is  my  right 
jaw  which  is  now  affected. 

19.  It  appears  Bonaparte  is  again,  in  a  measure,  overcoming  Italy.  After- 
noon my  sister  S.'  came  from  home  to  make  me  a  visit. 

20.  Quite  sick  with  the  dysentery.     At  evening  had  a  full  meeting. 

21.  Quite  cool.     New  cider^  is  quite  plenty.     Walked  out  with  my  sister. 

22.  The  cities  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  hope  to  escape  the  yellow 
fever  this  year.     Mr.  Langdon  very  poor.     Walked  out  with  my  sister. 

23.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wilton.  Very 
warm. 

24.  Very  full  meeting.  This  is  a  society  of  Norwalk.  Their  minister 
lately  dismissed.^ 

25.  Returned.  At  evening  my  sister  had  company.  People  here  treat  her 
with  much  attention.*  Bonaparte  has  beaten  the  Austrians  in  a  great  battle 
at  Marengo  in  Italy.^  Genoa  and  many  strong  places  are  given  up  to  the 
French. 

26.  My  school  consists  of  more  than  forty. 

27.  In  the  morning  rode  out.     Went  out  to  dine.     A  shower. 

28.  Very  hot.  Mr.  Langdon  poorer  than  I  have  ever  seen  him.  Visited 
with  my  sister.     Rainy. 

29.  Wrote  home.  My  sister  went  off  in  the  stage.  Visited  a  sick  woman 
apparently  near  gone  with  a  consumption. 

30.  Afternoon  rode  to  New  Milford.^  Our  cities  have  sanguine  hopes  of 
escaping  the  yellow  fever  this  season. 

31.  Preached.     Last  night  a  hard  rain.     At  evfening  returned. 


September. 

I.  Had  no  school  it  being  a  training  day.^  The  greater  part  of  my  school 
children  dance.  It  being  customary  here  I  cannot  prevent  it.  I  do  not 
believe  a  town  in  the  State  can  produce  so  respectable  a  militia  as  this.  Two 
companies  of  infantry,  one  of  cavalry,  and  one  of  artillery,  all  in  uniform,* 
belong  to  this  society. 
I        2.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 


'  Sarah  Robbins. 

^  Cider,  in  that  day,  was  as  innocent  as 
water. 

^  Rev.  Aaron  Woodward,  graduated  at 
Yale  in  1789,  had  been  settled  at  Wilton, 
1 794- 1 800. 

*  On  his  account  and  on  her  own.  She 
was  now  twenty-one,  a  young  woman  of  su- 
perior mind  and  engaging  manners. 

^  This  battle,  as  already  stated,  was  fought 
on  the  14th  of  June,  iSoo. 

*  Mr.  Robbins  went  to  New  Milford  for  a 
Sabbath's  supply.     This  is  the  church  where 


the  venerable  Rev.  Nathaniel  Taylor  had  just 
died.  Mr.  Taylor  had  a  colleague  settled 
with  him  in  1790,  Rev.  Stanley  Griswold,  who 
became  a  Unitarian,  and  was  dismissed  in 
1802. 

''  The  first  Mondays  in  May  for  the  spring 
trainings,  and  the  first  Mondays  in  Septem- 
ber for  the  fall  trainings.  This  was  the  old 
Connecticut  rule  well  remembered  by  all  the 
boys. 

^  This  was  certainly  a  handsome  military 
record  for  Danbury.  There  was  considerable 
local  pride  in  military  affairs  in  other  towns. 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1800. 


freely 
cool. 

6. 

7- 


3.  Visited  a  woman  apparently  near  unto  death  with  a  consumption. 

4.  The  woman  I  visited  last  evening  died.  Yesterday  was  Commence- 
ment' at  Williamstown.     The  last  four  I  have  attended. 

5.  This  day  my  father  is  sixty  years  old.     Attended  the  funeral."     Spoke 
Weep  not  for  me,  but  weep  for  yourselves  and  your  children.     Quite 

Received  fifteen  dollars  and  ten  cents  from  this  society. 
Had  a  pair  of  boots  made.     Rode  to  Ridgefield. 
Preached.^     Quite  wanii.     At  evening  returned. 

8.  Yesterday  Mr.  Griswold/  of  New  Milford,  preached  here  and  was  gen- 
erally very  well  liked.  It  appears  he  was  very  erroneous.^  Received  money 
from  the  school  committee.  Afternoon  set  out  for  New  Haven.*  Rode  to 
Weston. 

9.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Quite  warm.  My  parents  are  in  town.  At 
evening  heard  Abraham  Bishop^  deliver  a  very  foolish  and  inflammatory 
Democratic  oration  two  hours  long. 

10.  A  good  Commencement.  Not  so  many  people,  particularly  clergy,  as 
usual.  At  evening  my  father  preached  a  Concio  ad  Clenwi ;  ^  very  serious.  Saw 
many  old  friends. 

11.  Attended  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.     Rode  to  Branford. 

12.  Went  down  to  the  sea^  with  my  parents  and  other  friends.     Sailed. 
Rode  in  a  carriage  to  Northford,'°  and  visited  my  father's  cousin,  Capt. 
Very  hot.     Returned. 
In  the  morning  rode  to  North  Branford,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon 

for  Mr.  Eells."  At  noon  returned.  My  father  preached  in  the  forenoon,  and 
I  in  the  afternoon,  in  the  same  desk  in  which  my  grandfather  '^  preached  near 
forty  years. 

15.     Rode  to  New  Haven.     Bought  books;   thirty-five  volumes  for  about 


13- 
Foot. 
14. 


'  Commencement  at  Williams  College  then 
was  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  and 
at  Yale  the  second  Wednesday. 

^  That  is,  of  the  woman  who  died  the  day 
before. 

^  He  preached  for  Mr.  Goodrich. 

*  See  note  Aug.  30,  1800. 

^  It  is  implied  that  he  was  quite  wrong 
doctrinally,  but  the  people  of  Danbury  did 
not  exactly  find  it  out. 

^  To  attend  Commencement. 

'  Abraham  Bishop  was  born  in  New 
Haven  in  1763,  and  died  there  April  28,  1844. 
He  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1778.  His  ora- 
tion at  New  Haven  in  the  summer  of  1800 
was  long  after  spoken  of  as  a  singular  in- 
stance of  inappropriateness  for  a  Commence- 
ment occasion.  Mr.  Bishop  was  for  twenty 
years  collector  at  New  Haven. 

®  The  Concio  ad  Clerum  seems  then  to 
have  been  on  the  evening  of  Commencement 


day.  In  later  years  it  was  on  Tuesday  even- 
ing, and  now  for  several  years,  it  has  ceased 
altogether  as  one  of  the  exercises  of  Com- 
mencement week.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Association  of  Connecticut  held  at  Meri- 
den  in  June,  1870,  the  following  minute  was 
passed. 

"Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  Concio  ad 
Cleruvi  heretofore  delivered  at  Commence- 
ment be  transfered  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion to  take  the  place  of  the  associational 
sermon." 

9  The  southern  boundary  of  Branford  is 
Long  Island  Sound,  between  East  Haven  and 
Guilford. 

'°  Northford  is  a  part  of  North  Branford. 

"  Rev.  Samuel  Eells,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1765,  pastor  at  North  Branford,  1769-1808. 

"  Philemon  Robbins,  pastor  at  Branford, 
1733-17S1.  This  must  have  been  an  occasion 
of  great  interest  to  the  people. 


l8oo.]  TEACHING   SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  1 23 

thirty  dollars.'     Today  is  Freeman's  Meeting.     I  believe  political  parties  never 
were  higher  in  this  State.     Rode  to  Newtown." 

16.  Arrived  at  Danbury.  Fruit  very  plenty  in  the  lower  part  of  the  State. 
In  the  upper  very  little. 

17.  A  very  dry  season.     Wrote.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

18.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.     A  child  died  in  town  very  suddenly. 

19.  Quite  sick  with  a  cold  and  a  pain  in  my  jaw.  Afternoon  could  not 
keep  school. 

20.  Last  night  an  only  brother  of  my  Uncle  Starr  died  here  after  an  illness 
of  four  days.  Uncle  Starr  arrived.  Attended  the  funeral.  Mr.  Butler/  the 
Episcopalian  at  Reading,  preached. 

21.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon,  Uncle  Starr  in  the  afternoon.  Last  night 
a  hard  rain. 

22.  Rainy.  There  appears  to  be  a  general  armistice  between  Austria  and 
France.     Uncle  Starr  called  at  my  school  to  see  me. 

23.  Thought  considerably  on  that  text,  i  Cor.  xv :  29.*  Don't  know  any- 
thing about  it.     At  evening  had  a  meeting. 

24.  The  Democrats  have  made  very  great  exertions  in  this  State  of  late, 
but  have  overacted  themselves.  There  are  fewer  of  them  chosen  to  the 
assembly  this  fall  than  there  have  been  heretofore.  The  regiment  met  here.^ 
Appeared  very  well.     Dined  with  the  field  officers. 

25.  There  is  considerable  horse-racing  here.  In  weeks  past  I  have  written 
seven  numbers  to  show  that  Mr.  Jefferson  will  never  be  President  of  the 
United  States,  which  have  been  published.*     Wrote  on  my  drama. 

26.  Eat  fresh  cucumbers. 

27.  Quite  rainy.     Wrote  on  my  drama. 

28.  Mr.  Gridley,''  of  Watertown,  preached.  It  has  been  constantly  rainy 
for  eight  days. 

29.  Read  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine. 

30.  The  fruits  of  the  earth  are  coming  in  very  full.     Wrote  on  my  drama. 

October. 

1.  Had  company.     At  evening  had  a  meeting.     People  here  seem  to  be 
stupid  in  the  extreme. 

2.  Warm.     Afternoon  rode  to  New  Fairfield,  and  preached  a  sacramental 
lecture.     Returned. 

3.  Wrote  considerably  upon  my  drama.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Cool. 


'  He  was  in  the  early  stages  of  the  work  Connecticut  to  have  the  regimental  trainings 

of  collecting  his  large  library.  in  every  other  year,  in  the  latter  part  of  Sep- 

-  From   New  Haven   to   Newtown  about  tember.      Perhaps  that  was   the   custom  in 

twenty  miles.  1800. 

3  Rev.  David  Butler,  the  Episcopal  min-  *■  That  was  labor  lost,  for  Mr.  Jefferson 

ister  at  Grace  Church,  Redding,  1799-1804.  was  made  President  of  the  United  States,  Feb- 

■*"  Else  what  shall  they  do  that  are  bap-  ruary,  1801,  and  continued  in  the  office  eight 

tized  for  the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise  not  at  all  ?  years  without  bringing  ruin  on  the  country. 
Why  are  they  then  baptized  for  the  dead  ?  "  ''  Rev.  Uriel   Gridley,  graduated  at  Yale 

*  Sixty  years   ago   it  was   the   custom  in  in  17S3,  pastor  at  Watertown,  1 784-1820. 


124  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [180O. 

4.  In  the  morning  there  was  a  frost,  the  first  this  season.  Afternoon 
rode  to  I5rookfield  and  back  in  a  carriage. 

5.  Preached  to  young  people.  O  for  divine  grace  to  make  an  impression. 
At  night  very  rainy. 

6.  At  night  finished  my  drama,  consisting  of  eighty-nine  pages  in  quarto. 
Cool. 

7.  At  evening  was  invited  out.     Quite  cool. 

8.  The  Democratic  editor  in  this  town  has  blown  out  and  moved  to  Nor- 
walk.  The  boys  attended  him  out  of  town  with  bells,  quills,  etc'  At  even- 
ing had  a  meeting. 

9.  Dined  out.     Mr.  Langdon  seems  to  decline  fast.     Wrote. 

10.  My  school  are  much  engaged  in  learning  their  parts.  Wrote  on  a 
dialogue. 

11.  The  whole  country  appears  to  be  in  a  ferment  on  account  of  the 
approaching  election  of  President. 

12.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Brookfield  and  preached. 

13.  Quite  rainy.     Returned  at  night  and  finished  my  dialogue. 

14.  Quite  cool.     At  evening  walked  out.     Read. 

15.  Afternoon  rode  to  Ridgebury  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Camp's  wife.^  Preached  extempore  from  Isa.  li :  15.  Bought  a  number  of 
books  of  Mr.  Camp.^ 

16.  Returned.     Very  rainy  all  day.     Read  Flowers  of  History. 

17.  My  school  much  engaged  in  learning  their  pieces. 

18.  A  very  hard  rainy  day.  Expected  to  have  gone  to  Salem  ;■•  prevented 
by  the  rain. 

19.  Preached.  Quite  rainy.  It  is  said  there  are  about  twenty-five  Demo- 
crats in  our  present  House  of  Representatives.*  They  have  their  matters 
reduced  to  system. 

20.  Wrote  considerably.     Had  company.     Cool. 

21.  Crops  of  corn  are  said  to  be  very  large. 

22.  Quite  warm.     At  evening  had  a  full  meeting.     Read  Flowers  of  History. 

23.  Quite  rainy.  The  committee  called  to  see  my  school,  and  appoint  an 
exhibition. 

24.  Cold  for  the  season.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

25.  Afternoon  rode  to  Salem,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  to  preach. 

26.  Had  a  full  meeting.     This  society  rather  small.     At  evening  returned. 

27.  Preparing  for  an  exhibition  of  my  school.  Began  to  build  a  stage. 
Had  my  foot  badly  hurt. 

28.  Dined  out.     Find  it  a  great  deal  of  labor  to  prepare  for  an  exhibition. 


'  Such  was  the  end  of  the  man  who  under-  ^  ji^g  buying  of  books  is  to  be  a  marked 

took  to  publish  a  Democratic  paper  in  Dan-  feature  of  Mr.  Robbins's  life  for  many  years 

bury,  in  the  good  old  Federal  days  of  Con-  to  come, 
necticut.  4  Salem  is  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Camp  himself,  who  was  very  =  The  Connecticut  House  of  Representa- 

ill  and  hardly  expected  to  live,  had  recovered,  fives  was  large  and  the  Democrats  were  a 

but  his  wife  was  called  away.  feeble  minority. 


l800.]  TEACHING   SCHOOL   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  I25 

29.  I  have  so  much  anxiety  and  labor,  I  can  eat  but  little  and  sleep  very- 
poorly.     Dined  out. 

30.  Had  an  exhibition  of  my  school.  Thirty-two  had  parts.  The  per- 
formances continued  two  and  one-half  hours,  all  of  my  own  composition. 
There  was  a  great  audience.  The  meeting-house  was  full.  They  performed 
beyond  my  expectation,  and  to  universal  approbation. 

31.  Cleaned  the  meeting-house.  Afternoon  took  an  affectionate  leave  of 
my  school  after  being  with  them  ten  months  in  great  harmony.  It  was  a 
trying  scene.' 

NOVBMBER. 

1.  Last  evening  called  on  Mr.  Langdon.  I  think  he  sinks  fast.  The 
committee  requested  me  to  preach  five  Sabbaths.  I  agreed  to.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Salem.     Rainy. 

2.  Showery.  Thin  meeting.  Societies  in  this  State  rather  in  a  disorgan- 
ized situation. 

3.  Received  of  this  society  ten  dollars.^  Returned  to  Danbury.  Quite 
cold. 

4.  Wrote  home.     Began  to  read  Hume's  History  of  England. 

5.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Judson,^  of  ShefBeld. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  2  Cor.  vi :  2. 

7.  Began  a  sermon  on  John  vi :  35.     Read  Hume. 

8.  Finished  sermon  on  John  vi :  35.     Warm  for  the  season. 

9.  An  Episcopalian  preached  in  town,  and  many  people  went  to  hear 
him.  I  fear  if  Mr.  Langdon  should  be  taken  away  this  society  would  be  in  a 
broken  state.* 

10.  Rode  to  Newtown  to  get  Dr.  Penny  to  come  and  see  Mr.  Langdon. 
Quite  cold. 

11.  Read  Hume.     At  evening  walked  out.     My  salt-rheum  troublesome. 

12.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ex,  xxxiv :  6,     Read  Bible, 

13.  Wrote  all  day.  Quite  cold  and  tedious.  It  is  said  that  in  this  quarter 
it  is  thought  there  was  never  so  much  Indian  corn  in  one  year  as  this. 

14.  Wrote.     Mr.  Langdon  appears  to  be  sinking  fast. 

15.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Ex.  xxxiv:  6.  Am  somewhat  troubled  with  a 
pain  in  my  breast.     Traded  considerably. 

16.  Preached  upon  Truth.  People  very  attentive.  There  is  an  account 
that  our  envoys  at  France  have  made  a  treaty  of  amity  and  comity.^ 

17.  The  British  have  taken  Malta.^  The  armistice  between  Austria  and 
France  is  extended.  Received  a  letter  from  the  society  in  Milton^  requesting 
me  to  go  there  and  preach. 


'  In  all   his   experiences   as  a  teacher  in  '  Probably  not  a  correct  report.    No  treaty 

different  places,  he  was  remarkably  successful.  of   the  kind  seems  to  have  been   concluded 

^  For  two  Sabbaths'  supply.  before  1803. 

^  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  his  old  theological  *  Malta  was   surrendered   to   the   British 

teacher.  under  Pigot,  Sept.  5,  1800. 

*  By  several  hints,  Mr.  Robbins  evidently  ^  A  parish  in  the  town  of  Litchfield,  or- 

thinks  Mr.  Langdon  and  his  church  not  alto-  ganized  in  179S;  but  it  had  no  settled  min- 

gether  in  a  sound  doctrinal  state.  ister  until  1802. 


T26  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1800. 

18.  The  county  court  convened  here.  At  evening  attended  a  Sandema- 
nian  meeting.'  They  dilfer  from  us  very  little  in  doctrines ;  but  in  modes  and 
forms  they  are  absurd  in  the  extreme.     Read  Hume. 

19.  Pray  with  the  court  and  dine  with  them  daily.'^  Traded  considerably. 
Walked  out. 

20.  Quite  cold.  Finished  reading  the  Bible  which  I  began  at  the  Psalms, 
Nov.  20,  1798.  I  lament  with  shame  that  I  have  been  so  long.  Have  how- 
ever generally  read  two  or  three  chapters  a  day  with  my  school.  Saw  a 
criminal  tried  for  stealing  and  committed. 

21.  It  snowed  hard  all  day.  The  storm  ver}^  severe.  Read  Hume,  Be- 
gan a  sermon  on  Heb.  xiii :  2. 

22.  I  believe  the  snow  is  a  foot  deep.     Read  Hume  and  wrote, 

23.  Snowed  some.  Thin  meeting.  It  appears  that  the  Presidential  elec- 
tion depends  on  the  PennsylvarJa  Senate,  Their  governor  is  a  Democrat. 
Their  House  of  Representatives  is  about  fifty  against  twenty,  and  the  Senate 
have  eleven  Democrats  out  of  twenty-four.  They  are  now  in  session  striving 
to  make  a  law  to  choose  electors,  but  it  appears  that  a  majority  of  the  Senate 
are  like  to  counteract  all.^ 

24.  Rode  to  Bethel  in  a  sleigh  and  returned.  Very  good  sleighing.  Gov. 
Jay"*  has  declined  a  reelection.  It  is  conceived  to  be  a  great  misfortune. 
Began  a  Thanksgiving  sermon  on  Isa.  i :  23. 

25.  Last  evening  began  to  read  the  Bible  from  the  beginning  in  course. 
May  God  grant  in  infinite  mercy  that  I  may  read  it  with  profit. 

26.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  i :  23.'  Traded  some.  Was  invited  out 
to  supper. 

27.  Thanksgiving.  Warm  and  pleasant.  The  snow  thaws  considerably. 
Invited  out  to  dinner. 

28.  The  snow  goes  fast.  Wrote.  Invited  out  to  dine.  Slept  at  Mr. 
Langdon's  ;  he  is  very  low. 

29.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Heb.  xiii :  2. 

30.  Thaws  considerably.  Thin  meeting,  Mr.  Langdon  appears  to  be  a 
little  better. 

December. 

1.  Read    Hume.     Quite   cold.     The   prospect   of    a    Federal   President 
brightens. 

2.  Read.     My  salt-rheum  troublesome. 


*  Perhaps  he  was  led  to  attend  the  meet-  ernor  of  the  State  of  New  York  from  1795  t° 
ing  from  the  fact  that  he  was  boarding  with  1801,  but  declined  being  a  candidate  for  re- 
the  daughter  of  one  of  the  Sandemanian  election.  He  died  in  1829  at  the  age  of 
leaders.  eighty-four. 

^  This  was  in   accordance   with   the   old  ^  If  one  will  read  this  text  chosen  for  this 

time   ways   of   New   England.  Thanksgiving  sermon,  he  will   see   that  the 

^  It  was  a  close  study  in  the  year  1800  to  preacher's  thoughts   were   probably  running 

see  how,  by  possibility,  Mr    Jefferson  might  upon  the  condition  of  the  countr}',  and  the 

be  kept  out  of  the  Presidential  chair.  awful  possibility  that  Mr.  Jefferson  might  be 

*  Hon.  John  Jay,  who  had  already  been  President.  Great  is  the  power  of  political 
Chief-Justice  of  the  United  States,  was  Gov-  prejudice. 


l8oo.]  PREACHING   AT   DANBURY,    CT.  127 

3.  Began  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  30. 

4.  Writing  on  the  subject  of  means.  Shall  destroy  a  sermon  I  began  on 
that  subject  Jan.  11,  1799,  but  never  finished,  on  Jer.  xiii :  16. 

5.  Wrote  fourteen  pages.  Troubled  considerably  with  a  pain  in  my 
breast  which  alarms  me.  May  God  give  me  health  if  he  pleases,  but  especially 
resignation  to  his  will.     Snowed  some. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  30. 

7.  The  Episcopal  society  of  this  town  have  hired  Mr.  Butler,*  of  Reading, 
to  preach  here  a  fourth  part  of  the  time  for  a  year.     Quite  tired. 

8.  The  Pennsylvania  Senate  have  done  laudably.  They  have  brought 
the  House  of  Representatives  to  submit  to  their  terms  in  the  choice  of 
electors.^  Read  Hume.  Wrote  to  Miss  Clarissa  .Taylor,  one  of  my  pupils, 
now  at  New  Haven.  • 

9.  Read  Hume.  Troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  breast.  Heard  of  the 
death  of  Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  Milford. 

10.  Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixvi :  2.     Quite  cold.     Read  little. 

11.  Rode  to  New  Milford,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor. 
Mr.  Bordwell,^  of  Kent,  preached.     A  number  of  ministers  present. 

12.  Very  rainy  all  day.     The  streams  are  very  high. 

13.  Rode  to  Danbury  with  difficulty.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixvi :  2. 
Was  requested  to  continue  here  till  January. 

14.  Mr.  Langdon  very  low.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Wrote 
home. 

15.  Read  Hume.     Making  historical  collections  for  a  century  sermon.* 

16.  Wrote  considerably.  Read  Hume.  An  admirable  historian.'  Walked 
out. 

17.  Rode  to  Bethel.  Making  historical  collections.  Troubled  some  with  a 
pain  in  my  breast. 

18.  Began  a  sermon  on  Gen,  i :  15.     Quite  warm. 

19.  Wrote  considerably,  and  studied  on  my  century  sermon.  At  evening 
walked  out.     Quite  mild. 

20.  Rainy  all  day.     Wrote  home.     Quite  warm  for  the  season. 

21.  Quite  tired.  It  appears  probable  that  Mr.  Jefferson  will  be  our  Presi- 
dent. I  think  I  never  heard  bad  tidings  on  anything  which  gave  me  such  a 
shock.^     Our   prospects   had   become   perfectly   sanguine.     Contrary   to   the 


'  Rev.  David  Butler,  before  mentioned.  ton's   birthday,  but  was   in   the   line   of  his 

^  Mr.  Robbins,  about  that  time,  needed  to  regular  preaching,  as  one  supplying  the  pul- 

read  again  the  story  about  whose  ox  it  was  pit  of  Danbury. 

that  was  gored;   the  anecdote  of  the  unjust  '  Yes,  in   many  respects;    but  his  preju- 

judge  illustrated  by  the  last  picture  in  Web-  dices  were  often  stronger  than  his  regard  for 

ster's  spelling-book.  truth,   so  that,  from   a   historian    he    some- 

^  Rev.  Joel  Bordwell,  graduated  at  Yale,  times  descended  to  the  rank  of  a  special  par- 

1756,  pastor  at  Kent,  1758-1S11.  tisan  pleader. 

*  This  century  sermon,  which  he  was  now  ^  Mr.  Robbins  was  to  survive  this  shock, 

setting  himself  to  prepare,  was  not  a  sermon  and  to  learn  that  his  fears,  though  in  some 

written  by  request,  like  his  oration  on  Wash-  measure  just,  were  altogether  exaggerated  and 

ington's  death,  and  his  sermon  on  Washing-  unreasonable. 


128  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSoo. 

expectation  of  all  parties,  South  Carolina  have  all  voted  for  him.     Our  only 
consolation  is  that  the  Lord  reigns.     May  we  not  complain  of  his  disposal. 

2  2.  The  frost  all  out  of  the  ground.  Collecting  materials  for  a  century 
sermon.     Invited  out  to  supper. 

23.  On  the  2 1  St  received  a  most  excellent  letter  from  my  dear  mamma. 
Began  and  finished  a  sermon  on  Luke  xxiii :  39-43.  Troubled  with  a  pain  in 
my  breast. 

24.  Wrote  on  my  century  sermon.     At  evening  saw  a  tragedy  performed.' 

25.  Considerably  troubled  with  the  pain  in  my  breast.  Considerable  labor 
to  make  all  the  collections  for  my  century  sermon.     Boys  played  ball. 

26.  Much  oppressed  with  a  cold.     Began  a  sermon  on  Prov.  viii :   15,  16. 

27.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Prov.  viii:  15,  16.  It  is  suggested  that  the 
weatlier  this  week  has  not  been  colder  than  it  was  in  October.  Boys  play  at 
ball  till  night  without  the  least  inconvenience.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Curtis  Clark,  Brookfield. 

28.  On  the  24th  received  a  letter  from  Esq.  Everett,  of  New  Milford. 
Wrote  one  in  answer.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  N.  Rainy. 
Preached   on   public   affairs. 

29.  Made  a  hymn  for  New  Year's  day. 

30.  Still  engaged  on  my  century  sermon.  It  costs  much  labor  to  make 
collections. 

31.  Finished  my  century  sermon  on  Gen.  i:  14,  at  three  quarters  after 
eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  year  is  now  closing. 


'  In  some  local  exhibition  probably.  It  was  common  in  the  early  years  of  this  century, 
for  private  companies  in  the  country  towns  of  Connecticut  to  get  up  dramatic  exhibitions  on 
quite  an  extended  scale. 


1801. 

January. 

1.  Afternoon  preached  a  century  sermon'  to  a  very  large  audience. 
Quite  cold.  Received  a  request  from  the  committee  of  the  society  of  Milton 
to  preach  with  them. 

2.  Last  night  snowed  some.     At  evening  walked  out. 

3.  Extreme  cold.  People  go  some  in  sleighs.  Copying  my  sermon  for 
publication. 

4.  Thin  meeting.  Very  cold.  Yesterday  morning  the  thermometer  stood 
five  below  zero.  Jefferson  and  Burr  have  each  seventy-three  votes  for  the 
Presidency.     It  will  remain  with  Congress  to  decide.'' 

5.  Last  night  snow  fell  about  a  foot  deep. 

6.  Received  a  request  from  the  civil  authority  and  selectmen  of  this  town 
for  a  copy  of  my  sermon  for  publication.^  Rode  to  Ridgebury.  Mr.  Camp 
comfortable. 

7.  Bought  some  books  of  Mr.  Camp."*  Returned.  Afternoon  quite  rainy. 
An  admirable  New  Year's  poem  in  Hartford  paper. 

8.  Quite  warm.  Snow  mostly  gone.  Received  sixty-seven  dollars  from 
this  society.     Received  considerable  from  the  school  committee. 

9.  Have  lived  more  than  a  year  in  this  town,  and  all  at  one  house,  very 
agreeably.^  What  shall  I  render  to  the  Most  High  for  all  his  mercies.  Left 
Danbury.     Rode  to  Warren.*     Uncle  Starr  unwell. 

10.  Rode  to  Milton,'  a  society  in  Litchfield.     Quite  warm  for  the  season. 
Rainy. 

11.  The  meeting-house  unfinished.     Very  hard  to  speak.     Full   meeting. 
At  evening  rode  to  Goshen.* 

12.  Rode  home.'     Never  have   been   so   long  from  home   at   once.     My 
mamma  not  very  well.     Cold. 


*  There  has  been  discussion  in  times  past  '  It  was  quite   a  triumph  for  a  man  so 

whether  the  first  day   of  January,    1800   or  young  as  he,  to  prepare  three  addresses  with- 

1801,  began  the   nineteenth  century.     It  re-  in   a  year,   which   should  be   requested  for 

quired  one  hundred  years  to  make  the  eight-  publication. 

eenth  century,  and  the  year  1800  was  one  of  ■*  He  had  bought   books   once   before   of 

them,  and   the   nineteenth  century  therefore  Mr.  Camp.     It   had   been   supposed,  as  we 

began  Jan.  i,  1801.     Mr.  Robbins's  century  have  seen,  that  Mr.  Camp  had  a  fatal  illness, 

sermon  was  preached  as  a  special  religious  and  this  may  have  led  him  to  part  with  his 

service,  on  a  week  day,  Thursday,  and  it  is  books,  thinking  he  should  not  want  them, 
gratifying  to  know  that  it  was  preached  "  to  a  *  At  the  house  of  Mr.  Whittlesey, 

very  large  audience."  *  About  twenty-one  miles  from  Danbury. 

^  That  religious  people   in  New  England  ^  Four  or  five  miles  from  Warren  in  the 

should  desire  the  defeat  of  Jefferson,  and  the  northwest  part  of  the  town  of  Litchfield, 
election  of  a  man  so  corrupt  as  Aaron  Burr,  *  About  eight  miles  from  Milton  to  Goshen. 

is  one  of  those  political   riddles  which  are  9  About  eight  more  from  Goshen  to  his 

hard  to  solve.  father's  house  in  Norfolk. 

129 


130 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1801, 


13.  Set  out  for  ]  )anbiiry.     Rode  to  Milton.     No  sleighing ;  bad  riding. 

14.  Rode  to  Danbury.     My  cousin  P.  Starr'  accompanied  me  from  Warren, 
ic;.     Very  rainy.     Considerable  thunder.     Mr.  Langdon  very  low.     Wrote 

on  my  century  sermon. 

16.  Inspected  one  proof-sheet  of  my  sermon.  Rode  from  Danbury  to 
New  Milford.  At  evening  had  a  long  Democratic  dispute  with  a  Mr.  Board- 
man,''  of  New  Milford. 

17.  Rode  to  Milton.     Cold.     Quite  tired  with  riding. 

18.  Had  a  full  meeting.  Very  cold.  People  here  appear  very  stupid. 
At  evening  had  a  Democratic  dispute  with  Esq.  Welsh  of  this  place.  Agreed 
to  preach  here  a  few  Sabbaths. 

19.  Rainy.     Read  the  Bible.     Had  company.     I  live  at  a  Deacon  Munson's. 

20.  Rode  home.     Cold  and  exceeding  windy.     Found  all  well. 

21.  Extreme  cold.  Apprehended  the  most  severe  weather  we  have  had 
this  winter.     No  sleighing.     There  has  been  very  little  this  season. 

22.  The  weather  is  more  severe.  My  brother  James  came  home  from 
college.  Mr.  Bushnell  ^  the  missionary,  came  from  the  westward,  and  tarried 
with  us  over  night. 

23.  Went  with  my  brother  James  and  got  a  load  of  wood.*  Difficult  mov- 
ing on  account  of  ice  ;  yet  no  sleighing.  At  evening  read  my  play  Columbus 
before  a  number  of  people  by  desire. 

24.  Read.  Saw  some  people  from  Vermont.  Several  families  about  to 
move  from  this  town  to  New  Connecticut.'     Went  and  got  a  load  of  wood. 

25.  Preached  for  my  father  all  day.  The  subject,  Means.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.     Very  cold. 

26.  Left  home  early.  Rode  to  West  Hartford ;  got  a  piece  of  blue  cloth 
my  mamma  had  sent  there  to  be  dressed.  Rode  to  Farmington,  eat  supper 
with  Mr.  Pitkin ;  *  rode  to  West  Britain,'  and  tarried  at  a  tavern. 

27.  Rode  to  Litchfield  and  breakfasted,  and  rode  to  Danbury.  Rode  yes- 
terday and  today  about  ninety-seven  miles. 

28.  Last  night  it  snowed  a  little.  Since  the  Sabbath  the  weather  has  been 
quite  mild.  Rode  to  an  outer  part  of  the  town  to  collect  some  facts  for  my 
century  sermon  of  a  Baptist  society.     Invited  out  to  supper. 

29.  Finished  copying  my  sermon  for  the  press.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Jacob  Gil- 
bert, of  Salem.     Walked  out.     Quite  rainy. 

30.  Stayed  at  Mr.  Langdon's.  He  appears  to  be  just  gone;  declining  fast. 
My  century  sermon  was  published.     Walked  out.     Warm. 

31.  Left  Danbury.  Rode  to  Warren  and  tarried.  People  universally  very 
anxious  for  sleighine:. 


'  Peter  Starr,  Jr.,  was  graduated  at  Will-  *  Western   Reserve,  or   Connecticut   Re- 

iams,  1799.  serve,  Ohio. 

-  Probably  Mr.  Elijah  Boardman.  *•  Rev.  Timothy  Pitkin,  who  was  settled  in 

^  Rev.   Jedadiah   Bushnell,   graduated   at  Farmington  in    1752,  but  was   dismissed   in 

Williams  College   in    1797.  1785.     He  lived,  however,  until  18 11. 

*  He  was  not  above  hard  work  when  oc-  ^  Only  a  few  miles  from   Farmington  to 

casion  called.  West  Britain. 


l8oi.]  PREACHING   AT   MILTON,    CT. 


131 


February. 

1.  Rode  to  Milton.     Quite  cold.     Very  tired. 

2.  Read  Hume.     Troubled  some  with  a  pain  in  my  breast. 

3.  Read.  I  presume  this  country  has  never  been  in  such  universal 
anxiety  on  account  of  political  matters  as  at  present,  since  the  establishment 
of  our  present  government. 

4.  Rode  to  Warren  and  to  Kent  with  Uncle  Starr.'  Attended  a  minis- 
ters' meeting.     Preached.^ 

5.  Soft  night;  it  snowed  a  little.  Before  that  the  ground  was  almost 
entirely  bare.  Rode  to  Warren.  My  horse  fell,  and  threw  me  off ;  not 
hurt.     Preached    a   sacramental    lecture. 

6.  Rode  to  Litchfield  and  Milton.  Dined  with  Mr.  Huntington.^  Warm. 
Wrote  to  Noah  Webster,*  New  Haven.  Many  accounts  of  fires  in  different 
places. 

7.  Read  Hume.     People  move  some  in  sleighs.     Had  company. 

8.  People  here  seem  generally  disposed  to  attend  meeting;  but  pretty 
ignorant. 

9.  Rode  home.  It  snowed  considerably.  Troubled  with  a  pain  in  my 
breast. 

10.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh.     My  brother  James  went  off  to  college.^ 

11.  A  vast  number  of  people  seem  in  motion  to  improve  the  sleighing.  It 
snowed  all  day.     Rode  out  with  my  father. 

12.  Worked  getting  wood.     Quite  cold.     Read  some. 

13.  Wrote  to  my  sister  B.     Rode  out.     Afternoon  it  snowed  hard. 

14.  The  snow  is  quite  deep.  Difficult  moving.  Afternoon  my  father  went 
to  Milton.* 

15.  Quite  thin  meeting.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  I  think  my  mamma 
is  more  healthy  this  winter  than  she  has  been  winters  past.  At  evening  Mr. 
Bogue,  late  minister  at  Winchester,  came  and  tarried  with  us.  He  now  lives 
at  the  westward.  He  appears  to  be  much  disappointed  on  his  prospects  in 
retiring  from  the  ministry. 

16.  Worked  some.  At  evening  Mr.  Washburn,  of  Farmington,  and  his 
wife,  came  and  tarried  with  us.  Heard  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Langdon,  of  Dan- 
bury.  He  died  last  Tuesday.'  His  funeral  was  attended  on  Friday.  Mr. 
Goodrich,  of  Ridgefield,  preached  on  the  occasion.  The  last  time  Mr.  Lang- 
don preached  was  on  the  Fast,  the  nth  of  last  April. 


'  He   rode   to   Warren  alone,   and    from  dying  in  1843,  ^t  New  Haven,  at  the  age  of 

Warren  to  Kent  with  his  Uncle  Starr.     His  eighty-four, 
uncle  was  now  more  than  fifty  years  old,  hav-  ^  Now  in  his  junior  year, 

ing  been  settled  twenty-nine  years   at   War-  ^  His  father  went  to  Milton  to  preach  on 

ren.  an  exchange  of  pulpits  with  his  son.     From 

*  It   was   a   compliment   to   ask  a  young  Norfolk  to  Milton  about  sixteen  miles, 
minister   not   yet   twenty-four   years    old    to  ^  February  10,  and  Mr.  Robbins  heard  of 
preach   before   a   ministers'   association.  it  at  Norfolk,  a  little  more  than  forty  miles 

^  Rev.  Dan  Huntington.  distant,  the  following  Monday,  February  16, 

*  Mr.  Noah  Webster,  author  of  the  Great  Mr.  Langdon  had  been  between  fourteen  and 
American  Dictionary,  was  then  forty-two  fifteen  years  at  Danbury,  having  been  settled 
years  old,  and  he  Jived  forty-two  years  longer,  in  1786. 


132  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1801. 

17.  Set  out  with  my  brother  N.  in  a  sleigh  to  go  to  Danbur^-.  Rode  to 
Watertown.'     It  rained  all  the  afternoon.     Got  very  wet. 

18.  Rode  to  Waterbury.^  It  rained  hard  all  day.  Towards  night  rode  to 
Wolcott.' 

19.  Rode  home.'*  Found  pretty  good  sleighing.  Yesterday  it  snowed  here 
all  day. 

20.  Worked  some.     Warm  for  the  season.     Read  Hume. 

21.  Rode  to  Milton.  O  that  I  may  be  delivered  from  stupidit}-,  and 
realize  the  great  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

22.  Had  a  pretty  full  meeting.  Many  people  here  appear  to  have  bad 
sentiments.     I  fear  Episcopalians  are  gaining  ground.^ 

23.  Read  Hume.  Walked  out.  Was  informed  that  Mr.  Jefferson  is 
chosen  President  of  the  United  States.  I  think  it  is  clearly  a  great  frown  of 
Providence.^  May  we  learn  humility,  and  may  the  God  of  our  fathers  still  be 
our  God. 

24.  In  the  forenoon  quite  rainy.     Warm.     Wrote.     Read  newspapers. 

25.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.     Snow  goes  very  fast.     Rode  to  Warren. 

26.  Remarkably  warm  for  the  season.^  The  sleighing  is  gone.  Returned 
to  Milton.     Visited. 

27.  Preached  a  private  lecture.     Bad  riding.     Wrote  extracts  from  Hume. 

28.  On  account  of  some  difficulty  here  about  Episcopalians,  I  determined 
to  be  absent  tomorrow.     Rode  to  Cornwall.^     Ver}-  bad  riding. 

March. 

1.  Preached  for  Mr.  Weston.^     Mild  spring  weather.     Ver}-- tired. 

2.  Rainy.     Unwell.     The  pain  in  my  breast  very  hard.     O  for  preserving 
mercy.     Walked  out. 

3.  Rode  home.     Very  little  snow  to  be  seen ;  and  the  ground  is  breaking 
up.     Such  a  winter  is  not  remembered. 

4.  Quite  sick  with  a  severe  pain  in  the  left  part  of  my  breast.     Afternoon 
my  father  preached  a  singing  lecture.     The  people  here  sing  excellently. 

5.  Rode  out.     Worked  some.     ]\Iuch  cooler  than  it  has  been. 


'  More  than  twenty  miles.  ^ote  carefully  the  changes  of  weather  in  our 

^  Four  or  five  miles  from  Watertown.  ^ew  England  year,  will  remember  that   the 

3  Four  miles  perhaps  from  Waterbury.  j^gt  days  of  February,  or  the   first   days  of 

^  That   is,  back   to   Norfolk,   not   having  March,  are  quite  likely  to  be  warm, 

gone   apparently  to  Danbury,  their   original  s  He  made  an   exchange  with  the    Corn- 

destmation.  ^^^U  minister.     What  the  precise  ditficulties 

5  A  little  hard  to  charge  the  bad  senti-  .^g^e  with  the  Episcopalians  does  not  appear, 
ments  of  the  place  upon  the  Episcopalians.  9  Rev.  Hercules  Weston,  pastor  at  Corn- 

6  Very  likely  Mr.  Robbins  afterwards  saw  ^.^n^  1792-1S03.  He  was  a  graduate  of  Dart- 
that  certam  evil  tendencies  in  our  government  ^outh  College  in  the  class  of  17S3.  Corn- 
were  changed  by  the  eight  years'  administra-  ^.^^^  ^^^  ^^.^^  ^he  town  in  which  the  Foreign 
tion  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  so  that  he  might  have  Mission  School  was  opened  in  1S17,  and  was 
been  ready  to  say,  continued  till  1826.     Here  Henry  Obookiah 

"  From  seeming  evil  still  educing  good."  from   the   Sandwich  Islands    died  and   was 

'  Those   who   have   been   accustomed  to  buried. 


x8oi.] 


PREACHING   AT   MILTON,    CT. 


^33 


6.  It   snowed   hard    all    day.      Read   Wilberforce's    View}      Had   some 
clothes  made.     At  evening  my  father  had  a  small  building  burnt  by  accident. 

7.  Rode  to  Milton.     Snow  about  a  foot  deep.     Warm.     Read  Hume. 

8.  Thin  meeting.     Bad  morning.     At  evening  my  brother  N.  came  here 
from  Warren  and  tarried. 

9.  Rode  to  Danbury.     Mr.  Thomas  Starr,  of   this  town,  lately  left  his 
house  and  cannot  be  found.     Great  search  has  been  made. 

10.  The  neighboring  ministers  supply  the  pulpit  here  at  present.'*  Snow 
goes  fast.     At  night  very  rainy.     Some  thunder. 

11.  Left  Danbury.  Rode  to  Washington,  tarried  at  Mr.  Porter's.^ 
Stopped   several   times   by   rain. 

12.  Rode  to  Milton.  The  snow  gone.  Extreme  bad  riding.  Had 
company. 

13.  Wrote,  copying  my  diary  in  this  book,  as  I  did  not  obtain  it  till  lately. 
Read  Hume. 

14.  The  pain  in  my  breast  hard.  Wrote.  Mr.  Parker,*  a  candidate,  came 
here  wishing  to  exchange  with  me  tomorrow,  and  have  me  go  to  Washington. 
I  cannot  go.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

15.  Walked  to  meeting.  The  ground  begins  to  settle.  People  here 
appear  attentive,  but  I  think  are  very  stupid. 

16.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Warm.  Ground  breaking  up.  Last 
Wednesday  the  Democrats  in  this  State  had  a  great  fete  at  Wallingford,  to 
celebrate  the  election  of  Mr.  Jefferson  to  the  Presidency.  As  I  was  riding 
through  New  Milford  I  heard  the  cannon.' 

17.  Rode  to  Cornwall.  Attended  a  good  exhibition  of  the  school  there 
under  Mr.  Knapp,^  of  Norfolk. 

18.  Very  rainy  all  day.     Entertained  kindly  at  Mrs.  Marwin's. 

19.  Lower)'  all  day.     Saw  the  largest  oxen  I  ever  saw  ;  six  feet  high.     Read. 

20.  Rode  to  Milton.  Very  wet.  Streams  are  yet  very  high.  Wrote 
extracts  from   Hume. 


'  William  Wilberforce's  Practical  View  of 
Christianity,  a  work  that  has  exercised  a  vast 
influence  among  men. 

^  It  was  an  old  New  England  custom,  and 
still  continues,  that  on  the  occasion  of  the 
death  of  a  minister,  the  neighboring  ministers 
should  give  each  a  Sabbath's  supply  for  the 
benefit  of  his  family. 

2  Rev.  Ebenezer  Porter,  D.  D.,  pastor  at 
Washington,  Ct,  from  1796  to  181 1,  and  then 
called  to  be  Bartlet  Professor  at  Andover,  in 
place  of  Dr.  Edward  Griffin.  After  going  to 
Andover  he  was  sought  for  to  fill  many  public 
places,  but  remained  there  till  his  death  in 
1S34.  The  Professorship  of  Divinity  at  Yale 
College,  the  Presidency  of  Hamilton,  Middle- 
bury,  South  Carolina  Colleges,  were  all   of- 


fered him  and  declined.  In  1827,  he  was 
made  President  of  Andover  Seminary.  This 
was  an  office  which  had  not  before  existed. 

*  This  was  probably  Daniel  Parker,  a  na- 
tive of  Washington,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 
in  179S.  He  was  afterwards  settled  1802- 
18 1 2  as  the  first  minister  in  Ellsworth,  a 
parish  in  Sharon.  Here  he  established  a 
school  which  he  conducted  for  years  after  his 
dismission,  and  which  proved  a  successful 
enterprise. 

'  This  was  very  distant  music,  but  distance 
did  not  lend  enchantment  enough  to  make  it 
pleasing  to  his  ear. 

^  Mr.  Isaac  Knapp,  graduate  of  Williams 
College,  1800,  afterwards  for  many  years  pas- 
tor at  Westfield,  Mass. 


134  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSoi. 

21.  Rainy.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  lo.  Rode  to  Warren  to  ex- 
change with  Uncle  Starr.  On  account  of  death  of  one  of  his  neighbors,  he 
could  not  leave  home.  Roads  very  much  gullied  with  the  flood,  many  bridges 
and  mill-dams  gone. 

22.  Rode  to  Milton.  Rainy.  There  seems  to  be  unhappy  parties  in  this 
society. 

23.  Wrote.  Rode  home.  The  riding  in  Goshen  extremely  bad.  My 
cousin  S.  P.  Robbins*  here.  Received  a  letter  from  Becket,  and  another  from 
Poultney,  Vt.,  each  requesting  me  to  go  and  preach  with  them. 

24.  My  cousin  set  out  for  Salem,  N.  Y.,  ^  to  supply  them  by  my  advice. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Jacob  Gilbert  ^  there,  and  two  other  letters  of  introduction  for 
him.     Worked.     Blasted  a  rock.* 

25.  Worked  considerably.     Snowed  nearly  all  day. 

26.  Made  a  great  gate  for  a  fence.^  Wrote  to  the  committee  at  Becket. 
At  night  sick  with  a  very  severe  pain  in  my  side  and  back. 

27.  Rode  to  Milton.  Considerably  unwell.  Preached  a  lecture.  On  the 
23d  wrote  a  billet-letter  to  Mr.  J.  Allen,*  Litchfield.  Received  an  answer. 
Pleasant  weather.  There  has  not  been  a  clear  day  before  since  the  8th,  and 
but  a  few  without  rain.  So  long  wet  weather  I  think  I  never  knew.  All 
accounts  represent  the  flood  last  week  very  extraordinary.  Great  damage  has 
been  sustained  in  mills,  bridges,  etc.  At  Hartford,  Ct.,  the  river  is  said  not  to 
have  been  so  high  since  the  year  1692. 

28.  Wrote  considerably.     Afternoon  rode  to  Warren.     Weather  pleasant, 

29.  My  Uncle  Starr  went  to  preach  at  Milton.  Stormy.  At  night  a  total 
eclipse  of  the  moon.     So  cloudy  we  could  only  perceive  the  darkness. 

30.  Rainy.     Tarried  at  Warren.     'Rj&did  Flo7vers  of  History. 

31.  This  month  has  been  remarkable  for  wet,  cloudy  weather  almost 
steadily.     Rode  to  Milton.     Read  Hume. 

April. 

1.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :   10.     Weather  ver}- pleasant.     Rode 
out.     Have  trouble  with  the  committee  of  this  society. 

2.  Read  Hume.     Received  of  the  committee  of  this  society  fifty  dollars.' 
Yesterdav  wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Marsh /  Litchfield. 


'  He  had  been  graduated  at  Harvard  Col-  blaster  of   rocks,  or  a  cutter  and  drawer  of 

lege    in    1798,    and   was    now    beginning    to  wood, 
preach.  ^  Hon.  John   Allen,  lawyer  in   Litchfield 

^  This  is   the   place   where   Mr.  Thomas  from  1786  to  his  death,  1812,  member  of  Con- 

Robbins  had  supplied  a  few  Sabbaths  while  gress,  1797-1799,  member  of   State  Council, 

teaching  in  Danbury.  1S00-1816. 

^  Jacob  Gilbert  is  the  man  with  whom  he  ^  He   began   to  preach  at  Milton  on  the 

corresponded  at  Salem.     We    have  had  his  i8th  of  Januar}-,  so  that  on  the  ist  Sabbath 

name  before  in  the  diary.     He  was  perhaps  a  of  April  he  had  preached  ten  Sabbaths  at  the 

deacon  in  the  church.  old  price  of  five  dollars  a  Sabbath. 

*  It   is  noticeable  that   Mr.  Robbins   can  ^  Rev.  Truman  Marsh,  graduated  at  Yale 

turn  his  hand  to  rough  hard  work.     We  have  in  17S6,  Episcopal  minister  in  Litchfield,  but 

many  illustrations  showing  that  he  had  been  preaching  one  fourth  of  the  time  to  a  small 

accustomed   from   his  youth  to  all   kinds  of  Episcopal   society   in   Milton  parish.     Here, 

out-dooi  service.  probably,  Mr.  Robbins  had  been  brought  to 

'  Here    he  is   a   carpenter  as  well    as   a  his  acquaintance. 


l8oi.]  ON   A   VISIT   TO    NEW   YORK.  I35 

3.  This  day  is  the  Fast  through  this  State.  May  God  accept  the  offer- 
ings of  his  people,  and  let  his  blessings  rest  upon  our  land.     Quite  warm. 

4.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Marsh,  Litchfield.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Roads  mostly  settled. 

5.  The  Episcopalians  held  a  meeting  in  a  school-house  near  the  meeting- 
house.    Quite  tired. 

6.  Rode  home.     Called  on  Mr.  Weston,  Cornwall.     Ground  settled, 

7.  Read.  Accounts  from  various  parts  of  the  great  destruction  in  the 
late  flood.     Attended  the  concert  of  prayer. 

8.  By  account  peace  is  signed  between  Austria  and  France  at  Luneville.' 
Stormy.     Worked  some. 

9.  My  father  went  to  New  Marlborough^  to  preach  on  the  Fast.  My 
classmate  Bassett^  came  and  tarried  with  us;  like  to  settle  at  Winchester. 
The  Democrats  making  great  exertions  to  destroy  the  laws  respecting  religion 
in  this  State. 

10.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  Read  Hume,  Am  at  present  very  healthy. 
Laus  Deo. 

11.  Rode  to  Milton.  Preached  a  lecture  in  a  part  of  Litchfield.  Quite 
cold.     On  the  9th  wrote  to  Deacon  White,  Poultney,*  Vt. 

12.  Warm.  Full  meeting.  There  appear  to  be  such  rancorous  parties  in 
this  society  that  I  fear  they  will  not  be  in  a  systematic  state  for  many  years. 

13.  Rode  home.  My  horse  lame.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting.  Very 
full.     This   town  remarkably  united. 

14.  Took  a  horse  of  a  man  to  use  for  the  present.  Rode  to  Warren,  on 
my  way  to  New  York. 

15.  Rode  to  Danbury.  Very  warm.  I  think  I  have  many  friends  in  this 
town. 

16.  Received  thirty-four  dollars  of  the  school  committee,  and  remainder  of 
what  was  due  me  here.  Rode  to  Stamford.  Kindly  entertained  at  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith's.^ 

17.  Dined  with  Dr.  Lewis,*  Greenwich.  Rode  to  Rye.  The  Freeman's 
Meetings  through  the  State  appear  to  have  been  ver}^  full,  and  the  Democrats 
greatly  overthrown. 


*  Peace  of  Luneville  concluded  between  asking  him  to  come  up  there  and  preach, 
the  French  Republic  and  the  Emperor  of  There  was  a  real  scarcity  of  ministers  at  the 
Germany,  Feb.  9,  iSoi.  beginning  of  this  century. 

^  As    already   stated   New   Marlborough,  '  Rev.  Daniel  Smith,  graduated  at  Yale, 

Mass.,  adjoined  Norfolk,  Ct.     Rev.  Nathaniel  1891,   and    pastor   at    Stamford,    1793-1S46, 

Turner,  a  native  of  Norfolk,  was  then  pastor  fifty-three  years, 
there.  *  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  D.  D.,  converted  un- 

^  Rev.  Archibald  Bassett,  Mr.  Robbins's  der  the  preaching  of  Whitefield  in  the  chapel 

classmate    at   Yale,   settled    at   Winchester,  of  Yale  College  in  1764,  graduated  in  1765, 

1801-1806,  afterwards  a  missionary  and  min-  pastor   at   Greenwich,  1 786-1818,  and  living 

ister  in  the  State  of  New  York.  till  1840,  seventy-five  years  after  his  gradua- 

*  He  had  received,  it  will  be  remembered,  tion.  His  son,  Isaac  Lewis,  Jr.,  D.D.,  was 
letters  from  Becket,  Mass.,  and  Poultney,  Vt.,  also  pastor  at  Greenwich. 


136  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [180I. 

18.  Rode  in  the  stage  to  New  York.'  Received  with  great  hospitality  by 
Mr,  Watson.^     Walked  out. 

19.  Heard  Dr.  Rogers'*  preach.  Afternoon  Dr.  Livingston,*  Dutch  Re- 
formed.    I  believe  there  are  many  real  humble  believers  in  this  city. 

20.  Mr.  Watson  veiy  instructive  and  entertaining  in  conversation.  Rainy. 
Wrote  a  short  piece  for  publication.  This  State  in  a  great  ferment  respecting 
their  approaching  election.     Mr.  Watson  is  candidate  for  Lieut.-Governor. 

21.  Became  acquainted  with  Dr.  Rogers.  Weather  cold  and  backward. 
Wrote. 

22.  Read  Encydopadia.  Mr.  Watson^  has  by  a  great  difference  the  best 
libraiy  I  ever  saw,  except  the  one  at  Harvard  College.     Walked  out. 

23.  Dined  with  Mr.  Samuel  Wilcox,  an  acquaintance  of  my  father. 
Read  considerably.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Attended  at  evening  an 
electioneering  meeting.  Heard  Gen.  Hamilton  *  speak  with  the  most  powerful 
eloquence  I  ever  heard. 

24.  Last  night  very  rainy.  Walked  out  with  Mr.  Watson.  Drank  tea  with 
Dr.  Rogers.  Engaged  to  preach  next  Sabbath.  At  night  had  an  exceeding 
hard  turn  of  the  toothache  ;  cured  with  laudanum. 

25.  Bought  a  pair  of  leather  breeches,  six  dollars.  A  pair  of  silk  stock- 
ings, two  dollars.  In  the  afternoon  fifteen  vessels,  mostly  large,  arrived  at 
this  port.     It  has  been  wet  and  lowery  weather  for  six  days. 

26.  Preached  for  Dr.  Rogers ;  in  two  meeting-houses.  Congregations  very 
large.  Weather  very  pleasant.  At  evening  an  Episcopalian  meeting.  Mr. 
Allen,  of  Litchfield,  here. 

27.  Last  week  had  some  clothes  made.  Rode  out  with  Mr.  Watson  in  his 
carriage.  The  country  round  New  York  ver)'  pleasant.  At  evening  attended 
the  theater. 

28.  Very  warm.  Walked  out  to  tea.  Mr.  Imlay,^  member  of  Congress 
from  New  Jersey,  dined  with  us.  This  and  two  next  days  is  the  election  in 
this  State. 


'  When   he   went   to   New    York   city  in  There  were  few  great  libraries  in  the  country 

1796,  he  left  his  horse  outside  the  city.  then.     That  of   Harvard   College  was  easily 

^  His   old  friend   and  his  father's  friend,  first ;    now   there   are  many  great  libraries, 

Mr.  James  Watson,  was  still  living  there,  and  public   and  private.     There    are    men    now 

as  hospitable  as  before.  whose  private  libraries  are  larger  than  any 

'  Rev.  John  Rodgers,  D.  D.,  was  then  min-  public  library  then  in  the  country, 
istering  to  the   Wall   Street,  the  Brick,  and  *  This  was   after   Mr.  Hamilton   had  re- 

the  Rutgers  Street  Church  united.  turned  to  the  practice  of  law  in  the  city  of 

*  John    H.   Livingston,    D.  D.,   born    at  New  York.     Washington  made  him  Secretary 

Poughkeepsie  in  1746,  and  graduated  at  Yale  of  the  Treasury  in  1789,  which  office  he  held 

in  1762,  afterwards  President  of  Queen's  Col-  till  1795.    After  performing  other  important 

lege,   New    Jersey.      He  was    a    very  able  public  ser\-ices,  in  iSoo  he  resumed  law  prac- 

scholar  and  divine.     He  died  in  New  Bruns-  tice  in  New  York.     Four  years  later,  in  July, 

wick,  N.  J.,  in  1825,  aged  seventy-eight.  1804,  he  was  killed  in  a  duel  by  Aaron  Burr. 

'  Mr.  Robbins  having  already  begun  the  ^  James  H.  Imlay.     He  was  a  graduate  of 

work  of  collecting  a  library,  was  prepared  Princeton  College  and  member  of  Congress, 

fully  to  appreciate  so  handsome  a  collection.  1797-1801. 


iSoi.]  AT    HOME   AT    NORFOLK,    CT.  137 

29.  Left  New  York  in  the  stage.  May  I  be  thankful  for  the  great  kind- 
ness which  I  have  experienced  there.  Rode  to  Rye.  Took  my  horse  and 
rode  to  Canaan.'     Tarried  at  Mr.  Mitchell's.^ 

30.  Rode  to  Danbury.  Warm.  Much  pained  with  the  toothache.  This 
society  appears  to  be  in  a  critical  situation.     Fruit-trees  generally  in  the  blow. 

May. 

1.  Rode  to  Washington.  At  New  Milford  had  a  tooth  extracted.  The 
meeting-house  in  this  town  was  set  on  fire  the  night  before  last  by  a  crazy 
man,  and  consumed. 

2.  Rode  to  Litchfield.     Quite  warm.     Drank  tea  with  Gen.  Tracy.^ 

3.  Preached  for  Mr.  Huntington.  Today  are  contributions  through  this 
State  for  the  missionar}'^  society.  The  collection  here  thirty-two  dollars.* 
Afternoon  very  rainy. 

4.  Rode  home.  Dined  with  a  military  company.  The  contribution  in 
this  town  above  sixty  dollars.' 

5.  Worked  considerably.  The  season  is  generally  quite  forward.  Fruit- 
trees  in  the  bloom. 

6.  Quite  rainy.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  library.  I  have  now  more  than 
one  hundred  volumes. 

7.  Worked  some.  Warm.  My  sister  quite  unwell.  My  mamma  more 
healthy  this  spring  than  in  years  past. 

8.  Afternoon  very  rainy.  The  season  is  uncommonly  wet.  Grass  and 
trees  very  forward.  Five  persons  were  examined  as  candidates  to  be  admitted 
into  the  church.     They  appeared  very  well. 

9.  Set  out  to  go  to  Becket  to  preach.  Bad  riding.  Rode  through  New 
Marlborough  to  Bethlehem.  Hearing  that  they  are  like  to  be  supplied  to- 
morrow at  Becket,  I  concluded  to  tarn,'  here. 

10.  Preached  in  a  private  house.  This  is  a  new  and  small  town,^  but  I 
think  there  are  a  number  of  persons  who  are  anxious  to  hear  the  truth.  Quite 
tired. 

11.  Rode  to  Becket.     We  have  at  length  clear  weather.     Read  Hume. 

12.  Read  the  Bible.     I  live  with  a  Mr.  Higley.     Wrote.     Quite  warm. 

13.  Read  considerably.     Began  a  sermon  on  Luke  xiv  :   17. 

14.  I  study  without  any  fire.     Read  the  Bible.     Read  Hume. 

15.  Quite  unwell  last  night  with  dysentery.  Read  considerably.  Walked 
out. 

16.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  xiv:   17.     Read  Bible. 


'This  was  not  the  town  of  Canaan,  Ct.,  member  of  Congress,  and  eleven  years  United 

but  the  parish  of  that  name  in  the  town  of  States  Senator. 
Norwalk,  now  the  town  of  New  Canaan.  ■♦  It  is  the  first  Sunday  in  May  again,  and 

^  Rev.   Justus   Mitchell,  previously   men-  this  was  the  contribution  in  Rev.  Dan  Hunt- 

tioned.  ington's  church  in  Litchfield. 

^  Gen.  Uriah  Tracy,  graduated  at  Yale  in  '  A  noble  contribution  for  Norfolk  in  those 

1778,  a  native  of  Norwich,  Ct.,  a  lawyer  at  days. 

Litchfield.     He  was  for  nine  years  Represent-  ^  There  appears  to  be  no  such  town  or  par- 

ative  to   the    .State   Legislature,  three  years  ish  in  Berkshire  County  at  the  present  time. 


138  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1801. 

17.  They  have  here  a  new  and  very  good  meeting-house.  The  society  is 
small.     Quite  tired. 

18.  Rode  home.'  My  sister  getting  better.  Apple-trees  universally  in  the 
bloom  and  very  full. 

19.  Rode  to  Winchester  to  attend  the  ordination  of  my  classmate  Bassett.'^ 
He  passed  a  good  examination. 

20.  Mr.  Bassett  was  ordained.  The  exercises  very  serious.  Rode  home. 
Very  warm. 

21.  Last  evening  my  brother  James  came  from  college.  Mr.  Judson,  of 
Sheffield,  tarried  here  and  talked  with  me  considerably.  Wrote  a  letter  to 
Mr.  Hooker/  of  Goshen.     Very  hot. 

22.  Worked  considerably.     Students  here  from  Yale  and  Williams  Colleges. 

23.  In  the  morning  a  shower.  Rode  to  Goshen.  Mr.  Hooker  is  to  supply 
for  me  at  Becket. 

24.  Cool.     Staj^ed  at  Esq.  Hale's.*     At  evening  rode  to  Milton. 

25.  Rode  home.  Called  on  old  Mr.  Jacob  Beach,  apparently  near  to 
death. 

26.  Worked.  Bought  some  books  of  the  public  library  in  this  town,  which 
were  sold  at  vendue.  The  newspaper  brought  very  important  news.  That  the 
Emperor  Paul,^  of  Russia,  was  found  dead  in  his  bed  on  the  morning  of  the 
24th  of  March,  and  his  son  Alexander  succeeds.  That  Lord  Nelson  gained  a 
great  naval  victory  over  the  Danes  on  the  2d  of  April  at  Copenhagen.^  My 
father  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Newell,  of  Charlotte,  requesting  that  I  would 
go  up  there  and  preach.  At  night  quite  unwell  with  a  violent  inflammatory 
eruption. 

27.  Worked  steadily  with  my  brother  Jaines  making  a  board  fence.  Mr. 
Granger^  has  got  more  than  three  thousand  Democratic  votes  in  this  State 
for  a  member  of  Congress. 

28.  Worked.     My  salt-rheum  something  troublesome.     Warm. 


'  From   Becket,   Mass.,  to   Norfolk,    Ct.,  after  he   came  to  the  throne   in    1762.     His 

about  twenty-five  miles.  wife  Catherine  was   an  able  sovereign.     On 

^  Archibald  Bassett,  already  mentioned,  of  her  death  in  1796  Paul,  her  son,  succeeded, 

the  class  of  1796  at  Yale.  but   was   found   dead  as  stated,  and   it  was 

^  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  pastor  at  Goshen,  supposed   that   he  was   murdered.     He   was 

Ct.,  1791-1810,  father  of   Rev.   Edward   W.  followed  by  his  son  Alexander,  who  was  on 

Hooker,   D.  D.,   formerly   professor   in    the  the  throne  1801-1825. 

East  Windsor  Seminary,  and  of  Mrs.  Come-  *  Copenhagen  was  bombarded  and  taken 

lius,  wife  of  Dr.  Elias  Cornelius,  Secretary  of  by  the  English  fleet  under  Nelson,  April  2, 

the  American  Education  Society  and  of  the  1801. 
American  Board.  7  i-^gn.  Gideon  Granger,  born  in  Sutfield, 

■•There  were,  at  that  time,  three  men  in  Ct.,  July  19,  1767.     To  him   Connecticut   is 

Goshen  of  the  name  Hale  that  were  promi-  very   largely   indebted   for  her  school   fund, 

nent.     These  were  Adino,  Timothy,  and  Na-  He   was   made    Postmaster-General    by    Mr. 

than  Hale.     The   latter  was   deacon   of   the  Jefferson  in  iSoi,  and  held  the  office  till  1814, 

church.  when   he   removed    to  Canandaigua,  N.   Y. 

5  He  came  to  the   throne   in    1796.     He  His  son,    Hon.   Francis   Granger,  was  also 

was  son  of  Peter  HI  and  Catherine  H.    Peter  Postmaster-General,  appointed  by  President 

was  supposed   to  have  been  murdered  soon  Harrison  in  1841. 


l8oi.]  PREACHING    IN    BECKET,    MASS. 


139 


29.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Dr.  Carrington,  of  Danbur}^  Rode  to  New  Marl- 
borough. Tarried  with  Mr.  Turner.  At  night  a  shower  and  very  hard 
thunder.  My  brother  set  off  for  Hartford  with  my  sister  in  a  carriage.  She 
is  quiie  feeble,  and  rides,  hoping  a  benefit. 

30.  Rode  to  Becket.  Very  warm.  Wrote,  O  for  a  suitable  preparation 
for  the  holy  Sabbath  approaching.  On  the  morning  of  the  27th  there  was 
some  frost. 

31.  The  meeting-house  pretty  hard  to  speak  in.  Very  tired.  This  family 
fine  singers. 

June. 

1.  Read  Hume.  A  very  valuable  history.  At  evening  my  cousin  Sam 
P.  and  a  Mr.  Leonard,'  a  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried. 

2.  Wrote.  Lord  St.  Vincent  has  said  to  the  English  House  of  Lords  that 
the  late  naval  victoiy  at  Copenhagen  is  the  greatest  ever  achieved  by  the 
British  navy.  Rode  to  Washington."  Attended  an  association ;  preached. 
The  ministers  all  strangers  to  me. 

3.  Afternoon  rode  to  Stockbridge.  Tarried  at  Dr.  West's.^  He  was 
gone.     Mrs.  W.  quite  feeble  ;  appears  to  be  declining  with  age. 

4.  The  Democrats  in  this  State  are  much  chagrined  at  the  result  of  their 
election.  Gov.  Clinton''  is  said  to  be  chosen  in  New  York  by  a  considerable 
majority.  Dined  with  Mr.  Woodbridge.  Rode  to  Becket  in  company  with 
my  cousin  Sam  P.     Rainy. 

5.  Read  Hume.     Quite  rainy.     At  evening  walked  out. 

6.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Sam.  xv :  22.  Read  Bible.  Quite  cool.  Very 
apprehensive  of  a  frost  tonight. 

7.  There  was  a  little  frost  this  morning,  but  it  is  hoped  vegetation  is  not 
injured.     Quite  cool.     Full  meeting.     People  very  attentive. 

8.  Read  Hume.     Rode  out  and  visited.     At  night  some  rain. 

9.  Read  the  Bible.  Worked  a  little  on  the  road.  Turnpike  roads  ^  seem 
to  be  the  great  rage  of  the  day.  In  the  State  of  New  York  they  are  generally 
made  by  Connecticut  people. 

10.  Wrote  considerably.     Afternoon  warm.     My  salt-rheum  troublesome. 

11.  Rode  down  to  Bethlehem  and  preached  at  a  funeral.  Read  Hume. 
Wrote. 

12.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Sam.  xv  :  22.  Afternoon  w-orked  some.  A 
fine  shower. 

13.  Finished  reading  Hume's  History.     May  I  be  enabled  to  receive  in- 


'  Samuel    Prince    Robbins,  and   probably  Mass.,   where   Rev,    W.   G,   Ballantine   was 

Rev.  Joshua  Leonard,  who  had  been  settled  pastor,  1774-1820. 

at  Ellington,  1791-1798.     Mr.  Leonard  was  a  ^  Dr.  Stephen  West,  his  theological  teacher, 

graduate  of   Brown  University  in  17S8,  and  ■♦  De  Witt  Clinton,  LL.  D. 

received  the  degree   of   A.  ^L  from  Vale  in  ^  Even   the   turnpike   roads   of  that   day 

1 79--  stopijed   far  short    of   what   would   now  be 

-  This  is  Washington,  Berkshire  County,  called  a  really  good  road. 


140 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1801. 


stniction  and  to  retain  what  is  useful.     My  cousin  S.  P.  R.  came    here   to 
preach  tomorrow.     Rode  to  Blandford.' 

14.  Felt  a  great  weakness  at  my  lungs;  but  just  able  to  preach.  The 
people  here  are  very  anxious  to  have  my  cousin  settle  with  them. 

15.  Rainy.     My  cousin  S.  P.  came  from  Becket.     Read  several  pamphlets. 

16.  Quite  showery.     Rode  to  Sandisfield;^  attended  an  association. 

17.  Mr.  Lee/  of  Colebrook,  preached  at  the  association.  Afternoon  rode 
to  New  Marlborough  and  preached  a  private  lecture.  Tarried  with  Mr. 
Turner. 

18.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  At  evening  my  father  returned  from  the 
General  Association  at  Litchfield.  He  is  appointed  a  commissioner'*  to  go  to 
the  General  Assembly  at  Philadelphia  next  May. 

19.  Worked  some.  There  has  been  an  unusual  quantity  of  thunder  this 
week. 

20.  Ver)-  warm.     Rode  to  Becket.     Quite  tired. 

21.  People  here  appear  attentive,  but  I  think  quite  stupid.'  I  am  greatly 
affected  with  insensibility  in  things  of  infinite  importance. 

22.  Began  to  read  Smollett's*  continuation  of  Flume's  History.  Something 
unwell.     Had  company. 

23.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  attended  a  funeral  of  a  young  child. 
Very  warm.     On  the  20th  wrote  to  Mr.  Whittlesey,  of  Danbur}-. 

24.  Wrote  extracts  from  Hume.  Considerably  unwell.  Went  into  the 
water.     At  night  hard  showers. 

25.  Assisted  in  hiving  bees.  Cooler  than  in  days  past.  Rode  out  and 
visited.     This   society  appears  prospering. 

26.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  a  plan  for  a  tragedy  on  the  fate  of  Lord 
Strafford.''     Hope  to  be  enabled,  some  future  time,  to  execute  it. 

27.  Began  a  sermon  on  Dan.  ii  :  20,  21.  My  cousin  Sam  P.  here.  Wrote 
some  verses  to  be  sung  July  4th.     Read  Smollett. 

28.  Quite  warm.     Preached  pretty  long.     Read  in  Whitefield's  Life^ 


'  Blandford,  Mass.,    then    in   Hampshire  Robbins  in  this  connection,  does  not  mean 

County,  and  now  in  Hampden.     His  cousin  mental  stupidity,  but  moral  indifference. 
S.  P.  Robbins  was  supplying  there,  and  this  *  Tobias    Smollett,    better    known    as    a 

was  an  exchange  of  pulpits.     Blandford  at  its  writer  of  doubtful  novels,  wrote  that  part  of 

northwest   corner  touches    Becket.     It    is   a  the   sequel   to   Hume's   History  of  England, 

ride  of  seven  or  eight  miles  from  one  to  the  reaching  from  16SS   to  the  death  of  George 

other  in  a  land  of  hills.  II. 

^  Sandisfield  a  town  in  Berkshire  County,  ^  The  favor  which  his  drama  of  Columbus 

Mass.,   touches  the   Connecticut   line,  lying  received  inspired  him  to  attempt  bolder  things 

next  east   to  New  Marlborough.     The   min-  in  this   line.     Thomas  Wentworth,    Earl   of 

ister  at   Sandisfield   at   that   time  was  Rev.  Strafford,  the  servant  of  Charles  I,  came  to 

Levi  White,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1796,  the   block   in    1641,   eight   years   before   his 

and  pastor  at  Sandisfield,  1798 -1832.  royal   master. 

^  Rev.  Chauncey  Lee,  of  Colebrook,  Ct.,  *  Memoirs  of  the  Life  and  Character  of 

pastor  there    1800-1S2S,  graduated   at  Yale,  George    IVJtifcficld,  by  J.  Gillies,  D.  D.,  first 

1784-  published  in  London  ia  1772,  and  subsequent 

*  We  now  call  a  man  so  appointed  a  dele-  editions  published   in    1791,  iSii,  etc.     Mr. 

gate.  Robbins  had  the  edition  probably  published 

5  The  word  stiif'id,  so  often  used  by  Mr.  in  1791. 


l8oi.]  PREACHING    IN    BECKET,    MASS.  I4I 

29.  Rode  to  Lenox  ;  made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Goodwin's.'     Very  hot. 

30.  Visited  Mr.  Shepard.^  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Dined  at  Dr.  West's. 
Rode  to  Lee.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Hyde.^ 

July. 

1.  Rode  to  Becket.  Quite  overcome  v/ith  the  heat.  Had  company. 
Read. 

2.  Wrote.  Read  Smollett.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral  of  an  infant 
child. 

3.  Read  Smollett.  Not  so  good  a  history  as  Hume's.'*  Rode  out  and 
visited. 

4.  The  heat  this  week  has  been  very  great.  Last  night  a  great  alteration. 
Finished  my  sermon  on  Dan.  ii :  20,  21.  Afternoon  preached  on  the  occasion 
of  the  Independence  anniversary.^  This  town  very  little  infested  with 
Democrats. 

5.  Quite  cool.  Full  meeting.  People  quite  attentive.  Some  difficulties 
in  the  church  here. 

6.  Rode  with  my  cousin  S.  P.  to  Lee  and  to  New  Marlborough,  and 
tarried.     Mr.  Turner  seems  to  make  much  im.provement  in  divinity  knowledge. 

7.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  My  cousin  J.  Gould  ^  here.  Afternoon 
attended  the  concert  of  prayer. 

8.  Worked  some  in  haying.  The  people  in  this  town  had  a  splendid 
celebration  of  Independence  on  the  6th. 

9.  My  sister  and  cousin' set  out  on  a  journey  to  Boston  and  Plymouth. 
Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Lemuel  Le  Baron,     Very  warm. 

10.  Worked  considerably.     Read  Flowers  of  History. 

11.  The  heat  seems  about  as  great  as  last  week.  My  father  went  to 
Becket.^  On  the  7th  received  a  letter  from  New  Hartford,  a  settlement  in 
Whitestown,^  requesting  me  to  go  there  to  preach. 

12.  Preached.  Quite  warm.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Very 
happy  effects  here  of  the  religious  revival. 

13.  Worked  some.  Rainy.  My  father  returned,  much  pleased  with 
Becket.     Finished  reading  Flowers  of  Ancient  History. 

14.  A  degree  of  gloom  seems  to  have  been  cast  over  the  celebrations  of  the 
4th. '°     Worked  considerably. 


'  Frequent  references  have  been  made  to  day,  and  Mr.  Robbins  preached  on  the  sub- 

the  Goodwins,  of  Lenox,  and  their  relation-  ject,  a  way  of  celebrating   the  day  that  has 

ship  to  Mrs.  Robbins.  now  passed  out  of  use.     From  an  entry  be- 

^  Rev.  Samuel  Shepard,  D.  D.,  graduated  low  [July  8th]  the  general  celebration  in  the 

at  Yale,    1793,  Pastor  at   Lenox,  1 795-1846.  town  was  on  Monday  the  6th. 
A  native  of  Chatham,  Ct.  *  From  Manchester,  Vt. 

^  Rev.   Alvan    Hyde,    D.  D.,  a  native   of  '  His   sister   Sarah   and   Samuel    Prince 

Franklin,  Ct.,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  17S8,  Robbins. 
pastor  at  Lee,  Mass.,  1792-1S33.  ^  The  father  and  son  again  exchange  pul- 

*  The  intellect  of  Hume  was  very  clear  and  pits. 
strong,  but  as  a  kistorical  writer  he  is  partisan  '  In  Oneida  County,  New  York, 

and  not  to  be  greatly  praised.  '"  Because  of  the  election  of  Mr.  Jefferson 

'  The  4th  of  July  that  year  fell  on  Satur-  probably. 


142  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [180I. 

15.  On  the  13th  received  a  letter  from  my  sister  at  Hartford  on  her  way 
to  Boston.  Wrote  to  Mr.  J.  B.  Fisk,*  New  York.  Wrote  to  Mr.  B.  Merrill, 
New  Hartford,  Whitestown.  Yesterday  sold  my  horse  for  fifty  dollars,  which 
1  have  rode  since  I  have  been  a  preacher.^  Finished  reading  Flowers  of  Mod- 
ern History.  Rode  to  Winchester,  made  Mr.  Bassett  a  visit.  Rode  home, 
attended  a  conference. 

16.  Read  St.  Pierre's  Studies  of  Nature?  People  beginning  to  harvest.  It 
is  thought  that  crops  of  grass  and  grain  were  never  known  to  be  so  good.  O 
that  we  may  acknowledge  the  Author  of  all  mercies. 

17.  Worked  some.  Weather  much  cooler  than  it  has  been.  Read  St. 
Pierre. 

18.  Rode  to  Becket.     People  in  the  midst  of  haying.     Read  Smollett. 

19.  Rainy.  Thin  meeting.  People  here  much  pleased  with  my  father's 
preaching.'* 

20.  Had  company.  Was  requested  to  let  my  sermon  preached  on  the  4th 
be  published.     Read  Smollet. 

21.  Steady  lowery  weather.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Nash,* 
of  Middlefield. 

22.  Very  rainy  all  day.  A  great  blessing,  as  the  ground  was  very  dry. 
Read  Smollet.     Wrote. 

23.  Quite  warm.  Read  the  Bible.  Afternoon  rode  to  Middlefield  and 
preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Nash.  At  evening  a  full  and  serious  conference. 
There  are  really  some  appearances  of  a  divine  work  here.  Will  God  carry  it 
on  for  his  name's  sake  .-' 

24.  Returned.  Read  Smollet.  There  is  an  account  that  the  President 
has  invited  T.  Paine  in  France  to  return  to  this  countr^'.^ 

25.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote.  Went  into  the  water.  At  evening  a  hard 
shower,     O  for  a  suitable  preparation  for  the  holy  Sabbath, 

26.  People  here  appear  very  stupid. 

27.  Very  cool  for  the  season.  There  appears  a  fair  prospect  that  the 
French  will  be  driven  out  of  Eg}''pt,''  which  has  now  become  the  theater  of  war. 

28.  Read  Smollet.     Wrote.     Visited  some  Methodists. 


'  Mr.  John  Boyle  Fisk,  graduate  of  Dart-  ^  Rev.  Jonathan  Nash,  a  graduate  of  Dart- 
mouth, 1798.  He  was  born  in  Framingham,  mouth,  1789,  pastor  at  Middlefield,  1792-1832. 
Mass.,  1778,  was  a  lawyer  in  New  York,  and  Middlefield  was  in  Hampshire  County,  but 
died  in  1805,  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven.  adjoining  Berkshire,  and  was  about  five  or 

^  This  was  the  horse  which  his  father  gave  six  miles  from  Becket. 

him,  and  which  he  had  used  since  he  went  to  ^  Thomas  Paine  returned  to  this  country 

Marlborough,  Ct.,  in  November,  1798.  the  year  after  in  July,  1802,  and  died  here  in 

3  St.  Pierre  Jacques  Bernardin  Henri  De,  1809.     In  i8oi    Jefferson  gave  him   permis- 

2i\xthox  oi  Paid  and  Virginia.  Wis  Etudes  de  la  sion  to  come  over  in  one  of  our  public  ves- 

Nature  appeared  in  1784.     He  was  a  writer  sels,  but  he  did  not  come  at  that  time, 

of    the    most   refined    tastes.      His   Paid  et  ^  By  the  battle  of  Aboukir,  fought  March 

Virginia  has  been  translated  into  almost  all  8,  iSoi,  followed  by  the  battle  of  Alexandria, 

the  European  languages.  March  21,  1801,  the  French  were  compelled 

■*  He  exchanged,  it  will    be  remembered,  to  leave  Egypt.     The  British  expedition  was 

with  his  father  the  Sabbath  before.  in  charge  of  General  Sir  Ralph  Abercromby, 


l8oi.]  PREACHING    IN    BECKET,    MASS.  I43 

29.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Saw  the  maps  of  this  State.  I  think  I  never 
saw  better.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Woodbridge.' 

30.  Saw  the  remonstrance  of  New  Haven ^  merchants  to  the  President,  and 
his  answer.  He  seems  to  feel  power.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Preached  a  lecture 
for  Mr.  Shepard. 

31.  Rode  to  Becket,  six  miles  through  a  forest.^     Warm.     Worked  some. 

August. 

1.  Read.  Worked  some.  Afternoon  hard  showers.  Had  company. 
Thought  best  to  refuse  to  have  my  sermon  on  the   4th  of  July  printed. 

2.  Quite  cool  for  the  season.  People  here  appear  anxious  to  attend 
meeting.     Read    the    Bible. 

3.  Rode  out  and  visited.  On  the  ist  wrote  a  piece  for  publication,  and 
wrote  to  Mr.  Woodbridge,  of  Stockbridge.  In  the  morning  a  little  frost  in 
some  places.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Marcy,"  preaching  at  Loudon.^  Began  a  play  on 
the  fate  of  Lord  Strafford.^ 

4.  Read  Smollett.  Rode  out.  Accounts  from  various  parts  of  the  coun- 
try agree  with  the  appearances  in  this  quarter  that  the  harvest  is  better  than 
has  been  known  for  many  years. 

5.  Read  in  Heylin's  old  Geography?     Very  instructive.     Visited. 

6.  Mr.  Marcy,  preaching  at  Loudon,  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for 
me.     There  appears  to  be  some  more  than  ordinary  seriousness  in  town. 

7.  Read  SmoUet.     Visited  a  school.     A  hard  shower. 

8.  Rode  to  Middlefield  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Nash.^     Quite  warm. 

9.  There  appears  to  be  a  real  work  of  God  in  this  place.  At  evening  a 
very  full  and  serious  conference. 

10.  The  forenoon  very  rainy.  Eat  succotash.  Returned.  The  committee 
came  to  see  me.     O  for  direction  in  duty.     It  rather  appears  the  society  unani- 


'  Gen.  Jonathan  Woodbridge  probably.  ^  In  that  part  of  Berkshire  County  where 

'^  Just  as  soon  as  it  was  known  that  Mr.  Mr.  Robbins  was,  there  were  yet  large  tracts 

Jefferson  was  chosen  President,  John  Adams,  of   country  almost  new  and  wild.     One   of 

his  predecessor,  appointed  Elizur  Goodrich,  them  was  called  the  Tyringham  Equivalent, 

collector  of  the  port  of  New  Haven,  as  if  to  This  place  received  the  name  of  Loudon,  and 

pre-occupy  that  office  with  a  strong  Federal-  was  expected  ultimately  to  grow  into  a  town 

ist.     President  Jefferson  treated  this  appoint-  of  that  name.      But  it  fell  far  short   of  the 

ment,  made  after  his  own  election,  as  a  nullity,  needful  growth,  and   is   now   a   part   of  the 

and   appointed  Judge    Samuel    Bishop    col-  town  of  Otis.     This  was  where    Mr.  Marcy 

lector.     The  New  Haven  merchants  sent  a  was  then  preaching. 

remonstance,  which  Mr.  Jefferson  answered,  *  We  have  had  a  previous  intimation  that 

but  did   not  heed  their  request.     The  relig-  he  was  thinking  of  this  piece  of  English  his- 

ious  people  of   New  England  were  unjustly  tory  as  the  foundation  for  a  drama, 
bitter  against  Mr.  Jefferson.  '  Peter  Heylin,  U.  D.,  an  extensive  author, 

^  Lenox  was  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  from  was  born  in   1600,  and  died   in    1662.     His 

Becket.     He  means  that  six  miles  of  the  way  Cosmography  in  Four  Books,  of  which  several 

was  through  forest.  editions   were   published,   is   the  work  here 

"*  Bradford  Marcy,  probably,  who  received  intended, 
the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  Brown  University,  *  Rev.  Jonathan  Nash,  before  mentioned, 

in  1798.  pastor  at  Middlefield. 


144  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBIilNS,    D.D.  [iSoi. 

mously  wish  to  have  me  settle  here.'  My  principal  real  reason,  1  tliink,  is  I 
cannot  feel  that  I  can  be  contented  to  live  here.  I  think  that  is  considerable. 
And  I  don't  wish  to  settle  anywhere. 

11.  I  am  this  day  twenty-four  years  old.  God  in  mercy  has  added  to  my 
life  another  year.     Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 

12.  My  brother  James  returned  home  from  college  about  three  weeks  since 
very  poor.  He  had  many  symptoms  of  a  consumption  and  was  believed  by 
many  to  have  one  seated.  But  in  the  great  mercy  of  God,  he  is  now  recover- 
ing, and  we  hope  his  health  will  be  restored.^  Finished  reading  Beauties  of  St. 
Pierre.^  The  public  mind  seems  to  be  in  a  great  ferment  respecting  the  con- 
duct  of  the  President. 

13.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Colebrook  with  my  brother  James,  and 
made  my  brother  Ammi  a  visit. '* 

14.  My  brother  has  a  good  situation  here.  Returned.  Wrote  a  piece  for 
publication.     Warm. 

15.  Find  difficulty  in  buying  a  horse.     Rode  to  Becket. 

16.  Rainy.  Read  the  Bible.  Propounded  three  persons  for  members  of 
the  church.     I  hope  there  is  some  seriousness  in  town. 

17.  Read.     Rode  out.     A  piece  I  wrote  on  the  ist  inst.  is  printed. 

18.  Finished  reading  Smollet.  Began  Cormick's  Continuation.^  Had 
company. 

19.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Chester  and  preached  a  lecture.^  Thought  to 
be  tlie  hottest  day  we  have  had  this  summer. 

20.  Returned.  Mrs.  Higley '  very  sick.  Taken  on  the  iSth  with  raising 
very  large  quantities  of  blood. 

21.  We  do  not  expect  Mrs.  Higley  can  live  but  a  little  while.  She  appears 
to  be  sinking  fast.     Preached  a  private  lecture.     Veiy  hot. 

22.  Read  Cormick.     Rainy.     Had  company. 

23.  Mrs.  H.  appears  a  little  better.  People  at  meeting  appear  to  be  very 
serious. 

24.  Rode  home.  My  cousin  Sam  P.  and  my  sister  returned  from  Ply- 
mouth last  Saturday,     My  brother  James  hopefully  regaining  his  health. 


'  Mr.    Robbins"s    opportunities   to   settle,  "•  His  brother  Ammi  R.  had,  it  seems,  re- 

considering   his    age,   had    been     numerous.  moved  from  Canaan,  Ct.,  to  Colebrook,  Ct. 
This  came  partly  from  the  satisfaction  which  ^  C.  M.  Cormick  wrote  the   continuation 

he  gave  as  a  preacher,  and  partly  from  a  real  of  Hume's  History  of  Eiiglandixoxn.  the  death 

scarcity  of  ministers  at  that  time.  of  George  II,  1760,  to  the  peace  at  the  con- 

^  James  W.  Robbins  had  not  yet  com-  elusion  of  the  American  War  in  17S3. 
pleted  his  college  course.  He  was  in  his  *  The  first  minister  of  Chester  was  Rev. 
junior  year,  and  was  nineteen  years  old.  He  Aaron  Bascom,  who  was  graduated  at  Har- 
lived  not  only  to  graduate,  but  to  be  a  very  vard  in  176S.  The  date  of  his  settlement  is 
useful  and  noble  man,  and  died  at  the  age  of  not  given,  but  he  is  supposed  to  have  con- 
sixty-five,  tinued  his  labors  there  till  about  the  time  of 

^  This  was  a  work  composed  of  extracts  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1S14. 
from  the  writings  of  St.  Pierre  Jacques  Ber-  ^  Wife   of  the   man   with  whom   he  was 

nardin  Henri  De,  who  has  been  already  men-  boarding  at  Becket.     She  died  not  long  after, 

tioned.     He  was  born  in  Havre,  France,  1737,  but  was  not  so  near  her  end  as  was  then  sup- 

and  died  in  1814.  posed. 


l8oi.]  PREACHING    IN    BECKET,    MASS.  I45 

25.  Mr.  Battell'  building  a  very  elegant  house  near  my  father's.  Rode 
out.     Read  Dwight's  oration  before  the  Cincinnati  at  New  Haven.^     Excellent. 

26.  Rode  to  Becket.  Find  great  difficulty  in  buying  a  horse. ^  Quite  cool 
for  the  season. 

27.  The  committee  of  this  society  came  to  see  me.  The  society  have 
unanhnoiish'  requested  me  to  preach  with  them  on  probation.  I  don't  know 
that  I  ever  found  greater  difficulty  in  knowing  what  to  do.  O  for  direction. 
I  cannot  think  of  settling  here,  for  many  reasons ;  and  I  hope  it  is  not  incon- 
sistent with  duty  to  refuse. 

28.  Read  Cormick.  Preached  a  private  lecture.  Very  full.  People 
appear  to  have  great  an.\iety  about  my  continuing  here. 

29.  On  the  27th  received  seventy-five  dollars'*  from  this  society.  Wrote 
to  Dr.  West,  Stockbridge.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

30.  Very  full  meeting.  Quite  tired.  At  evening  had  company.  Read  the 
Bible. 

31.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Cormick.  It  seems  very  difficult  for  me  to  leave 
this  people.^ 

Sei'tember. 

1.  Left  Becket.  Rode  to  Tyringham.*  Bought  a  horse  of  Mr.  Avery.' 
Paid  thirty  dollars  and  gave  a  note  for  thirty-five,  payable  next  January,  The 
horse  is  six  years  old.  May  I  find  him  useful  and  serviceable.  Very  warm. 
Rode  home.     My  father  and  brother  J.  gone  to  Williams  Commencement.* 

2.  My  brother  was  offered  seventy  dollars  for  my  horse.'  Fixing  for  my 
journey.     The  heat  increases.     Mr.  May,'°  a  candidate,  lodged  with  us. 


'  Joseph  Battell,  who  was  ere  long  to  be  ing  at  Becket,  for  he  was  ready,  as  we  shall 

united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Robbins.  see,  to  give  himself  to  home  missionary  ser- 

^  This  oration  before  the  Society  of  the  vice,  where  all  the  conditions  of  life  would  be 

Cincinnati    at    New    Haven   was    given  by  much   harder.      It   troubled   him   to  receive 

Theodore  Dwight,  a  younger  brother  of  Pres-  these  calls,  because   he  was  of   a   kind   and 

ident  Dwight.     He  was  a  lawyer  and  public  gentle  spirit,  and  did  not  wish  to  disappoint 

writer,  then  residing  at   Hartford.     He  was  and  discourage  others, 

secretary  of   the   Hartford   Convention,  and  ^  About  five  miles  from  Becket. 

wrote   its   history.      In    1817  he    established  '  Rev.  Joseph  Avery,  pastor  at  Tyringham, 

and  edited  the  New  York  Daily  Advertiser.  1789-1808. 

In  this  address  before  the  Society  of  the  Cin-  ^  The   Commencement   at  Williams   was. 

cinnati  he  said  some  cruel  and  unjust  things  on  the  first  Wednesday  of   September.     As 

against  President  Jefferson.  the  month   began  that  year   on  Tuesday,  it 

'  The  horse  he  has  had  for  about  three  brought  the  Commencements  both  at  Will- 
years  begins  to  fail.  iams  and  Yale  earlier  than  usual. 

■*  He  began  to  preach  at  Becket  on  the  2d  9  it   is   always  comfortable  to  be  offered 

Sabbath  of  May  previous,  and  the  seventy-  more  for   anything   than   it   cost   you,  even 

five  dollars  seems  to  have  been  the  pay  for  though  you  have  no  desire  to  sell, 

fifteen  Sabbaths  at  the  old  price  of  five  dol-  '°  Rev.  HezekiahMay,  son  of  Rev.  Eleazar 

lars  a  Sabbath.  May,  an:l  graduated   at  Vale    in    1793.     ^^ 

5  It  does  not  appear  that  it  was  wordly  was   a   home  missionary  in   New  York  and 

ambition  which  kept  Mr.  Robbins  from  stay-  Pennsylvania. 


146 


DIARY   OF    RF,V.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[180I. 


3.  Very  hot  and  sultry.  Afternoon  set  out  for  New  Haven.'  Rode  to 
Litchfield,  South  Farms,^  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Chase.^ 

4.  Rode  through  Bethlehem,  Woodbury,  etc.,  to  New  Haven,  and  arrived 
at  East  Haven,  8  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  heat  excessive.  Very  tired.  Tarried 
at  a  tavern. 

5.  Agreed  witli  Mr.  Moulthrop"*  to  take  my  portrait.  Rode  to  New 
Haven ;  assisted   at  the   public  examination  at  college.     Returned.^ 

6.  Preached  for  Mr.  Street.*  This  is  a  small  and  very  flourishing  town, 
with  an  elegant  stone  meeting-house.  At  evening  attended  the  wedding  of 
one  of  Mr.  Street's  sons. 

7.  Rode  to  Branford.  Dined  with  a  military  company.  Almost  over- 
come with  the  heat.     Returned  to  East  Haven. 

8.  Sat  for  Mr.  Moulthrop  to  take  my  likeness.  At  evening  rode  to  New 
Haven.  Attended  the  speaking  of  the  undergraduates.  Unable  to  sleep  on 
account  of  the  heat. 

9.  Attended  Commencement.  The  thermometer  was  at  ninety-four  de- 
grees. A  shower  between  the  exercises.  The  exercises  pretty  good,  and 
very  short.  Very  few  ministers  present.  At  evening  Mr.  Benedict,  of 
Woodbury,   preached   the    Concio   ad  Ckrum. 

10.  Made  a  motion  in  the  P.  B.  K.  Society  to  expel  Mr.  Bishop,'  and 
failed.     Rode  to  East  Haven.     Sat  all  the  afternoon  for  my  likeness. 

11.  We  have  this  morning  a  different  air.  From  the  beginning  of  the 
month  till  this  morning  I  think  the  weather  has  been  as  warm  as  I  ever  knew 
at  any  season.^     Left  East  Haven,  rode  to  Torringford.     The  corporation  of 


'  He  was  going  to  Commencement  at 
Yale,   but  started   the   week   before. 

^  Now  the  town  of  Morris. 

^  Rev.  Amos  Chase,  born  in  Sutton,  Mass., 
1757,  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College,  1780, 
pastor  at  Litchfield,  South  Farms,  1787-1814. 

*  Reuben  Moulthrop,  born  in  East  Haven, 
March,  1763,  and  died  there  July  29,  1814. 
His  grandson,  Mr.  William  Moulthrop,  cash- 
ier of  the  First  National  Bank  in  New  Haven, 
says  of  him  :  "  He  was  quite  an  artist  for 
those  days,  but  I  think  worked  more  on  wax 
than  on  canvas.  .  .  (J)ne  of  his  sons  was  also 
an  artist  in  the  same  line,  having  made  many 
of  the  wax  figures  in  P.arnum's  Museum,  and 
other  exhibitions." 

The  following  is  an  interesting  note  pre- 
pared by  a  cousin  of  Mr.  William  Moul- 
throp, which  brings  his  grandfather  as  an 
artist  very  distinctly  and  honorably  into  view : 

"In  October,  1865,  there  were  at  Lino- 
nian  Hall,  New  Haven,  Ct.,  many  portraits 
of  former  officers  of  Yale  College,     Conspic- 


uous among  them  was  a  portrait  of  old  Pres, 
Stiles,  painted  more  than  sixty  years  before 
by  my  grandfather,  Reuben  Moulthrop.  The 
catalogue  stated  it  as  '  the  work  of  Reuben 
Moulthrop,  once  an  artist  of  note,  and  honor- 
able citizen  of  New  Haven.'  I  presume  that 
the  portrait  above  referred  to  still  remains  in 
Linonian  Hall. 

"  Respectfully, 

"Mary  L.  Moulthrop." 

*  That  is,  returned  to  East  Haven. 

^  Rev.  Nicholas  Street,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1751,  pastor  at  East  Haven,  i7!;5-i8o6. 

''  This  was  the  Democratic  orator  who 
gave  such  offence  in  his  two  hours'  address 
the  previous  year. 

^  We  write  this  note  on  the  morning  of 
the  nth  of  September,  1884,  and  the  descrip- 
tion of  the  weather  given  in  the  diary  for  the 
first  ten  days  of  September,  iSoi,  would  an- 
swer well  for  the  same  period  the  present 
year.  Almost  every  year  the  early  days  of 
September  are  hot. 


iSoi.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK,    CT.  I47 

Yale  College  have  chosen  Mr.  Jeremiah  Day'  Professor  of  Mathematics  and 
Philosophy,  and  my  classmate  Davis,"  Professor  of  Divinity  ;  and  E.  Goodrich, 
Esq.,^  Professor  of  Law. 

12.  Rode  home.  My  father  quite  sick.  He  got  ready  to  go  a  journey  to 
Paris,  with  my  mamma  and  brother  J.  They  designed  to  set  out  on  the  loth, 
and  got  the  carriage  tackled.  He  was  seized  suddenly  with  a  violent  inflam- 
matory disorder.     I  think  I  have  never  seen  him  more  sick.     Quite  tired. 

13.  Preached.  My  father  scarcely  able  to  sit  up  any.  At  evening 
attended    a   conference.     Quite   full. 

14.  Wrote  to  Dea.  Munson,  of  Milton.  Mr.  Davis"  called  and  dined  here. 
Rode  out  and  attended  a  funeral.  Put  my  horse  in  a  collar,  which  was  the 
first  time.     Put  him  in  a  carriage  ;  he  goes  well.     Cousin  Sam  P.  came  here. 

15.  We  hope  my  father  is  getting  better.     Quite  rainy.     Traded  some. 

16.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Betsey.  Rode  out  with  my  father  in  a  carriage. 
He  is  very  weak.  The  Democrats  in  the  State  making  great  exertions  for 
Freeman's  Meeting. 

17.  Warm.     Wrote.     Read.     Worked,  fixing  my  saddle. 

18.  Rode  out.  Read  Cormick.  My  father  has  a  great  deal  of  traveling 
company. 

19.  Quite  warm.     Read.     Worked  some.     My  father  still  quite  low. 

20.  Meeting-house  very  full.  Afternoon  my  father  attended.  We  hope  he 
is  gaining.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

21.  Remarkably  warm  for  the  season.  This  month  has  hitherto  been 
warmer  than  August.  On  the  17th  Mr.  Watson,^  of  New  York,  and  his  son, 
spent  the  afternoon  at  my  father's.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting.  People 
in  this  town  remarkably  united. 

22.  Very  warm.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Invited  out  with  my  mamma 
and  sister  to  dine.  Visited  a  school.  My  father  had  a  very  severe  turn  of 
pain.     His  disorder  now  appears  to  be  a  rheumatism. 

23.  Set  out  for  a  long  journey.  I  know  not  whither  I  shall  go.  I  pray 
God  to  direct  me  for  his  mercy's  sake.  Rode  through  Colebrook,  Winchester, 
Barkhampstead,  New  Hartford,  Simsbury,  and  Farmington,  to  Hartford. 
Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's.*  Passed  four  turnpike  gates.  Left  home  with  cash 
fifty-nine  dollars  and  thirty  cents.     Expenses  today  thirty-seven  cents.^ 


'  Afterwards   President   of    the    College,  President  at  Hamilton  College,  N.  Y.,  1S17- 

1817-1S46.     As  Tutor,  Professor,  and  Presi-  1832.     lie  died  in  1S52. 

dent  he  was  connected  with  the  management  ^  Elizur   Goodrich,  LL.  D.,  graduated   at 

and  instruction  of  the  college  forty-eight  years.  Yale,    1779.      Professor   of   Law    1801-iSro, 

He  died  twenty-one  years   later   in    1S67,  at  and  for  many  years  secretary  of  the  corpora- 

the  age  of  ninety-four,  after  a  life  eminent  for  tion.     He  died  1849. 
its  wisdom  and  goodness.  *  His  classmate  Henry  Davis,  just  noticed. 

-  Henry  Davis,  D.  D.,  graduated  at  Yale,  '  James  Watson,  whose  name  has  grown 

1796,  did  not  accept  his  appointment  as  Pro-  familiar, 
fessor  of  Divinity  at  Yale.     He  continued  in  ^  Dr.  Nathan  Strong, 

his  office  of  tutor  two  years  longer,  and  was  ^  The   figures   that   follow  from   time   to 

afterwards  Professor  at  Union  College,  Presi-  time  have  the  same  object  as  this  entry,  viz., 

dent  at  Middlebury  College,  Vt.,  1809-1817,  to  give  the  daily  expenses. 


148  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8oi. 

24.  Hartford  increases  much  in  good  buildings.  The  river  very  low  now, 
seventy  rods  wide.  Rode  through  East  Hartford,  Bolton,  Coventr\-,  and 
Mansfield,  to  Windham,'  thirty  miles.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Cooler.     90. 

25.  Rode  through  Canterbury,  Plainfield,  Sterling,  (^t.,  Coventr)^  Scitu- 
ate,  Boston,  Johnstone,  R.  L,  tarried  three  miles  short  of  Providence  at  a 
tavern.  Very  poor  accommodations.  Passed  three  turnpikes.  From  Nor- 
folk to  Providence  is  a  turnpike  road,  except  ten  miles  in  East  Hartford.  The 
academy  at  Plainfield^  very  flourishing;  seventy  students.  Crops  ver\'  good. 
1.06. 

26.  Rode  through  Providence  (Rehoboth),  Barrington,  Warren,  to  Bristol. 
Arrived  at  Gov.  Bradford's^  about  noon.  Very  kindly  received.  20.  Have 
had  a  very  prosperous  journey.  Afternoon  rainy.  Called  on  Pres.  Maxey* 
at  Providence.  That  college  flourishing ;  one  hundred  and  fifteen  students. 
One  Professor  of  Mathematics,  etc.,  Mr.  Messer.'  Funds  very  small,  not 
exceeding  five  hundred  dollars  annually,  without  tuition.''  Apparatus  pretty 
good.  Librar)^  two  thousand  volumes.  The  Baptist  and  Presbyterian  meet- 
ing-houses in  this  town  eighty  by  eighty,  and  eighty  by  seventy,  and  the  best 
in  New  England.  The  Baptist  house  and  the  college  cost  twenty  thousand 
dollars  each.  A  toll  bridge  at  Providence,  one  hundred  rods.  One  at  War- 
ren, thirty  rods.     87. 

27.  Preached  for  Mr.  Vv'ight.'  Large  house  and  full  meeting.  I  think 
this  the  pleasantest  town  I  have  ever  seen.  Gov.  Bradford's  situation  on  Mt. 
Hope  exceeds  description. 

28.  The  principal  produce  here  corn  and  barley.  This  town  does  very 
much  in  navigation.  Read  Fairbanks's  trial.  Afternoon  rode  to  Warren, 
visited  a  cousin  there  and  returned. 

29.  Walked  out  on  Mount  Hope,  the  seat  of  the  Indian  King  Philip.  The 
pleasantest  situation  I  ever  saw.  Dined  at  Capt.  D'WoIf's  on  a  West  India 
turtle.  The  richest  entertainment  I  have  ever  been  at.  Rode  with  a  cousin 
on  the  peninsula,  which  for  pleasantness  of  situation  exceeds  anything  I  had 
ever  imagined.     13. 

30.  My  friends  here  treat  me  with  the  greatest  kindness  and  attention. 
Preached  a  sacramental    lecture.     An    academy  here   ver}'  flourishing.     Mr. 


'  The  road  here  indicated  passes  through  College  of  South  Carolina,  1805-1S20,  when 

the   Bolton   Notch   and   North   Coventry,  a  he  died. 

very  familiar  and  much  traveled  road  before  '  Asa  Messer,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Professor  of 

the  age  of  railroads.  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  1799- 

^  The   Plainfield   Academy   was   incorpo-  1S02,  President,  1S02-1826,  when  he  resigned. 

rated  in  the  year  17S3.  He  >vas  born  in  Methuen,  Mass.,  1769,  gradu- 

3  See  note  under  date  Oct.  4,  1799.  ated   at   Brown   University,    1790,   and   died 

*  Jonathan  Maxey,  D.  D.,  born    at  Attle-  1S36. 

borough,  Mass.,  Sept.  2,  1 76S,  graduated  at  ^  That  is,  aside  from  tuition. 

Brown  University,  17S7,  President  of  Brown  '  Henry  Wight,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Bristol, 

University,   1792-1802,    President   of   Union  R.  I.,  1785-1S2S.      A   graduate  of   Harvard 

College,  N.  Y.,  1802-1S04,  President  of  the  College,  1753. 


l8oi.]  ON  AN  EXTENDED  JOURNEY.  i^g 

Alden,'  ihe  preceptor,  gave  me  two  spelling-books^  he  has  lately  published. 
Little  English  grain  raised  in  this  State.  The  seabon  very-  dr}'.  Crops  of 
corn  very  good. 

October. 

1.  Left  Bristol.  Crossed  Bristol  ferry,  a  mile  wide,  in  a  sail-boat  to 
Rhode  Island.  Rode  through  Portsmouth  and  Middletown  to  Newport. 
This  island  very  fertile,  and  in  a  very  high  state  of  cultivation.  This  town 
appears  rather  poor.  Many  decaying  buildings  ;  some  erecting.  A  very  long 
and  valuable  wharf  barely  completed.  A  very  handsome  State  House.  Here 
and  at  Providence  a  very  valuable  three-story  brick  market.  Preached  a 
sacramental  lecture  for  Mr.  Patten.^  Tarried  with  Dr.  Hopkins,*  eighty  years 
old  last  month.  His  mental  powers  pretty  good,  but  his  speech  much  in- 
jured by  a  paralytic  shock.     From  Bristol  here  fourteen  miles.     17. 

2.  Rode  from  Newport  through  thirteen  towns  on  the  island,  crossed 
Howland's  ferr}-,  one  half  mile  in  a  sail-boat  to  Tiverton  ;  rode  on  through 
Westport  (Mass.),  Dartmouth,  New  Bedford,  Fairhaven,  to  Rochester.  Re- 
ceived by  my  friends  with  great  kindness.  Thirty-five  miles.  Almost  all  the 
streams  are  dr3^  From  Howland's  ferry  to  New  Bedford  exceeding  stony  and 
barren  land.  A  toll-bridge  connects  New  Bedford  and  Fairhaven,  two  flour- 
ishing, commercial  towns,  nearly  a  mile  long.     Very  fine  fields  of  corn.      1.03. 

3.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rainy.  My  Uncle  Le  Baron  ^  building  a  brig. 
Have  not  had  occasion  in  my  whole  journey  to  jDut  on  my  great  coat.  Have 
been  wonderfully  prospered. 

4.  Preached.  Attended  the  holy  sacrament.  O  for  more  ardor  of  love. 
Quite  cool. 

5.  Walked  out.  Afternoon  left  Rochester.  Rode  to  Wareham.  Tarried 
with  Mr.  Everett.*     Weather  ver\'  dry. 

6.  Afternoon  preached  for  Mr.  Everett  at  the  concert  of  prayer.  Rode  to 
Plymouth,  fifteen  miles.  Found  friends  well,  though  several  have  died  since 
I  was  here.     The  family  of  my  dear  uncle  ^  are  dispersed. 

7.  Quite  a  sickly  time  in  town.  More  or  less  deaths  daily;  dysentery. 
Saw  salt-works,  to  make  salt  by  evaporation.  The  society  of  my  uncle  have 
separated,  and  a  part  have  built  a  verj^  good  new  meeting-house.     The  church 


'  Abner  Alden,  a  descendant  of  John  Al-  ■*  The   famous    Samuel    Hopkins,    D.  D., 

den,  born  1764,  graduated  at  Brown  Univer-  father  of  the  Ilopkinsian  scheme.     He  was 

sity,  1787  ;  an  eminent  teacher.  born  in  Waterbury,  Ct.,  172T,  graduated   at 

^  Mr.  Alden   had  some  reputation  in  his  Yale,  1741,   pastor   of   the    First   Congrega- 

day  as  the  author  of  school  books.  tional  Church  in  Newport,  1769-1803,  when 

^  Rev.  William  Patten,  D.  D.,  a  graduate  he   died   at  the  age  of  eighty-two.     He  was 

of  Dartmouth,    1780,  pastor  of   the    Second  the  hero  of  Mrs.  Stowe's  volume,   TAe  Min- 

Congregational    Church,  at   Newport,  R.  I.,  istcr''s  Wooing. 
1786-1833.     A  native  of  Halifax,  Mass.     Dr.  ^  See  note  Oct.  20,  1799. 

Patten  succeeded   Dr.  Ezra  Stiles,  who  left  *  See  note  Oct.  23,  1799. 

Newport  in  1777,  to  take  the  Presidency  of  ^  Rev.  Chandler  Robbins,  D.  D.,  who  died, 

Yale  College.  as  before  stated,  June  30,  1799. 


I50 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[180I. 


is  lately  divided,  twenty-two  males  in  the  old,  and  eighteen  in  the  new.     My 
cousin  Chandler  Robbins'  a  little  while  in  town.     Saw  him  a  few  minutes. 

8.  Quite  cool.     Walked  out  and  viewed  the  new  meeting-house.     Read 
Belisariiis?'     Visited  Mr.  Kendall.^     63, 

9.  A  hard  frost.     There  was  very  little  in  September.     Fishing  business 
here  very  extensive.     Dined  at  Aunt  Hammatt's.* 

10.  In  Rhode  Island  there  are  five  printing-presses.  Three  of  the  papers 
Federal,  two  not.     Visited.     The  English  and  Turks  have  taken  Cairo. ^     37. 

11.  Forenoon  heard  Mr.  Kendall.  Afternoon  preached  for  him.  At  even- 
ing preached  a  lecture  in  the  new  meeting-house.  Mr.  A.  Judson  there  at 
present.     Quite  warm. 

12.  Left  Plymouth.  Rode  through  Kingston  and  Halifax  to  Bridgewater, 
seventeen  miles.  At  Kingston  called  and  saw  Mr.  Cobb,*  born  March  22d, 
O.  S.,  1694.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Russell's,  the  husband  of  my  cousin  Martha 
Le  Baron.' 

13.  Rode  through  Bridgewater,  North  Parish,  called  on  Mr.  Porter,^  through 
Randolph,  Braintree,  Quincy,  to  Milton,  22.  Very  kindly  received  at  E.  H. 
Robbins's.'  At  Quincy  called  and  saw  President  Adams.  Conversed  with  Mr. 
R.  about  our  family  ancestors. 

14.  Rainy.  Tarried  all  day.  Read  Mather's  MagnaUa.  Mr.  R.  a  man  of 
great  information.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Great  crops  of  corn  gathered  in 
heaps  near  the  houses  for  husking.  Farmers  here  generally  use  ox  wagons 
instead  of  carts. 

15.  Rode  from  Milton  through  Dorchester,  Roxbury,  and  Boston,  to 
Charlestown.     8.     Put  up  at  a  tavern.     The  man's  name  Thomas  Robbins. 


'  Oldest  child  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins, 
born  Aug.  19,  1762,  graduated  at  Harvard 
College,  1782,  Judge  of  Probate  at  Hallo- 
well,  Me.,  died  in  Boston,  1834. 

'  The  story  of  Belisarius,  born  in  the  sixth 
century,  the  heroic  soldier  in  the  reign  of  the 
Emperor  Justinian,  is  narrated  at  length  by 
Gibbon  in  the  forty-first  chapter  of  his  Decline 
and  Fall  oft/ie  Roman  Empire.  This  story  has 
often  been  used  in  a  half  fictitious  and  half 
historical  way  by  many  writers.  Who  was 
the  author  of  the  work  read  by  Mr.  Robbins 
does  not  appear. 

^  See  note  Oct.  12,  1799. 

"■  Priscilla  Le  Baron,  sister  of  Mr.  Rob- 
bins's  mother,  married  Abraham  Hammatt. 
Priscilla  Le  Baron  was  eight  years  younger 
than  Elizabeth,  who  married  Rev.  Mr.  Rob- 
bins. 

^  Cairo,  taken  by  the  united  forces  of  the 
British  and  Turks,  June  27,  1801,  when  five 
thousand  French  troops  capitulated. 

^  "The  most  remarkable  case  of  longevity 
in  this  vicinity  was  that  of  Ebenezer  Cobb. 


On  the  first  of  April,  1794,  he  completed  his 
hundreth  year,  and  continued  to  live  until 
December,  1801,  when  in  his  one  hundred 
and  eighth  year.  Being  born  in  1694,  he 
lived  in  the  seventeenth,  eighteenth,  and 
nineteenth  centuries."  —  Sketch  of^  tlie  One 
Hundred  and  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the  Town 
of  Kingston,  Mass. 

^  Martha  Le  Baron  was  daughter  of  his 
Uncle  Isaac.  She  married  Nathaniel  Rus- 
sell, and  they  were  living  at  Kingston. 

^  Rev.  John  Porter,  who  had  then  been 
pastor  at  North  Bridgewater  sixty-one  years, 
having  been  settled  in  1740.  He  died  the 
following  year  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven. 

9  Son  of  Rev.  Nathaniel  Robbins  who 
was  pastor  at  Milton,  17 50-1 795.  This  Na- 
thaniel was  born  1726,  and  graduated  at  Har- 
vard, 1747.  This  son,  Edward  H.  Robbins, 
was  Lieut.-Governor  of  Massachusetts,  and 
for  many  years  Judge  of  Probate  in  Norfolk 
County.  He  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in 
1775.  A  daughter  of  his,  married  Judge 
Joseph  Lyman,  of  Northampton. 


l8oi.]  ON  AN  EXTENDED  JOURNEY.  I5I 

He  and  I  are  second  cousins.  Walked  to  Boston,  about  the  town.  The  State 
House  is  the  best  building  I  ever  saw ;  cost  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  thou- 
sand dollars.'  The  poor-house  an  excellent  brick  building,  four  stories  high, 
one  hundred  and  seventy  feet  long.  The  town  very  flourishing.  Walked 
back  to  Charlestown.  Consulted  the  town  records  for  my  ancestors ;  got 
some  information.     Kindly  entertained  by  Dr.  Morse.     ^^. 

16.  Yesterday  looked  over  the  things  which  belonged  to  my  cousin  R. 
Gould. ^  Sold  a  book  for  twenty-five  cents.  Took  two  pair  of  cotton  hose. 
Got  some  acquainted  with  President  Smith,^  of  New  Jersey.  Rode  to  Boston. 
Paid  four  dollars  for  cleaning  my  watch.  Rode  to  Cambridge,  to  Little  Cam- 
bridge,'* and  Newton,  Watertown,  to  Lexington.  14.  Inquiring  for  the  his- 
toiy  of  my  family.'  Tarried  with  Mr.  Thomas  Robbins,*  a  cousin  of  my 
father.     ;^;^. 

17.  By  some  means  which  I  cannot  conceive,  I  have  lost  a  five  dollar 
bank-bill  since  I  was  at  Plymouth.  Viewed  the  monument,  and  the  place 
where  the  battle  was  fought  April  19th,  1775.  Got  considerable  information 
respecting  our  family  from  Mr.  Robbins.  Rode  to  Cambridge,  called  on 
Mr.  Holmes,'  thence  to  Charlestown,  Maiden,  Lynn,  Danvers,  to  Salem.  27. 
Tarried  with  Mr.  Hopkins.^     25. 

18.  Last  night  some  rain.  In  the  forenoon  heard  Mr.  Hopkins.  After- 
noon preached  for  him,  and  in  the  evening  a  lecture.     Full  meeting. 

19.  Very  cold  for  the  season.  Rode  through  Beverly,  Wenham,  Hamilton, 
to  Ipswich.  Accidentally  got  acquainted  with  Dr.  Dana,  my  father's  class- 
mate. Dined  with  him.  Rode  on  through  Rowley  and  Newbury  to  Newbury- 
port.     24.     82. 

20.  Rode  through  Newbury,  Salisbury,  Saybrook,'  N.  H.,  Hampton 
Falls,  Hampton,  Northampton,  Greenland,  to  Portsmouth.  Got  acquainted 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Alden ;  *"  dined  with  him.  Got  acquainted  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Buckminster,"    who    showed    me   the    town.     Last    night    tarried    with    Mr. 


'  The   old    State    House   at   the   head  of  meager   then   as  compared  with  the  present 

State  Street  having  been  outgrown,  in  1795,  time. 

the  work  of  building  the  present  house  be-  ^  Thomas   Robbins,  of   Charlestown,  the 

gan.     Mr.  Robbins   saw  it   without  its   later  keeper  of  the  hotel,  was  born  in  1723,  and 

extensions,  but  the  architecture  of  the  coun-  the  father  of  Thomas  Robbins,  the  writer  of 

try  then  was  in  a  plain  and  simple  state,  and  this  diary,  was  born  in  1740. 
very  naturally  the  building  met  his  eye  as  a  ^  Dr.  Abicl  Holmes, 

very  imposing  structure.  ^  Daniel    Hopkins,  D.  D.,  native  of   Wa- 

'^  Son  of  William  and  Rebekah  H.  (Rob-  terbury,   Ct,  born  1734,  graduated  at   Yale, 

bins)  Gould,  of  Manchester,  Vt.  175S,  pastor  oi  South  Church,  Salem,  1778- 

^  Samuel    Stanhope    Smith,  D.  D.,  Presi-  1814. 
dent  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  1794-1812.  '  Seabrook. 

He  died  seven  years  later  at  the  age  of  sixty-  '°  Rev.  Timothy  Alden,  born  at  Yarmouth, 

nine.  Mass.,  Aug.  28,  1771,  graduated  at  Harvard 

*  Little  Cambridge  was  afterwards  Brigh-  College,  1794,  pastor  of  Second  Church,  Ports- 
ton,  and  at  the  present  time  is  a  part  of  the  mouth,  N.  H.,  1799-1S05. 
city  of  Boston.  "  Joseph  Buckminster,  D.  D.,  born  in  Rut- 

^  The  printed  materials  for  the  construe-  land,  Mass.,   1751,  graduated   at  Yale,  1770, 

tion   of   his  genealogical   history  were   very  pastor  at  Portsmouth,  1779-1812. 


152 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROP.BIXS,    D.D,  [180I. 


Dana,'  of  Newburyport,  spent  the  evening  with  Rev.  Mr.  Carey.'  Left 
Portsmouth,  rode  back  to  Greenland,  thence  to  Stratham.  ii.  1.15. 
Tarried   at    a   tavern. 

21.  Rode- through  Exeter,  a  flourishing  town;  one  of  its  meeting-houses 
and  the  academy  are  elegant  buildings;  Kingston,  Plaistow,  to  Haverhill, 
Mass.  Haverhill  a  pleasant  large  town  on  the  Merrimac.  Rode  through 
Bradford,  Andover,  to  Tewksbury.  37.  There  is  an  ecclesiastical  society,  a 
part  in  Plaistow  and  a  part  in  Haverhill.  The  meeting-house  near  the  line  of 
the  States.  My  horse  a  little  lame.  At  Andover  stopped  a  little  while  to  see 
an  exhibition  of  their  academic  school.^     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Warm.     i.io. 

22.  Rode  through  Chelmsford,  Westford,  Littleton,  Harvard,  Lancaster,  to 
Sterling.  36.  Got  my  horse  shod.  His  shoes  have  lasted  since  I  left  home. 
2.00. 

23.  Rode  through  Boylston  (rode  out  three  miles)  to  Worcester.  13. 
Dined  with  Rev.  Mr.  Austin.*  Rode  through  Leicester,  Spencer,  to  Brook- 
field.     17.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

24.  Yesterday  morning  at  Sterling ;  gave  to  old  Mrs.  Parker  a  quarter  of 
a  dollar,  as  a  small  compensation  for  an  o/J  pewter  plate  which  she  gave  me. 
Rode  through  Western,  Palmer,  Ware,  Belchertown,  Amherst,  Hadle)-,  crossed 
Connecticut  River  to  Northampton.  35.  The  ferryman  ferried  me  across 
with  a  setting-pole.     Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Williams.'     1.2 1. 

25.  Preached  for  Mr.  Williams.  I  think  the  largest  congregation*  to 
which  I  ever  preached,  except  at  New  York.  This  quite  a  large  and  pleasant 
town. 

26.  Last  evening  wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.  Rode  through  Hat- 
field, Whately,  Deerfield,  to  Greenfield.  21.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Hatfield 
and  Deerfield  handsome  old  towns.  Greenfield  new  and  flourishing.  The 
season  very  dry  universally.     1.46. 

27.  Rode  through  Bernardston,  Guilford  (Vt.),  Brattleborough,  Dum- 
merston.  Putney,  Westminster,  to  Rockingham.  43.  TJorning  very  cool. 
1. 18.     Tarried    at    a   tavern.     Not   wearied   with   riding. 

28.  Connecticut   River  is  said   to  be    fordable    in   many  places   between 


'  Daniel  Dana,  D.  D.,  born  in  Ipswich,  P'irst  Church  in  Northampton,  1778-1834, 
Mass.,  1771,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  17S8,  fifty-six  years,  was  the  son  of  Eliphalet  Will- 
pastor  of  First  Presbyterian  Church,  New-  iams,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  East  Hartford,  Ct., 
buryport,  1794-1820,  afterwards  pastor  of  the  174S-1803,  fifty-five  years,  who  was  the  son 
Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the  same  town.  of  Solomon  Williams,  D.  D  ,  pastor  at  Leba- 

-  Rev.  Thomas   Carey,  born   in   Charles-  non,  Ct.,  1722-1776,  fift\--four  years,  who  was 

town,   Mass.,    1745,   graduated    at   Harvard,  the  son  of  Rev.  William  Williams,  pastor  at 

i76i,pastor  at  Third  Congregational  Church,  Hatfield,  Mass.,  1684-1741,  fifty-seven  years. 

Newburyport,  176S-1808.  The   united   ministries    of    the    father,  son, 

^  Phillips  Academy,  founded  in  1780.  grandson,  and  great-grandson   make  up  two 

*  Samuel    Austin,    D.  D.,   born   in   New  hundred  and  twenty-two  years. 
Haven,  Ct.,  1760,  graduated   at   Yale,  1784  *  From  the  days  of   Rev.  Solomon  Stod- 

pastor   of   First   Church,    Worcester,  Mass.,  dard  and  Jonathan  Edwards  down,  for  more 

1790-1815;  afterwards  President  of  Vermont  than  a  hundred  years,  that  congregation  was 

University,  1815-1821.  very  large  for  those  times.    The  people  went  to 

5  Rev.  Solomon  AVilliams,  pastor  of  the  meeting  and  all  worshiped  in  First  Church. 


l8oi.]  ON    AN    EXTENDED    JOURNEY.  153 

Vermont  and  New  Hampshire.  Crossed  the  bridge  at  Bellows  Falls  into 
New  Hampshire.  Rode  through  Walpole,  Charlestown,  Claremont,  Cornish, 
crossed  the  bridge  into  Windsor,  Vt.  28.  Very  kindly  entertained  at  Mr. 
Jacobs's.     I.I  I. 

29.  Rode  through  Hartland,  crossed  Connecticut  River  in  a  ferry-boat  at 
the  mouth  of  Waterqueechy  River  into  Plainfield,  through  part  of  that  and 
Lebanon  to  Hanover.     Kindly  entertained  at  a  Mr.  Lang's.     16. 

30.  Viewed  the  college.  Dined  with  Prof.  Smithy  Museum^  etc.  Crossed 
the  bridge  into  Norwich.  Rode  through  that  to  Thetford.  10.  Tarried  with 
Mr.  Burton.^     Quite  cold.     05. 

31.  Concluded  to  go  no  farther  up  the  river,  but  to  go  and  supply  a  desti- 
tute people  on  the  Sabbath.  Having  traveled  on  Connecticut  River  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  and  crossed  it  in  my  whole  journey  six  times, 
I  now  leave  it.  Rode  through  Fairlee,  Vershire,  and  Corinth,  to  Washington, 
21.     This  quite  a  new  town.     Concluded  to  preach,  Deo  Vol..,  on  the  morrow. 

November. 

1.  Preached  in  a  log-house.  A  good  number  of  hearers.  A  church  has 
been  lately  organized  here.  Within  a  few  rods  of  where  I  preached  there  are 
two  springs,  one  of  which  runs  to  White  River,  and  the  other  to  Onion  River. 
Cold. 

2.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  considerable.  Rode  through  Orange,  Barre, 
Berlin,  to  Montpelier.  Went  down  Onion  River,  through  Middlesex,  crossed 
the  river  into  Moretown,  rode  three  miles,  recrossed  to  Waterbury.  Tarried 
at  a  tavern. 

3.  In  the  morning  considerable  snow  fell.  Rode  through  Bolton,  Rich- 
mond, to  Jericho.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Kingsbury.  Mr.  Swift,^  late  of  Benning- 
ton, now  a  missionary,  here.     At  evening  preached  a  lecture.     Quite  cold. 

4.  Crosssed  Onion  River  to  Williston,  through  that  and  Kingsburgh  to 
Charlotte.  Found  some  bad  riding.  Blessed  be  God  who  has  brought  me 
here.     Kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Newell's. 

5.  Concluded  to  tarry  here,*  and  preach  a  few  Sabbaths.  My  salt-rheum 
troublesome. 


'  Prof.  Nathan  Smith,  one  of  the  notable  Scheme  i)t  Theology.  Born  in  Stonington, 
men  of  his  generation.  He  was  born  in  Re-  Ct.,  Aug  25,  1752.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  his 
hoboth,  Mass.,  Sept.  30,  1762,  but  his  parents  parents  removed  to  Norwich,  Vt.  He  was 
soon  removed  to  Chester,  Vt.,  where  he  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1777,  and  was  pas- 
brought  up  on  a  farm.  At  the  age  of  twenty-  tor  at  Thetford,  Vt.,  1779-1S36,  though  liis 
four  he  began  the  study  of  medicine.  He  active  labors  in  the  ministry  ceased  1S29. 
was  the  second  graduate  of  the  Harvard  ^  Job  Swift,  D,  D.,  native  of  Sandwich, 
Medical  School  in  1790.  He  was  the  pro-  Mass.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1765,  pastor  at  Ben- 
jector  and  founder  of  the  Medical  School  at  nington,  1 786-1801. 

Dartmouth  College.     He  was  professor  there  *  The  Congregational  church  at  Charlotte, 

from  179S  to  1813.     In  the  latter  year  he  was  Vt.,  was  organized,  Jan.  3,   1792,   and   Rev. 

elected  Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  Daniel  O.  Gillet  was  ordained  its  first  pastor, 

of  Physic  and  Surgery  at  Yale  College.     In  who  remained  until  1799,  and  had  a  prosper- 

1821,  he  was  the  first  teacher  of  medicine  in  ous   and   highly   successful  ministry.     After 

Dowdoin  College.     He  died  in  New  Haven,  his  departure  there  was  no  regular  minister 

Jan.  26,  1829.  until  Rev.  Truman  Baldwin  settled  in  1807, 

^  Dr.   Asa   Burton,   author   of    the    Tiiste  and  continued  till  181 5. 


154  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1801, 

6.  Last  night  quite  rainy.     Read.     Began  a  letter  to  my  father. 

7.  Wrote.     Had  company.     Read  in  Dr.  Ropklns's  System  0/ I)wimfv.^ 

8.  The  people  meet  in  a  large  school- house.  Congregation  considerably 
large.     Afternoon  a  Mr.  Newell,  from  New  Hampshire,  preached  for  me, 

9.  Rode  to  Burlington  to  attend  the  trial  of  a  woman  indicted  for  murder- 
ing a  child.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Sanders.^  A  college  is  building  here  of  brick, 
one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long,  forty-five  feet  wide,  with  a  protuberance  in 
the  middle  both  in  the  front  and  rear,  of  fifteen  feet  out,  and  forty  wide. 
There  are  to  be   twelve  chimneys.^ 

10.  Attended  at  the  court.  The  Supreme  Court  and  Bar  appear  rather 
indifferently. 

11.  Gave  the  printer  a  piece  for  publication.  Rainy.  At  evening  the 
jury  brought  in  their  verdict,  "  Not  guilty,"  though  people  generally  appear 
convinced  that  the  child  died  through  the  mother's  means.  In  the  govern- 
ment of  this  State  there  appears  to  be  no  energy  at  all. 

12.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably.     Rode  back  to  Charlotte. 

13.  Finished  my  letter  to  my  father.  A  man  informed  me  on  Tuesday 
evening  that  he  lately  saw  my  father  at  New  Lebanon  Springs."*  I  feel  anxious 
about  his  health.     Read  Dr.  Hopkins. 

14.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James  at  Williamstown.  ISIy  salt-rheum  very 
bad. 

15.  Cold.  Full  meeting.  Quite  tired.  The  Methodists  something  trouble- 
some in  town.^ 

16.  Read  Dr.  Hopkins.  Yesterday  read  a  proclamation  for  Thanksgiving. 
W^rote.     Mr.  Leonard,*  a  missionary,  called  to  see  me. 

17.  Wrote  to  Mr.  E.  Kingsley,  of  Becket.  Rode  out.  Quite  warm  for  the 
season. 

18.  Quite  rainy.  Worked  on  a  saddle-quilt.  This  town  very  muddy  in  a 
wet  season. 

19.  Wrote  to  E.  H.  Robbins,^  Esq.,  Milton,  Mass.  The  people  here  appear 
very  anxious  to  have  me  continue  with  them.  I  have  reluctantly  agreed  to 
tarry  till  after  the  first  Sabbath  in  December. 

20.  Very  cold.  Wrote  to  Mr.  B.  Merrill,  New  Hartford,  Whitestown. 
Read    Dr.    Hopkins.     Read   the    Bible. 


'  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  two  volumes.  First  years  before,  but  had  been  hindered  for  want 

published  in  1793.  of  funds.     Meanwhile  the  plan  of  it  had  been 

^  Daniel  C.  Sanders,  D.  D.,  born  at  Stur-  enlarged 

bridge,  Mass.,  May  3,  '76S,  was  graduated  at  "*  New  Lebanon  lies  in  the  northeast  corner 

Harvard,  1788,  ordained  Congregational  min-  of  Columbia  County,  N.  Y.,  only  a  few  miles 

ister  at  Vergennes,  Vt.,  June  12,  1794,  Presi-  west  of  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

dent   of   University  of   Vermont,  i8oi-iSr4.  ^  There   is   more   denominational    comity 
In   his  later  years  he  was  a  Unitarian,  and  now  than  at  the  beginning  of   this  century, 
was  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Medficid,  *■  Rev.  Samuel  Leonard. 
Mass.,    181 5-1829,   when    he   resigned.      He  ^  Son  of  Rev.  Nathaniel  Robbins,  of  Mil- 
died  in   Medfield,   Oct.    18,   1850.  ton,  already  noticed.     See  note  for  October 

^  This  building  had  Ijeen  commenced  some  13,  iSoi. 


l8oi.]  ON    AN    EXTENDED    JOURNEY.  I55 

21.  Read  the  History  of  Robinson  Crusoe}     Read  the  Bible. 

22.  We  have  quite  winter  weather.  People  here  appear  very  stupid  as  to 
the  great  interests  of  eternity. 

23.  Rode  to  Vergennes  and  to  New  Haven.  Tarried  at  Capt.  Phelps. 
Quite  cold. 

24.  Rode  to  Middlebury.  Rainy.  Got  quite  wet.  There  appears  to 
have  been  a  real  work  of  God  in  New  Haven  and  Middlebury  the  summer 
past. 

25.  This  town  increases  fast.  Went  to  see  Mr.  Atwater,"^  and  the  college. 
At  evening  preached  a  lecture  at  Dea.  Mills,  New  Haven. 

26.  This  day  is  appointed  for  Thanksgiving  in  New  Hampshire,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  Connecticut.  Will  God  give  grateful  hearts  to  his  people. 
Treated  quite  unhandsomely  in  a  Baptist  meeting.  At  evening  preached  a 
lecture.     Yesterday  traded. 

27.  Rode  back  to  Charlotte.  Good  riding.  New  Haven  in  a  very  broken 
state  about  building  a  meeting-house.  At  Vergennes  called  on  my  classmate 
Edmond.^ 

28.  Rode  out.     Read  the  Bible.     My  humor  much  better  than  it  has  been. 

29.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  Full  meeting.  People  in  this  State 
appear  to  travel  on  the  Sabbath  equally  with  any  other  day. 

30.  Read  Dr.  Dwight's  Gremficld  Hill.*'  An  indifferent  poem.  Read  Dr. 
Hopkins.     I  hope  to  be  cautious  of  telling  stories  to  excite  laughter.^ 

December. 

1.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Ver}^  cold.  This  town  in  considerable  agita- 
tion about  building  a  meeting-house. 

2.  Read  the  Bible.  Studied  on  a  sermon  for  tomorrow.  On  the  29th 
ultimo  was  informed  that  peace  had  taken  place  between  England  and  France. 
We  now  have  it  officially  that  the  preliminaries  were  signed  at  London,  Octo- 
ber I  St.  This  is  the  conclusion  of  the  great  sanguinary  drama  of  ten  years ; 
and  of  a  war  probably  more  pernicious  and  destructive,  particularly  on  gov- 
ernments and  manners,  than  any  which  has  been  in  Europe  in  the  last  two 
centuries,  though  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  peace  will  be  of  short  duration.^ 
Yet  may  God  grant  that  it  may  long  continue. 

3.  This  day  is  Thanksgiving  through  this  State. ^  WilL  God  hear  the 
prayers  of  his  people  ?     It  snowed  considerably. 


'  This   is  commonly  regarded  as  a  book  *  This  poem  was  written  by  Dr.  Dwight 

for  boys  and  girls  only.     But  if  one  who  read  in    1794,  while  he  was  pastor  at  Greenfield, 

it  in  early  life    will   take  it  up  and  read  it  Ct. 

again  in  his  mature  years,  he  will  still  find  it  '  That  is,  in  the  pulpit, 

interesting,  and   will   discover   many   things  *  He  was  right  in  this  conjecture.     Some 

which  he  did  not  before  notice.  of  the  greatest  battles  were  yet  to  come. 

^  Rev.  Jeremiah  Atwater,  D.  D.,  first  Pres-  ^  In  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  New 

ident  of  Middlebury  College.  Hampshire,  Thanksgiving  was  a  week  earlier 

^  David    Edmond,   Yale,    1796.      He   re-  that  year.     There  was  not  then  as  now  any 

ceived  the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  Middlebury  uniformity  among  the  States  in  the  appoint- 

College,  1811.  ment  of  such  days.. 


156  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1801. 

4.  Read  the  Bible.  Rode  out.  The  price  of  produce  appears  to  be 
rapidly  falling. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Had  a  bad  accident  with  my  watch.'  Left  it 
hanging  in  the  house,  and  it  appears  to  have  been  broken. 

6.  It  snowed  considerably.  People  at  meeting  very  attentive.  Troubled 
some  with  a  pain  at  my  breast. 

7.  Quite  cold.  Afternoon  ihe  people  met  to  contrive  some  method  to 
build  a  meeting-house.  I  fear  they  cannot  be  united.  Received  of  the  town 
twenty-five  dollars.^ 

8.  Left  Charlotte.  Rode  through  Ferrisburgh,  Vergennes,  Waltham, 
New  Haven,  to  Middlebur)',  twenty-three  miles. 

9.  Rode  through  Cornwall,  Shoreham,  Orwell,  and  Benson,  to  West 
Haven.     34.     Tarried  at  Dr.  Smith's.     Quite  warm  and  pleasant. 

10.  Quite  rainy.  Rode  through  Hampton,  N.  Y.,  to  Whitehall.  Tarried 
at  a  tavern.     Snow  all  gone.     Wrote  to  my  parents. 

11.  Rode  through  Westfield,  alias  Fort  Ann,^  Kingsbur)',  Argyle,  alias 
Fort  Edward,*  to  Easttown.  40.  The  tavern  keeper  with  whom  I  tarried  last 
night  would  take  nothing  from  me.     31.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

12.  Rode  to  Schaghticoke.'  16.  Very  cold.  Bad  riding.  Tarried  with 
Rev.  Mr.  Page.'     04. 

13.  Preached  for  Mr.  Page.  Extreme  cold.  Attended  a  Dutch  funeral. 
This  is  a  ver)-  pleasant,  private,  old  Dutch  village. 

14.  Something  stormy.  Walked  out  and  visited.  This  valley  appears  to 
me  to  resemble  the  valleys  of  Piedmont  in  the  twelfth  centur}\ 

15.  Left  Schaghticoke.  Rode  to  Lansingburgh.  Dined  at  Capt.  Hickok's. 
■Rode  to  Troy.  Crossed  the  Hudson  River;  full  of  floating  ice.  Ferriage  half 
a  dollar.  Rode  through  Watervliet  to  Albany.  Ver)-  cold.  Drank  tea  with 
"Mr.  Nott.     Wrote  to  my  sister  S.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     50. 

16.  Rode  through  Schenectady,  Prineetown,  to  Florida.  31.  Ver\'  cold 
and  the  ground  ver)-  rough.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     In  the  morning  traded. 

3-50- 

17.  Rode   through    Charlestown,    Canajoharie,  to  Minden.     34.     Tarried 

at  a  tavern.     The  weather  extreme  cold.     The  Mohawk  not  generally  frozen. 
"No  snow  of  consequence. 

18.  The  cold  a  little  abated.     Rode  through  Geneva  Flats,  Frankfort,  to 


'  He   had   recently  paid  four   dollars   to  *  Fort   Edward  was   the   militar)-  station 

have   it  fixed.  which  Putnam,  at  great  hazard,  saved  from 

*  He  had  preached  here  five  Sabbaths  at  destruction  by  fire      This  fort  was  built  in 

the  old  price  of  five  dollars  a  Sabbath.  1755  near  the  beginning  of  the  P"rench  and 

^  This  is  a  name  which  has  come   down  Indian  War. 

from  the  French  and  Indian  War.     This  re-  ^  Schaghticoke  in  Rensselaer  County,  was 

gion  was  one   of  the  old  fighting   grounds,  organized  as  a  town  in  17SS. 

where  Gen.  Israel  Putnam  and  other  generals  *  Probably  Rev.  Thomas  Page,  home  mis- 

of  the    Revolutionary  period  received   their  sionary,  and  a   native    of    North   Coventry, 

eaily  military  training.  Connecticut. 


i8oi.] 


ON    AN    EXTENDED   JOURNEY. 


iS7 


New    Hartford,    in   Whitestown.'      Tarried    with    Col.    Sanger.      This   place 
appears  flourishing. 

19.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  Pleasant.  Read.  Wrote.  People  move 
considerably  in  sleighs.  Concluded  to  tarry  and  preach  a  few  Sabbaths  in 
this  place. 

20.  Cold.  Meeting  not  very  full.  At  evening  had  company.  Read 
Washington's  Legacies. 

21.  Rode  to  Paris  to  see  my  sister  Betsey.^  She  has  five  children.  All 
well. 

22.  My  brother  Lawrence  has  a  very  good  place  here.  Wrote.  At  even- 
ing rode  out. 

23.  It  snowed  considerably.     Traded.     1.08.     Read. 

24.  Returned  to  New  Hartford.  Afternoon  warm.  Very  little  prospect  of 
sleighing. 

25.  Produce  of  all  kinds  very  much  fallen  in  the  country.  Bonaparte 
signed  a  treaty  of  peace  with  Great  Britain,  Russia,  Turkey,  and  Portugal  in  a 
few  weeks.  Peace  now  seems  to  be  the  order  of  the  day  in  Europe.  I  live 
at  a  Mr.  Ripley's.     Very  warm  and  pleasant  for  the  season. 

26.  Wrote  poetry  for  the  New  Year.  A  letter  was  given  me  directed  to 
my  sister  B.,  which  opening  I  found  to  be  from  my  sister  S.     It  appears  that 


'  Mr.  Robbins  gives  some  interesting  sta- 
tistics in  connection  with  the  long  journey  he 
had  been  making.  From  Norfolk,  Ct.,  which 
he  left  September  23,  his  circuit  through 
Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts, 
New  Hampshire,  and  Vermont,  to  Charlotte, 
Vt.,  amounted  to  seven  hundred  and  one 
miles.  The  time  was  forty-three  days,  of 
which  twenty-three  were  days  of  traveling, 
and  twenty  of  visiting.  His  average  per  day, 
when  traveling,  was  about  thirty  miles. 

After  tarrying  at  Charlotte  five  weeks,  his 
journey  thence  to  New  Hartford,  Whites- 
town,  N.  Y.,  was  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
nine  miles.  He  was  five  days  in  the  saddle, 
making  twenty-six  and  one  half  miles  a  day. 

While  at  Charlotte  he  made  two  excur- 
sions out  amounting  to  seventy  miles,  making 
in  all  not  very  far  from  one  thousand  miles 
on  horseback. 

When  he  left  home  he  took  with  him 
fifty-nine  dollars  and  thirty  cents.  He  re- 
ceived for  his  preaching  at  Charlotte  twenty- 
five  dollars ;  making  the  whole  sum  in  hand 
eighty-four  dollars  and  thirty  cents. 

He  lost  a  five  dollar  bill  in  Boston.  He 
bought  various  small  articles  and  clothing, 
etc.,  on  his  journey,  and  reached  New  Hart- 
ford, December  18,  with  forty  dollars  and 
twenty-six  cents,  making  the  whole  expendi- 


ture by  the  way,  forty-four  dollars  and  four 
cents. 

In  this  journey  he  gathered  the  following 
facts.  There  were  in  Rhode  Island,  at  that 
time,  five  Federal  newspapers:  two  in  Provi- 
dence, one  in  W^arren,  and  two  in  Newport. 
In  the  same  State  there  were  two  Democratic 
papers,  one  in  Providence,  and  one  in  New- 
port. 

In  Massachusetts  there  were  twenty  Fed- 
eral papers :  one  in  New  Bedford,  five  in 
Boston,  two  in  Salem,  one  in  Newburyport, 
one  at  Haverhill,  one  at  Dedham,  two  at 
Worcester,  one  at  Leominster,  one  at  Brook- 
field,  one  at  Springfield,  one  at  Greenfield, 
one  at  Stockbridge,  one  at  Pittsfield,  and  one 
at  Northampton. 

There  were  in  Massachusetts  also  five 
Democratic  papers :  two  at  Boston,  one  at 
Salem,  one  at  Worcester,  and  one  at  Pittsfield. 

There  were  five  newspapers  in  the  district 
of  Maine.  In  the  State  of  Vermont  there 
were  ten  Federal  papers :  one  at  Brattlebor- 
ough,  two  at  Windsor,  one  at  Randolph,  one  at 
Peacham,  one  at  Burlington,  one  at  Middle- 
bury,  one  at  Rutland,  and  two  at  Bennington. 

There  were  two  Democratic  papers  in 
Vermont :  one  at  Windsor,  and  one  at  Bur- 
lington. 

^  Elizabeth  Robbins,  Mrs.  Lawrence. 


158  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [180I. 

my  brother  N.'  was  married  the  2d  instant,  that  my  brother  A.^  has  a  promising 
son. 

27.  Quite   rainy.     The   people  here   appear  to   be    in  an  unsettled  state 
about  ecclesiastical  matters.' 

28.  Finished  my  New  Year's  poetr)-.     Quite  warm  for  the  season. 

29.  Wrote.     Rode  out.     Very  hard  sleighing. 

30.  Quite  cold.     Rode  to  Utica."     This  quite  a  flourishing  village,'  at  the 
head  of  good  boat  navigation  on  the  Mohawk. 

31.  Read  the  Bible.     Rode  out.     Visited  a  consumptive  woman.     God  in 
his  holy  and  merciful  providence  has  brought  me  to  the  close  of  another  year. 


'  Nathaniel,  living  at  Norfolk.  *  It  was  about  twelve  or  thirteen  miles  to 

^  Ammi   Ruhamah,   now   living   at   Cole-  Utica  from  New  Hartford. 

brook,  Ct.  '  This  flourishing  village  has  now  grown 

3  Quite  likely  the  question  was  up  whether  to  be  a  city  of  some  thirty  thousand  or  forty 

the  church  should  be  Congregational  or  Pres-  thousand  inhabitants,  and  an  important  busi- 

byterian,  but  it  became  Presbyterian.  ness  and  railroad  center. 


180S- 

January. 

1.  Rode  to  Paris,'  and  preached  a  sermon  on  the  occasion  of  the  New 
Year.  Very  warm  and  pleasant,  ^^'ill  God  enable  me  to  begin  this  year  in 
the  fear  of  him,  and  preserve  me  to  the  close  of  it  for  his  mercy's  sake. 

2.  Returned.  Rode  to  Utica.  My  New  Year  poem  was  published.  Col. 
Sanger^  has  lost  his  only  son. 

3.  The  snow  is  gone,  the  ground  very  muddy.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
Col.  Sanger's  son.     Quite  tired. 

4.  Very  rainy.     Made  a  draft  of  a  family-piece.^ 

5.  Read  the  Bible.  Rode  out.  Was  requested  by  this  society  to  preach 
with  them  three  months.  Concluded  to.  And  may  God  grant  that  I  may  be 
rendered  an  instrument  of  good.     Dined  out. 

6.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Very  bad  moving.  It  is  said  that  there  is  a 
prediction  among  the  Indians  that  we  shall  have  seven  moderate  winters,  the 
last  winter  being  the  first  of  the  seven. 

7.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Ver)^  warm ;  it  seems  as  if  the  ground  would 
entirely  break  up.     Wrote  to  Maj.  H.  Barrs,  Charlotte.     Read  the  Bible. 

8.  Worked  on  a  family-piece.     Had  company.     At  evening  walked  out. 

9.  Wrote.  Troubled  some  with  the  pain  in  my  breast.  The  country 
very  still   about  political   matters. 

10.  Troubled  with  a  diarrhoea.     Rained  quite  hard.     Thin  meeting. 

11.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.     Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

12.  My  diarrhoea  very  severe.     Wrote.     Read  the  History  of  Redemptio7i.*' 

13.  Very  warm  for  the  season  ;  hardly  able  to  go  out.  Had  comjDany. 
Read. 

14.  Rode  to  Paris.  Quite  bad  riding.  I  fear  my  sister  is  far  from  much 
serious  reflection. 

15.  Remarkably  warm.  Heard  Mr.  Marcy^  preach  a  lecture.  At  night 
quite  unwell  with  dysentery. 

16.  Returned  to  New  Hartford.  The  ground  almost  entirely  destitute  of 
snow.  I  never  knew  such  a  season.  Received  two  good  letters  from  my  two 
parents.  Wrote.  Will  God  prepare  me  for  the  duties  of  the  holy  Sabbath 
approaching. 


'  The   town   of   Paris,   N.  Y.,  was   taken  Rev.  Dan  Bradley  from  Connecticut,  licensed 

from  the  large  town  of  Whitestown  in  1792,  by  the  New  Haven  West  Association  in  1790, 

and   wa<;  so  named   in    honor  of   Mr.  Isaac  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1789. 
Paris,  of    Fort    Plain,  a    merchant  who    had  ^  Plan  for  a  small  family  record, 

helped  the  early  settlers  there  in   a  time  of  *■  President  Edwards's  History  of  Redemp- 

great  scarcity.  tioit,   Edinburgh,    1777.     Many  of  his  works 

^  Jedediah  Sanger,  one  of  the  first  settlers  were  first  published  in  Scotland, 
of   New    Hartford,     The   first   minister  was  ^  Rev.  Bradford  Marcy, 

1 59 


i6o 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBIXS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


17.  Preached  on  Means.  People  veny  attentive.  They  appear  greatly 
ignorant  of  doctrines.     Quite  tired.     Cold. 

18.  Some  snow.  Rode  to  Utica  and  back.  Visited.  Saw  the  Hartford 
New  Year's  poetry,      I  think  hardly  equal  to  what  it  has  been  sometimes.* 

19.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  McLean,  of  Utica,  the  printer.^ 
Visited  a  school.     Walked  out. 

20.  Read  the  Bible.  \\'rote.  It  snowed  some.  A  very  dull  time  for  busi- 
ness of  all  kinds. 

21.  It  snowed  all  day.  People  greatly  gratified.  There  has  been  no  good 
sleighing  this  winter.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 

22.  There  is  an  account  of  a  very  magnificent  coronation  of  Alexander  P 
at  Moscow.  Rode  in  a  sleigh  to  Whitesborough.  Very  cold.  Tarried  at  Mr. 
Gould's. 

23.  Returned.  Good  sleighing.  There  is  an  account  of  a  revival  of 
religion  in  Georgia. 

24.  Pretty  full  meeting.     Extreme  cold.     At  evening  had  company. 

25.  People  very  much  engaged  to  improve '' the  sleighing.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  woman ;  died  with  the  consumption.  Mr.  Eastman  called  to  see 
me.     Read  History  of  Redemption. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  great  cheese,'  made  at  Cheshire,  Mass., 
was  presented  to  the  President  on  New  Year's  day. 

27.  Congress  have  refused  to  increase  the  ratio  of  population  to  repre- 
sentatives.^    There  is  a  prospect  that  the  country  will  be  alarmed  in  conse- 


'  A  kind  of  shadowy  hint  that  he  thought 
his  own  better,  which  very  likely  was  true. 

^  The  printer  probably  who  had  published 
his  New  Year's  piece. 

^  Alexander  Paulowitch,  born  1777,  Em- 
peror of  Russia  and  King  of  Poland,  suc- 
ceeded his  father  Paul,  who  was  murdered  in 
1801. 

*  That  is,  to  use  it. 

^  "The  Cheshire  cheeses  are  widely  and 
deservedly  celebrated.  The  famous  mammoth 
f/it.vj^  presented  to  President  Jefferson,  Jan.  i, 
1S02,  had  no  small  influence  to  bring  these 
into  notice.  On  a  day  appointed  the  dairy 
women  sent  their  curds  to  one  place.  The 
quantity  sent  proved  to  be  too  great  to  be 
pressed  even  in  a  cider-mill  press,  so  that  be- 
sides *  the  monster '  three  smaller  ones  were 
made  of  70  lbs.  each.  The  mammoth  cheese 
weighed  about  1,450  lbs.  Mr.  Jefferson  sent 
back  a  good  sized  piece  of  the  cheese  to  the 
inhabitants,  to  satisfy  them  of  its  excellence, 
and  he  also  sent  pieces  of  it  to  the  governors 
of  the  several  States."  —  Barber's  Hist.  Col- 
lections, Mass.,  p.  67. 

'  At  the  formation  of  the  government,  it 
was  a  part  of  the  Constitution  that  "  the  num- 


ber of  Representatives  shall  not  exceed  one 
for  every  thirty  thousand,  but  that  each  State 
shall  have  at  least  one."  At  that  time  the 
number  of  the  members  of  the  House  was 
sixty-five. 

So  matters  stood  till  March  4, 1793,  when  a 
new  basis  of  representation  went  into  use,  by 
which  there  was  to  be  one  member  for  every 
thirty-three  thousand  persons,  and  the  whole 
number  of  members  one  hundred  and  five. 
In  1S03,  there  was  still  to  be  one  member  for 
thirty-three  thousand  inhabitants,  but  the 
whole  number  of  members  one  hundred  and 
forty-one.  In  1S13,  thirty-five  thousand  was  to 
be  the  number  of  people  to  a  member,  and  the 
whole  number  of  representatives  one  hundred 
and  eighty-one.  Every  ten  years  the  basis 
changes.  In  1873,  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
one  thousand  four  hundred  and  twenty-five 
persons  were  entitled  to  a  member,  and  the 
whole  number  of  members  was  two  hun- 
dred and  ninety-three.  The  present  House 
of  Representatives,  Forty-Eighth  Congress, 
1883-18S5,  consists  of  three  hundred  and 
twenty-five  members,  one  member  for  one 
hundred  and  fifty-four  thousand  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  inhabitants. 


[8o2.] 


PREACHING   AT   NEW    HARTFORD,    N,  Y. 


161 


quence  of  no  prospect  of  indemnifications  for  French  spoliations.  Rode  out. 
Quite  warm.  The  snow  goes  off.  A  great  many  people  caught  out  with 
sleighs. 

28.  Mr.  Gallatin,'  in  a  lengthy  report  on  the  state  of  the  treasurj^,  calcu- 
lates to  pay  off  the  whole  national  debt,  eighty  million  dollars,  in  fifteen 
years.  Rode  to  Paris  and  preached  a  lecture.  So  warm  that  a  great  coat 
seems  a  burden.  At  evening  visited  Mr.  Steele.^  There  is  an  account  of  a 
very  extraordinary  revival  of  religion  in  Kentucky. 

29.  Rode  to  Clinton.  Riding  very  bad ;  very  muddy.  Visited  Mr.  Kirk- 
land.  Visited  Mr.  Norton.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Porter.  Clinton  Academy' 
quite  flourishing. 

30.  Rode  to  New  Hartford.  Cold.  The  riding  very  difBcult.  Mrs. 
Ripley  was  last  night  delivered  of  a  fine  son.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
father,  and  one  from  my  brother  N.  Received  another  from  the  committee  of 
Becket.  The  country  appears  to  be  much  alarmed  at  the  prospect  that  Con- 
gress will  repeal  some  of  the  most  important  laws  of  the  country. 

31.  The  people  appear  considerably  attentive.  Maj.  Austin,"*  of  New 
Connecticut,    tarried   with   me. 


Read  the  Bible.     Troubled  considerably 
Walked  out.     Very  bad 


Fkbruarv. 

1.  Read  Histofy  of  Redemption. 
with  a  pain  in  my  breast. 

2.  The  piece  I  wrote  on  the  21st  ult.  published, 
going. 

3.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  It  is  said  that  in  Connecticut  the  ground 
has  not  been  white  with  snow  this  winter.  Read  the  Man  of  the  JVorld.^  My 
sister  B.  called  to  see  me.  Attended  a  church  meeting.  Hope  to  settle  some 
old  difficulties. 


'  Albert  Gallatin,  born  in  Geneva,  Switz- 
erland, 1761,  came  to  this  country  in  1779, 
and  settled  at  length  in  Pennsylvania.  In 
1793,  ^''^  was  elected  a  Senator,  but  his  seat 
was  vacated  because  of  his  foreign  birth. 
He  was  then  chosen  to  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  served  in  this  office  till  1801, 
when  he  was  made  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
by  Jefferson.  He  conducted  the  affairs  of 
this  office  in  a  very  able  manner.  He  was 
afterwards  much  employed  in  foreign  embas- 
sies, etc,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  gov- 
ernment. His  conjecture  touching  the  na- 
tional debt  might  not  seem  so  surprising  now 
as  then. 

-  Rev.  Eliphalet  Steele,  preaching  at 
Paris. 

^  This  academy,  incorporated  through  the 
exertions  of  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland  in  1793, 
under  the  name  of  the  "  Hamilton  Oneida 
Academy,"  grew  in  1S12  into  Hamilton  Col- 
lege, of  which  Dr.  Azel  Backus  was  the  first 
president. 


The  academy  was  opened  in  1794,  under 
the  care  of  John  Niles,  a  native  of  West- 
chester, Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1797. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Robert  Porter,  a  native 
of  Farmington,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 
in  1795.  It  was  this  Mr.  Porter  with  whom 
Mr.  Robbins  stayed.  They  were  old  college 
friends. 

*  There  was  a  family  by  the  name  of 
Austin,  that  went  from  Suffield,  Ct.,  to  New 
Hartford,  N.  Y.,  and  one  or  two  of  the  sons 
afterward  went  on  to  New  Connecticut,  Ohio. 
Nathaniel  and  Eliphalet  Austin  were  the 
names  of    those  removing  to  Ohio. 

■■'  The  Man  of  Feeling,  by  Henry  Macken- 
zie, published  in  London  in  1771,  was  fol- 
lowed by  The  Man  of  the  World,  by  the  same 
author  in  1773.  The  first  was  superior  to  the 
second,  but  both  were  widely  read  in  the 
closing  years  of  the  last  century,  and  in  the 
beginning  of  the  present.  Mackenzie  was 
born  in  1745  and  died  in  1S31.  He  was  edi- 
tor of  the  Mirror  and  the  Lounger. 


l62  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o2. 

4.  Rode  to  Whitesborough.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference.     People  move  some  in  sleighs, 

5.  Returned,     Very  cold.     Considerably  unwell.     Wrote, 

6.  Read  History  of  Redemption.  Rode  to  Westmoreland,'  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Porter,"  now  preaching  there. 

7.  This  appears  to  be  quite  a  respectable  society  for  this  country.  Peo- 
ple generally  in  this  quarter  amazingly  stupid. 

8.  Returned.  Visited.  Read  newspapers.  It  is  said  that  forty-eight  of 
the  late  electors  for  the  President,  and  fifty-four  of  the  present  members  of 
Congress  are  natives  of  Virginia.^     At  evening  walked  out. 

9.  It  snowed  considerably,  to  the  great  joy  of  all.  Read,  At  evening 
rode  to  Utica  in  a  sleigh  and  attended  a  conference. 

10.  It  snowed  some.  At  evening  walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  letters. 
One  to  Rev.  Dr.  Morse,  Charlestown,  one  to  Mr.  James  Rudd,  Becket,  one  to 
Mr.  Kennickerbacker,  Schaghticoke,  and  one  to  Miss 

11.  Rode  to  Utica.  Good  sleighing.  Very  cold.  Read  History  of  Re- 
demption.    42. 

12.  Read  the  Bible,  Rode  to  Norwich,"*  and  preached  a  lecture.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference.     Returned.     Warm. 

13.  Very  warm.  The  snow  goes  off.  Wrote  a  large  addition  to  a  sermon 
on  Isa.  xli :  21. 

14.  Troubled  with  a  bad  cold.  As  warm  as  April,  People  came  here 
from  New  Hartford,  Ct.' 

15.  Attended  a  church  meeting.  Settled,  as  I  hope,  a  long  quarrel  in  this 
church.     Very  bad  riding. 

16.  Rode  to  Westmoreland.  Attended  a  conference.  Rode  to  Clinton. 
Tarried  with  Mr.  Kirkland.^ 

17.  Returned.  Very  bad  riding.  The  frost  almost  entirely  out  of  the 
ground.     Visited. 

18.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Visited  a  school.  The  schools  here  under  good 
regulations. 

19.  Wrote  letters.  One  to  my  sister  L.,  one  to  my  brother  N.,  and  one  to 
Mr.  Hersey  Bradford,  Bristol,  R.  I, 


'  About  twelve  miles  from  New  Hartford,  pastor  of  the  Third  Congregational  Church 

The  Congregational  church  in  Westmoreland  in  Norwich,  Ct.  (now  Lisbon).     He  was  born 

was  founded  in  1792.  in  1741,  and  spent  his  active  life  as  a  mis- 

-  This  was   Rev,  Robert  Porter,  just  no-  sionary  to  the  Seneca  and   Oneida    Indians, 

ticed,  a  native  of  Farmington,  Ct.,  who  was  New  York.     In  these  western  wilds  was  born 

licensed  in  1797,  and  served  as  a  home  mis-  in  1770,  his  son,  Rev.  John  Thornton  Kirk- 

sionary  in  New  York,  land,    D.    D.,    afterwards    the    accomplished 

^  That  report  may  possibly  be  true,  though  scholar  and  preacher,  who  from  iSio  to  1S28, 

seemingly  improbable.  was   one   of  the   distinguished  presidents  of 

■*  The  church  at  Norwich  was  Presbyterian.  Harvard   College.      Rev.    Samuel    Kirkland 

5  That    is,   the   early  settlers,   hence   the  died  in  iSoS,  and  was  buried  near  the  place 

name.  where  Mr.  Robbins  found  him  in  1802.     The 

''  This   was   no   other  than   Rev.  Samuel  town  of   Kirkland,    Oneida   County,  was   so 

Kirkland,  a    son   of    Rev.   Daniel    Kirkland,  named   in   honor   of  him. 


l802.]  PREACHING   AT   NEW    HARTFORD,    N.  Y.  163 

20.  Began  a  sermon  on  Acts  viii :  8.     Read  the  Bible.     25. 

21.  People  at  meeting  appear  attentive  and  solemn.  Will  God  Almighty 
grant  that  a  shower  of  grace  may  descend  upon  this  withered  place,  like  rain 
upon  the  mown  grass. 

22.  It  snowed  all  day.  Wrote  to  Mr.  T.  Robbins,*  Charlestown,  and  to 
Mr.  Whittlesey,^  Danbury.     Read. 

23.  Extreme  cold.  The  coldest  weather  which  has  been  this  year.  Fin- 
ished reading  the  History  of  Redemption.     Had  company. 

24.  Read  the  Bible,     Rode  out.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

25.  Finished  reading  the  Bible,  which  I  began  Nov.  23,  1800.  Finished 
my  sermon  on  Acts  viii :  8.     It  snowed  considerably.     Had  company. 

26.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Rode  to  Utica  and  back.  Visited. 
Warm.     Saw  Norfolk  people  moving.^ 

27.  The  bill  for  the  repeal  of  the  judiciary  law  has  passed  the  United 
States  Senate,  Began  and  finished  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxii :  5.  It  snowed 
considerably, 

28.  It  snowed.  Warm,  Full  meeting.  This  society  in  considerable 
agitation  about  the  settlement  of  a  minister.     Quite  tired. 

March. 

1.  Read  the  Life  of  Mahomet.*'  Rode  out  and  visited.  Good  sleighing. 
The  piece  I  wrote  on  the  26th  ult.  published.  It  is  said  that  at  the  eastward 
the  snow  is  very  deep. 

2.  Began  a  sermon  on  Acts  xxvi:  8.  At  evening  rode  to  Utica,  and 
attended  a  conference  and  returned. 

3.  Wrote,  Quite  warm.  The  snow  goes  very  fast.  Rode  out  and 
visited. 

4.  Heard  Mr.  Dodd  preach  a  lecture.     Wrote.     Rode  out. 

5.  Rode  to  Clinton  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  Bad  riding. 
Tarried  with  Mr.  Kirkland. 

6.  Returned.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  Sam,  P.  Robbins,  and 
one  from  Mr.  Steele,  of  Paris. 

7.  Very  cold  and  tedious.     Preached  on  Regeneration. 

8.  Read  the  History  of  Rasselas?  Wrote.  Began  to  read  the  Bible  in 
course.     Will  God  mercifully  enable  me  to  receive  instruction, 

9.  Attended    a    conference.      It    snowed    considerably.      The    country 


'  Mr,  Thomas  Robbins,  at  whose  hotel  he  sinia,  written,  as  the  author  told  Sir  Joshua 

stayed  in  Charlestown,  Mass.  Reynolds,  in  the  evenings  of  a  single  week, 

^  Mr.  Whittlesey,  with  whom  he  boarded  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  money  to  pay 

in  Danbury,  Ct.  the   expenses   of  his   mother's   funeral,    and 

^  The  tide  of  emigration  from  Connecticut  some  small  debts  which  she  had  contracted, 

to  New  York,  through  the  early  years  of  this  has   probably   been   more   widely   circulated 

century,  was  very  large.  and  read  than  any  other  of  his  works.     It  has 

"*  There  have  been  so  many  lives  of  Ma-  been  translated  into  almost  all   modern  lan- 

homet,  that   it  would  be   impossible   to  tell  guages.     It  was  first  published  in  London  in 

which  one  he  read,  17 59-      In  a  letter  written  soon  after,  John- 

5  Dr.  Johnson's  Rasselas,  Prince  of  Abys-  son  calls  it  "  a  little  story-book." 


164 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


appears  to  be   in  great  agitation  in  consequence  of  the  proposed  repeal  of 
the  judiciary  law  by  Congress. 

10.  Warm.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Acts  xxvi :  8.  Rode  to  Paris  and 
visited  ray  sister. 

11.  Returned.  Yesterday  this  society  had  a  meeting,  and  gave  a  call  to  a 
Mr.  Snowden,'  of  New  Jersey.  I  think  it  will  be  attended  with  bad  con- 
sequences.    Rode  to  Utica  and  back.     Visited ;  bad  riding.     Traded.     8.04. 

12.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  Very  muddy.  Traded  4.50  ;  weighed 
128  pounds.     Began  a  sermon  on  Mark  i :   15. 

13.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Jude  xi.     Had  some  clothes  made. 

14.  Exchanged  with  Mr.  Dodd.''  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Utica  and 
preached  afternoon  at  Whitesborough.  Quite  cold.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Caught  a  very  bad  cold. 

15.  Rode  to  Clinton  and  to  New  Hartford.  In  the  morning  visited  an 
Indian  in  prison  under  sentence  of  death.  Bought  Neal's  History  of  the  Puri- 
tans ^  for  eight  dollars.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

16.  Almost  sick  with  my  cold.  Warm.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Began  to 
read  Neal's  History. 

17.  Rode  to  Paris  and  preached  a  singing  lecture.  The  ground  breaking 
up.     Read. 

18.  Returned.     Very  warm.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Read  Neal's  History. 

19.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Utica  and  back.  The  ground 
appears  to  be  settling  fast.     Received  fifteen  dollars  of  this  society. 

20.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Phil,  ii :   12,  13.     Rainy.     Very  bad  stirring. 

21.  Pretty  tired.     People  pretty  attentive.     Read  the  history  of  Joseph."* 

22.  Read  Neal.  The  snow  all  gone.  We  have  had  such  sudden  changes 
of  weather,  and  such  an  extraordinary  winter,  that  people  are  apprehensive  of 
a  sickly  season. 

23.  Had  company.  Princeton  College  was  burnt  on  the  6th  inst.  The 
bill  to  repeal  the  judiciary  act*  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the 
3d  inst. 


'  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Snowden. 

^  Rev.  Bethuel  Dodd,  ordained  in  1794, 
the  first  pastor  of  the  United  Society  of 
Whitestown,   which   was   in    Utica. 

3  Rev.  Daniel  Neal,  born  in  London  1678, 
and  died  in  1743.  He  was  educated  on  the 
continent  at  the  University  of  Utrecht.  He 
was  an  eminent  preacher  and  extensive  writer. 
He  wrote  tlie  History  of  the  Puritans,  in  four 
volumes,  and  the  History  of  New  England,  in 
two  volumes. 

■'  Book  of  Genesis,  chapters  38-50. 

'  The  diary  looks  at  all  matters  pertaining 
to  Mr.  Jefferson,  from  the  Federal  side,  which 
hi  that  day,  was  extremely  prejudiced.  There 
were  a  good  many  things  in  the  old  Federal 
rule  and  jurisdiction  that  needed  correction. 
In   a   letter  which  Mr.  Jefferson  wrote  to 


Mr.  John  Dickinson,  of  Pennsylvania,  Dec. 
19,  iSoi,  he  gives  his  views  touching  the 
judiciary  law  as  follows: 

"  My  great  anxiety  at  present  is,  to  avail 
ourselves  of  our  ascendency  to  establish  good 
principles  and  good  practices ;  to  fortify  re- 
publicanism behind  as  many  barriers  as  pos- 
sible, that  the  outworks  may  give  time  to 
rally,  and  save  the  citadel  should  that  be 
again  in  danger.  On  their  part  they  have  re- 
tired into  the  judiciary  as  a  stronghold.  There 
the  remains  of  Federalism  are  to  be  preserved 
and  fed  from  the  treasury,  and  from  that  bat- 
tery all  the  works  of  republicanism  are  to  be 
broken  down  and  erased.  By  a  fraudulent 
use  of  the  Constitution,  which  has  made 
judges  irremovable,  they  have  multiplied  use- 
less  judges   merely  to  strengthen  their  pha- 


[802.] 


PREACHING   AT   NEW    HARTFORD,    N.  Y. 


165 


24.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Psa.  cxix :  9.  Wrote  eighteen  pages.  Consider- 
ably more  than  I  ever  did  in  one  day.     Rainy. 

25.  Read.  Afternoon  preached  a  school  lecture.  Cold.  Wrote  a  piecd 
for  publication. 

26.  Rode  to  Whitesborough.  Saw  an  Indian  executed  for  murder.'  A 
very  great  concourse  of  people.  This  the  first  capital  punishment  in  this 
western  country.  Very  muddy.  Returned.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
father,    and    one   from   my   sister   S. 

27.  Yesterday  bought  PlutarMs  Lives^  for  twelve  dollars.  Rode  out  and 
visited  a  sick  woman.  Received  a  letter  of  thanks  from  the  school  for  my 
services  on  the  25th.     Began  to  read  Plutarch^ s  Lives. 

28.  Weather  very  cold  and  uncomfortable.  Had  meeting  in  the  school- 
house.     Read  the  Life  of  Romulus. 

29.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.     Read  Plutarch.     Had  company. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  Maj,  Barrs,  and  one  from  Mr.  Newell,  of 
Charlotte,  Vt.,  wishing  me  to  return  there.  Will  God  make  plain  my  duty. 
Read  Mr.  Bayard's  ^  speech  in  Congress.  Thought  to  be  the  best  ever  spoken 
in  America  on  any  occasion.  Read  Plutarch.  Wrote.  Finished  my  sermon 
on  Mark  i :   15. 

31.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Rode  to  Utica  and  back.  Had 
company.     54. 


lanx,"  —  Life  of  Jeffer soil,  by  Henry  S.  Randall, 
LL,  D.,  3  vols.     Vol.  2,  p.  690. 

The  bill  to  repeal  the  old  judiciary  law 
passed  the  Senate,  Feb.  3,  1S02,  by  one  ma- 
jority, and  the  House,  March  3,  by  a  vote  of 
fifty-nine  to  thirty-two. 

'  Through  the  early  years  of  this  century, 
executions  for  murder  were  public,  and  this 
publicity  was  supposed  to  be  necessary  in 
order  that  the  moral  lesson  against  murder 
might  be  most  deeply  impressed  upon  the 
mind.  There  was  hardly  anything  that  would 
bring  together  such  an  immense  crowd  of 
people  as  a  public  execution.  Even  in  this 
very  sparsely  populated  region,  the  diary 
says,  "  a  very  great  concourse  of  people " 
was  present. 

Three  years  before,  a  woman,  Sylvia  Wood, 
had  been  condemned  to  death  in  this  vicinity, 
for  the  murder  of  her  husband,  Major  Wood, 
of  Augusta,  Oneida  County.  But  she  killed 
herself  in  the  jail  the  night  before  her  execu- 
tion was  to  take  place.  The  execution  of  the 
Indian  was  therefore  the  first  public  execu- 
tion in  these  parts. 

This  Indian's  name  was  Peters,  and  he 
was  condemned  to  death  for  killing  his  wife, 
Eunice  Peters,  at  Rome,  Oneida  County,  on 
the  24th  of  February,  iSoo, 

This  is  the  first  time  since  we  began  the 


editing  of  this  diary  that  we  have  found  any 
important  discrepancy  between  the  diary  and 
published  history.  Mr.  Robbins,  who  was 
present,  records  this  execution  as  taking  place 
March  26,  1S02. 

Mr.  Pomroy  Jones,  in  his  Annals  of  Oneida 
County,  published  at  Rome,  N.  Y.,  1851, 
says  page  43 :  "  Peters  was  sentenced  to  be 
hung  on  the  28th  day  of  August,  1801,  and 
he  was  accordingly  executed  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Sheriff  Brodhead,  upon  the  hill  west 
of  the  village  of  Whitesborough." 

We  must  think  Mr.  Robbins's  date  to  be 
right  from  the  circumstances  of  the  case. 
Probably  the  original  day  appointed  was 
Aug.  28,  1 80 1,  and  for  some  reason  the  exe- 
cution was  delayed  till  the  following  March. 

^  The  editions  of  Plutarch's  lives  are  now 
numerous,  but  the  edition  which  he  probably 
bought  was  the  one  published  in  London  in 
1774,  in  six  volumes. 

^  James  A.  Bayard,  of  Delaware,  graduate 
of  Princeton  College,  1784.  From  1796-1S04, 
he  was  a  member  of  the  National  House  of 
Representatives,  when  he  was  transferred. 
He  was  afterwards  much  employed  in  diplo- 
matic business  for  the  government  abroad. 
"  He  was  one  of  the  most  eloquent,  patriotic, 
and  high-minded  men  of  his  day."  Hon.  Thos, 
F.  Bayard  is  of  the  same  family. 


t66  diary  of  rev.  thomas  robbins,  d.d.  [1802. 

April. 

1.  Read  Plutarch.     Very  valuable.     Rainy.     Ground  settles  fast- 

2.  Quite  warm.     Began  a  sermon  on  Gen.  ii :   17. 

3.  Wrote  all  day.  I  think  my  health  has  not  been  better  for  studying  for 
some  years  than  at  present. 

4.  Cold.  Preached  upon  the  Universality  of  the  Divine  Agency.  I  fear 
the  people  do  not  assent  to  it.     Read  the  Death  of  Abel} 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  A  young  woman  died  in  the  neighborhood. 
People  beginning  to  plow. 

6.  Read  newspapers.     Attended  a  funeral.     Visited.     Traded. 

7.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Read  Plutarch.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Warm.     Spring  advances  fast. 

8.  Read  Plutarch.     Wrote.     Rode  to  Utica.     Visited. 

9.  Rainy.  I  fear  I  have  hurt  my  horse  by  giving  him  grain.  This  State 
in  something  of  a  tumult  about  the  approaching  election,^  but  I  think  much 
less  than  last  year. 

10.  Read  the  Bible.  Something  unwell.  In  the  night  alarmed  with  the 
cry  of  fire.     A  blacksmith's  shop  near  by  was  burnt.     Cold. 

11.  Preached  on  the  Doctrine  of  the  Resurrection.  Pretty  full  meeting. 
People  very  attentive. 

12.  Read  Plutarch.  Afternoon  rode  to  Paris.  Visited  Mr.  Steele. 
Tarried   at   my   sister's. 

13.  Returned.  Quite  warm.  Wrote  an  addition  to  my  sermon  on  Rev. 
iii :   10.     Had  a  coat  made. 

14.  This  day  is  observed  as  a  Fast  in  the  societies  in  this  vicinity,  at  the 
recommendation  of  the  association  of  ministers.^  Will  God  hear  the  prayers 
of  his  people.     Quite  cool  for  the  season. 

15.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Rode  to  Utica.  Federalism  seems  to  be  gain- 
ing ground  in  the  country,  particularly  in  Massachusetts."*  Many  of  the 
debates  in  Congress  are  very  trifling. 

16.  'R.ez.<^  Plutatrh.  Wrote.  Last  night  considerable  snow  fell.  72.  Quite 
cold  for  the  season. 

17.  Stormy.  The  season  pretty  backward.  It  is  said  to  be  quite  sickly  at 
the  westward. 

18.  Rainy.  Quite  thin  meeting.  O  for  more  zeal  and  affection  in  the 
great  work  of  the  ministry.     Read  the  Death  of  Cain.^ 

'  The  Death  of  Abel  is  a  prose  poem  in  *•  Not  so  fast,  however,  but  that  at  the  next 

five  books,  written  by  a  German  named  Gess-  presidential   election   in    1S04,  Mr.  Jefferson 

ner.     It  was  translated  into  English  by  Mary  received  one   hundred  and  sixty-two  of  the 

Collyer,   and   published    in   Philadelphia    in  one  hundred  and  seventy-six  electoral  votes, 

1802,  by  Thomas  L.  Ploughman.  the   only   States   voting   against    him    being 

^  George  Clinton,  who  had  been  Governor  Connecticut,  Delaware,  and  Maryland.     Jef- 

of   New   York,  17S9-1795,  was   again   made  ferson's  first  term  convinced  the  people  that 

Governor  in  1801,  and  continued  in  office  till  he  was  not   such   a  dangerous  man  as  had 

1804.  been   represented.     Seldom   has  a  President 

^  The   Oneida  body   of    ministers   which  been  elected  by  a  larger  majority. 

were  organized  the  next  month.  May,  1802,  '  The  Death  of  Cain  was  written  anony- 

by  the  Presbyterian  General   Assembly  into  mously,  by  a  lady,  after  the  manner  of  the 

the  Presbytery  of  Oneida.  Death  of  Abel.     See  April  4,  1802. 


l8o2.]  ON    A   JOURNEY    IN    NEW    YORK.  167 

19.  Last  night  a  very  sudden  death  in  the  neighborhood;  a  man  a  little 
over  sixty  years.  A  kind  of  apoplexy.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vii:  29,  31. 
Had  company.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

20.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vii:  29,  31.  Attended  a  funeral  and 
preached.  Masonic  ceremonies  ridiculous  and  irreligious.  An  account  in  the 
newspaper  of  great  revivals  in  religion  in  the  Southern  States. 

21.  Read  Plutarch.  The  season  thought  to  be  rather  backward.  At  even- 
ing walked  out. 

22.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Quite  cool.  Have  had  lately  several  applica- 
tions to  preach  in  places  at  the  westward. 

23.  Read  Plutarch.  Walked  out  and  visited.  It  seems  by  the  lives  of 
Plutarch,  that  the  best  of  heathen  virtue  was  defective. 

24.  Quite  warm.  Afternoon  rode  to  Clinton'  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Norton.^ 

25.  Weather  very  warm  and  faint.  People  quite  attentive.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

26.  Visited  Mr.  Kirkland.  Returned.  The  situation  of  this  State  is  such 
as  to  require  a  great  number  of  acts  and  laws  to  be  passed  annually.^ 

27.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Read  Plutarch.  This  and  the  two  succeeding 
days  is  the  time  of  the  election  in  this  State.     06. 

28.  Rode  to  Augusta/  and  preached  a  lecture.  After  which  rode  to  Tus- 
carora,  the  settlement  of  the  Stockbridge  Indians.^     Tarried  with  Mr.  Sargent. 

29.  This  is  a  Fast  day  with  these  Indians.  Preached  all  day  by  an  inter- 
preter. The  Indians  appear  quite  devout  in  time  of  worship.  After  meeting 
rode  to  Augusta. 

30.  Rode  to  Brothertown^  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for  Mr. 
Booge.     Tarried  with  him. 


'  The  church  at  Clinton  was  organized  by  '  Near  the  close  of  the  last  century,  a  part 

Rev.  Jonathan  Edwards,  D.  D.  (the  younger  of  the    Stockbridge   Indians,  who  had  been 

Edwards),  who  was  then  pastor  of  the  North  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Jonathan  Edwards 

Church,   New   Haven.      On   a  visit   to   this  and  John    Sergeant,  at   Stockbridge,  Mass., 

western  country,  he   organized   this  Clinton  removed  to   Oneida  County,  and  John  Ser- 

church  as  a  Congregational  church  in  1791.  geant   became   their  teacher   and    preacher. 

"  Rev.  Asahel  S.  Norton,  D.  D.,  a  native  The  place  where  these   Indians   had  settled 

of  Farmington,  Ct.,  graduated  at  Yale,  1790,  adjoined   Augusta,  where   Mr.  Robbins  had 

pastor  at   Clinton,   N.  Y.,    1 793-1833.      Dr.  preached  the  day  before  his  preaching  to  the 

Norton  died  in  1853,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight.  Indians. 

^  It  was  a  very  large  State,  some  of  it  old,  *  Brothertown  was   the    place  where   the 

but  the  larger  part,  territorially  new,  and  in  Brothertown  Indians  had  their  home.    These 

a  very  changing  condition.  were  made  up  from  the  remnants  of  several 

*  Augusta  is   in  the  southwestern  corner  tribes  in  New  Jersey  and  Long  Island,  who, 

of  Oneida  County,  and  is  on  a  swell  of  land  as   early  as    1763   had   been   invited  by  the 

which    sends    its   waters   by  three   different  Oneida  Indians  to  remove  thither.     In  1786, 

routes,  the  Hudson,  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  Rev.  Samson  Occum,  the  celebrated  Indian 

Susquehanna  rivers,  to  the  ocean.     A  Congre-  preacher,   lived   with   the  Brothertowns.     In 

gregational  church  was  organized  here  in  1797,  1818,  Rev.  John  Sergeant,  long  connected  with 

by  Dr.  Norton,  of  Clinton,  and  Rev.  Joel  Brad-  the   Indian   Mission   at  Stockbridge,  Mass., 

ley,  of  Westmoreland,  but  it  had  no  regular  wrote  of  these  Brothertowns :  "  They  have  lost 

minister  until  Rev.  John  Spencer,  a  native  of  their  language,  and  are  now,  perhaps,  more 

Connecticut,  began  preaching  here  in  1804.  corrupt  than  any  other  Indians  in  the  country." 


l68  DIARV   OP'    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l802. 

May. 

1.  Returned  to  New  Hartford.     Very  cold  for  the  season  and  very  dry. 
Vegetation  proceeds  slowly. 

2.  Full  meeting.     People  here  appear  very  hardened.     At  evening  had 
company. 

3.  Read  Plutarch.     Rode  to  Utica.     Visited. 

4.  Last  night  some  rain  fell.     Rode  out  and  visited.     The  season  back- 
ward. 

5.  Rode  to  Tuscarora.     Lost  my  way.     Attended  a  council.     Difficulties 
among  the  Indians. 

6.  Savage  manners  ver}-  disagreeable.'     Returned.     Quite  tired. 

7.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited.     Read  newspapers. 

8.  Finished  a  sermon  on  Gen.  ii :   17.     Quite  warm.     Read  Plutarch.     78. 

9.  Preached  on  the  subject  of  Truth.     Full  meeting.     My  brother  and 
sister  Lawrence  here.     Received  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Augusta. 

ID.  Read.  Had  company.  It  appears  that  the  Federal  interest  is  in- 
creasing in  almost  all  the  States.* 

11.  Quite  warm  and  dry.  Rode  to  Whitesborough  and  Utica.  Attended 
a  conference.     Traded. 

12.  Read  Plutarch.  Something  rainy,  which  is  a  very  great  favor,  for  the 
ground  is  very  dry.     Wrote  to  my  mamma. 

13.  Wrote  to  Maj.  Barrs,  Charlotte,  and  to  Col.  Messenger,  Becket.  My 
feelings  are  very  different  about  Becket  from  what  they  have  been.  I  feel  at 
present  inclined  to  seek  repose.  Perhaps  I  can  be  as  useful  and  enjoy  as 
much  ease  there  as  in  a  populous  town.  Will  God  mercifully  direct  me,  and 
dispose  of  me  for  his  glor)'. 

14.  Read  Plutarch.  Rainy.  Mr.  Marcy  called  to  see  me.  Yesterday  had 
a  request  to  preach  at  Pompey. 

15.  Rode  out.  Gov.  Fenner,'  a  most  degraded  character,  is  elected  Gov- 
ernor of  Rhode  Island.     Read.     Cool. 

16.  Warm.  Full  meeting.  People  attentive.  Quite  tired  ;  affected  in  my 
nerves. 

17.  Read.     It  rained  hard  all  day.     Made  a  box  to  send  home  my  things. 

18.  Rode  to  Utica.  Bad  riding.  Gov.  Strong*  is  re-elected  Governor  of 
Massachusetts  by  a  majority  of  more  than  ten  thousand  votes.  Finished 
reading  Plutarch's  Lives.     ]\Iay  I  retain  things  which  are  useful. 


'  White  people  are  uncomfortable  to  deal  from  1799  to  1S05,  when  he  died.     His  son, 

with  when  they  get  into  a  quarrel,  but  Mr.  James  Fenner,  was   Governor  of   Rhode  Is- 

Robbins  thought  the  Indians  worse.  land,  1S07-1S11,  was  then  for  many  years  in 

^  The  wish  in  this  case  may  have  been,  in  the  service  of  the  general  government  in  va- 
part,  father  to  the  thought.  Federalism  had  rious  capacities,  and  was  again  Governor  of 
been  so  strong  through  the  administrations  of  his  State  in  his  old  age,  1842-1844.  Mr.  Rob- 
Washington  and  Adams,  twelve  years,  that  bins  caught  his  prejudices  probably  from  his 
it  was  hard  for  it  to  retire,  and  take  the  kindred  in  Bristol,  R.  I. 
second  place.  ■♦  It  was  the  fashion  then  to  keep  a  good 

'  Gov.    Arthur    Fenner.      The    language  governor  for  years.     Gov.  Caleb  Strong  was 

which  Mr.  Robbins  uses  is  stronger  probabiy  Governor  of   Massachusetts,  1800-1S07,  and 

than  was  needed.    Mr.  Fenner  was  Governor  again  1812-1816. 


[8o2.] 


JOURNEYING    IN   WESTERN    NEW    YORK. 


169 


19.  Wrote,  Wet  weather.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Fixed  my  things  to 
send  home. 

20.  Walked  out.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Paris  and  to  Clinton.  Tar- 
ried with  Mr,  Kirkland. 

21.  Had  a  long  conference  with  Sally  Kirkland'  on  her  peculiar  affairs. 
Visited  Mr,  Porter  and  the  academy.     Returned,     Showery. 

22.  Wrote  an  addition  to  my  sermon  on  Rev,  xxii :  18,  19.  Mr,  Snowden^ 
called  on  me.     Warm. 

23.  Quite  rainy.  Preached  in  the  forenoon.  Took  my  leave  of  the 
people.  I  have  rarely  left  any  people  who  manifested  greater  attachment. 
Afternoon  Mr,  Snowden  preached.  Something  superficial.  Wrote  to  my 
parents. 

24.  Sent  off  my  things  for  Norfolk.  Quite  warm.  Dined  out  with  Mr. 
Snowden,     At  evening  rode  to  Paris  and  visited  my  sister. 

25.  Returned,  Afternoon  settled  with  the  trustees  of  the  society  and  re- 
ceived one  hundred  and  fifteen  dollars,^  The  more  serious  people  feel  very 
gloomy  at  their  society  prospects. 

26.  In  the  morning  traded ;  paid  for  making  clothes.  Left  New  Hartford 
with  a  degree  of  reluctance.  Have  been  treated  there  with  kindness,  and  am 
not  without  hope  that  I  may  have  been  an  instrument  of  some  good.  Rode 
through  a  part  of  Chenango  County  to  Pompey  in  Onondaga  County."  Passed 
through  the  settlement  of  Oneida  Indians,'     Very  warm, 

27.  Stayed  in  Pompey.*  Rode  out.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture.  This 
place  quite  new. 

28.  Rainy.  Saw  some  Norfolk  people.  Rode  to  Marcellus^  in  Onondaga 
County,  Very  bad  riding.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Bradley,*  Concluded  to  tarry 
and  preach  in  the  town  a  little  while.     Passed  some  old  Indian  springs. 


'  This  was  Sarah  Kirkland,  the  second  of 
Rev.  Mr,  Kirkland's  three  daughters.  What 
her  "  peculiar  affairs  "  were  we  do  not  know, 
but  she  was  married  two  years  later,  1804,  to 
Mr.  Francis  Amory,  of  Boston.  Her  younger 
sister,  Eliza,  in  18 18,  became  the  wife  of  the 
celebrated  scholar.  Rev.  Edward  Robinson, 
D.  D.,  a  native  of  Southington,  Ct. 

^  Rev,  Samuel  F.  Snowden,  afterwards 
settled   in   that   parish,    1807-1813. 

^  He  reached  this  place  in  December  pre- 
ceding, and  this  pay  appears  to  be  for  twenty- 
three  Sabbaths  at  five  dollars  a  Sabbath. 

^  Instead  of  turning  his  steps  toward  his 
Connecticut  home,  he  continues  his  journey 
westward. 

5  This  was  within  the  bounds  of  the  pres- 
ent town  of  Stockbridge,  Madison  County. 

^  Organized  near  the  beginning  of  the 
present   century. 


^  It  was  twenty-two  miles  westerly  from 
Pompey  to  Marcellus, 

^  "In  the  autumn  of  1795  Hon.  Dan  Brad- 
ley and  Dea.  Samuel  Rice  commenced  the 
settlement  of  the  village.  Dea.  Rice  came 
directly  from  Connecticut.  Judge  Bradley  was 
originally  from  Connecticut,  but  immediately 
from  Whitesborougli.  He  was  a  liberally 
educated  man,  and  with  honor  sustained  the 
office  of  the  gospel  minister." — Hotchkitils 
History  of  Western  N'ew  York. 

This  Mr.  Dan  (or  Daniel  Bradley)  had 
been  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1789,  was 
licensed  to  preach  by  the  New  Haven  West 
Association  in  1790,  and  was  settled  in  the 
ministry  at  Mt.  Carmel  in  Hamden,  near  New 
Haven,  in  1792,  and  afterward  at  New. Hart- 
ford, N.  Y.  Though  for  some  reason  he  had 
left  the  ministry,  he  had  not  lost  any  of  his 
interest  in  the  Christian  church.. 


170 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


29.  Read  the  treaty  of  peace  between  England,  France,  Spain,  and  Hol- 
land.' The  ordinar}'  forms  of  religion  which  have  generally  been  observed  in 
treaties,  in  this  one  omitted.  Read  the  British  Plutarch^  Attended  the 
funeral   of   a   child. 

30.  Rainy.  Preached  in  a  barn.  A  decent  congregation.  They  have 
never  had  but  a  little  preaching  here.     Mostly  New  England  people. 

31.  Quite  rainy.  Read  the  British  Plutarch.  Many  people  have  come 
into  this  part  of  the  country  from  Connecticut^  to  work  on  the  roads. 


June. 

1.  Quite  warm.     Walked  out.     Read  two  of  Cicero's  Orations* 

2.  It  rained  hard  all  day.  This  town  has  not  been  settled  but  about  six 
or  seven  years. 

3.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town.     The  ground  very  wet. 

4.  Read  the  Bible.  This  quite  a  pleasant  place  at  the  end  of  Skaneate- 
les  lake.  There  are  mills  on  the  outlet  of  the  lake,  and  the  whole  lake,  nearly 
forty  miles  in  circumference,^  is  raised  about  four  feet  by  a  dam. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Very  bad  riding.  There  appears  to  be  a 
prospect  of  war  in  the  east  of  Europe.  Democracy  has  triumphed  in  this 
State  at  the  late  elections. 

6.  Very  warm.  A  pretty  large  congregation.  Preached  in  a  dwelling- 
house.     Quite  tired. 

7.  Wrote.  Rode  out.  Some  people  here  quite  forehanded.  Very  hard 
showers.     Read  newspapers. 

8.  Quite  rainy.  Read  almost  a  volume  of  the  Spectator!'  I  imagine  the 
manners  of  the  British  nation  altered  ver)'  little  in  the  last  century.' 

9.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Warm,  Read  the  Connecticut  Evangelical 
Magazine.  A  most  valuable  work.  I  do  not  believe  that  the  habits  and  insti- 
tutions of  Connecticut  will  be  overturned  while  that  shall  continue.* 

10.  Wrote  to  my  parents.     Waters  very  high.     Something  unwell. 

11.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.     Preached.     Was  requested 
to  preach  to  a  Masonic  lodge  on  the  24th,     Hard  showers.     Read  the  Bible. 


'  This  was  the  peace  of  Amiens,  con- 
cluded March  27,  1S02. 

^  The  British  Plutarch,  so-called,  was  the 
edition  of  Plutarch's  lives,  translated  about 
the  middle  of  the  last  century  by  Dr.  John 
Langhorne  and  his  brother.  It  is  probably 
the  same  edition  which  Mr,  Robbins  has  pre- 
viously referred  to,  though  he  did  not  call  it 
by  this  full  name.  Chambers's  Cyclopadia  of 
English  Literature,  published  1S76,  says  of  this 
work :  "  It  still  maintains  its  ground  as  the 
best  English  version  of  the  ancient  author." 

^  In  every  way  there  was  a  very  close  con- 
nection between  Connecticut  and  the  early 
history  of  Central  and  Western  New  York. 


*  Probably  in  the  original  Latin. 

'  Goodrich  in  his  Pictorial  Geography  says : 
^^  Skaiwateles  Lake,  fifteen  miles  long,  and  one 
to  one  and  one  half  miles  wide ;  this  abounds 
with  fish,  and  its  trout  are  very  large." 

''  This  was  probably  an  edition  of  the 
Spectator  in  six,  eight,  or  twelve  volumes. 

^  That  is,  he  thinks  society  in  Great  Brit- 
ain to  be  much  as  Addison  described  it  a 
hundred  years  before, 

'  That  has  proved  a  safe  prediction.  The 
Connecticut  Evaiigelical  Magazine  xzx\  through 
fifteen  volumes,  ending  in  18 15,  and  Connec- 
ticut stood  firmly  to  the  end  of  that  period, 
and  stiil  stands. 


l802.] 


JOURNEYING    IN    WESTERN    NEW    YORK. 


171 


12.  Rode  to  east  part  of  town.  Very  bad  riding.  Ground  exceeding  wet. 
Quite  warm.     Read. 

13.  Hot  and  rainy.  Troubled  with  tlie  toothache.  Urged  to  continue 
here  with  a  view  of  settUng.     I  think  I  cannot. 

14.  Bonaparte  has  made  a  treaty  with  the  Pope.  AboUshed  the  Decades, 
and  estabUshed  Sunday.'  Established  the  Catholic  religion  and  tolerates  all 
others.     He  received  sacrament  in  April.     Visited.     Read  the  British  Plutarch. 

15.  Read  one  of  Cicero's  Orations.  Wrote.  A  very  growing  season. 
Rode    out   and   visited. 

16.  Rode  to  Onondaga  and  viewed  the  salt  springs.^  A  great  curiosity. 
Seventy  gallons  of  water  will  make  a  bushel.  Returned.  Bad  riding. 
Troubled  some  with  toothache. 

17.  Read  Josephus.  Crops  of  wheat  appear  very  promising.  Spring  crops 
greatly  injured  by  the  wet. 

18.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town.  The  riding  grows  better.  Mr. 
Proudfit,  a  missionary,  called  here  and  preached  a  lecture.     Read  the  Bible. 

19.  Read.  Quite  warm.  Some  people  here  much  opposed  to  a  minister's 
preaching  with  notes.^     My  horse  lame.     I  think  gravelled. 

20.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Rev.  xxii :  18,  19,  without  any  notes. 
Last  night  a  hard  thunder-shower.     People  here  appear  to  be  very  stupid. 

21.  Worked  some  on  the  road.  Quite  warm.  Rode  out.  Was  informed 
of  a  great  awakening  at  Yale  College.* 

22.  Read  the  Spectator.  Began  a  sermon  on  Micah  vi :  8.  Quite  warm. 
A  very  growing  season. 

23.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Micah  vi :  8.  Rainy.  Walked  out.  Finished 
reading  the  fourth  volume  of  the  Spectator. 

24.  Preached  to  a  lodge  of  Free-Masons.  Received  five  dollars  from 
them.  Quite  rainy.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father,  one  from  my  sister 
Sally,  and  one  from  Mr.  D.  Risley,'  Whitestown.  Had  a  very  hard  turn  of  the 
toothache. 


"  111  the  early  part  of  the  French  Revolu- 
tion the  reckoning  of  time  by  weeks  was 
abolished,  and  the  system  of  ten  was  to  take 
the  place  of  sei'en.  By  this  arrangement  with 
the  Pope,  he  brought  France  back  into  line 
with  the  rest  of  the  Catholic  world. 

^"  The.  salt  springs  are  too  numerous  to 
particularize.  The  most  important  are  those 
of  Onondaga,  which  rise  in  a  marsh  at  the 
head  of  Onondaga  Lake.  Fifty  gallons  of 
the  water  make  a  bushel  of  salt."  This  is  the 
testimony  of  Goodrich's  Geography,  written 
half  a  century  nearly  after  the  diary,  when 
perhaps  the  methods  of  extracting  the  salt 
from  the  water  had  been  improved. 

^  That  has  been  an  open  question  for  a 
long  time,  and  is  not  yet  settled.  Taking  the 
Christian  world  from  the  beginning  until  now. 


preaching  without  notes  has  been  the  rule, 
and  preaching  with  notes  the  exception. 

■*  At  the  time  when  that  revival  began,  in 
the  spring  of  1802,  there  were  among  the 
students  of  Yale  not  more  than  five  or  six 
professors  of  religion.  Jeremiah  Evarts,  after- 
wards so  prominent  in  the  American  Board, 
was  one  of  the  first  fruits  of  that  religious  in- 
terest. By  the  first  Sunday  in  August,  1802, 
sixty-three  students  were  admitted  to  the 
church,  and  it  was  reckoned  in  all,  that  out 
of  the  two  hundred  and  thirty  students  then 
in  the  college,  about  one  third  (seventy-six) 
were  converted. 

5  David  Risley  was  one  of  the  men  to 
whom,  in  1797  and  1799,  George  Washington 
and  George  Clinton  gave  deeds  of  lands  in 
Oneida  County. 


b 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBHINS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


25.  Cool.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  to  Mr.  1).  Risley.  Rode  to  the  east 
part  of  the  town. 

26.  Quite  warm.  Read  newspapers.  The  illuminations  in  London  on 
on  account  of  peace  were  amazingly  brilliant  and  expensive.  A  woinan  in 
England  lately  delivered  of  her  twenty-fifth  child. 

27.  Had  quite  a  respectable  congregation.  Preached  in  a  barn.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Mr.  E.  Cook,  of  Westmoreland,  requesting  me  to  go 
there  to  preach. 

28.  Read  the  British  Plutarch.  Had  a  request  from  this  society  to  stay 
and  preach  with  them  on  probation. 

29.  Read.  Received  fifteen  dollars  from  this  society.  Had  a  request  for 
a  copy  of  my  sermon  to  the  Free-Masons'  for  publication.  Rode  to  the  other 
part  of  the  town. 

30.  Quite  warm.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Roads  dry  very  fast.  A  very 
growing  season. 

July. 

1.  The  heat  extreme.  Very  great  crops  of  wheat  in  this  country.  Rode 
out.  A  prospect  of  a  large  and  pleasant  settlement  here  on  the  Skaneateles 
Lake. 

2.  Rode  to  Camillus'  and  viewed  the  remains  of  an  ancient  fortification.' 
Some  rain.     Read  the  Bible. 

3.  Read  the  Bible.  Hope  I  had  some  comfort  in  secret  solemn  duties. 
Cool.     Went  into  the  water. 

4.  Full  meeting.  Had  the  same  request  from  this  part  of  the  town  as  the 
other  to  stay  and  preach  on  probation.  The  people  appear  quite  anxious  to 
have  me  tarry.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  D.  Bradley,  of  this  town.  Yester- 
day wrote  to  Mr.  E.  Cook,  of  Westmoreland.  May  the  hearts  of  a  grateful 
people  ascend  in  praise  to  a  holy  God  on  the  remembrance  of  this  day."* 


'  He  was  not  a  Free-Mason  himself,  and 
not  in  love  with  the  order,  as  we  learn  from 
various  expressions  scattered  through  the  pre- 
vious pages  of  the  diary. 

^  Camillus  was  organized  in  1789,  and 
was  one  hundred  and  forty-one  miles  west  of 
Albany. 

^  "  In  the  western  parts  of  New  York  are 
numerous  remains  of  ancient  Indian  fortifica- 
tions and  towns.  Some  of  them  inclose  a 
space  of  five  hundred  acres."  —  Goodrich. 

The  following  is  Mr.  Robbins's  description, 
in  a  little  appendix  to  his  entry  for  July  2d, 
of  this  ancient  fortification. 

"  In  the  town  of  Camillus,  I  saw  the  re- 
mains of  an  ancient  fortification.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  a  rising  ground,  which  descends 
gently  from  it  every  way.  It  is  nearly  four 
square,  the  corners  a  little  rounded,  fac- 
ing very  nearly  the  four  cardinal  points.  It 
is  a  little  more  than  twenty  rods  from  north 


to  south,  and  from  east  to  west  a  little  less. 
The  mound  is  from  two  to  three  feet  above 
the  natural  surface,  and  about  six  feet  thick. 
The  ditch  is  about  two  feet  deep.  On  the 
west  side  are  very  plainly  two  places  for 
gates,  there  being  no  rise  at  the  mound,  or 
fall  at  the  ditch.  There  is  one  similar  place 
on  the  east.  On  the  west  side  are  evident 
marks  of  violence,  places  in  the  wall  being 
thrown  down  into  the  ditch.  I  measured  a 
white-wood  and  a  black-oak  tree,  which  stood 
on  the  wall,  and  which,  three  feet  above  the 
ground,  were  above  eleven  feet  in  circumfer- 
ence. There  was  a  hemlock  and  some  other 
trees  on  the  wall  of  nearly  the  same  size. 
Within  the  walls  are  old  rotten  trees  which 
appear  to  have  lain  there  a  long  course  of 
years." 

^  For  the  peculiar  interest  attending  these 
religious  services  in  a  new  country,  the  people 
had  occasion  for  gratitude. 


i8o2.] 


JOURNEYING    IN   WESTERN    NEW   YORK. 


173 


5.  Rainy.  Read  the  Spectator.  Something  sickly  in  town.  Preparing 
for  my  journey.  Received  fifteen  dollars  from  this  society.  Had  a  tooth 
extracted. 

6.  Wrote  to  my  brother  G.  Lawrence.  Quite  warm.  Left  Marcellus. 
Rode  to  Aurelius,*  Cayuga  County.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

7.  Rode  to  Geneva,^  Ontario  County.  Dined.  Thence  to  Jerusalem.^ 
Tarried  with  Jemima  Wilkinson/  called  the  miiversal  friend.  She  has 
perhaps  fifteen  families  of  her  followers,  situated  in  a  pleasant  valley. 
Geneva  is  a  pleasant  flourishing  place  on  the  Seneca  Lake.  The  Cayuga 
bridge  is  three  hundred  and  fifteen  rods  long  and  twenty-two  feet  wide,  per- 
fectly level.     Toll  very  high ;  a  man  and  horse  twenty-five  cents.     Very  hot. 

8.  Rode  to  Canandaigua.^  The  most  of  the  way  through  the  woods. 
The  heat  very  great.  As  I  came  to  Canandaigua,  had  the  points  of  compass 
right,  which  I  had  not  since  before  I  got  to  Whitestown.^  Tarried  with  Mr. 
Field. 

9.  Wrote  to  my  father.  This  quite  a  pleasant,  rich  village.  The  best 
this  side  of  Utica.     Rode  to  Bloomfield.^     Tarried  with  Esq.  Norton. 

10.  Visited  old  acquaintance.  They  have  built  a  good,  new  meeting- 
house in  this  place,  the  only  one  this  side  of  Oneida  County.  Returned  to 
Canandaigua. 

11.  Preached  for  Mr.  Field. ^  A  respectable  congregation,  but  small.  Very 
little  appearance  of  religion  in  this  place. 

12.  Set  out  for  Niagara.  Had  the  company  of  the  post.'  At  Bloomfield 
had  a  very  agreeable    conversation  with  Rev.  Mr.  Williston.'°     Crossed  the 


'  Aurelius  was  organized  as  a  town  in 
1789,  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine  miles  west 
of  Albany. 

^  Geneva,  founded  in  1794,  and  incorpo- 
rated as  a  town  in  181 2,  one  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-nine miles  west  of  Albany.  Geneva 
College   was  founded   there   in    1825. 

^  Jerusalem  is  southerly  from  Geneva  in 
Yates  County. 

*  Jemima  Wilkinson  was  born  in  Cumber- 
land, Rhode  Island,  in  1753.  When  she  was 
more  than  twenty  years  old,  in  a  fit  of  sick- 
ness, she  passed  into  a  state  of  apparent 
death,  and  when  she  came  out  of  it  she 
claimed  that  she  had  been  dead,  and  was 
raised  from  the  dead.  She  had  a  little  com- 
pany of  followers,  whom  she  led  to  Milo, 
N.  Y.,  in  1790,  and  afterward  to  Jerusalem, 
where  Mr.  Robbins  found  her  and  her  com- 
pany of  believers  in  1802. 

^  Canandaigua  was  in  Ontario  County,  one 
hundred  and  ninety-seven  miles  west  of  Al- 
bany. In  the  year  1788,  Hon.  Oliver  Phelps,  a 
native  of  Windsor,  Ct.,  but  then  living  in  Gran- 
ville, Mass.,  associating  himself  with  a  com- 


pany of  men,  bought  of  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts the  title  to  immense  tracts  of  land 
in  this  region  of  New  York.  In  1789  he 
opened  a  land-office  in  Canandaigua  for  the 
sale  of  these  lands.  "This  was  the  first 
land-office  in  America  for  the  sale  of  her 
forest  lands  to  settlers."  The  settlement  in 
Canandaigua  began  in  1790. 

^  Many  persons  have  experienced  a  similar 
mental  confusion  in  regard  to  points  of  com- 
pass. 

^  Bloomfield  is  in  Ontario  County,  a  few 
miles  west  of  Canandaigua. 

^  Rev.  Timothy  Field,  of  Canandaigua,  na- 
tive of  Madison,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1797. 

9  The  mail  carrier. 

'°  Rev.  Seth  Williston,  D.  D.,  was  born  in 
Suffield,  Ct.,  graduated  at  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege, 1791,  ordained  as  a  missionary  at  Avon, 
Ct.,  June  7,  1797,  settled  first  at  Lisle,  N.  Y., 
1797-1807,  settled  again  at  Durham,  N.  Y., 
1810-1828,  then  still  working  on  as  a  mission- 
ary, until  his  whole  term  of  ministerial  ser- 
vice had  reached  fifty-four  years.  He  was  an 
eminently  useful  man. 


174 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


Genesee  River,  about  the  size  of  the  Housatonic,  at  New  Milford.  The  part 
of  the  State  west  of  Genesee  River  is  the  county  of  Genesee.  Tarried  at  a 
Mr.  Bates's  in  Ganson's  settlement,  twelve  miles  from  the  river.  The  road 
today  very  good.     Bloomfield  appears  older  than  any  town  west  of  Whitestown. 

13.  Made  welcome  by  Mr.  Bates.  Had  a  pretty  hard  turn  of  dysentery. 
Rode  with  some  difficulty.  Rode  through  Batavia,'  crossed  an  open  plain  of 
four  miles,  and  rode  to  the  Tonawanda  Indian  village  on  the  Tonawanda  River. 
Tarried  at  Rodney's,  a  French  Indian.  Wrote.  29.  The  road  is  divided 
into  two,  one  leading  to  Niagara,  and  one  to  Buffalo  on  the  plain,  thirty-two 
miles  west  of  Genesee  River. 

14.  Through  divine  goodness,  am  in  a  measure  recovered  of  my  disorder. 
Rode  through  the  Tonawanda  swamp,  ten  miles.  This  very  troublesome. 
Crossed  an  opening,  twelve  miles.  Passed  but  one  white  family  all  day. 
Rode  through  the  large  Tuscarora  village,^  to  the  east  landing  on  the  Niagara 
River.  This  the  most  majestic  river  I  ever  saw.  Banks  amazing  high. 
Tarried  at  a  public  house.     Quite  warm. 

15.  Rode  to  the  Niagara  Fort.^  8.  Good  road.  Very  hot.  Had  the 
misfortune  to  find  that  my  cousin  Francis  Le  Baron,*  who  has  been  the  sur- 
geon to  this  garrison,  went  from  here  to  Michilimakinak.  Treated  politely  by 
the  officers.     Viewed  the  fortifications. 

16.  Crossed  the  Niagara  River  to  Niagara.  Saw  the  British  fortifications. 
Rode  through  Queenstown^  to  the  falls.  Very  warm.  Spent  almost  four 
hours  at  the  falls,  got  very  much  fatigued.  Rode  through  Chippeway,*  etc. 
Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

17.  Rode  seven  miles  and  crossed  the  ferry.  The  river  more  than  a  mile 
wide  and  very  rapid.  This  the  only  time  I  was  ever  out  of  the  United  States, 
and  probably  I  never  shall  be  again.'     Rode  on  the  beach  ^  to  Buffalo.     11. 


'  Batavia  was  in  Genesee  County,  organ- 
ized the  very  year  Mr.  Robbins  was  there, 
1802.  President  Dwight,  in  his  travels  two 
years  later,  passed  through  the  place,  and 
described  it  as  containing  "from  twenty  to 
thirty  houses,  a  considerable  number  of  them 
built  of  logs." 

'^  About  eight  miles  below  the  Falls,  and 
three  miles  back  from  the  Niagara  River, 
was  the  Tuscarora  reservation,  four  miles 
long,  and  two  miles  wide.  These  Tuscarora 
Indians  came  originally  from  North  Carolina 
about  1712,  and  joined  the  Five  Nations  in 
New  York,  as  they  were  called,  they  them- 
selves making  the  sixth  of  the  Six  Nations 
afterwards  existing. 

^  Fort  Niagara,  on  the  American  side  of 
the  Falls,  was  at  the  first,  in  1679,  a  small 
spot  enclosed  with  palisades  by  a  French 
officer,  M.  De  Salic.  In  1725,  the  fort  itself 
was  built  by  the  French.  In  1759,  it  was 
taken  by  the  Ikitish  under  Sir  William  John- 


son. In  1796,  it  was  surrendered  to  the 
United  States.  In  the  War  of  1S12,  it  was 
again  taken  by  the  British  on  the  19th  of  De- 
bember,  18 13.  It  was  restored  to  the  United 
States  in  March,  1S15. 

*  Francis  Le  Baron,  son  of  his  Uncle  Isaac 
Le  Baron.  He  was  born  in  1781,  and  then 
twenty-one   years   old. 

'  On  the  hights  of  Queenstown  in  18 12, 
Oct.  13,  there  was  a  hard  fought  battle  be- 
tween the  British  and  Americans,  in  which 
the  Americans  seemed  to  have  the  victory, 
but  by  the  coming  up  of  British  reinforce- 
ments they  at  last  were  beaten. 

*  Now  spelled  Chippewa.  This  was  about 
two  miles  from  the  Falls,  on  the  Canada  side. 
At  this  place  in  1814,  July  6,  there  was  an 
obstinate  battle  between  the  British  and  Amer- 
icans, in  which  the  British  were  beaten. 

^  This  suggestion  proved  true.  He  never 
left  the  soil  of  his  native  land  again. 

*  Aloncr  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Erie. 


l8o2.]  JOURNEVIXG    IN   WESTERN    NEW    YORK.  175 

Ver)'  hot.     Quite  weak  with  the  dysentery.     Concluded  to  tarry  here  for  the 
present  at  a  tavern. 

18.  There  are  but  eight  or  nine  families  in  this  place.'  The  Seneca 
nation  of  Indians,  more  than  sixteen  hundred,  about  four  miles  from  here. 
Afternoon  preached  to  a  few.     Forenoon  unable.     Some  rain. 

19.  Saw  some  formerly  Connecticut  people.  Am  some  better  of  my  dis- 
order. Read  the  Italian  A^tin.  Wrote.  At  night  quite  unwell.  Felt  ver)' 
gloomy  at  being  so  far  from  friends. 

20.  Left  Buffalo.  xA.  man  walking  kept  my  company  as  far  as  I  went. 
Rode  fourteen  miles.  Tarried  at  a  Mr.  Phelps's,  formerly  from  Norfolk,  in  an 
extra  fine  old  opening.     Quite  feeble.     Very  warm.     Passed  four  houses. 

21.  Through  divine  mercy  my  disorder  is  evidently  abating.  Rode  on 
alone  by  five  or  six  houses,  then  eighteen  miles  without  a  house.  26.  Tar- 
ried at  a  tavern.  The  files  excessively  troublesome.  I  imagine  about  one 
half  of  the  way  from  Buffalo  here,  is  old  openings.^ 

22.  Had  company.  I  think  I  derive  much  benefit  in  my  disorder  from 
burnt  brandy.  Rode  to  Batavia,  five  miles  to  Genesee  River.  24;  and  to 
West  Bloomfield.  12.  41.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Made  welcome.  The  heat 
very  severe.  I  felt  while  beyond  the  Genesee  River  as  if  I  was  in  an  uncivil- 
ized country.     From  where  I  tarried  to  Canandaigua,  thirteen  miles.      1.63. 

23.  Rode  to  East  Bloomfield,^  6 ;  and  where  I  feel  myself  among  ac- 
quaintances and  friends.  I  must  record  the  goodness  of  God,  which  has  been 
my  protector  and  guard  since  I  left  this  place.  He  has  been  my  whole 
support  in  sickness  and  trial,  otherwise  friendless  and  unsupported.  Blessed 
be  his  name.  I  cannot  be  sufficiently  thankful.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 
Afternoon  attended  with  several  ministers  on  a  council  about  difficulties  in 
this  church. 

24.  Am  still  unwell,  but  through  great  mercy  my  health  and  strength  are 
evidently  gaining.  Visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  West  Bloomfield.*  Eat  green 
peas. 

25.  Preached.     Mr.   Hotchkin,^  a   candidate    preaching   here,  supplied   a 


'  He  saw  this  place  in  its  earliest  infancy.  the  mind  will  be  unable  to  free  itself ;  for  the 

The  town  was  laid  out  in  1801.     There  was  thought,  though   given   up,  will   recur  again 

no  church  organized  here  till  181 2.  and  again  in  spite  of  his  absolute  conviction 

^  Old  openings,  or  oak  openings,  as  they  that  he  is  in  the  heart  of  an  immense  wilder- 
are  sometimes  called.  These  were  supposed  ness.  At  the  same  time  a  sense  of  stillness 
to  be  places  which  the  Indians  in  times  past  and  solitude,  a  feeling  of  absolute  retirement 
had  burned  over  in  order  to  secure  open  past-  from  the  world,  deeper  and  more  affecting 
ure  grounds  for  their  deer.  Dr.  Dwight,  in  than  any  which  he  had  even  suspected  be- 
his  journeys  through  this  region  in  1804,  says  fore,  will  be  forced  upon  him  while  he  is  rov- 
in  his  Book  of  Travels,  fourth  volume  :  ing  over  one  of  these  sequestered  regions." 

"When  one  of  these  plains  is  seen  at  a  ^  In    1796   a   Congregational   church  was 

little  distance,  a  traveller  emerging  from  the  organized  at  East  Bloomfield. 
forest  naturally  concludes  that  it  is  the  com-  *  In  1799  a  Congrega'^i.mal  church  was  or- 

mencement  of  a  settled  country,  and  as  he  ganized  at  West  Bloomfield. 
advances  towards  it  is  instinctively  led  to  cast  '  Rgy.  James  H.  Hotchkin,  a  graduate  of 

his  eye  forward  to  find  the  village  of  which  Williams   College,  1800,  ordained   pastor  at 

this  is  the  outskirt.     From   this  impression  West  Bloomfield,  May  19,  1863.    In  his  later 


176  DIARY    OF    RKV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o2. 

neighboring  town.  Some  awakening  here.  After  meeting  rode  to  East 
Bloomfield,  and  preached  a  third  sermon.  I  never  preached  three  sermons  in 
a  day  before.     This  a  very  respectable  society. 

26.  Left  Bloomfield  in  company  with  Mr.  Williston.'  Rode  through  Can- 
andaigua  to  the  north  of  Geneva,  to  the  village  of  Cayuga,  at  the  east  end  of 
the  bridge.  36.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Fields  of  grain  in  their  glory.  People 
finishing  haying.  Never  a  better  season.  Very  great  crops  of  grass  and 
grain  through  the  country.  Will  God  dispose  his  people  to  remember  the 
great  Giver.     50. 

27.  The  earth  begins  to  suffer  considerably  with  a  drought.  Called  on 
Rev.  Mr.  Higgins"^  at  Aurelius.  He  preaches  at  five  places  in  this  town. 
Arrived  safely  at  Marcellus,^  20 ;  just  three  weeks  from  the  time  I  left  here. 
I  pray  for  gratitude  to  that  glorious  Being  who  has  been  my  kind  and  merciful 
preserver  and  benefactor.     25. 

28.  I  apprehend  yesterday  and  today  to  be  the  hottest  days  we  have  had 
this  year.  Walked  out.  Wrote.  Afternoon  Mr.  Williston  came  here  and 
preached  a  lecture.     Read  the  Bible. 

29.  People  are  generally  finishing  their  haying ;  never  a  better  season. 
This  week  they  are  harvesting  generally  at  the  westward,  but  a  little  later 
here.     Afternoon  some  rain   upon  the  parching  earth.     Read  the  Spectator. 

30.  A  very  refreshing  rain,  to  the  joy  of  all.  While  we  rejoice  may  we  be 
thankful.  People  here  appear  very  anxious  to  have  me  continue  with  them. 
Will  God  direct  me.     Read. 

31.  Finished  reading  the  first  volume  of  the  Spectator.  Read  the  Bible. 
Wrote  to  my  parents.  May  I  never  forget  the  mercies  of  God,  which  I  have 
enjoyed  this  month. 

August. 

1.  Lowery.  Meeting  thin.  People  pretty  attentive  and  apparently  some- 
thing serious.  May  the  Almighty  power  of  God  enforce  divine  truth.  Fevers 
appear  to  prevail  some. 

2.  Read.     Visited  a  sick  woman.     Worked  some  in  reaping. 

3.  Rode  to  the  east  part  of  the  town.  People  in  the  heat  of  harvest. 
Fine  weather.  The  grain  generally  very  heavy  on  the  ground,  but  some 
shrunk.  Accounts  from  different  parts  of  the  countr}^,  however,  represent  the 
harvest  as  very  great.     May  this  be  a  prelude  of  a  glorious  harvest  of  souls. 

4.  Read  newspapers.  The  turnpike  from  Albany  to  Canandaigua  pro- 
gressing very  fast. 


years  he  was  the  author  of  a  valuable  book  ticut,  graduated  at  Yale,  1785,  licensed  by  the 
entitled,  History  of  Wcste^-n  A"cio  York.  He  Hartford  South  Association,  June,  1786,  ap- 
was  a  native  of  Cornwall,  Ct.,  and  his  father,  pointed  by  the  General  Association  of  Con- 
Rev.  Beriah  Hotchkin,  made  A.M.  at  Yale,  necticut  missionary  to  New  York,  1794.  He 
1794,  was  a  native  of  Guilford.  Both  father  was  settled  at  Aurelius,  Oct.  6,  1802. 
and  son  were  able  workers  among  the  early  ^  This  town  of  Marcellus  was  commenced 
churches  of  New  York.  in    1795,  ''"d   ^  Congregational   church   was 

'  See  previous  note,  July  12.  organized  1801.     That  church  became  Presby- 

^  Rev.  David  Higgins,  a  native  of  Connec-  terian  in  after  years. 


l8o2.]  PREACHING  AT  MARCELLUS,  N.  Y.  1 77 

5.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town  and  back.  Afternoon  a  hard 
shower.     Got  very  wet. 

6.  Rode  out  and  visited.  People  here  generally  appear  prosperous  in 
business. 

7.  Visited  a  young  man  very  sick.     Read.     Warm. 

8.  Preached  in  a  barn.  Meeting  very  full.  Quite  warm.  At  night  saw 
Mr.  Thomas  Wilcox,  of  Norfolk,  on  his  way  from  New  Connecticut. 

9.  Drew  a  plan  of  a  public  house  in  this  place.  Visited.  The  defection 
of  Col.  Burr'  from  the  Democratic  party  produces  great  controversies  among 
them,  and  is  like  to  unfold  great  scenes  of  iniquity. 

10.  Extremely  warm.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town.  Mr.  Bush- 
nell,*  the  missionary,  called  upon  me.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Medad 
Curtis,  of  Onondaga,  and  wrote  to  him  in  reply. 

11.  Rode  to  the  elP  of  this  town,  and  preached  a  lecture.  The  first  ser- 
mon ever  preached  in  the  place.  There  is  now  a  flourishing  settlement, 
where  the  first  family  went  in  April  of  last  year.  Returned  quite  tired.  I  am 
this  day  twenty-five  years  old. 

12.  Last  night  a  hard  and  very  refreshing  rain.     Wrote,     Rode  out. 

13.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  cool.  The  people  here  generally 
appear  desirous  to  have  me  return  to  them. 

14.  Read  the  Bible.     Rode  out.     Afternoon  attended  a  conference. 

15.  Quite  warm.  Very  full  meeting.  May  the  blessing  of  a  merciful 
heaven  rest  upon  this  town.     Received  ten  dollars  of  this  society.     75, 

16.  Left  Marcellus  in  company  with  Mr.  Bradley  *  for  Connecticut.  Will 
a  merciful  God  favor  me  with  a  prosperous  journey.  Rode  through  Onondaga 
to  Manlius,     22,     Tarried  at  a  tavern, 

17.  Rode  through  Cazenovia,  Oneida,  Vernon,  to  Paris.  35.  Visited  Mr. 
Norton^  and  Mr,  Kirkland.^     Tarried  with  Mr,  Porter,' 

18.  Rode  to  my  sister's.  Blessed  be  a  holy  God,  who  has  thus  far  pre- 
served me  on  my  long  journey.  At  evening  rode  to  New  Hartford.  Very 
kindly  received  by  friends. 

19.  Visited.  Left  New  Hartford,  Rode  through  Utica,  crossed  the 
Mohawk  River  for  the  first  time  to  Deerfield,*  through  Schuyler  to  Herkimer, 
14,     Tarried  at  a  tavern, 

20.  Rode  through  Fairfield,  Salisbury,  and  Palantine,  to  Johnstown.     43. 


'  Yet  Aaron  Burr  was  the  man  whom  the  wards  settled   at   Cornwall,    Vt.,  1803-1S36. 

religious  people  of  New  England  wanted  for  He  died  in    1846, 

President  in  place  of  Mr,  Jefferson.  ^  Probably  a  formation  like  the  L  part  of 

^  Rev,  Jedediah  Bushnell,  D,  D.,  born  at  a  house. 

Saybrook,  Ct.,  1769,  graduated   at  Williams  *  Hon.  Dan  Bradley  already  noticed. 

College,    1797;   studied   theology  with    Rev,  ^  Rev,  Asahel  H.Norton. 

Mr.  Judson,  of  Sheffield,  Mass.     After  being  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland. 

licensed  to  preach,  he  went  West  and  preached  "^  Rev.  Robert  Porter, 

in  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.     He  was   appointed  '  Deerfield,  in  Oneida  County,  organized 

by  the  missionary  society  of  Connecticut  to  179S,  one  hundred  miles  west  of  Albany.     It 

labor   in   New   York   and    Vermont.     After-  has  now  a  Congregational  church. 


178  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o2. 

Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Saw  the  locks  at  the  Little  Falls ;  six  locks  and  twelve 
pair  of  gates.     78. 

21.  Rode  through  Broadalbin,  Galloway,  Milton,  to  Ballston.  28.  Viewed 
the  springs.  A  very  great  number  of  people  at  them.  The  water  very  loath- 
some.'    Quite  hot.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Bradley.     1.13. 

22.  Preached  for  Mr.  Bradley.  Congregation  not  large.  House  very 
poor.     Very  warm.     Affected   in   my  nerves. 

23.  Parted  with  my  company,  Mr.  Bradley.  Rode  through  Malta,  Still- 
water, crossed  the  Hudson  River,  Schaghticoke,  recrossed  the  river,  Half- 
moon,  Waterford  to  Watervliet.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

24.  Rode  through  Albany,  crossed  the  Hudson,  Greenbush,  Schodack,  Kin- 
derhook,  Claverack,  to  Hudson.^  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  This  a  flourishing 
place  on  a  situation  quite  unhandsome.     Extremely  hot.     48. 

25.  Rode  from  Hudson  to  Livingston.  Very  kindly  received  and  agree- 
ably entertained  at  Mr.  H.  W.  Livingston's.'  This  situation  one  of  the 
pleasantest  I  ever  saw.  Read  Wood's  *  History  of  President  Adajns's  Adminis- 
tration. Yesterday  and  today  are  thought  to  be  clearly  the  hottest  days  of  this 
summer. 

26.  Read.  Mr.  Livingston  and  lady  very  agreeable.  Rode  to  Ancram,' 
just  at  evening.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

27.  Rode  on  in  the  town  of  Livingston,  to  Salisbury,  Ct.,  Canaan,  and 
Norfolk,  my  much  loved  native  town.  At  my  father's  house  found  all  well. 
A  holy  God  has  thus  preserved  me  through  a  long  journey,  in  infinite  mercy 
and  brought  me  home  surrounded  with  infinite  blessings.  Blessed  be  God  for 
all  his  goodness.     Bless  the  Lord,  my  soul.^ 


'  He  was  probably  a  novice  in  the  busi-  Atlantic  World.     His  History  of  the  Adminis- 

ness  of  drinking  mineral  waters.  tration  of  John  Adams  xii,^  published  in  1802. 

^Hudson  is  in  Columbia  County,  N.  Y.,  Mr.  Robbins  probably  found  it  as  a  book  fresh 

on  the  high  bank  east  side  of  Hudson  River,  from  the  press  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Livingston, 

twenty  miles  or  more  below  Albany.     Hudson  '  Ancram  was  within  the  Livingston  manor, 

was   founded   in    1783   by   enterprising   men  and  was  so  named  from  the  parish  in  Scot- 

from  Rhode  Island  and  Nantucket.  Its  growth  land  where  Rev.  John  Livingston,  father  of 

was  rapid.  Robert  the  founder,  lived  and  preached. 

^  This  was  on  the  old  Livingston  manor,  ^  Mr.  Robbins  left  his  home  the  year  be- 
the  first  founder  and  proprietor  of  which  was  fore,  September  23.  He  had  been  absent 
Robert  Livingston,  who  came  to  this  country  eleven  months  and  four  days.  We  gave  his 
from  Scotland  about  1672.  It  has  been  a  debt  and  credit  account  up  to  the  time  of  his 
family  of  eminent  men,  not  a  few  of  whom  leaving  Charlotte.  He  reached  New  Hart- 
have  been  distinguished  in  the  public  service.  ford,  Oneida  County,  N.  Y.,  about  the  begin- 
Nine  men  of  this  family  name  have  been  grad-  ning  of  1802,  with  forty  dollars  and  twenty- 
uated  at  Yale  College,  four  at  Harvard,  and  six  cents  in  his  pocket.  When  he  reached 
two  at  Williams,  The  member  of  the  family  Norfolk  in  August  that  year,  after  his  long 
who  entertained  Mr.  Robbins  was  a  Yale  journey  to  Niagara,  by  his  preaching  at  New 
graduate  of  17S6,  Hon.  Henry  W.  Livingston,  Hartford  and  other  places,  he  had  covered 
Member  of  Congress,  Judge  and  Ambassador  all  expenses,  bought  books,  etc.,  and  had 
to  France.  Yet  he  died  in  1810  at  the  early  on  hand  one  hundred  and  thirty-one  dollars 
age  of  forty-two.  and  ninety-six  cents.     His  journey  since  leav- 

*  John  Wood,  a  native  of   Scotland,  who  ing   Norfolk,  the  year  before,  had  been  not 

edited  a  paper  in  Kentucky  called  the   West-  far  from  two  thousand  miles,  made  wholly  on 

em  World,  and  a  paper  at  Washington,  the  horseback. 


[802.] 


AT    HOME    AT    NORFOLK,    CT. 


179 


28.  Worked  some.  Wrote.  I  think  my  parents  are  more  healthy  and 
smart  then  they  were  a  year  ago.  A  hard  rain.  On  the  24th  bought  a  ticket 
in  the  lotter}'  for  the  encouragement  of  literature  in  that  State.'  No.  10,046, 
price  six  dollars. 

29.  Quite  rainy.  Afternoon  preached  for  my  father.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference. 

30.  My  parents,  my  sister,  and  brother,'  set  out  for  Williamstown.  Set 
out  myself.  Rode  to  Becket.  Tarried  with  Esq.  Kingsley.  This  town  in  a 
critical  situation. 

31.  Rode  to  Williamstown.     Very  wann.     At  evening  attended  exhibition. 

Septembek. 

1.  Attended  the  Commencement.  The  exercises  verj^  good.  My  brother 
James  delivered  a  very  good  poem.^  Quite  warm.  Political  matters  seem  to 
be  much  more  still  here  than  formerly. 

2.  Cooler.  Visited.  Read  newspapers.  The  situation  of  this  college  is 
quite  flourishing. 

3.  Rode  to  Bennington  by  request  to  preach  on  the  next  Sabbath,  Tar- 
ried with  Col.  Robinson. ''     At  night  quite  rainy. 

4.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Party  spirit  appears  to  be  much 
moderated   in    this   town. 

5.  Cold  and  rainy.  A  very  great  change  of  weather  in  a  few  days.  Thin 
meeting.  There  has  been  but  little  regular  preaching  here  since  Mr.  Swift 
was  dismissed.' 

6.  Left  Bennington,  rode  to  Lanesborough.  Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Collins." 

7.  Rode  to  Partridgefield,^  took  the  dimensions  of  their  meeting-house. 
Rode  back  to  Dalton,  to  attend  an  ordination.^  Heard  Mr.  Jennings  ex- 
amined in  council. 


'  New  York,  for  he  was  in  that  State  on 
the  24th.  At  that  day  good  people  thought 
it  right  to  set  up  lotteries  for  various  impor- 
tant purposes. 

^  His  brother  Francis  and  sister  Sarah. 

^  This  was  the  graduating  day  of  James 
Watson  Robbins,  and  his  father,  two  broth- 
ers, Thomas  and  Francis  Le  Baron,  and  his 
sister  Sarah,  were  present. 

*  Moses  Robinson,  born  in  Hardwick, 
Mass.,  in  1741,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 
and  principal  citizens  of  Bennington,  Vt.  He 
was  Colonel  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  and 
afterwards  Governor  of  the  State  of  Vermont, 
and  United  States  Senator. 

^  Rev.  Job  Swift,  D.  D.,  who  was  settled 
in  Bennington,  Vt.,  in  1786,  was  dismissed 
Juno  7,  iSoi. 

^  Rev.  Daniel  Collins,  native  of  Guilford, 
Ct.,  graduated  at  Yale,  1760,  pastor  at  Lanes- 
borough,  Mass.,  1764-1822. 

'  Partridarefield  is  now  the  town  of  Peru. 


^  Rev.  Ebenezer  Jennings,  a  native  of 
Windham,  Ct.,  graduated  at  Williams,  iSoo, 
was  ordained  at  Dalton,  Sept.  8,  1S02,  and 
remained  there  till  1834.  It  will  doubtless 
have  been  noticed  in  the  foregoing  pages  how 
many  of  the  ministers  and  prominent  men  in 
Western  Massachusetts  came  from  Connec- 
ticut. A  sentence  from  the  Atnerican  Quar- 
terly Register,  Vol.  VII.,  p.  37,  will  help  to 
illustrate  this.  Speaking  of  the  ministers  of 
Berkshire  County  down  to  the  year  1S34,  the 
writer  says :  "  Forty-three  of  the  ministers 
were  born  in  Connecticut,  thirty  in  Massa- 
chusetts, three  in  New  York,  two  in  New 
Hampshire,  two  in  Vermont,  and  one  in  each 
of  the  States  of  New  Jersey  and  Maine.  The 
birthplace  of  one  is  not  ascertained.  Thirty- 
nine  were  educated  at  Yale  College,  sixteen 
at  Williams,  seven  at  Harvard,  six  at  Dart- 
mouth, four  at  Union,  three  at  Princeton, 
two  at  Middlebury,  and  one  at  Amherst. 
Seven  were  not  publicly  educated." 


l8o  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o2. 

8,  Attended   the   ordination.     A   large   collection   of   people.     Rode   to 
Middlefield.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Nash.'     Towards  night  felt  very  unwell. 

9.  Rode    to    Becket.     Agreed   to   come    here    to   preach   after  the  next 
Sabbath.     Rode  to  Pittsfield.     Grow  constantly  more  unwell. 

10.  My  appetite  gone.  Anxious  to  get  to  Bennington.  Rode  with 
difficulty  to  Williamstown.  Could  get  no  further.  May  I  acquiesce  in  the 
righteous  dispensation  of  an  holy  Providence.  Tarried  at  Prof.  Fitch's.  At 
evening  was  bled/  and  took  physic.     Much  distressed. 

11.  My  disorder  seems  to  be  a  canker  with  a  pretty  high  fever.  Took 
physic  morning  and  evening.     Can  sit  up  but  little. 

12.  Much  distressed  in  my  head.  No  appetite.  Vomit  considerably. 
Took  physic. 

13.  My  physic  operated  powerfully.     Feel  some  relief.     Quite  warm. 

14.  Was  bled.  Very  weak.  The  soreness  of  my  throat  abates.  Ex- 
tremely hot.     On  the    nth  wrote   to  Col.   Robinson,  Bennington. 

15.  Through  the  blessing  of  a  merciful  Providence,  I  think  I  am  gaining 
moderately.  Stepped  out  of  the  house.  Last  night  a  hard  shower.  Weather 
more  comfortable. 

16.  Read  some,  which  hurt  me.     My  head  very  weak. 

17.  Walked  out  a  little  way.     I  gain  strength  very  slowly. 

18.  Cool.  Able  to  read  some.  Considerably  sickly  in  this  town  and 
through  the   country. 

19.  Have  something  of  a  diarrhoea.  Afternoon  attended  meeting.  Blessed 
be  God  that  I  may  enter  his  house. 

20.  Showery.     Read  some.     Troubled  with  a  pain  and  dizziness  in  my  head. 

21.  Wrote  to  Col.  Robinson,  Bennington.  Received  five  dollars  from 
Bennington.     Received  a  letter  from  Col.  Robinson.     2.00. 

22.  Quite  rainy.  Read.  I  gain  strength  but  moderately.  Intended  to 
have  set  out  for  home  today,  had  the  weather  been  favorable.     Traded.     96. 

23.  Read  the  Pursuits  of  Literature?  The  president  received  a  letter  from 
my  father  informing  that  he  had  heard  and  was  very  anxious  about  my  sick- 
ness.    Steadily  wet. 

24.  Read  newspapers.  Afternoon  the  rain  stopped.  Paid  the  doctor's 
bill,  three  and  one-half  dollars.  Rode  to  Mr.  Swift's."  Blessed  be  a  holy 
God,  who  has  thus  far  raised  me  to  health,  that  I  may  set  out  for  home.  Will 
he  carry  me  to  my  father's  house. 

25.  Clear  weather.  Rode  moderately.  Am  more  weak  than  I  expected. 
Rode  to  Pittsfield.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Gold.^ 


'  Rev.  Jonathan  Nash,  Middlefield,  was  in  ^  The  Fursuiis  of  Literature  was  a  poem 

Hampshire  County,  and  Mr.  Nash  was  pas-  published  in  Philadelphia  in  iSoo. 
tor  there  1792-1S32.  ■♦  Rev.    Seih    Swift,   pastor    at   Williams- 

^  Bleeding  was  the  common  practice  then,  town,  already  noticed, 
but  now  for  many  years  almost  entirely  aban-  '  Thomas  Gold,  Esq.,  a  prominent  lawyer 
doned,  except  in  a  few  peculiar  cases.  It  is  in  Pittsfield,  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Ct.,  grad- 
sometimes  claimed  that  bleeding  was  the  right  uated  at  Yale  in  1778.  His  son,  Thomas  A. 
thing  then,  when,  owing  to  the  change  in  the  Gold,  also  a  lawyer,  was  graduated  at  Will- 
human  constitution,  it  would  be  wrong  now.  iams,  1S06. 


l302.]  AT    HOME    AT    NORFOLK,    CT.  l8l 

26.  In  the  forenoon  attended  meeting.  Afternoon  preached  for  Mr. 
Allen,'  he  performing  the  fore  part  of  the  exercise. 

27.  Rode  to  Barrington.^  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Quite  tired.  Some 
reports  are  circulating  respecting  Mr.  Jefferson,  which  it  is  thought  will  render 
his  character  infamous.^ 

28.  Rode  home.  Thanks  be  to  God's  great  name.  My  brother  N.'s  wife 
has  lately  lain  in,  and  is  very  sick.  My  Uncle  L.  Le  Baron,*  his  wife  and  son, 
at  my  father's.  Called  at  Capt.  Clark's  in  Sheffield,  and  saw,  I  presume,  the 
best  piece  of  painting  in  America. 

29.  Walked  out.  Quite  feeble.  Read.  My  father  returned  from  asso- 
ciation. 

30.  Afternoon  attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer,  which  is  attended 
here  and  in  many  places.  It  is  feared  the  Democrats  are  increasing  in  this 
State. 

October. 

1.  My  Uncle  Le  Baron  set  off  on  his  journey.  Read  the  Vagabond.  On 
the  28th  ult.,  received  a  request  from  the  committee  of  South  Canaan^  to 
preach  with  them.     Wrote. 

2.  Read.  Afternoon  tried  to  work  some.  Am  still  quite  feeble.  There 
have  been  no  frosts  to  stop  the  growth  of  vegetables  till  this  week. 

3.  Afternoon  preached.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Last  even- 
ing caught  a  hard  cold. 

4.  Quite  sick  with  a  cold.  Bonaparte*  has  new  modelled  the  French 
government,  and  is  probably  the  most  powerful  sovereign  in  Europe. 

5.  Wrote  to  President  Fitch,  Williamstown.  My  brother  J.  set  off  for 
Williamstown.     Have   a  bad  cough. 

6.  Looked  over  my  books.  Have  lost  some  small  ones.  Fear  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  preach  for  some  time, 

7.  Rode  out.  Quite  warm.  Hope  my  brother  N.'s  wife  is  recovering, 
though  yet  very  low. 

8.  Wrote  to  the  committee  of  South  Canaan.  Afternoon  set  out  for 
Becket.  But  just  able  to  ride.  Rode  to  Sanderstield.  Tarried  with  Mr. 
White.' 

9.  Rode  to  Becket.     Much  fatigued.     Very  warm  for  the  season. 


'  Rev.  Thomas   Allen,   native   of   North-  '  This  was  the  parish  where  Rev.  Daniel 

ampton,  graduated  at  Harvard  College,  1762,  Farrand  had  then  been  pastor  for  fifty  years, 

pastor   at   Pittsfield,  1764-1S10.     Sometimes  He  was  still  living,  but  died  in  the  following 

called  "  the  fighting  parson,"  from  his  cour-  year.     He  was  probably  too  infirm  to  supply 

age  and  activity  in  the  Revolutionary  struggle.  the  pulpit. 

^  Great  Barrington.  *  Aug.  2,  1S02,  Bonaparte  was  made  first 

'  It  was  not  safe    at   that  time  to  accept  Consul  for  life.     This  was  a  very  important 

New  England  rumors  concerning  Mr.  Jeffer-  point  gained  in  his  career  of  ambition   and 

son.  power. 

*  Rev.  Lemuel    Le   Baron,  of   Rochester,  '^  Rev.  Levi  White,  native   of   Randolph, 

Mass.  (Mattapoisett),  his  wife,  who  was  Eliz-  Mass.,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1796.     Set- 

abeth  Allen,  of  Martha's  Vineyard,  and  prob-  tied  in  Sandisfield,  1798,   as   colleague  with 

ably   his   son   Lemuel,   who   was    graduated  Rev.    Eleazar    Storrs,    and    remaining    there 

three  yeais  before  (1799)  at  Brown  University.  until   1832.     Mr.  Storrs  died  in  1810. 


j82  diary    of    rev.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l802. 

10.  Was  enabled  through  divine  mercy  to  preach  both  parts  of  the  day. 
Though  quite  too  weak  to  have  attempted  it  had  not  the  situation  of  this 
people  been  critical.'     There  were  two  burials. 

11.  Very  lame  with  a  rheumatism  in  my  left  leg.  Never  had  so  severe  a 
turn.     Cool.     Read. 

12.  My  lameness  a  little  better.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an 
infant  child. 

13.  Read  the  Bible.     Quite  confined.     A  great  deal  of  travel  this  season. 

14.  Read  all  day.  Political  matters  pretty  still  in  the  countr}^  The 
harvest   of   corn  rather  light. 

15.  Rainy.  Read  Fries's  trial.  My  lameness  is  much  worse  than  it  has 
been.     At  night  my  knee  was  so  painful  I  could  hardly  sleep. 

16.  Quite  rainy.  Wrote.  The  people  here  generally  appear  anxious  to 
have  me  continue  with  them,  though  I  think  there  is  not  that  perfect  union 
there  was  a  year  ago.     Wrote  to  Col.  Lawrence,  of  Marcellus. 

17.  My  lameness  is  much  better  than  it  has  been.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  a  child.     The  congregation  here  sing  very  well. 

18.  Remarkably  warm  for  the  season.  Read  Mr.  Strong's'^  Benevolence  atid 
Misery}     Wrote. 

19.  Rode  to  Lenox  to  attend  the  association  of  this  county/  Visited  at 
Mr.  Goodwin's.^     Cool. 

20.  Mr.  D.  L.  Perry,*  of  Richmond,  was  approbated  to  preach.  After 
association  rode  to  Stockbridge  with  Dr.  West.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  at  his 
house. 

21.  Rode  to  Lee.  Preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Hyde.^  Very  little  special 
serious  attention  in  the  country. 

22.  Rode  to  Becket.     Visited.     Read  the  Bible.     25. 

23.  My  cough  something  troublesome.  The  society's  committee  called  to 
see  me.     Read.     Wrote.     Troubled  some  with  a  pain  in  my  breast. 

24.  Very  cool  for  the  season.  Afternoon  preached  principally  without 
writing. 

25.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Visited  Mr. 
Hyde  at  Lee.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Woodbridge.^ 

26.  Rode  home.  My  mamma  has  been  very  sick  some  days  with  nervous 
disorder;  but  now  hopefully  recovering. 

27.  Read.  Rainy.  Very  little  cider  made  in  the  country  this  year.  Read 
the  Vagabond? 


'  The  people  of  Becket  seem  to  have  had  Williams,  1798,  and  had  been  tutor  at  the 

no  settled  minister  from  the  time  Rev.  Za-  College.     In  1S04,  he  was  settled  in  Sharon, 

dock    Hunn   left  them   in    1788,   until    Rev.  Ct.,  where  he  remained  till  his  death  in  1835. 
Joseph  L.  Mills  was  installed  there  in  1806.  ^  Dr.  Alvan  Hyde,  native  of  Franklin,  Ct., 

^  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of  Hartford.  graduate  of  Dartmouth,  pastor  at  Lee,  1792- 

^  The   more   exact  title   of    the    book   is  1833,    a    leading    minister    and    theological 

Eternal  Misery  Reconciled  7vitk  ike  Benevolence  teacher. 
of  God.  ^  Gen.  Jonathan  Woodbridge. 

*  Berkshire  County,  Mass.  '  This  book   has  been  before  mentioned, 

'  His  mother's  cousin.  probably  some  novel    then  new  and  current, 

'  David  L.  Pe^y,  who  was  graduated  at  but  like  hundreds  of  others  not  enduring. 


l8o2.]  JOURNEYING    IN    EASTERN    CONNECTICUT.  183 

28.  Traded.     1.09.     Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  now  in  the  district 
of  Maine. 

29.  Read.     Afternoon  set  out  on  a  journey.     Rode  to  Colebrook,  tarried 
with  my  brother  Ammi. 

30.  Rode  to  Farmington.     Quite  cold  for  the  season.     Tarried  with  Mr. 
Washburn.' 

31.  Rainy.     Preached  for  Mr.  Washburn.     This  society  very  large.     My 
cough  seems  to  have  principally  left  me. 

November. 

1.  Some  very  elegant  houses  building  in  this  town.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's. 

2.  Rode  to  Durham.  Middletown  has  but  little  appearance  of  trade  or 
business.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Smith.^ 

3.  It  snowed  considerably.  Concluded  to  make  a  little  stay  here.  Very 
kindly  entertained.     Read  poetry. 

4.  Read  the  Magazine?  The  prospect  of  Christianizing  the  Indians  at 
present  appears  pretty  small.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for 
Mr.  Smith.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

5.  Rode  to  Branford.''     Visited.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Huntington.^ 

6.  Rode  to  Guilford  and  to  Durham.     Warm  for  the  season.     28. 

7.  Preached  for  Mr.  Smith.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  People 
very  inquisitive  about  important  doctrines. 

8.  Rode  to  North  Killingworth,  and  visited  Mr.  Andrews.*  Prayed  at 
the  opening  of  the  town-meeting.'  Rode  to  Guilford.  Preached  an  evening 
lecture  for  Mr.  Brainerd.*     Some  seriousness  here. 

9.  Rode  to  Chatham.     Attended  a  ministers'  meeting  at  Mr.  West's.' 

10.  Rode  to  Marlborough  and  to  Hebron.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Bassett.'" 

11.  Very  warm.     Rode  to  Colchester.     Visited  Mr.  Robbins;"  quite  poor. 
Rode  to  Millington.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Lyman. '- 

12.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Lyman.     Rode  in  the  evening  to 


'  Rev.  Joseph  Washburn,  pastor  at  Farm-  1802,   dismissed   in  April,  iSii,     Graduated 

ington,  Mass.,  1 795-1805,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  at  Yale,  1797. 
1793.  ''  A  general  custom  in  the  old  New  Eng- 

^  David  Smith,  D.  D.,  a  native  of  Bozrah,  land  days,  and  not  yet  entirely  discontinued. 
Ct.,  graduate  of   Yale,  1795,  pastor  at  Dur-  *  Rev.  Israel  Brainerd,  a  graduate  of  Yale, 

ham,  Ct ,  1799-1832.  1797)  pastor  at  Guilford,  1S01-1806.     After- 

^  No  magazine,  in   those   parts  then,  but  wards  removed  to  Verona,  N.  Y.     Died  1854. 
the  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine ;   and  '  East   Hampton   in  Chatham,  Rev.  Joel 

this  was  the  number  probably  for  November,  West,  pastor    1792-1825,  graduate   of  Dart- 

1802.  mouth,  1789. 

*  Where    his    grandfather    Robbins    was  "^  Rev.  Amos  Bassett,  D.  D. 

settled.  "  Rev.  Robert  Robbins,  pastor  in  West- 

5  Rev.    Lynde    Huntington,   a    native   of  Chester  parish  (Colchester),  i764-i8o4,.grad- 

Norwich,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1788,  pastor  uate  of  Yale,  1760. 

at  Branford,  1795-1S04,  when  he  died  after  a  '-  Rev.  William  Lyman,  D.  D.,  pastor  at 

short  ministry.  Millington  (East  Haddam),  1787-1823,  grad- 

*  Rev.  Josiah  B.  Andrews,  settled  in  April,  uate  of  Yale,  1784. 


184  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o2. 

Hadlyme.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Vaill.'     On  the  loth  ministers  at  East  Hampton 
desired  me  to  be  at  Iladdam  next  Sabbath,  now  vacant.^ 

13.  Rode  to  Haddani.  Quite  a  rough  town.  Staid  at  Dr.  Brainerd's.^ 
This  week  has  been  remarkably  warm  and  pleasant. 

14.  Pretty  full  meeting.  Large  house.  My  cough  has  not  entirely  left 
me.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Quite  full.  The  committee  re- 
quested me  fo  be  here  the  next  Sabbath. 

15.  Read  Shakespeare's  plays.  Had  a  request  to  go  and  preach  at 
Saybrook. 

16.  Had  company.  Read.  My  salt-rheum  something  troublesome.  Wrote. 
T.  Paine  has  arrived  at  Baltimore.* 

17.  Wrote.  Rainy.  E.  Kirby'  had  fifty-three  votes  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  in  this  State  for  Senator  in  Congress. 

18.  Worked  some.     Read  Shakespeare.     Wrote  a  small  dialogue. 

19.  Considerable  controversy  in  this  town  respecting  a  turnpike  road. 
Had    company.     Read. 

20.  Read  the  Bible.  Quite  warm.  O  for  a  due  preparation  for  the 
approaching    Sabbath. 

21.  Had  a  large  congregation.  People  very  attentive  at  meeting  and 
conference. 

22.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Considerable  ship  building  done  here.  At 
night   rainy. 

23.  The  storms  this  fall  are  all  short  and  clear  off  warm.  Saw  a  vessel 
launched.     Began  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving  on  Isa,  xii :  2. 

24.  Wrote.     Some  pain  in  my  breast.     Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xii :  2. 

25.  This  day  is  Thanksgiving  in  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode 
Island,  and  Connecticut.  Will  a  holy  God  give  us  grateful  hearts,  and  hear 
the  prayers  of  his  people. 

26.  Read  Shakespeare.     Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited.     At  night  rainy. 

27.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  Mr.  Williston^  arrived  from  Vermont, 
who  is  engaged  to  preach  here  for  some  time. 

28.  Mr.  Williston  rode  to  East  Haddam.  At  evening  preached  at  the 
conference.     Very  full. 

29.  Received  ten  dollars  from  the  committee  of  this  society.  The  com- 
mittee expressed  a  wish  that  I  would  not  be  soon  engaged.  Left  Haddam. 
Rode  to  Durham.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Smith.' 


'  Rev.  Joseph  Vaill,  a  native  of  Litchfield,  *  Jefferson  gave  him  permission  the  year 

Ct.,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1778,  pastor  at  previous,  to  come  over  in  one  of  our  govern- 

Hadlyme,  1780-1838.  ment  ships.  He  reached  Baltimore  in  October. 

^  Rev.  Eleazar  May,  graduated  at  Yale  in  ^  Ephraim  Kirby,  of  the  class  of  17S7  at 

1752,  and   settled  in   Haddam  in  1754,  was  Yale.     He  was  not  however  elected. 

now  in  his  old  age,  and  had  withdrawn  from  ^  Rev.  David  H.  Williston,  a  graduate  of 

the  active  duties  of  the  ministry.     He  died  Yale,  17S7.     Sent  by  the   Connecticut   Mis- 

the  following  year,  1803.  sionary  Society  to  labor  among  the  new  set- 

^  Haddam  v/as  the   special   home  of   the  tlements   in  Vermont.      He    was    a    sturdy 

Brainerds,  the  descendants  of  Daniel  Brain-  Christian  worker  living  on  to  nearly  eighty 

erd,   who,  removing   from    Hartford,   settled  years  of  age. 

there  in  the  early  New  England  years.  '  Dr.  David  Smith.    See  note  Nov.  2,  1802. 


l8o2.]  PREACHING    AT    BECKET,    MASS.  185 

30.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Visited  friends.  Rode  out  of  town,  and 
tarried  at  a  tavern.  Traded.  1.96.  The  warmest  and  pleasantest  November 
I  ever  knew.     The  Thanksgiving  day  was  singularly  so. 

December. 

1.  In  the  forenoon  very  rainy.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  lower  part  of 
Litchfield.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

2.  Rode  home.  My  mamma  much  healthier  than  when  I  left  home.  My 
father  has  received  a  letter  from  Becket  informing  him  that  the  church  and 
society  have  unanimously  given  me  a  call  to  settle  with  them.     I  am  sorry. 

3.  Wrote.  T.  Paine  is  very  intimate  with  Mr.  Jefferson.  He  is  publish- 
ing letters  to  the  people. 

4.  Rode  through  New  Marlborough  to  Becket.  Bad  riding.  The  people 
here  appear  to  have  been  in  some  anxious  suspense  about  my  absence. 

5.  A  hard  storm  of  rain.  My  health  much  better  than  when  I  left  the 
town.     Read  the  Bible. 

6.  Read  Cormick's'  Continuation  of  the  English  History.  Quite  cold. 
Had    company. 

7.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  feel  a  very  great  disinclination  to 
settling  in  this  place. 

8.  Attended  an  ecclesiastical  council  which  met  in  this  place  in  conse- 
quence of  difficulties  in  the  church.^     Quite  winter  weather. 

9.  I  hope  and  trust  the  result  of  the  council  here  will  be  of  essential 
service  to  this  church  and  society.  Visited  a  school.  Very  cold.  Read 
Lloyd's  ^  Continuation. 

10.  Extreme  cold.     Visited  two  schools.     My  salt-rheum  troublesome. 

11.  It  snowed  some.     Weather  moderated.     Read  Lloyd.     Had  company. 

12.  Pleasant.  This  congregation  I  think  considerably  smaller  than  a 
medium    in   the    country. 

13.  Rode  home.  Quite  cold.  My  mamma  better  than  she  has  been,  but 
still  feeble. 

14.  It  snowed  some.  Worked  some.  Worked  a  difficult  question  in 
arithmetic. 

15.  Read  newspapers.  Strong  symptoms  of  renewed  hostilities  in  Europe. 
Will  a  holy  God  mercifully  avert  the  evil. 

16.  Extreme  cold.  Much  the  most  severe  weather  we  have  had  this  year. 
No  snow  for  sleighing.     Visited  at  my  brother  Nathaniel's. * 

17.  The  thermometer  stood  this  morning  at  ten  below  zero.  Walked  out. 
Read. 

18.  It  snowed  some.  Weather  less  severe.  Rode  to  New  Marlborough 
to  exchange  with  Mr.  Catlin,^  who  went  to  Becket. 

■  C.  M.  Cormick,  before  mentioned,  who  land  down  to  the  year  1764.     This  was  pub- 
wrote  the  History  of  Ungland  from  the  death  lished  in  London,  1764. 
of  George  II,  to  the  peace  of  17S3.  ■•  His  home  was  in  Norfolk. 

^  We  have  not  been  able  to  find  the  ]5ar-  '  Rev.  Jacob  Catlin,  D.  !>.,  native  of  Har- 

ticular  matter  of  difficulty  for  which  the  coun-  winton,  Ct.,  graduated  at  Yale,  1784,  pastor 

cil  was  called,  but  the  church  was  in  a  weak  of  First  Church  in  New  Marlborough,  Mass., 

and  troubled  state  for  some  years.  17S7-1S26.     An  able  preacher  and  theological 

^  Thomas  Lloyd  wrote  the  History  of  Eng-  teacher. 


i86 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1802. 


19.  The  weather  moderates.  This  society  rather  small.  At  evening 
attended    a   singing   meeting. 

20.  Rode  to  Canaan.  Visited  Mr.  Farrand.'  Quite  poor.  Bought  of 
him  one  third  of  Poole's^  6)7w/j-/j- for  twenty  shillings.  Rode  home.  Warm 
for  the  season. 

^  21.     Rainy.     Finished  reading  the  Vagabond.     At  evening  walked  out. 

22.  Finished  reading  Lloyd's  History.  May  I  retain  things  which  are 
useful.     My  mamma  feeble. 

23.  Wrote.  vAfternoon  attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer.  Quite 
rainy.  Switzerland  making  a  struggle  to  regain  her  lost  liberties.  It  appears 
to  be  vain  to  contend  against  Bonaparte.  On  the  17th  wrote  to  Mr. 
Redfield,  a  society  committee  of  Saybrook.  Through  the  great  goodness  of  a 
holy  God,  my  cough,  with  which  I  have  been  afflicted  nearly  three  months, 
appears  to  have  left  me.     Blessed  be  God  for  all  his  goodness. 

24.  A  very  sudden  change  in  the  weather  last  night.  Quite  cold.  Rode 
to  Becket.     Very  bad  riding.     Got  only  to  lower  part  of  the  town. 

25.  Began  to  read  Payne's  Geography.^  May  I  be  able  to  finish  it  and 
derive  useful  information.     Read  the  Bible. 

26.  Meetings  here  must  be  quite  thin  in  uncomfortable  weather.  Read 
the  President's  message  to  Congress.  He  appears  to  have  but  one  object, 
popularity.'* 

27.  The  committee  of  the  church  and  society  in  this  town,  presented  to  me 
an  invitation  to  settle  with  them  in  the  ministry.  The  union  is  said  to  be 
great.     O  for  divine  guidance  and  direction  that  I  may  know  what  to  do. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.  Quite  warm  and  rainy.  The  ground 
appears  to  be  breaking  up.     Wrote  to  Mr.  D.  Risley,'  Whitestown. 

29.  Visited    two  schools.     The   schools  in   this  town    under  pretty  good 
^  regulations.     But  I  think  there   is  considerably  less  schooling  in  this  State 

than  in  Connecticut.^     Read. 

30.  Read  Payne's  Geography.  Wrote.  Cold.  We  have  very  sudden 
changes  of  weather. 

31.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Read  the  Bible.  Read  the  New  York 
Revieiv. 


'  Mr.  Farrand,  as  before  said,  was  quite 
aged,  and  though  still  pastor  in  name,  had 
given  up  mainly  the  care  of  his  parish. 

^  Matthew  Poole,  born  at  York,  England, 
1624,  died  1679.  His  Synopsis  Criticoriim 
has  long  been  a  well-known  work  among 
scholars. 

^  John  Payne's  Universal  Geography,  Lon- 
don, 1791,  two  volumes,  folio. 


"*  Hard  to  see  anything  good  in  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son. 

5  David  Risley,  spoken  of  in  previous 
note. 

*"  At  that  time,  the  common  schools  of 
Connecticut  were  accounted  superior  to  those 
of  any  other  State.  Afterwards,  for  a  time, 
she  depended  too  much  upon  her  school  fund, 
but  now  taxes  herself  freely. 


18  03. 

January. 

1.  Attempted  to  give  thanks  to  God  for  the  kind  preservation  of  another 
year.  Finished  my  former  diary,  and  prepared  this.  Read  the  Bible.  Quite 
cold. 

2.  Meeting  full  and  serious.  At  evening  had  company.  Read  Dr.  Em- 
mons's '    Sentions. 

3.  Read  Payne's  Geography.  In  the  afternoon  this  society  had  a  meeting 
and  voted  me  a  salary  of  three  hundred  and  sixty-seven  dollars  on  condition  of 
my  settling  with  them. 

4.  Quite  cold.     The  ground  covered  with  snow,  but  no  sleighing. 

5.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Tarried  with  Mr.  E.  Brown.^  The  piece  I 
wrote  last  week  is  published. 

6.  Last  night  a  ver\^  hard  rain.     Warm.     Returned  to  Becket. 

7.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  people  here  propose  to  give  me  some 
assistances  in  addition  to  the  salary  of  three  hundred  and  sixty-seven  dollars. 
They  appear  universally  desirous  to  have  me  continue  with  them,  but  I  feel  at 
present  that  I  shall  not.^ 

8.  Read  Payne's  Geography.     Read  the  Bible.     Wrote. 

9.  Extreme  cold.     Very  bad  going.     Had  company.     Read  the  Bible. 

10.  Received  of  this  society  forty-five  dollars.  Left  Becket.  Perhaps  I 
shall  not  return.     Rode  to  my  father's. 

11.  Warmer.  Worked  some.  Bought  a  cow  for  sixteen  dollars.  This 
town  considerably  agitated  in  consequence  of  a  man  lately  running  away  in 
the  debt  of  many  people, 

12.  Rainy.  Wrote.  Afternoon  set  out  for  Saybrook.  Rode  to  Torring- 
ford.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Mills.^ 

13.  Bad  riding.     Very  muddy.     Rode  to  Berlin.'     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 


*  Dr.  Nathaniel  Emmons,  native  of  East  '  It  was  a  cause  of  pain  to  Mr.  Robbins 

Haddam,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1767,  pastor  to  refuse   these   hearty  overtures  for  settle- 

at  Franklin,  Mass.,  1 773-1840.     Dr.  Sprague  ment.      He   would   have    been   much   better 

in  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit  (Congrega-  pleased  if  the  people  of  Becket  had  not  asked 

tional),  Vol.  i,  p.  699,  says:    •' Dr.  Emmons  him  to  settle. 

published  five  octavo  volumes  of  sermons  on  ■*  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills,  father  of  Samuel 
Christian   Doctrine  and  Duty,  and  one   vol-  J.  Mills,  Jr.,  of  Foreign  Mission  memories, 
ume  of  occasional  sermons  ranging  from  1800            ^  In  Berlin,  Rev.  Evans  Johns,  a  Welsh- 
to  1826."  man,  educated  in  England,  and  for  some  time 

^  Ephraim  Brown  was  one  of  the  men  who  minister  at  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  had  been  set- 
went  from  Spencer,  Mass.,  to  Stockbridge  to  tied  the  June  before.  He  was  probably  such 
assist  Rev.  John  Sargent  in  his  work  among  an  entire  stranger  that  Mr.  Robbins  would 
the  Indians.  This  E.  Brown  may  have  been  not  tax  him  for  the  usual  ministerial  hospi- 
a  son  of  his.  tality. 

187 


1 88 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


L1803. 


14.  Rode  to  Middletovvn.  Afternoon  and  at  night  it  rained  very  hard. 
Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

15.  Rode  through  Haddam  to  Saybrook.  The  people  appear  to  have  been 
in  anxious  expectation  of  my  coming. 

16.  This  society  appears  to  be  small.  It  is  the  third  society  in  the  town. 
They  sing  very  well.'     At  evening  had  company. 

17.  Read  Fuller's^  Gospel  its  Oum  Witness.  I  live  at  a  Mr.  Kelsey's. 
At  evening  called  to  see  a  Mrs.  Devotion,^  widow  of  the  late  minister. 

18.  Finished  reading  Fuller.  Very  cold.  The  people  here  do  consider- 
able in  coast  navigation.*     Had  company. 

19.  Read  the  Bible.  Extreme  cold.  Read  the  Biographical  Mirror? 
Walked  out. 

20.  No  more  snow  to  be  seen  than  in  summer.  Wrote.  Had  compan}-. 
The  singers  met  here  and  sang. 

21.  Read.  Very  still  times  in  the  countr}'  respecting  political  matters. 
Walked  out  and  visited. 

22.  P'inished  reading  the  Biographical  Mirror.  Read  Night  Thoughts. 
This  week  has  been  steadily  very  cold,  but  no  snow. 

23.  Preached  upon  Means.  People  here  pretty  ignorant  concerning  doc- 
trines.    At  evening  attended  a  singing  meeting;  prayed  in  it. 

24.  Began  to  read  Dr.  Robertson's*  History  of  Charles  V.  Visited  a 
young  woman  very  sick.  The  committee  of  this  society  requested  me  to 
preach  with  them  for  the  present. 

25.  Last  night  very  sick.  I  suppose  in  consequence  of  eating  clams. 
Read.     Walked  out.     At  night  it  rained  some. 

26.  Read  Robertson.  Warm.  Rode  to  the  old  society  in  this  town,  and 
attended  a  funeral  of  a  man  who,  in  middle  age  and  perfect  health,  was  found 
dead  in  his  bed  yesterday  morning. 

27.  The  President  has  appointed  Gov.  Munroe '  Envoy  Extraordinary  to 
Spain.  It  snowed  considerably.  At  night  there  was  a  ball  where  I  live.  I 
went^  and  spent  the  evening,  and  slept  at  a  neighbor's. 


'  It  will  have  been  noticed  that  Mr.  Rob- 
-bins  often  speaks  of  the  singing  in  the  par- 
ishes where  he  preaches. 

^  Rev.  Andrew  Fuller,  an  eminent  Baptist 
divine  born  at  Wicken,  Eng.,  1754,  died  at 
Kittering,  181 5. 

^  Rev.  John  Devotion  had  been  pastor  of 
the  Third  Church  in  Saybrook  (now  West- 
brook)  from  October,  1757,  to  September, 
1802,  when  he  died.  Ebenezer  Devotion,  his 
brother,  was  pastor  of  Scotland  Parish  (Wind- 
ham), 1735-177 1,  and  they  were  sons  of  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Devotion,  pastor  at  Suffield,  Ct., 
1710-1741.  The  father  was  a  graduate  of 
Harvard,  1707,  and  the  two  sons  of  Yale, 
Ebene/.er  in  1732,  and  John  in  1754.  Dr. 
Sprague  in  his  Annals  makes  John  Devotion, 
of  Saybrook,  son  of   Ebenezer,  of  Scotland. 


But  he  seems  to  have  been  a  younger 
bi-other. 

■•  From  generation  to  generation  many 
men   in   Saybrook  grew  rich   in   that  way. 

'  Mirror,  exhibited  by  the  sayings  and 
transactions  of  the  greatest  men  in  Europe. 
i2mo,  Boston,  1802. 

^  Dr.  William  Robertson,  of  Scotland,  son 
of  the  parish  minister  of  Borthwick,  in  Mid 
Lothian,  was  himself  a  very  able  minister  of 
the  Church  of  Scotland,  but  gave  himself 
largely  to  literary  work.  His  History  of 
Charles  ?'was  first  published  in  1769. 

^  James  .Monroe  was  appointed  in  1803 
Minister  Plenipotentiary  jointly  with  Charles 
Pinckney  to  negotiate  with  Spain. 

^  That  is,  nnt  to  the  ball,  but  to  the  neigh- 
bor's house  to  spend  the  night. 


1803.J  PREACHING    AT    WESTBROOK,    CT.  189 

28.  Rode  out.  Very  cold.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference  meeting  with  Baptists. 

29.  Visited  a  young  woman  apparently  near  the  close  of  life.  Pretty  good 
sleighing.  Wrote  a  negative  answer  to  the  call  of  the  church  and  society  of 
Becket.     Wrote  to  Mr.  James  Rudd,  of  Becket. 

30.  Read  the  Bible.     A  very  cold  rain.     Thin  meeting. 

31.  Set  out  to  go  to  Danbury.  Dined  with  Mr.  Mansfield,'  of  Killing- 
worth.     Rode  to  East  Haven,  tarried  at  a  tavern. 

February. 

1.  Rode  through  New  Haven,  breakfasted  with  Mr.  Davis.^  Rode 
through  Derby  and  Newtown  to  Danbury.     Very  kindly  received. 

2.  Visited.  Quite  rainy.  Find  many  apparent  friends.  There  is  hope- 
fully some  seriousness  in  this  town. 

3.  There  have  been  an  unusual  number  of  deaths  of  heads  of  families 
in  this  town  in  two  years  past.     Rainy.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

4.  Concluded  not  to  attempt  to  get  to  Saybrook  this  week.  Very  cold. 
The  riding  extremely  bad.  Agreed  to  tarry  here  over  the  Sabbath.  Tarried 
at  Mrs.  Taylor's. 

5.  Walked  out  and  visited.     Read  newspapers.     Traded. 

6.  An  exceeding  rainy  day,  yet  a  good  number  of  people  at  meeting. 
Many  appear  quite  serious.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Mygatt's.  Mrs.  M.  apparently 
sinking  with  a  consumption. 

7.  Warm.  Very  muddy.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Read.  Traded.  Had 
some  clothes  made. 

8.  Received  many  kind  attentions.  Left  Danbury.  Very  bad  riding. 
Rode  to   Huntington,^  tarried  with  Mr.    Rexford." 

9.  Rode  to  Milford.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Pinneo.'  At  evening  attended  a 
conference. 

10.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Traded;  bought 
books.     Rode   to   Guilford.     Tarried   with   Mr.    Brainerd.^ 

11.  Rode  to  Saybrook.  Pretty  much  fatigued.  At  evening  walked  out. 
Received  a  letter  from  Rev.   Mr.  Mills,^  of  this  town. 

12.  Wrote.     Began  to  read  Milton's  Paradise  Lost  in  course. 

13.  People  at  meeting  quite  attentive.  Afternoon  and  at  night  a  cold  and 
violent  rain. 

14.  Read  Milton.     It  snowed  some.     At  evening  had  company. 


'  Rev.  Achilles   Mansfield,  pastor  of   the  ^  Rev.  Bezaleel   Pinneo,  a  native  of  that 

First  Church  of  Killingworth  (now  Clinton),  part  of  Lebanon,  Ct.,  which  is  now  Columbia, 

1779-1814.     He  was  a  native  of  New  Haven,  a   graduate   of   Dartmouth,    1791,   pastor   at 

and  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1770.  Milford,  1796-1849.     He  was  one  of  the  lead- 

^  Henry   Davis,  his   Yale  classmate,  was  ing   ministers   in   Connecticut    in    the   early 

still  tutor  at  the  college.  years   of  the   present   century. 

^  That   part   of   the   town   which   is   now  *  Rev.  Israel  Brainerd. 

Monroe.  '  Rev.  Samuel   Mills,  pastor  in  that  part 

*  Rev.   Elisha   Rexford,  pastor   at    Hunt-  of    the   town   of    Saybrook   now    known   as 

ington  (now  Monroe),  1765-1808,  a  graduate  Chester,    1786-1814,    a    graduate    of    Yale, 

of  Yale,  1763.  1776. 


190  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBRINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

15.  Quite  cold.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Collected  the  genealogy  of  the 
Whittlesey  family. 

16.  Read  the  Bible.  Read  newspapers.  Finished  reading  Paradise  Lost. 
A  very  hard  storm  of  snow. 

17.  Walked  out  and  visited.  It  appears  probable  that  Democracy  is  on 
the  decline  in  the  United  States.'  The  greatest  exertions,  however,  are  made 
in  this  State.     May  a  merciful  God  preserve  us. 

18.  Warm  for  the  season.  We  have  exceeding  variable  weather.  At 
evening  rode  out  and  preached  a  lecture.  Preached  without  notes  from  Isa. 
xxvi  :  4.     Quite  a  full  meeting. 

19.  Read  Robertson's  Charles  V.  Had  company.  I  think  this  society  is 
in  some  danger  from  the  Baptists.     Read  the  Bible, 

20.  People  at  meeting  quite  attentive.  I  think  there  is  a  prospect  that 
they  will  hear  the  humbling  doctrines  of  the  gospel  here,  though  in  times 
past  they  have  not  been  much  used  to  them."^ 

21.  Warm.  Rode  to  Saybrook^  and  visited  Mr.  Hotchkiss.'*  Very  bad 
riding. 

22.  Read  Robertson.  Afternoon  rode  to  Chester,  visited  Mr.  Mills.  At 
evening  preached  a  lecture.     Some  aw-akening  there. 

23.  Remarkably  warm  for  the  season.  Rode  down  to  Pettipague,^  and 
preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Ely.*     Rode  to  Pochogue. 

24.  Read.  Had  company.  It  snowed  considerably.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

25.  Quite  cold.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  Walked  out. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Brainerd,  of  Guilford. 

26.  Wrote.  Read  the  Saybrook  PlaiformJ  Afternoon  rode  to  Saybrook 
to  exchange  with  Mr.  Hotchkiss.^ 

27.  All  societies  in  this  town  rather  small.  At  evening  attended  a  sing- 
ing meeting.     The  spirit  of  religion  appears  here  but  little. 

28.  Returned.     Rode  to  Killingworth,  visited  Mr.  Mansfield.'     Returned. 

March. 

1.  Read  Robertson's  Charles    V.     It  snowed  some.     Walked  out.     Quite 
cold. 

2.  Very  cold.     Read.     At  evening  was  invited  out  to  a  supper. 


'  As  already  suggested,  the  Democrats  in  *  Rev.  Richard  Ely,  pastor  at  Pettipaug, 

1804  elected  Jefferson  for  a  second  term  by  17S6-1814,  a  native  of  Lyme,  and  graduate  of 

a  much  more  decisive  vote  thanin  iSoo.  Yale,  1754.     He   had  been  before  settled  at 

^  This  remark   seems   to  imply  that   Mr.  North  Madison,  Ct.,  1757-1785. 

Devotion,  the  last  minister,  had  been  rather  ''  A   system   of    church   government   pre- 

Arminian  in  his  tendencies.  pared  at  Saybrook  in  the  year  170S,  for  the 

^  Old    Saybrook,   the    first    ecclesiastical  use    of  the    churches  of   Connecticut,  some- 
parish  in  the  town.  what  more  rigid  than  the  Cambridge  Platform 

*  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hotchkiss,  pastor  at  prepared  at  Cambridge,  Mass.,  in  1648.    Both 

Old  Saybrook,  1783-1844,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  these  platforms  are  now  largely  outlawed. 

1778,  native  of  New  Haven.  *  See  note  February  21. 

'  Pettipaug,  now  Centerbrook,  Ct.  9  See  note  ante  January  31. 


1803.]  PREACHING   AT   WESTBROOK,    CT.  19I 

3.  Weather  moderates.  People  are  beginning  vessels.'  At  evening 
attended  a  wedding.  I  have  not  been  in  a  sleigh  through  the  winter,  a  cir- 
cumstance which  I  presume  has  never  taken  place  before  in  any  winter  of  my 
life. 

4.  Finished  reading  Robertson's  History  of  Charles  V.  At  evening  rode 
out  and  visited. 

5.  Read.  The  people  of  this  State  are  in  considerable  agitation  respect- 
ing a  Democratic  Thanksgiving  to  be  held  at  New  Haven  next  week. 

6.  Preached  on  the  Doctrine  of  the  Resurrection.  Much  fatigued.  At 
evening  quite  sick. 

7.  Considerably  unwell.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  it  snowed 
some.     Mr,  Bushnell,^  the  missionary,  came  here  and  tarried. 

8.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Afternoon  rode  to  Pettipague,^  and  heard  Mr. 
Bushnell  preach.  At  evening  he  preached  again,  after  which  I  preached 
extempore  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,8,     Tarried  with  Mrs,  Hay  den. 

9.  Last  evening  my  horse  got  away.  Afternoon  found  him  without  much 
difficulty.     Returned  to  Pochogue. 

10.  Preached  a  lecture  in  the  upper  part  of  the  society,  with  a  few  short 
notes  on  2  Pet.  i:  5,  6,  7.  The  Thanksgiving"*  at  New  Haven  was  yesterday. 
The  people  in  Kentucky  appear  to  be  much  alarmed  by  the  interruption  of 
their  commerce.     Our  government  appears  to  be  mere  pusillanimity. 

11.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Brainerd,^  of  Guilford.  Began  a  sermon  on  2  Tim.  iv  : 
7,  8.     Troubled  with  a  sickness  at  the  stomach. 

12.  Wrote  considerably.  Mrs.  Devotion,  widow  of  the  late  minister,  very 
poor,  probably  near  the  close  of  life.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

13.  The  spring  appears  to  be  approaching.  Quite  troubled  with  a  stom- 
ach sickness.     At  evening  attended  a  singing  meeting. 

14.  Read.  Had  company.  The  State  in  considerable  agitation  about 
political  matters. 

15.  Took  tartar  emetic.  It  operated  very  violently.  It  makes  me  very 
feeble. 

16.  Had  engaged  to  ride  today  to  Guilford.  Am  totally  unable.  Walked 
out,     Several  persons  sick  in  this  place.     Very  warm  for  the  season. 

17.  Read  Mortimer's  Scholar's  Dictioiiary!'  I  presume  Congress  have  done 
far  less  business  during  their  late  session  than  at  any  one  under  the  present 
government. 


'  The  spring  was  opening,  and  the  work  of  probably  simply   a  special    rejoicing  on  the 

building  vessels,  which  was  an  important  busi-  part   of   Democrats   that   they  were   now  in 

ness  interest  of  the  place,  had  begun.  power.     Such  rejoicings  now  on  the  part  of 

=*  Jedediah  Bushnell,  D.  D.,  before  noticed  any  political  party  are  regarded  simply  as  a 

in  connection  with  his  missionary  work  among  matter  of  course.     Liberty,  political  and  re- 

the  New  York  churches,  was  a  native  of  this  ligious,  is  better  understood  now  than  then, 

town  of  Saybrook.  ^  See  note  ante  February  10. 

^  See  note  February  23.  ^  The  Student's  Pocket  Dictiotiaiy,  or  Com- 

*  This  was  the  Democratic  Thanksgiving  pendiiim   of  Universal  History,  in  two  parts, 

iust  before  spoken  of  in  the  diary.     It  was  By  Thomas  Mortimer,  London,  1777. 


192  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBRINS,    D.D.  [^803. 

18.  Had  a  request  to  preach  at  Hacldam.  Have  concluded  to  go  after 
the  second  Sabbath  in  April.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Mrs.  Devotion  died 
this  afternoon.' 

19.  My  stomach  sickness  continues.  Quite  warm.  Went  out  on  the 
water.     Afternoon  went  to  Saybrook  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Hotchkiss. 

20.  Was  enabled  to  go  through  the  exercises  of  the  day  better  than  I 
expected.  Returned  to  Pochogue  ;  ^  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Devo- 
tion.    Hainy.     Three  neighboring  ministers  at  the  funeral. 

21.  Visited  a  school.     At  evening  walked  out.     Unable  to  attend  to  study. 

22.  Worked  considerably  in  leveling  a  site  to  build  a  vessel.  Read  the 
Life  of  Col.  Gardiner.^ 

23.  Through  divine  goodness  I  am  much  better  of  my  disorders.  Went  to 
live  with  Esq.  Say.     Worked  some.     Afternoon  a  very  violent  snow-storm. 

^J  24.     Read.     Democracy  is  now  making  its  most  violent  elTorts  in  this  State. 
May  the  God  of  our  fathers  preserve  us. 

25.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Andrews,  North  Killingworth,  requesting 
me  to  go  and  preach  at  Middlefield,''  a  society  in  Middletown.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  father  with  a  request  from  the  town  of  Middlebury,  Vermont, 
that  I  would  go  there  to  preach.  At  evening  the  committee  of  this  society 
called  to  see  me.  O  for  divine  direction,  and  that  I  may  be  willing  to  go 
where  duty  calls. 

26.  Quite  cool  for  the  season.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Brainerd,  of 
Guilford.     Wrote.     At  night  quite  rainy. 

27.  People  pretty  attentive  here,  but  I  fear  very  stupid.  Quite  tired.  At 
evening  attended  a  singing  meeting. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  newspapers.  The  Federalists  were 
never  so  alarmed  and  never  made  such  exertions  in  this  State  as  at  present.' 

29.  Rode  to  Saybrook  and  back.  Viewed  the  place  of  the  first  settlers.^ 
Making  some  collections  of  the  Whittlesey  family. 

30.  Wrote.  Tried  to  break  my  horse''  for  a  carriage.  He  acts  quite 
badly.     Walked  out. 

31.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Saybrook  and  preached  a  sacramental 
lecture.     Returned.     At  evening  was  at  a  wedding. 


'  Her  husband  died  the  year  before,  after  '  Connecticut  continued  to  be  one  of  the 

being  pastor  of  the  church  forty-five  years.  Federal  States  after  almost  all  the  others  be- 

^  Pochogue,   several    times    before    men-  came  Democratic, 

tioned,  was  the  Indian  name  of  that  part  of  *  There  was  a  fort  at  Saybrook  built  by 

Saybrook  where  he  was  preaching.  the  younger  John  Winthrop  as  early  as  1636, 

^  Col.  James  Gardiner,  a  British  ofiicer,  the  year  when  the  Hooker  Company  came  to 
remarkable  for  his  earnest  religious  life.  He  Hartford,  and  two  years  before  the  settle- 
was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Prestonpans,  1745-  ment  began  at  New  Haven.  Young  John 
His  life  was  written  by  Dr.  Philip  Doddridge,  Higginson  preached  to  the  few  people  in  and 
and  has  been  very  widely  circulated  and  read.  about  the  fort  in  1636,  and  for  four  or  five 

'^  After  the  death  of  Rev.  Abner  Benedict,  years  afterward, 

pastor  at  Middlefield  (in  Middletown),  1771-  ^  This  is  the  horse,  so  far  as  appears,  that 

1785,  the  church  had  no  settled  minister  until  he  bought  of  Rev.  Mr.  Aver)',  of  Tyringham, 

May,  1S20,  when  Rev.  Stephen  Hayes  began  and  with  which   he   made  his  two  thousand 

his  work  there.  miles'  journey. 


1803.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK,    CT.  193 

April. 

1.  Read  newspapers.  Finished  my  sermon  on  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  Poorly 
able  to  study.     Warm  for  the  season. 

2.  Made  a  family  piece  for  the  Whittlesey  family.'  Walked  out  and 
visited.     People  here  much  engaged  in  building  vessels. 

3.  Full  meeting.  Quite  warm.  People  appear  quite  anxious  to  have  me 
return  here. 

4.  Received  fifty  dollars  from  this  society.  Left  Saybrook,  rode  to 
Branford.     Tarried  with  Capt.  Russell. 

5.  Rode  through  New  Haven  to  Fairfield  and  Greenfield.  Tarried  at  a 
tavern. 

6.  Rode  to  Danbury.  Kindly  received.  Warm.  I  imagine  that  political 
commotions  have  risen  in  this  State  to  their  hight.^ 

7.  There  being  no  preacher  here^  at  present  concluded  to  tarry  till  after 
the  Sabbath.     Cool  for  the  season.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

8.  This  day  is  the  Fast  through  this  State.  Preached.  Something  rainy, 
with  considerable  thunder. 

9.  Had  a  pair  of  boots  "*  made  ;  cost  six  dollars.  Paid  for  a  beaver  hat 
made  for  me,  seven  and  a  half  dollars.^  Quite  cool.  Visited.  There  is  a 
prospect  of  a  minister  being  settled  here.  There  has  lately  been  an  addition 
to  the  church  of  sixteen  members.     More  are  expected. 

10.  There  was  the  fullest  meeting  I  ever  saw  here  on  an  ordinary  occa- 
sion. At  evening  rode  to  New  Milford,  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Received  ten 
dollars  from  the  society  at  Danbury. 

1 1.  Rode  very  early  to  Litchfield  and  to  Norfolk  by  two  o'clock.  Attended 
Freeman's  Meeting.  The  votes  for  Governor  here  were  one  hundred  and 
ninety-nine,  fifteen  of  which  were  for  E.  Kirby.^ 

12.  The  people  in  this  quarter  appear  to  have  been  universally  at  the 
Freeman's  Meeting  which  has  consequently  issued  in  a  great  defeat  of  Democ- 
racy. Quite  warm.  Read.  Received  a  printed  letter  from  Mr.  Carey,^  of 
Philadelphia.     Received  one  from  my  cousin,  S.  P.  Robbins. 

13.  Rode  out.  Read  Mr.  Rosse's  and  Mr.  Morris's  speeches  in  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States  on  the  subject  of  our  injuries  at  New  Orleans.  I 
believe  they  will  hereafter  be  greatly  celebrated. 


'  By  hints  here  and  there  we  see  that  Mr.  ^  Ephraim  Kirby  was  the  Democratic  can- 

Robbins,  as  a  young   man,  was   engaged   in  didate.     He  was  a  man  of   ability,  and  was 

genealogical   investigations  when  that    occu.  Judge  in  the  United  States  District  Court  in 

pation  was,  as  yet,  very  rare  in  New  England.  New  Orleans.     He  stood  no  chance  for  Gov- 

^  He  begins  to  discover  a  reaction,  which,  ernor  in   the   Federal  State  of   Connecticut, 

under    the    circumstances,  was  quite    natural  Jonathan  Trumbull,  son  of  Jonathan  Trum- 

and  proper.  bull  of  Revolutionary  memory,  was  re-elected 

^  There  had  as  yet  been  no  one  settled  in  Governor  in  1803.     He  held  the  ofiice  by  re- 

Danbury  in  place  of  Rev.  Mr.  Langdon,  de-  election,    179S-1S09,   and    was    followed    by 

ceased.     In  the  month  of  May  following  Rev.  other  Federalist  Governors  until  1817. 

Israel  Ward  began  his  labors  there.  '  Mathew  Carey,  a  native  of  Dublin,  Ire- 

*  These  were  toi>boots.  land.     Established   himstlf   in   Philadelphia, 

^  He   was    choice    and    particular   in   all  1784,  as  printer  and  publisher,  and  founder  of 

articles  of  dress.  the  firm  of  Carey  &  Son. 


194  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

14.  Read  newspapers.  Democracy  has  probably  received  the  greatest 
shock  in  this  State  that  it  has  had  since  its  first  existence.  Wrote  to  Mr.  N. 
Munger,  Middlebur)-,  Vermont.     Wrote  to  the  committee  at  Westmoreland. 

15.  Expected  to  have  set  out  for  Haddam,  but  the  rain  prevented  me. 
Read.     At  night  it  snowed  pretty  hard. 

16.  My  father  rode  to  South  Canaan  to  preach  to  that  people  now  desti- 
tute in  consequence  of  the  late  death  of  Mr.  Farrand.  Read  Backus  on 
Regetieration} 

17.  It  snowed  most  all  day.     Thin  meeting. 

18.  Thought  to  be  the  greatest  snow  we  have  had  the  past  winter.  It 
goes  very  fast.     Worked  considerably. 

19.  Dated  my  reading  in  several  of  my  books.  Have  been  very  fortunate 
with  my  library.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Worked  some.  Federalism  in- 
creasing in  the  neighboring  States.^ 

20.  Rode  out  with  my  brother's  wife.^  Very  poor.  Afternoon  set  out  for 
Haddam.     Rode  to  my  brother's*  at  Colebrook  and  tarried. 

21.  Rode  through  Farmington  to  Berlin.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Upson. 
Quite    warm. 

22.  Rode  through  Middletown  to  Haddam.  Kindly  received.  Very 
warm    for   the    season. 

23.  I  live  at  Dr.  Brainerd's.  This  place  was  considerably  divided  about 
their  late  preacher,  Mr.  Williston.'  Mr.  May,*  their  late  pastor,  died  on  the 
14th  inst.     Walked  out. 

24.  Full  and  attentive  meeting.  Something  unwell.  After  meeting  at- 
tended a  funeral.     There  have  been  many  deaths  of  old  people  here  of  late. 

25.  Read  Shakespeare.  Heard  from  Pochogue.  They  appear  to  be 
desirous   to   have    me    return   to   them. 

26.  Read.  Walked  and  saw  the  fishermen  catch  shad.  This  town  is  quite 
a  place  for  fish.     Had  company. 

27.  Walked  out  and  visited  sick  people.     Quite  cool.     Wrote  to  my  father. 

28.  Rode  to  East  Haddam  and  visited  Mr.  Pansons.'  Drank  tea  at  Gen. 
Champion's.^  Returned.  Found  Mr.  S.  Cowles  here  from  Norfolk,  who 
tarried  the  night. 

29.  Quite  unwell,  sick  at  the  stomach,  and  very  poor  appetite.  Rode  out. 
Crossed  the  river  and  visited. 

30.  Quite  warm.     Read   Shakespeare.     Wrote.     Yesterday  one    seine    in 


'  A  work  by  Dr.  Charles  Backus,  of  Som-  ■*  Ammi  Ruhamah  Robbins. 

ers,   published   early   in   this    century.      Dr.  ^  Rev.  David  H.  Williston  from  Vermont. 

Backus   died   Dec.   30,    1803.  '' Rev.  Eleazar  May.     See  a  previous  note. 

^  This  growth  did  not  make  itself  manifest  ^  Rev.  Elijah  Parsons,  pastor  at  East  Had- 

in  the  following  year,  1804,  when  only  Con-  dam,    1772-1827,  fifty-five  years.     Graduated 

necticut,    Maryland,    and     Delaware     voted  at  Yale,  1768. 

against   Jefferson   for   his   second    presiden-  *  Epaphroditus  Champion,  Brigadier  Gen- 

tial  term.  eral  of  Connecticut  Militia,  prominent  in  the 

3  Nathaniel  Robbins's  wife.  settlement  of  the  Connecticut  Reserve,  Ohio. 


1803.]  PREACHING    AT    HADDAM,    CT.  X95 

the  river,  between  Saybrook  and  Lyme,  took  more  than  four  thousand  shad  * 
at  one  time.     Had  some  serious  conversation  in  the  family. 

May. 

1.  Rainy.  Preached  on  the  subject  of  Missions.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.     People  here  something  inclined  to  the  Baptist  sentiment. 

2.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Dmed  with  a  military  company.  Military 
spirit  not  very  high  here. 

3.  Rode  to  the  west  part  of  the  town  and  preached  a  lecture  without 
notes  from  Psa.  cxxiv :  8.  At  night  Mr.  Stone,^  a  candidate,  called  and 
tarried  with  me.     Quite  cool. 

4.  In  the  morning  a  prettv  hard  frost.  Rode  to  Saybrook.  People  here 
appear  anxious  to  have  me  settle  with  them. 

5.  Quite*  rainy.     Visited.     The  society's  committee  came  to  see  me. 

6.  Showery.  Left  Saybrook,  rode  to  East  Haddam.  Tarried  at  Gen. 
Champion's.^ 

7.  Rode  to  Haddam.  Read  the  Bible.  This  morning  a  very  hard  frost. 
Many  apple-trees  are  blown,  and  it  is  feared  they  will  be  much  injured. 

8.  Very  rainy.  It  snowed  considerably.  In  some  places  the  snow  is  six 
inches  deep.  Ver^-  thin  meeting.  I  don't  recollect  having  ever  preached  to 
fewer  persons. 

9.  In  the  morning  the  ground  lately  dug  was  so  frozen  as  to  bear  a  man 
walking.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Had  company. 

10.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Some  snow  that  fell  on  the  8th  remaining. 
Fruit  trees  in  the  bloom. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  attend  the  election.  Quite  warm.  Saw  the 
Governor's'*  entrance  in  the  town.  A  very  handsome  parade.  I\Iy  father, 
sister,  and  brother  J.'  here. 

12.  Public  exercises  very  good.  A  great  concourse  of  people.  The  votes 
for  Governor  are  twenty-two  thousand  four  hundred  and  forty-eight ;  six  thou- 
sand six  hundred  more  than  were  ever  given  in  the  State  before.  Kirby 
had  seven  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-eight.  Melancholy.*  Last  even- 
ing the  trustees  of  the  Missionary  Society  appointed  me  a  missionary  to  New 
Connecticut.^     I  don't  know  what  to  do. 


'  That  was    in   the  old-time  shad-fishing.  ^  James  Watson  Robbins. 

There    have    been    times  since   when   shad  ^  It  was  melancholy,  he  means,  that  Judge 

seemed  to  be  almost  driven  out  of  the  Con-  Kirby  should  have  about  one  third  of  all  the 

necticut  River,  though  we   have  the  impres-  votes  cast. 

sion  that  they  are  now  again  becoming  more  ''  The  eight  northeastern  counties  of  Ohio 

numerous.  were   called    New   Connecticut.     Under   the 

^  Rev.  William  Stone,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  charter  of  Charles  II  Connecticut  claimed 
1786,  licensed  by  New  Haven  East  Associa-  large  territories  at  the  West,  but  there  were 
tion,  1787,  but  seems  never  to  have  been  conflicting  claims,  and  the  United  States  finally 
settled  in  Connecticut,  but  was  probably  set-  gave  to  Connecticut  the  right  of  owner- 
tied  somewhere  out  of  the  State.  He  was  a  ship  to  3,000,000  acres  in  the  northeasterly 
native  of  Madison,  Ct.,  and  died  in  1S40.  portion  of  the  State.     The  early  settlers  were 

3  See  note  April  28.  chiefly  from    Connecticut,   and   it   was   long 

•*  Gov.  Jonathan   Trumbull,  second   Gov-  called  New  Connecticut  or  Connecticut  Re- 

ernor  of  Connecticut  of  that  name.  serve.     But   later,  when   the   population  be- 


196  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

13.  Could  not  give  the  missionary  trustees  an  answer.  Rainy  in  the 
morning.     Heard  the  Governor's  speech.     Afternoon  rode  to  Haddam. 

14.  Wrote.     Afternoon  rode  to  Guilford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Brainerd.' 

15.  A  large  congregation.  This  the  worst  meeting-house  I  ever  saw.  At 
evening  had  company, 

16.  Quite  warm.  Rode  by  Chester  to  Haddam.  Visited.  Some  people 
here  inclining  to  the  Methodists.     Very  much  fatigued. 

17.  Walked  out  and  saw  the  shad-fishing.  Read.  Had  company.  My 
stomach  sickness  \ji  a  degree  still  continues. 

18.  Very  warm.     Rode  out.     Began  a  sermon  on  Zech.  ix  :  12.     23. 

19.  Rode  to  Middle  Haddam,  visited  Mr.  Selden,  to  East  Haddam,  and 
returned.     Attended  a  Baptist  conference.     Heard  women  exhort. 

20.  Rainy.  Walked  out ;  caught  a  pretty  bad  cold.  Wrote. '  The  Demo- 
crats in  the  State  exult  at  the  issue  of  the  late  election.  Will  the  God  of  our 
fathers  preserve  us. 

21.  Quite  unwell  with  my  cold.  It  is  believed  that  the  apples  are  not 
injured  by  the  late  frosts. 

22.  Full  meeting.  Had  the  contribution  for  the  Missionary  Society; 
eighteen  dollars  and  fifty  cents  were  collected.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    1.00. 

23.  Walked  out.  Visited  some  sick  persons.  The  committee  of  the 
society  conversed  with  me  ;  they  appear  very  anxious  to  have  me  return  here. 

24.  Rode  to  Hadlyme  and  attended  a  ministers'  meeting.  Preached. 
Ministers  in  this  vicinity  quite  harmonious.  On  the  2 2d  finished  my  sermon 
on  Zech.  ix:   12.     6. 

25.  Dined  at  Gen.  Champion's.  Returned  to  Haddam.  Preached  a 
lecture  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house  without  notes  from  i  Cor.  ii :  4,  5. 

26.  Read  President  Edwards  on  Infant  Baptism.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Wrote  a  paper. 

27.  Rode  to  Middletown  and  back  with  Mrs.  Brainerd.  Visited  Mr.  Hunt- 
ington.^    Quite  cool  for  the  season. 

28.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  a  letter  to  M.  L.  C.  O  for  a  due  preparation 
for  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath. 

29.  Serious  and  solemn  meeting.  Very  full.  At  evening  a  full  confer- 
ence. Attempted  to  explain.  "  It  is  impossible  for  those  who  were  once 
enlightened,"  etc. 

30.  The  people  here  appear  very  anxious  to  have  me  return.  Visited. 
Very  warm.     Received  thirty  dollars  from  this  society. 


came  more  mi.xed,  it  was  called  the  Western  ^  Rev.  David  Huntington  had  been  pastor  at 

Reserve.  The  first  settlement  on  this  territory  the  South  Church  in  Middletown,  1797-1800, 

was  at  Cleveland  and  Newburg  in  1797,  and  and  was  still  living  there.     He  was  a  native  of 

in    1798    a    settlement   was    commenced   at  Lebanon,  a  graduate  of  Dartmouth,  1773,  and 

Youngstown.     In    1800,    there   were   on   the  had  previously  been  pastor  at  Marlborough, 

Reserve  1,144  white  inhabitants,  and  in  1810,  Ct.,   1776-1797.     He  was  afterwards  settled, 

16,241.     The   large  school   fund  of   Connec-  December,  1S03,  ^^  Hamburg,  a  parish  in  the 

ticut  was  raised  from  the  sale  of  these  lands.  town  of  Lyme,  where  he  died  181 2.     He  was 

'  Rev.  Israel  Brainerd.  one  of  many  ministers  bom  in  Lebanon,  Ct. 


iSoj.^  PREACHING    AT    HADDAM,    CT. 


197 


31.  A  small  but  very  refreshing  rnin.  The  earth  has  suffered  much  with 
drought.  Rode  to  North  Kiilingworth  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for 
Mr.  Andrews.'     Attended  a  conference. 

June. 

1.  Rode  to  Durham.  Very  warm.  Bought  Carey's^  Bible  for  which  I 
was  a  subscriber,  for  eight  dollars.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Smith.^ 

2.  Rode  to  Haddam  and  to  Saybrook.     Quite  tired.     13. 

3.  Read  the  Bible.  Read  newspapers.  The  States  New  York  and 
Rhode  Island  seem  to  be  effectually  given  over  to  Democracy.'*  We  hope  the 
God  of  our  fathers  will  yet  protect  us. 

4.  Read  the  Bible.  The  Legislature  of  our  State  adjourned  yesterday. 
Rainy.  Concluded  not  to  think  of  tarrying  with  this  people.  Hope  1  have 
acted  conscientiously. 

5.  Pretty  full  and  attentive  meeting.  At  evening  attended  a  singing 
meeting.  I  believe  my  preaching  here  will  help  open  the  way  for  the  recep- 
tion of  Calvinistic  doctrines.' 

6.  Quite  cool  for  the  season.  Read.  The  people  here  appear  to  be 
much  disappointed,  and  some  of  them  offended,  at  my  refusing  to  continue 
with  them.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

7.  Rode  to  North  Kiilingworth  and  attended  the  Association.  The  Asso- 
ciation quite  agreeable.     The  congregation  in  this  place  very  large. 

8.  Rode  to  Haddam  and  attended  a  funeral.  Preached  without  notes 
from  John  xi :  25.     Returned  to  North  Kiilingworth. 

9.  Rode  to  Pachogue.     Very  warm.     Read.     Visited. 

10.  Read  the  Bible.  Rode  to  Saybroak.  Visited  Mr.  Hotchkiss  and 
Gen.  Hart.^     English  grain  appears  very  well.     Returned.     50. 

11.  Very  hot.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Quite  disagreeable  to 
tell  people  I  cannot  continue  here. 

12.  Meeting  very  full.  A  very  dry  season.  Took  leave  of  this  people  in 
public.  Received  ten  dollars  of  this  society.  On  the  7th  was  requested  to 
preach  as  a  candidate  at  Pettipague.'' 

13.  Left  Saybrook,  rode  to  Haddam,  and  to  Berlin.  Tarried  at  a  tavern. 
Extremely  hot.  The  people  at  Haddam  wish  me  to  return  there,  but  there  is 
a  prospect  of  some  opposition.  I  think  I  shall  unless  I  accept  of  my  v.resteru 
appointment. 


'  Rev.  Josiah  B.  Andrews,  before  noticed.  *  AH  the  States  but  three  went  that  way 

This   place   was   called   North   Kiilingworth  the  next  year  in  the  presidential  election  of 

until   the   division   of    the   town,   when   that  1804. 

which  had  before  been  called  Kiilingworth,  '  A  hint  like  that  he  made,  a  little  way  back, 
where  the  first  church  was,  became  Clinton,  respecting  the  parish  in  Saybrook.  He  inl- 
and North  Kiilingworth  became  Kiilingworth.  plies   that   Mr.    May's    preaching   had    been 

-  An  edition  probably  published  by  .Vlathew  Arminian. 

Carey,  of  Philadelphia,  about  which,  probably,  *  Gen.  Hart. 

the  letter  before  mentioned  from  Mr.  Carey  ^  Pettipague  was  one  of  the  old  parishes 

was  sent.  of  the  town  of  Saybrook.     Territorially  Sav- 

^  Rev.  David  Smith,  D.  D.,  of    Durham,  brook   was  very   large,   and   a  considerable 

Ct.,  before  noticed.  number  of  parishes  were  within  its  limits. 


I 


1^8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S03. 

14.  Rode  to  Warren  from  Saybrook,  eighty  miles.  Attended  the  associa- 
tion.'    My  father  is  inclined  to  have  me  accept  of  my  mission.^     Showery. 

15.  Rainy.  Stayed  through  the  day.  The  association  quite  numerous. 
Fatigued    with    my    journey. 

16.  Rode  home  with  my  father.  My  brother  N.  has  begun  in  trade.  My 
mamma  seems  rather  inclined  to  have  me  go  to  the  westward. 

17.  Read  Bossuet's  Universal  History.  Walked  out.  Crops  pretty  back- 
ward. 

18.  Quite  warm.  My  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  arrived  here  from  the  district 
of  Maine.     Wrote. 

19.  My  cousin  preached  in  the  forenoon  and  I  in  the  afternoon.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference.     Something  rainy. 

20.  Walked  out.  My  brother  and  wife  came  here  and  made  us  an 
agreeable    visit. 

21.  Concluded  after  long  consideration  to  accept  of  my  appointment  as  a 
missionary.  Will  God  mercifully  go  with  me  and  use  me  for  his  praise. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Flartford.     Wrote  to  Dr.  West,  of  Stockbridge. 

22.  Very  warm.'  Worked  some  preparing  for  my  journey.  Read.  A 
great  appearance   of  a  renewal    of  war  in   Europe. 

23.  Attended  the  concert  of  prayer  which  is  observed  here  weekly.  The 
season  quite  dry.        , 

24.  Excessive  hot.  Rode  to  Colebrook  with  my  father,  attended  the 
Masonic  celebration  of  St.  Johns.^  Mr.  Lee*  preached.  Returned.  Dined 
with  the  Masons. 

25.  Wrote  on  my  accounts.  Afternoon  rode  to  Goshen.  A  copious  and 
very  refreshing  shower.     Good  is  Jehovah. 

26.  Preached  for  Mr.  Hooker.^  The  appearance  of  religion  in  the  towns 
in  this  vicinity  is  much  less  than  a  few  years  past. 

27.  Rode  home.  The  neighboring  towns  seem  to  have  a  supply  of  rain, 
while  this  is  passed  over.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hyde,^  of  Lee,  request- 
ing me  to  deliver  an  oration  in  that  town  on  the   4th  of  July.     I  cannot  go. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's.     Quite  tired. 

29.  Excessive  hot.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Wrote  a  formal  answer  to  my 
missionary  appointment,  to  Mr.  Flint,''  secretary  to  the  trustees.  Towards 
evening  rode  to  Middletown.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

30.  Rode  to  Haddam.  Worked^considerably  in  hay.  Eat  green  peas. 
On  the  29th  had  my  hair  cut  short,  which  I  have  worn  tyed  about  twelve 
years. ^ 


'  This  was  the  General  Association  of  the  '  Rgv.  Asahel  Hooker,  of  Goshen,  before 

State,  whose  meeting  was  usually  about   the  noticed, 

middle  of  June.  *  Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.  D. 

=  His  father  was  specially  interested  as  we  ^  Rev.  Abel  Flint,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  South 

have  seen  in  this  home  missionary  work.  Church,  Hartford,  1791-1S24. 

^  St.  John  the  llaptist's  Day,  a  great  day  ^  He  was  now  twenty-six  years  old,  so  he 

with  the  Free-Masons.  began  to  wear  his  hair  tied  when  he  was  four- 

*  Rev.    Chauncey    Lee,  D.    D.,  pastor   at  teen  years  old.     This  fashion  passed  out  of 

Colebrook,  1800-1828.  use  generally  about  that  time. 


1803.]  PREACHING   AT    HADDAM,    CT.  199 

July. 

1.  Extremely  hot.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Haddam  and  preached  a 
sacramental  lecture.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Parsons.'  Visited  Col.  Moseley.^  At 
evening  a  very  hard  shower. 

2.  Rainy.     Very  refreshing.     Returned.     Troubled  with  a  toothache. 

3.  Preached  upon  Discriminating  Doctrines.  Some  people  receive  them 
with  difficulty.  Attended  a  conference.  The  people  here  much  disappointed 
at  the  prospect  of  my  going  on  a  mission. 

4.  Attended  with  a  pretty  large  company  the  celebration  of  Independence. 
Quite  agreeable.     Made  some  toasts.     Cool. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's.  Visited  my  old  class- 
mate  Robbins.* 

6.  Rode  home.  Quite  tired.  My  parents  making  preparation  for  my 
ordination. 

7.  Had  a  tooth  extracted  which  has  given  me  much  pain.  Very  hot. 
Wrote. 

8.  Set  out  for  Haddam.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Jerome,''  New  Hartford.  Rode 
to  Farmington.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Gridley's. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  to  Haddam.  Excessive  hot.  Traded.  Very 
tired.  There  have  been  two  deaths  of  grown  persons  here  this  week.  People 
generally  beginning  harvest. 

10.  I  think  I  never  was  more  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Attended  a 
conference. 

11.  The  tooth  I  had  extracted  on  the  7th  was  the  last  double  tooth  in  my 
upper  jaw.     Walked  out  and  visited.     People  generally  beginning  harvest, 

12.  Visited.  Crossed  the  river  in  a  boat  alone.  The  Democrats  in  the 
country  exult  much  at  the  late  purchase  of  New  Orleans.'     Showery. 

13.  Set  out  for  home.  Excessive  hot.  Rode  to  Berlin.  Tarried  at  Dr, 
Smalley's.*     Have  something  of  a  diarrhoea. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  onward.  Had  a  coat  made.  Quite  showery. 
A  great  deal  of  hay  and  grain  down.  Tarried  at  a  private  house  in  a  part  of 
Bristol, 

15.  Rode  some.  Very  tired.  Have  been  very  fortunate  in  obtaining  ex- 
changes to  supply  at  Haddam  next  Sabbath. 

16.  My  brother  Lawrence  Miere  from  Paris.     Worked  some  preparing  for 


'  Rev.  Elijah  Parsons,  pastor  at  East  Had-  afterwards  generally  accepted  and  approved, 

dam,  1772-1827,  before  noticed.  and  recognized   as   vastly  important   to   this 

*  Col.  Jonathan  O.  Moseley.  country. 

^  Levi    Robbins,   who   was   with    him   at  *  Dr.  Johii  Smalley,  a  native  of  that  part 

Yale,  probably  of  the  Wethersfield  family  of  of  Lebanon  which  is  now  Columbia,  gradu- 

Robbins,  descendants  of  John  Robbins.  ated  at   Yale,  1756,    pastor  in  that  part  of 

*  Rev,  Amasa  Jerome,  graduated  at  Will-  Berlin  which  is  now  New  Britain,  1758-1820, 
iams,  1798,  pastor  at  New  Hartford,  Ct.,  one  of  the  chief  ministers  and  theological 
1802-1813,  teachers  in   Connecticut    in   his   time.      He 

^  The   Louisiana   purchase    under   Jeffer-  lived  to  be  nearly  eighty-six  years  old. 
son's    administration     in    1803 ;    condemned  ''  Grove  Lawrence,  who  married  Elizabeth 

sharply  by  the  Federalists  at   the   time,  but  Robbins. 


200  niARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROCTJIN.S,    D.D.  [1803. 

the  ordination.     My  fatlier  rode  to  New  Hartford  to  preach  tomorrow  for  Mr. 
Jerome.' 

17.  Preached  at  home,  supplying  at  Haddam  by  exchanges.  People  pretty 
attentive.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  My  brother  N.'s  child  very 
sick. 

18.  Engaged  in  preparing  for  the  ordination.  My  Uncle  and  Aunt  Starr  ^ 
came  to  attend  the  ordination.  Attempted  to  devote  the  day  in  some  meas- 
ure to  fasting  and  prayer,  preparatory  to  my  ordination. 

19.  Worked  considerably.  Made  a  long  table  in  the  door-yard,  and  a 
covering  of  cloth  for  a  shade.  Weather  quite  clear  and  cool.  My  brother's 
child  still  remains  very  sick.  Afternoon  the  council  convened  in  number  34. 
They  met  at  the  meeting-house  and  attended  to  the  examination.  Several 
ministers  are  present  not  belonging  to  the  council. 

20.  The  most  solemn,  and  to  me  important,  day  I  ever  saw.  May  its 
solemnities  never  be  effaced  from  my  mind.  I  vvas  this  clay  in  the  most  sol- 
emn manner  set  apart  to  the  great  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Towards 
night  the  council  dispersed.  Quite  tired.  We  had  considerable  company  be- 
sides the  council.  Fifty  dined  exclusive  of  our  family  connections  or  town 
people.  The  ordination  was  performed  in  the  following  manner :  Mr.  Flint,^  of 
Hartford,  made  the  introductory  prayer.  Mr.  Strong,*  of  Hartford,  jjreached 
from  Matt,  xxviii:  19,  20.  Mr.  Mills,^  of  Torringford,  made  the  consecrating 
prayer.  My  father  gave  the  charge.  Mr.  Perkins,^  of  Hartford,  gave  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship.  Mr.  Hooker,  of  Goshen,  made  the  concluding 
prayer.  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Perkins,  Mr.  Hooker,^  and  my  father  imposed  hands. 
All  the  parts  were  performed  in  a  very  able  and  solemn  manner.  The  charge 
was  peculiarly  affecting.  In  it  my  father  gave  me  a  Bible.  Almost  all  the 
members  of  the  council  observed  that  it  was  the  most  solemn  ordination  they 
ever  saw.^  The  audience,  very  large,  were  solemn  and  very  much  affected. 
The  day  was  ver^'  fine. 

21.  Set  out  for  Haddam.  Yesterday  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins'  was 
appointed  to  a  short, mission  to  the  Black  River.  Rode  through  Farmington 
to  Middletown.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Rode  late.     Very  tired. 

22.  Rode  to  Haddam  in  the  morning.  The  Superior  Court  in  session 
here.  Dined  with  the  court.  Very  much  fatigued  with  the  labor  of  the  week. 
Something  shower}^     Attended  court. 


'  Rev.  Amasa  Jerome,  just   before   men-  *  Rev.   Nathan    Perkins,    D.  D.,  of   West 

tioned.  Hartford.     A  pastor  there  1772-1S3S. 

^  Rev.  Peter  and   Sarah    (Rabbins)  Starr  ^  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  of  Goshen,  Ct. 

from  Warren,  Ct.     At   this   time   Mr.  Starr  ^  This  was  an  ordination  without  pastoral 

had  been  pastor  in  Warren  thirty-one  years,  charge  simply  for  missionary  and  evangelistic 

having  been  ordained  there  in  1772.  purposes.      This   ordination   took  place,    of 

2  Rev.  Abel   Flint,  D.  D.,  South  Church,  course,   in   Mr.    Robbiiis's    native    town    of 

Hartford,  Ct.  Norfolk. 

*  Rev.  Nathan  Strong,  D.D.,  First  Church,  9  He,  though  belonging  in  Massachusetts, 

Hartford,  Ct.  received  his  missionary  appointment  from  the 

^  Rev.  Sam'l  J.  Mills,  of  Torringford,  Ct.  Connecticut  Missionary  Society. 


1803.]  PREPARING    FOR    MISSIONARY    JOURNEY.  20I 

23.  There  have  been  five  deaths  in  this  town  in  this  month,  three  of  grown 
persons.     Read  Shakespeare.     Visited. 

24.  Very  warm  and  faint  weather.  At  noon  attended  a  funeral.  At  even- 
ing a  conference.  Trust  I  had  divine  assistance  to  perform  the  duties  of  the 
day,  for  in  the  morning  I  felt  very  unable. 

25.  A  society  meeting  was  held  here,  warned  for  the  purpose  of  giving  me 
a  call  to  settle  in  the  ministry.  I  went  into  the  meeting  and  desired  the  so- 
ciety not  to  take  any  vote  upon  the  subject.'  They  however  proceeded  to 
vote  and  gave  me  a  call  to  settle.  I  agreed  to  give  them  an  answer  next 
week. 

26.  Had  company  most  all  day.     Read  Shakespeare.     Showery. 

27.  Wrote.  The  President  has  issued  his  proclamation  to  convene  Con- 
gress on  the  7th  of  October.  Eat  green  corn."  Afternoon  crossed  the  river 
and  tarried  the  night. 

28.  Last  night  and  this  morning  it  rained  very  hard.  Afternoon  rode  to 
the  west  part  of  the  town  and  preached  a  lecture  without  notes  from  Psa.  xvii : 
15.     Tarried. 

29.  Visited.  Clear  weather  after  lowery  for  a  week.  Many  people  here 
appear  very  anxious  to  have  me  stay  with  them.  The  vote  was  one  hundred 
and  twenty-eight  against  fifty-seven.     Miss  L.  Champion  here. 

30.  The  price  for  which  Louisiana  is  purchased  is  said  to  be  fifteen  mill- 
ion dollars.^     Read  Shakespeare.     Wrote.     Very  warm. 

31.  Something  troubled  with  stomach  sickness  and  frequent  spitting  in 
speaking.     At  evening  a  very  full  conference. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  and  delivered  to  the  society  committee  a  negative  answer  to 
their  call.  Many  people  appear  much  disappointed  and  to  feel  very  disagree- 
ably.    Very  hot.     A  very  hard  shower. 

2.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Find  friends  at  college  agreeable.  Tarried 
with  Mr.  Bartletf*  at  college.  Signed  for  Gen.  Washington's  Life  ;^  paid  three 
dollars  in  advance. 

3.  The  heat  very  oppressive  and  severe.  Rode  to  Haddam.  Attended  a 
wedding  in  Durham. 

4.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.     Sickness  begins  to  prevail    in  the 


'  This  was  the  same  course,  it  will  be  re-  Bartlett,  a  native  of  Lebanon,  who  was  grad- 

membered,   which  he    adopted    some  years  uated  at  Yale,  1800,  and  who  studied  theology 

before  at  Middlebury,  Vt.  under  President   Dwight.    In  the   February 

^  Almost  every  year  Mr.  Robbins  notes  following  he  was  ordained  and  installed  over 

the  time  when  the  corn  was  ready  to  be  used  the  north  parish  in  East  Windsor,  where  he 

for  green  corn.  filled  out  a  fifty  years'  ministry.     For  nearly 

3  The  price  paid  for  Louisiana  was  sixty  twenty  years,    1S08-1S27,  Mr.  Robbins  was 

million  francs,  and  it  was  agreed  that  five  and  the  minister  in  the  south  parish  of  the  same 

one   third  francs   should  count  for  a  dollar.  town,  and  the  two  were  very  intimately  as- 

The  price  in  dollars  was  between  eleven  and  sociated. 

twelve  millions.  ^  Marshall's  Z//^(y"f^j'/i?;?^/'o«,  which  came 

*  This  was  without  much  doubt   Shubael  from  the  press  in  the  following  year,  1804. 


202  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBHINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

cities.     Quite  sickly  at  New  Haven.     Many  people  here  believe  my  leaving 
them  will  be  a  great  injury  to  the  society.     A  hard  shower. 

5.  Saw  Dea.  Cone,  of  this  town,  mowing.  He  is  nearly  ninety-four  years 
old,  and  has  been  an  ordained  deacon  sixty  years.  Visited  a  school.  Read 
the  Bible. 

6.  Wrote.  Copying  my  father's  charge  to  me  for  publication.  Had 
company.  Had  a  valuable  book,  Orations  on  Washington^  presented  me  by 
a  young  Mr.  Parmalee. 

7.  Last  night  was  taken  with  a  bad  turn  of  dysentery.  Poorly  able  to 
perform  the  duties  of  the  day.  Took  my  leave  of  the  people.  At  evening  a 
very  full  and  serious  conference.  Talked  seriously  to  the  people  concerning 
their  situation ;  some  have  considerable  feeling. 

8.  Last  night  many  people  had  a  late  meeting  to  devise  some  plan  to 
detain  me  with  them.  Wrote  to  the  committee  requesting  them  to  trouble  me 
no  farther,  for  I  cannot  stay.  Rode  to  East  Haddam  and  back.  Left  Had- 
dam.  Rode  to  Durham,  preached  an  evening  lecture  for  Mr.  Smith.  Some 
awakening  here.     Meeting  very  full. 

9.  Th^  people  at  Haddam  have  warned  a  meeting  to  renew  their  call  to 
me.     Rode  t6  Hartford.     Many  places  quite  sickly.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's. 

10.  Very  hot.  Perhaps  a  more  difficult  season  for  haying  is  not  remem- 
bered. People  have  not  yet  done.  Received  my  commission  and  instructions 
for  the  mission.'  Rode  to  New  Hartford.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  Rode  quite 
late.     On  the  8th  received  thirty  dollars  from  the  society  at  Haddam. 

11.  Rode  home.  Pretty  tired.  Walked  out  with  my  sister.  This  day 
concludes  my  twenty-sixth  year.  Blessed  be  God,  my  kind  Preserver.  May 
I  be  humbled  for  my  imperfections,  ingratitude,  and  sin. 

12.  Bought  a  horse  ^  for  sixty  dollars,  six  years  old.  Rode  to  Canaan  and 
back  with  my  mamma. 

13.  On  the  loth  received  sixty  dollars  in  advance  from  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety.    Rode  to  Stockbridge  to  visit  Dr.  West.^     Very  affectionately  received. 

14.  Preached  for  Dr.  West.  A  great  awakening  here.  Sixteen  lately 
.  admitted  into   the    church,   and   ten    now  propounded. 

15.  Rode  home.     Cool  for  the  season.     People  generally  not  done  haying. 

16.  Preparing  for  my  journey.     Rainy.     Walked  out. 

17.  My  cousin  S,  P.  Robbins  set  off  on  a  mission  to  the  Black  River.* 
Worked  some. 


'  The    headquarters    of    the   Connecticut  affection  and  gratitude,  for  he  was  going  out 

Missionary  Society  were  at  Hartford.     Drs.  into  the  great  wilderness  of  the  West  for  an 

Strong  and   Flint   were   officially   connected  unknown  term  of  service. 
with  it.  •♦  The  Black  River  rises  in  the  mountain- 

^  This  is  his  third  horse  ;  but  this  was  a  ous  country  of  northeastern  New  York,  where 

horseback  age,  and  such  journeyings  as  those  some  of  the  springs  send  their  waters  east  to 

through  which  we  have  already  followed  Mr.  the  Hudson.     The  Black  River  runs  westerly 

Robbins  might  be  expected  to  use  up  a  horse  and    northwesterly  through    Hamilton,  Her- 

in  two  or  three  years.  kimer,  Oneida,  Lewis,  and   Jefferson    Coun- 

^  This   was  a   kind   of    farewell    visit   of  ties  to  Lake  Ontario.     The  name  of  the  river 


I 


1803.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY   JOURNEY.  203 

18.  A  very  hard  shower.  Afternoon  attended  the  weekly  concert  of 
prayer. 

19.  Find  it  to  be  a  laborious  task  to  make  all  the  preparations  for  my 
journey.     Rode  out. 

20.  Had  some  clothes  made.  On  the  i6th  Mr.  Higgins  and  Col.  Brainerd, 
a  committee  from  Haddam,  came  here  and  presented  me  a  call  from  the 
church  and  society  there  to  settle  with  them  in  the  ministry.  The  society 
voted  a  salary  of  five  hundred  dollars  a  year.  There  appears  to  be  a  great 
union  of  the  people.  But  under  my  circumstances  I  could  not  accept.  I 
wrote  a  negative  answer  to  the  church  and  people.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Brainerd 
with  whom  I  lived.  Received  a  letter  from  her.  That  day  and  this  wrote  a 
long  answer  to  her  letter. 

21.  Preached  for  my  father.  In  the  afternoon  with  short  notes  from  Gen. 
xxviii :  20,  21.  People  as  well  as  I  considerably  affected.  At  evening 
attended   a   conference. 

22.  Quite  cool.  Looked  over  and  arranged  my  books.  I  have  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  volumes.'     Paid  a  sadler  $6.25. 

23.  Had  company.  Preparing  to  leave  home  tomorrow.  Paid  a  merchant 
$15.30.  Mr.  Battell  concludes  to  take  my  subscription  for  Washington's  Life, 
and  paid  me  three  dollars  which  I  advanced  on  the  2d  inst.  At  evening  Esq. 
Selden  and  wife  came  here  from  Haddam  and  tarried.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mrs.  Brainerd,  and  one  from  Dr.  \\'ard,  of  Haddam.^  Yesterday  wrote 
to  Dr.  Clark,  of  Haddam. 

24.  Considerably  unwell.  Think  I  cannot  go  today.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Ward, 
of  Haddam,  and  to  Mr.  C.  S.  Mygate,  of  Danbury.     Visited  the  neighbors. 

25.  Am  almost  disposed  to  shrink  from  the  great  work  I  am  about  to 
undertake.  But,  through  God  strengthening  me,  I  can  do  all  things.  Left 
home  for  a  long  tour,  as  I  hope,  in  the  service  of  my  Redeemer.  Almighty 
Father,  do  thou  go  with  me,  and  be  my  helper.  Rode  through  Salisbury  into 
New  York  State,  tarried  at  a  poor  tavern. 

26.  In  the  morning  rode  to  H.  W.  Livingston's.^  Kindly  received.  Tar- 
ried the  most  of  the  day.  Very  warm.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Mr.  Livings- 
ton's *  and  tarried.     Very  kindly  entertained. 

27.  Crossed  the  Hudson  to  Catskill.  Will  a  holy  God  preserve  me  and  en- 
able me  to  recross  it  with  joy  ?  So  hot  I  could  not  comfortably  ride.  Rode  to 
Shingle-Kill.      Tarried    with    Esq.    Sayne.      Found    much    kindness   in   the 


is  derived  from  the  color  of  its  waters,  and  ^  Henry  W.  Livingston,  judge,  noticed  in 

this  color  is  imparted  by  the  deep  dark  rich  a  previous   entry.     With   him   Mr.  Robbins 

soil  through  which  it  flows.  stopped  the  year  before  on  his  return  from 

'  This   was   the   early  state   of   a   library  his  journey  through  New  York, 
which    afterwards   grew    into    thousands    of  *  Henry  Livingston,  General  in  the  Revo- 
books   and   pamphlets.  lutionary   Army,  a   man   of  most  noble  life 

^  The  attachment  of  the  Haddam  people  and   character.      "  He  died  at  his  residence 

to  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  have  been  particu-  in   the  manor  of   Livingston,  May   26,  1823, 

brly  strong,  but  under  all  the  circumstances  and   his   remains  were  placed  in  the    family 

of  the  case  they  urged  their  call  unduly.  vault." 


204 


DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 


middle  of  the  day  at  a  Dutch  tavern.  Saw  Mr.  Brown,'  a  merchant,  formerly 
minister  at  Glastonbury. 

28.  This  village,  Shingle-Kill,  belongs  to  the  society  of  Acra,^  where  Mr. 
E.  J.  Chapman,^  formerly  missionary  to  New  Connecticut,  now  preaches. 
Rode  to  Acra,  three  miles,  in  the  forenoon  ;  preached  for  Mr.  Chapman  from 
2  Tim :  iv :  7,  8,  Afternoon  heard  him.  Returned  to  Shingle-Kill  and 
preached  from  Zech.  ix :  12.  Where  I  do  not  mention  the  mode,  I  shall 
preach  without  notes,  as  I  have  today. 

20.  Warm  and  exceeding  dusty.  This  part  of  the  country  suffering  much 
with  a  drought.  Rode  to  Acra.  Mr.  Chapman  rode  with  me  to  New  Dur- 
ham. Mr.  Townsend  concluded  to  tarry  till  tomorrow.  Esq.  Selden  and 
wife*  here  from  Haddam.  This  a  pleasant  town.  A  meeting-house  here  and 
one  at  Acra. 

30.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Weather  much  cooler.  Rode  on  a  good  turnpike 
road.  Crossed  the  Delaware  bridge.  Turned  out  a  few  miles  to  Jefferson. 
Tarried  with  Esq.  Bayard. 

31.  In  the  morning  preached  from  Zech.  ix :  12.  Rode  to  Harpersfield, 
and  preached  in  a  meeting-house  from  Gen.  vi :  3.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.  Some  thoughtfulness  here.  Mr.  Marsh,  of  Ballston,  preached  in 
the  afternoon  before  me  in  the  same  exercise.  In  conference  spoke  against 
the  practice  of  relating  experiences,  which  they  have  practiced  here.  Mr. 
Fenn,^  the  minister  here,  gone  to  Connecticut.  Tarried.  Left  home  with 
cash  $141.67. 

September. 

1.  Rode  to  Meredith^  and  out  to  Delhi.''  Called  on  Eben  Foote,  Esq. 
Treated  politely.  In  the  evening  preached  in  the  court-house  from  2  Tim. 
iv :  7,  8.     In  almost  every  settlement  find  some  former  acquaintance. 

2.  Rode  back  to  Meredith  and  on  to  Franklin.*  Preached  with  notes 
principally  at  a  funeral  from  i  Cor.  vii :  29,  31.  A  large  concourse  of  people. 
A  hard  shower.  Saw  Rev.  Mr.  Harrower,'  of  Walton, '°  near  here.  He  as- 
sisted in  the  exercise.     Concluded  to  stay  here  till  after  the  Sabbath. 

'  Rev.  William  Brown,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  ^  Probably    Stephen    Fenn,   a    native    of 

1789,  licensed  to  preach  by  the  New  Haven  Watertown,   Ct.,  a  graduate   of   Yale,  1790. 

West  Association,  1791,  and  pastor  at  Glas-  *  Meredith  was  in  Delaware  County,  and 

tonbury,   Ct.,   from   May,    1792,  to   January,  was  a  new  town  with  an  excellent  class  of  in- 

I797>  when  for  some  reason  he  left  the  min-  habitants.     In  1800,  its  population  numbered 

istry  for  secular  pursuits.  only  two  hundred  and  thirteen. 

^  The  town  of  Acra,  in  which  Shingle-Kill  '  Delhi,  in  the  same  count)-,  was  organized 

was  embraced,  was  in  Greene  County,  New  in  1798. 

York.     It  was  fourteen  miles  back  from  the"  ^Franklin,   in   the   same   county,   sixteen 

Hudson  River  in  the  Catskill  Mountain  region.  miles  west  of  Delhi,  was  settled  in  1785. 

*  Rev.  Ezekiel  J.  Chapman,  graduated  at  9  David  Harrower,  who  labored  as  a  min- 

Yale,  1799,  licensed  by  Tolland  Association,  ister  and   missionary  in  Eastern  and  Central 

Oct.   6,    1801,   and   commissioned    the   same  New    York,   received   the   degree   of   A.  M. 

}-car  by  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  for  from  Williams  College  in  1805,  and  died  in 

service   in   New   Connecticut.  1854,   aged   eighty-six.      He   was    pastor    at 

■*  It  will  be  remembered  that  they  were  at  Trenton,  Oneida  County,  for  some  years. 

Norfolk,  Ct.,  just    before    Mr.   Robbins   left  '°  Walton  was    taken    from   Franklin    in 

home.  1797. 


1803.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY   JOURNEY.  205 

3.  Had  some  clothes  waslied.  Wrote  in  my  diary.  Walked  about  and 
visited.     Wrote  to  my  father. 

4.  The  people  here  have  a  new  meeting-house  nearly  finished  and  a  very 
respectable  congregation.  Preached  from  Jude  xi :  i;  Zech.  ix :  12.  At 
evening   attended    a   conference. 

5.  In  the  morning  my  horse  was  gone  ;  but  through  the  kindness  of  a 
good  Providence  he  was  found  in  a  neighboring  pasture  at  some  distaiice. 
Rode  to  Jericho.'  Crossed  the  Susquehanna^  at  Wattle's  ferry  by  fording. 
Crossed  the  Unidillai^  near  by  in  the  same  way.  Rivers  very  low.  From 
Catskill  to  Wattle's  ferry  there  is  a  turnpike  road  nearly  completed,  ninety 
miles.     Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Chapin." 

6.  Rode  to  Greene/  alias  Jones  settlement.  Tarried  at  Capt.  Parker's, 
formerly  from  Norfolk.  Found  Mr.  Dickinson  and  Miss  P.  Jones  from  Nor- 
folk. Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv:  7,8.  Quite 
cool. 

7.  Rode  to  Lisle.^  Tarried  with  Mr.  Williston.^  Bad  road  and  quite 
unpleasant  country.  Very  few  inhabitants.  Crossed  the  Chenango  with  con- 
siderable difficulty.     Very  cold  for  the  season. 

8.  Had  an  agreeable  and  instructive  visit  with  Brown's  settlement  in  the 
town  of  Tioga. ^  This  morning  a  hard  frost.  A  very  great  drought  through 
this  country.  At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  A  ver}-  cold  night. 
Rode  six  miles  without  a  house. 

9.  Called  on  Mr.  S.  Farrand,'  formerly  from  Canaan.  Rode  down  the 
Owego  Creek  to  Owego  village.  At  evening  preached  from  Acts  viii :  8. 
This  place  quite  corrupt. 

10.  I  don't  know  as  I  have  been  in  one  settlement  without  finding  some 
persons  who  know  me  or  my  father.  Rode  down  the  Susquehanna  to  Tioga 
Point '°  in  Pennsylvania.  Will  God  be  with  me  while  I  remain  in  a  State  in 
which  I  never  was  before.  This  village  very  pleasant.  The  frosts  appear  to 
have  put  a  stop  to  vegetation, 

11.  Preached  from  Jude  xi  and  Acts  xxvi :  8.  Quite  warm.  Yesterday 
my  watch  fell  out  of  the  bed  and  broke  the  ciystal.  Cannot  get  it  replaced. 
Was  requested  to  baptize  a  child  by  half-way  covenant  parents."     After  meet- 


'  Jericho  (not  then  a  town),  was  eighteen  we   have   several   times   written,  was  pastor 

miles  west  of  Franklin.  here  at  Lisle,  1803-1810. 

^  The     Susquehanna     divides     Delaware  ^  Tioga  was  in  Tioga  County.     The  town 

County  from   Otsego    County.  was  formed  in  1800,  and  is  one  hundred  and 

*  A  small  river  in  Otsego  County,  empty-  seventy-six  miles  from  Albany, 

ing  into  the  Susquehanna.  '  Prqbably  a  son  of  Rev.  Daniel  Farrand, 

■•  Rev.    Joel    Chapin,    born     at    Ludlow,  the  life-long  minister  of  Canaan. 

Mass.,  1761,  graduated   at  Dartmouth,  1791,  '°  Tioga  Point  appears  to  have  been  some 

died  at  Bainbridge,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  5,  1S45.  ^'^^^^   designation  in  the  town  of   Litchfield, 

^  Greene  was  in  the  southwestern  corner  Bradford  County,  Penn. 

of   Chenango   County,   and   was   formed   by  "  He  does  not  tell  us  whether  he  baptized 

combining   Union   and   Jericho.  the  child  or  not.     The  half-way  practice  had 

''  Lisle  was  in  Broome  County.  been  long  in  use  in  the  New  England  churches, 

^  Rev.    Seth   Williston,   D.  D.,  of   whom  though  it  was  now  rapidly  passmg  away. 


2o6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

in"'  crossed  the  Tioga,'  then  the  Susquehanna,  below  the  confluence  to  the 
east  side,  and  rode  to  New  Sheshequin."  In  the  evening  preached  from 
Zech.  ix:  12.     Afterwards  had  a  warm  attack  from  Universalists. 

12.  Disputed  with  a  Universalist  the  most  of  the  forenoon.  Very  absurd 
and  hardened.  Crossed  the  river  and  rode  out  to  Smithfield.^  Preached 
without  any  book  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  Some  thoughtfulness  among  the 
people  here.     A  very  new  place.     Quite  warm. 

13.  Rode  to  old  Sheshequin  alias  Ulster.'*  7.  Preached  with  notes  from 
Phil,  ii :   12,  13.     Saw  two  Binghams,  formerly  from  Norfolk. 

14.  Mostly  Connecticut  people  here.  They  have  some  anxiety  about 
holding  their  lands.  There  is  not  a  settled  minister  in  this  count\%  Luzerne,^ 
very  large.  The  drought  such  that  the  most  of  the  mills  in  the  country  are 
still.  Crossed  and  recrossed  the  river  and  rode  to  Claverack  alias  Sugar 
Creek.  6.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19,  a  clause.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Beards- 
ley,  from  Norfolk. 

15.  Had  some  clothes  washed.  Wrote  in  my  diary.  A  church  at  Smith- 
field,*  Congregational,  and  one  here,  Claverack,  under  the  Morristown  Pres- 
byter}^  The  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine  is  taken  in  most  all  these 
settlements.  Rode  to  Wypore  Creek.  Had  appointed  a  lecture,  but  in  con- 
sequence of  a  heavy  rain,  and  not  great  notice,  the  people  did  not  collect.  The 
rain  a  great  blessing.  Crossed  to  the  east  side  of  the  river.  Good  meadows 
on  this  river  in  some  places. 

16.  Rode  to  Wyalusing,^  alias  Springfield.  Tarried  with  Maj.  Gaylord 
from  Norfolk.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  Rode  through  a  very  narrow 
and  hideous  strait.  The  settlements  on  this  river  principally  at  the  mouths 
of  the  creeks.     This  a  pretty  settlement. 

17.  Rode  to  Black  Walnut  Bottom,  alias  Braintrem.*  Tarried  with  Mr. 
Justus  Gaylord  from  Norfolk.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iii :  9.  A  Presbyterian 
church  here  and  one  at  Wyalusing.     Visited  a  sick  woman. 

18.  Preached  in  a  barn  in  the  forenoon  from  Acts  viii :  8.  Administered 
the  holy  sacrament.  Was  much  affected.  Hope  I  found  it  a  good  and 
refreshing  season.  Afternoon  preached  from  Zech.  ix :  12.  Quite  cool. 
People  very  attentive. 

19.  My  horse's  back  quite  sore.  Some  difficulties  in  this  church.  The 
sentiments  of  the  Universalists  prevail   considerably  in  this  part  of  the  coun- 


'  The  Tioga  was  a  small  stream  running  County   when    he   said   this.      But   Luzerne 

through  the  Tioga  valley,  and  emptying  into  County  was  to  the  southeast,  and  it  does  not 

the  Susquehanna.  appear  that  he  had  then  been  within  its  bor- 

^  New  Sheshequin  was  in  Bradford  County,  ders,  though  he  afterwards  went  there. 
Penn.,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Susquehanna.  *  Smithfield,  where    he  was   making   this 

'  Smithfield  was  in  Bradford  County,  about  passing  stay,  was  more  than  thirty  miles  to 

nine  miles  west  of  New  Sheshequin.  the  northwest  from  Luzerne  County. 

*  He  now  returns  on  his  track.     Old  She-  ^  Wyalusing  is  about  twenty  miles  south- 

shequin  or  Ulster,  was  on  the  west  side  of  the  east  from  Smithfield,  on  the  west  bank  of  the 

Susquehanna.     He   had   passed  through  the  Susquehanna  in  Bradford  County. 
place    in    going    from   New    Sheshequin    to  ^  Braintrem  is   still    farther  to  the  south- 

Smithfield.  east,  and  is   in  Wyoming  County.     He  was 

'  It  would   seem  that  he  was  in  Luzerne  journeying  in  a  southwest  direction. 


1803.]  ON   HIS    MISSIONARY    JOURNEY.  207 

try.  Preached  in  the  evening  to  a  pretty  good  number,  very  solemn,  from  2 
Cor.  iv:  3.  On  the  17th  rode  over  a  very  high  hill,  where  I  had  a  most  grand, 
extensive,  and  happy  prospect. 

20.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Tunkhannock  Creek,'  alias  Putnam.  Got  consider- 
ably wet  with  rain. 

21.  Rode  up  the  Tunkhannock  Creek.^  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19. 
There  has  been  a  considerable  religious  commotion  in  this  quarter  for  some 
time  past.     Mostly  Baptist,  but  I  believe  in  many  instances  a  good  work.' 

22.  Rode  back  to  the  mouth  of  the  creek.  Preached  to  twelve  persons 
from  Acts  xvii :  31,  last  clause.     People  here  very  ignorant  and  stupid. 

23.  Difficulty  between  husbands  and  wives  in  this  country  very  frequent. 
Separations  and  remarrj-ings  not  uncommon.  Rode  to  Wilkesbarre.'*  Since 
I  came  to  this  river  I  have  traveled  over  a  very  hilly  country.  Near  the 
river  the  land  is  very  poor,  mountainous,  and  great  forests  of  pine.  A  few 
miles  back  from  the  river  is  a  passable,  settleable'  country.  Immense  quan- 
tities of  lumber  carried  down  this  river.  It  is  thought  that  on  the  Tunkhan- 
nock Creek  there  are  now  two  million  feet  of  boards  ready  for  exportation. 
Last  spring  was  no  freshet  and  very  few  were  carried.  As  I  approached  to 
Wilkesbarre  I  came  into  a  more  open  and  pleasant  country.  This  the  hand- 
somest town  I  have  seen  since  I  left  Catskill,  settled  more  than  thirty  years. 
Crossed  and  recrossed  the  river,  once  in  a  boat,  and  every  other  time  I  have 
crossed  was  by  fording. 

24.  Crossed  the  river  to  Kingston  by  ferr}-,  and  rode  out  five  miles.  Saw 
the  ground  of  the  great  Indian  battle,*  July  3,  1778.  Four  hundred  people 
went  out  to  the  battle,  and  about  three  hundred  were  killed.  Preached  from 
Matt.  XX :  14.  Quite  warm.  Returned.  5-1-5  =  10.  This  neighborhood 
all  formerly  called  Wyoming.     People  here  mostly  from  Connecticut. 

25.  Preached  in  the  court-house  to  a  respectable  congregation.  Forenoon 
from  Acts  xvii :  31.  Last  evening  from  Acts  viii :  8.  A  respectable  Congre- 
gational church  here.^  A  large,  good  meeting-house,  with  a  high  steeple, 
erected   here    and   enclosed.     Quite    tired. 


'  Tunkhannock   in    Wyoming   County,  is  War.     Mr.  Robbins  dates  it  July  3.    Others 

still  farther  southeast  on  the  east  bank  of  the  say  July  4.     A  Tory  wretch  by  the  name  of 

Susquehanna.  John  Butler,  with  a  company  of  Indians  and 

^  This   creek  is  the  Tunkhannock  River,  white  men  painted  to  appear  like  Indians,  in- 

a  small  river,  being  called  a  creek  in  many  vaded  this  valley,  and  overcame  a  small  force 

parts  of  the  country.  under  Col.  Zebulon  Butler  sent   out   against 

^  Denominational  courtesies  and  charities  him,  and  then  set  fire  to  the  dwellings  and 

in  those  days  are  to  be  noted  and  cherished.  slaughtered  men,  women,  and  children  indis- 

*  Wilkesbarre  was  in  Luzerne  County,  criminately.  This  was  the  foundation  of 
Penn.,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Susquehanna.  Campbell's   celebrated   poem,  "  Gertrude   of 

'  A  word  that  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  have  Wyoming,"  which  has  been  read  by  millions 

coined  on  the  spot.  on  both  continents. 

*  Kingston  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  ^  There  is  a  Congregational  church  now 
river  from  Wilkesbarre,  and  the  scene  of  the  at  Kingston,  Penn.,  but  the  organization  of 
slaughter  was  a  few  miles  from  Kingston  up  1S03  probably  passed  to  the  Presbyterians, 
the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Wyoming  River.  The  present  Congregational  church  there  was 
This  slaughter  was  during  the  Revolutionary  organized  in  1868. 


208  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    R0I5BINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

26.  On  the  24tli  rinished  reading  the  Bible,'  which  I  Ijegan  and 
began  to  read  the  New  Testament  in  course,  A  pretty  hard  rain.  Dined 
with  Mr.  Griffin,'  a  lawyer  and  acquaintance.  Wrote.  Towards  evening  rode 
to  Hanover.^  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8,  Some  poor,  hardened  inhdels, 
and  many  wrong  religionists  here. 

27.  Rode  to  Plymouth,'*  alias  Shawnee,  across  the  river.  Preached  to  a 
large  number  of  people  in  the  evening  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.  Several  of  the 
people  here  strong  Universalists.  Preached  plainly,  and  I  hope  with  some 
power. 

28.  The  finest  season  for  journeying  I  ever  knew.  The  weather  perfectly 
favorable.  Rode  to  Huntington^  off  from  the  river  to  the  west.  Stayed  with 
Mr.  Tubbs,  formerly  from  Norfolk.*  Walked  out  and  saw  his  sons,  all  settled. 
They  raise  great  quantities  of  buckwheat  all  over  this  country.  They  fre- 
quently sow  it  after  a  crop  of  wheat. 

29.  In  the  forenoon  preached  from  John  iv :  15,  wholly  extempore. 
Thought  of  the  text  after  I  began  the  exercise.  Rode  out  and  saw  some 
acquaintance,  then  to  another  part  of  Huntington.  Preached  in  the  evening 
from  2  Cor.  iv :  3.  A  number  of  Universalists  here.  They  have  had  tw'o 
preachers  of  that  class,  but  their  characters  appearing  to  be  consistent  with 
their  principles,  I  think  the  people  are  getting  oiT  from  the  sentiment.  In 
consequence  of  the  peculiar  situation  of  this  people,  was  persuaded,  contrary 
to  my  plan,  to  be  here  on  the  next  Sabbath.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Hoyt  from 
Norfolk. 

30.  Rode  to  Fishing  Creek,^  Northumberland  County.  Preached  in  the 
evening  from  Matt,  xviii :  3.  Quite  cool.  The  man  with  whom  I  stayed 
yesterday  harrowed  twelve  acres  of  ground,  and  eleven  acres  today  twice 
over,  with  one  pair  of  horses. 

October. 

1.  Rode  up  Fishing  Creek  five  miles,  and  preached  from  Matt,  xxvii :  43. 
Rode  back  to  Huntington.  17.  Very  little  attention  paid  here  to  Saturday 
evening,  and  but  little  to  the  Sabbath. 

2.  Quite  full  meeting.  Preached  from  Jude  xi  and  from  2  Peter  ii :  2. 
People  pretty  attentive,  and  some  I  think  solemn.     After  meeting  talked  till 


'  Bible  here  means  Old  Testament,  and  he  younger   brother  of  the   celebrated  Edward 

forgot  to  insert  the  date  when  he  began  the  Dorr   Griffin,  D.  D. 

Old  Testament.  3  Hanover,  a  few  miles  south  on  the  east 

-  George    Griffin,    LL.  D.,   graduated    at  side  of  the  Susquehanna  River. 

Yale,  1797.     He  was  the  father  of  Edmund  *  riymouth,   in   Luzerne   County,  on   the 

D.  Griffin,  born  in  Wyoming,  1S04,  an  emi-  west  bank  of  the  river. 

nent  scholar  and  writer,  who   died   in   New  ^  Huntington,  in    Luzerne   County,  about 

York,  Sept.  i,  1830,  at  the  age  of  twenty-six.  eight  miles  west  of  the  Susquehanna. 

Allen    in   his   Biographical  Dictioiiary  says :  <>  Connecticut  people  seem  to  be  pioneers 

"Probably   America    cannot    boast    of    any  in  this  part  of  Pennsylvania  as  in  New  York, 

young  man  who,  at  so  early  a  period,  reached  ='  Fishing     Creek    is    now   in    Columbia 

such    a    hight    of    learning    and   eloquence.  County,  but  Northumberland  County  adjoins, 

George  Griffm,  the  father,  was   a   native   of  and  probably  at  that  time  Columbia  County 

Connecticut,   born   at   East   Haddam,  and  a  did  not  exist. 


1S03.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY    JOURNEY.  20Q 

night  with  some  ignorant,  obstinate  Universalists.  At  evening  rode  out  and 
preached  from  Acts  viii :  8  ;  three  miles.  Ver)'  tired,  but  God  gives  me 
strength  beyond  what  I  could  expect. 

3.  Rode  to  Fishing  Creek.  This  is  training  day  in  this  State.  The 
militia  very  far  in  the  rear  of  the  militia  in  New  England.  The  militia  law  in 
this  State  excuses  no  person  except  postmasters  and  ferrymen.  At  evening- 
preached  to  a  good  number  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  At  night  a  considerable 
rain,  very  refreshing  to  the  ground  suffering  with  drought. 

4.  Rode  on  in  Northumberland  County,  down  Fishing  Creek  to  the  river, 
crossed  the  river  to  Catawissa.'  This  a  pleasant  little  town,  regularly  laid  out, 
at  the  mouth  of  Catawissa  Creek.  The  people  mostly  Germans  and  Quakers. 
At  evening  the  people  collected,  and  I  preached  from  Acts  xvii :  31,  last 
clause. 

5.  I  have  now  finished  my  mission  in  this  part  of  the  country.  Crossed 
the  river  after  receiving  some  very  sincere  good  wishes  from  several  Quakers, 
and  rode  down  on  the  west  side  to  Northumberland.  Called  on  Dr.  Priestly.^ 
Treated  politely.  His  library  and  laboratory  quite  a  curiosity.  Dined,  etc. 
Crossed  the  river,  rode  through  Sunbury,  and  several  miles  below.  Tarried 
at  a  tavern.  From  the  time  I  left  home  till  I  finished  my  mission  ^  was  forty- 
one  days.  I  preached  thirty-nine  times,  attended  two  conferences,  and  admin- 
istered the  sacrament  of  the  Lord"s  Supper  once.  In  the  time  I  rode  four 
hundred  and  seventy-one  miles.  My  expenses  did  not  exceed  three  dollars. 
I  met  with  the  utmost  kindness  wherever  I  went.  I  never  enjoyed  better 
health,  and  the  weather,  excepting  two  or  three  hot  days,  was  as  favorable  as 
could  be  wished  for.  I  am  not  without  hopes  that  I  have  been  made  a  means 
of  some  little  good. 

6.  Rode  to  Paxton."  Crossed  a  very  high  mountain.  The  river  in  many 
places  very  rocky  and  rough.  The  annual  election  in  this  State  is  to  be  next 
week.  Candidates  for  office  all  engaged  electioneering,  carried  on  in  a  very 
gross  manner.^  Almost  all  the  fruit  in  this  country  cut  off  by  the  frosts  the 
8th  and  9th  of  May,  which  were  hard  and  very  extensive. 

7.  Rode  to  Harrisburgh,^  a  flourishing  trading  town,  crossed  the  river,  a 


'  Catawissa  is  also  in  the  present  Colum-  ^  From  the  expression  here  used,  it  is  evi- 

bia  County,  near  its  western   boundary,  and  dent  that  he  had  a  special  commission  from 

on   the    easterly    (or,   more    probably   here),  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  to  do  this 

southerly  side.  work  in  Pennsylvania,  on  his  way  to  his  chief 

^  Joseph   Priestly,    D.  D.,  born  at   Field-  work  on  the  Connecticut  Reserve.     It  was  for 

head,  Yorshire,  Eng.,  March  24,  1733,  a  phi-  this  in  part,  and  in  part  because  of  sickness, 

losopher  and  voluminous  writer.  After  a  wide  th^t  he  was  kept  so  long  in  Pennsylvania, 

range  of  experiences  he  was  settled  in  Bir-  *  Paxton  was   in   the   extreme   southwest 

mingham.      Here   he   was   mobbed   and   his  corner  of  Northumberland  County. 

house  burned  because  of  his  sympathy  wiih  ^  Political    corruptions    not    confined    to 

the  French  Revolutionists.     This  was  in  179 1.  modern    times. 

In  1794,  he  came  to  this  country  and  settled  ^  He  is  following  down  the  Susquehanna 

in  this  town  of   Northumberland.     Here   he  River.  Harrisburg  is  about  twenty-seven  miles 

died   soon   after  this  visit   of   Mr.  Robbins,  from  Paxton,  in  Dauphin  County  on  the  east 

Feb.  6,  1S04.  side  of  the  river. 


2IO  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

mile  wide,  and  rode  to  Carlisle.'  Concluded  to  tarry  till  next  week,  my  horse 
being  pretty  tired.  From  Harrisburgh  to  Carlisle  eighteen  miles,  the  finest 
farming  country  I  ever  saw.  The  mountainous  countr}'  ceases  a  little  above 
Harrisburgh.  Last  week  and  this  people  have  generally  done  their  sowing.  The 
crops  this  year  generally  light  in  consequence  of  late  frosts  in  the  spring,  the 
great  drought,  and  a  hard  frost  the  8th  and  9th  of  September.  After  crossing 
the  river  at  Harrisburgh  I  was  in  the  county  of  Cumberland.  Where  I  have 
come  in  this  State  the  people  generally  live  in  houses  of  squared  logs,  some  in 
houses  of  stone.  I  have  crossed  the  Susquehanna  fifteen  times,  twelve  of 
which  by  fording. 

8.  This  an  old  and  for  an  inland  quite  a  populous  town.  The  houses 
mostly  of  stone.  The  college^  here  has  existed  about  twenty  years.  Very 
small  endowments.  A  building  has  been  lately  burnt ;  they  are  now  erecting 
a  new  one,  one  hundred  and  fifly  feet  by  fifty-five,  four  stories,  of  stone. 
Wrote  to  my  parents.     Called  on  Rev.  Dr.  Davidson. 

9.  Afternoon  preached  to  a  large  audience  from  Zech.  ix :  12  for  Dr. 
Nisbet,^  the  president  of  the  college.     Tarried  with  Dr.  Davidson.* 

10.  The  missionary  business  is  a  matter  of  novelty  here.  Wrote  to  Dr. 
West,  Stockbridge,  and  to  Dr.  Strong,  Hartford.  Walked  out  and  saw  the 
barracks  in  this  town  erected  in  1777.  They  are  of  brick,  two  stories,  twenty- 
two  feet  wide.  Two  of  the  buildings  are  ninety  yards  in  length,  one  eighty, 
and  two  seventy.  They  catch  shad  in  the  Juniata  River,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  from  its  mouth. 

11.  Set  out  on  my  journey  to  cross  the  mountains.  Rode  through  Ship- 
penburgh'  to  Strasburgh,^  at  the  foot  of  the  first  mountains,  Franklin  County. 
This  day  is  the  annual  election  in  this  State.  A  confused  scene.  Saw  their 
mode  of  procedure  in  several  places.  From  Harrisburgh  here  a  beautiful 
country.     Bill  in  the  morning  4.50. 

12.  Crossed  the  first  three  mountains,  ten  miles.  Rode  to  foot  of  Sideling 
hill,  Bedford  County.^  I  think  those  three  mountains  the  hardest  I  ever 
passed. 

13.  Crossed  Sideling  hill,  seven  miles,  rode  through  Bedford  to  Shells. 
Last  night  a  pretty  hard  rain,  very  favorable,  as  the  country  universally  suffers 
much  with  the  drought.  So  great  never  known  here.  A  great  number  of 
wagons  with  the  finest  teams  of  horses  constantly  on  the  road  from  Philadel- 
phia to  Pittsburgh. 

'  Carlisle  is  near  the   center  of  Cumber-  *  Rev.  Robert  Davidson,  D.  D.,  had  been 

land   County,   west   from    Harrisburg    about  a  professor  in  the  college  almost,  if  not  quite, 

eighteen   miles.  from  the  first,  and  on  the  death  of  Dr.  Nis- 

^  Dickinson  College,  located   in   Carlisle,  bet  vfa.s  made  president. 

1783-  '  Shippenburg  is  in  the  southwest  corner 

^  Rev.  Charles  Nisbet,  D.  D.,  a  native  of  of  Cumberland  County. 
Scotland,  was  made  president  of   Dickinson  *  Strasburg   is   in  Franklin  County,  near 
College  at  its  foundation,  but  did  not  enter  the   western   line   of  the   county, 
upon  the  duties  of  his  office  till    1785.     He  ^  He  is  now  journeying  through  the  south- 
died  soon   after   this   visit   of   Mr.  Robbins,  ern  tier  of  counties  in  Pennsylvania  bordering 
Jan.  17,  1804,  aged  si.\ty-six.  on  Virginia. 


1S03.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY    JOURNEY.  211 

14.  Crossed  the  Alleghany  Mountain,  the  highest  in  the  United  States. 
The  ascent  on  the  east  side  is  perhaps  four  miles.  On  the  west  very  gradual 
and  distant.  Rode  through  Stystown,  Somerset  County.  Crossed  the  Laurel 
Hill,  six  miles  to  East  Liberty,  Fisher's,  Westmoreland  County.' 

15.  Last  night  a  hard  rain.  The  only  time  that  T  have  been  hindered  any 
by  rain  since  I  left  home.  Crossed  the  Chestnut  Ridge.  Rode  to  Greens- 
burgh,  the  shire  town  of  Westmoreland  County.  I  have  now  done  with  the 
mountains.  The  Laurel  Hill  on  the  west  side  is  the  worst  of  all;  next  to  that 
are  the  three  mountains  near  Strasburgh.  Heard  about  cousin  Isaac  Rob- 
bins,^  a  Methodist  jDreacher  in  this  country. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  went  to  meeting  as  a  stranger.  Heard  Mr.  Spear,' 
who  preaches  here  and  at  a  neighboring  congregation.  A  very  respectable 
congregation  met  in  the  court-house.  Afternoon  preached  from  Zech.  ix :  12. 
After  which  rode  to  Unity  with  Mr.  Spear.     Mr.  Spear  a  very  worthy  man. 

17.  Quite  cold.  Concluded  not  to  proceed  immediately  on  my  journey  as 
I  had  intended,  but  to  go  a  little  out  and  attend  a  Presbytery  and  a  sacra- 
mental occasion  next  Sabbath.  I  conclude  it  will  not  be  inconsistent  with  the 
design  of  my  mission.  Afternoon  set  out  with  Mr.  Spear  to  go  to  the  Presby- 
tery.    Rode  eight  miles. 

18.  A  very  great  and  extraordinary  religious  work  in  this  part  of  the 
countr}'.  Rode  to  the  forks  of  the  Yohogany."*  Met  with  the  Presbytery ; 
about  ten  ministers.     They  appear  very  well.     Treated  kindly. 

19.  Most  of  the  ministers  and  serious  people  in  this  part  of  the  country, 
and  of  all  classes,  are  Democrats.'  The  Presbytery  licensed  two  candidates. 
I  was  requested  to  sit  with  the  Presbytery.  There  is  scarcely  a  Presbyterian 
congregation  in  Westmoreland  or  Washington  Counties  where  the  work  of 
religion  does  not  appear.^  At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.  Three 
persons  were  struck  down.^  .\  most  extraordinary  sight  such  as  I  never  saw 
or  conceived. 

20.  This  day  is  observed  by  the  people  here  as  a  Fast,  preparatory  to  the 
sacrament.  Mr.  Guthrie,^  a  candidate,  preached  in  the  forenoon  ;  I  preached 
in  the  afternoon  from  Acts  viii :  8.     In  the  time  of  the  exercises  and  soon 


'  He   is  passing  now  somewhat  more  to  Presbytery  occurred.  There  is  a  town  Yohog- 

the    north.      Fayette    County    lies    between  any,  and  the  meeting  seems  to  have  been  at  or 

Westmoreland  County  and  the  Virginia  line.  near  the  Yohogany  Forks,  about  thirty  miles 

^  It  will    be  remembered   that   this  Isaac  west  of  Greensburgh. 
Robbins  made  a  visit  at  the  Norfolk  parson-  '  A  somewhat  strange  and  stubborn  fact 

age   years   before.      He   was   a  son   of   Dr.  to  encounter  by  a  thorough-going  Federalist 

Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.,  born  from  Connecticut. 
June  19,  1770,  but  did   not   have   a   college  ^  Some  special  religious  interest, 

education.  ''  This  was  a  common  occurrence  among 

^  Rev.  William  Spear,  a  graduate  of  Dirk-  the  early  Methodists  of  this  country  in  times 

inson  College,  17S8.  of  religious   excitement,   but  seems  also   to 

■♦  We  are  yet  within  the  bounds  of  West-  have  prevailed  among  these  earlier  Presby- 

moreland  County,  Penn.,  but  close  on  the  bor-  terian  churches  in  western  Pennsylvania, 
der  of  Alleghany  County.    Mr.  Robbins  does  ^  Rev.  James  Guthrie,  a  graduate  of  Dick- 

not  name  the  town  where  this  meeting  of  the  inson  College,  179S. 


212  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

after,  about  ten  or  twelve  persons  fell,  mostly  young  women.  Some  make  a 
very  great  noise.  The  scene  is  not  to  be  described.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference,  three  persons  fell,  others  far  more  lightly  affected. 

21.  The  Presbytery  finished  their  business  last  evening.  The  people  here 
make  considerable  preparations  for  company  at  the  sacrament. 

22.  About  noon'  the  people  met  to  begin  the  public  exercises.  There  are 
four  ministers  and  several  candidates.  Mr.  Swan  ^  preached,  after  which  Mr. 
Porter*  gave  an  exhortation.  The  ministers  here  in  all  their  exercises  are 
very  long.  The  assembly  was  quite  large.  Perhaps  twenty  or  twenty-five 
were  struck.  I  prayed  with  some  under  very  great  affections.  The  degrees 
of  impression  are  very  various.  At  evening  Mr.  Woods  preached.  Part  of 
the  time  the  noise  is  such  that  a  speaker  cannot  be  heard. 

23.  Public  worship  was  held  in  a  grove.*  I  imagine  there  were  near  three 
thousand  people.  Mr.  Green'  preached  in  the  forenoon.  After  which  the 
sacrament  was  administered.  The  communicants  were  about  three  hundred. 
There  were  'five  setts  at  the  tables.  Mr.  Porter^  served  the  tables  and  admin- 
istered to  the  first,  Mr.  Swan ''  to  the  second,  Mr.  Woods  ^  to  the  third,  Mr. 
Spear'  to  the  fourth,  I  did  at  the  fifth.  The  sacramental  exercises  were  about 
three  hours.  It  was  an  exceedingly  solemn  and  affecting  occasion.  Many 
persons  fell  at  the  tables  and  were  supported.  I  was  very  much  affected.  Mr. 
Porter  preached  towards  night.  In  the  course  of  the  day  perhaps  forty  or  fifty 
persons  fell.  There  was  more  or  less  noise  the  whole  time.  In  the  evening 
there  was  what  they  term  a  society,  held  in  the  meeting-house.  Exercises  of 
alternate  singing  and  praying.  I  delivered  an  extempore  address  from  Luke 
XV :  17.  The  people  were  dismissed  after  ten  o'clock,  and  the  most  of  the 
ministers  and  some  others  retired.  But  the  most  of  the  people  continued  in 
the  exercises  of  worship  till  after  one,  and  some  till  three  or  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning.  People  are  collected  from  all  the  neighboring  places  and  some 
from  fifteen,  twenty,  or  thirty  miles.  All  treated  with  perfect  hospitality.  In 
the  evening  the  religious  exercises  were  very  powerful,  and  in  some  instances 
the  noise  greater  than  I  ever  heard  from  human  voices. 

24.  The  people  met  for  worship  at  the  grove  about  eleven  o'clock.  The 
number  almost  equal  to  what  it  was  yesterday.  I  preached  from  Jer.  viii :  20. 
Many  fell.     Some  of  the  time  the  people  very  much  affected.     After  I  had 


'  This  was  Saturday.     The  meeting  began  ord  as  throwing  a  clear  light  over  times  and 

the  Tuesday  before.  customs  past  and  forgotten.     The  usefuhiess 

^  Rev.  William  Swan,  graduate  of  Jeffer-  of  such  exercises  depends  upon  circumstances, 
son  College,  having  charge  of   Presbyterian  ^  Rev.    Ashbel    Green,    D.  D.,    pastor   of 

churches  at  Long  Run  and  Sewickley.  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  Philadelphia. 

'  Rev.  Samuel  Porter,  pastor  of   Presby-  *  Rev.  Samuel  Porter, 

terian  church  at  Congruity,  Penn.  ^  Rev.  William  Swan. 

*  The  details  of  this  meeting  Mr.  Robbins  ^  Rev.  William  Woods,  pastor  of  Presby- 

has  given  at  length.     In  its  general  plan  and  terian  churches  at  Slippery  Rock  and  Lower 

conception  it  was  not  unlike  an  old-fashioned  Neshannock. 

Methodist  camp-meeting.     In  some   respects  9  Rev.  William  Spear,  pastor  of  churches 

it  was  quite  different.     It  is  a  valuable  rec-  at  Unity  and  Greensburgh. 


1803.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY    JOURNEY.  213 

preached,  the  people  not  appearing  willing  to  disperse,  Mr.  Woods  preached 
and  the  people  were  dismissed  towards  night.  Tiie  ground  was  not  wholly 
kft  till  sunset.  There  appeared  clear  evidences  of  the  divine  presence  and 
power  through  the  whole  exercises  of  the  occasion.  Very  tired,  having  slept 
and  eat  little  and  irregularly  for  some  days.  Weather  quite  warm  and  pleas- 
ant for  the  season. 

25.  The  religious  exercises  of  the  people  here  consist  much  in  singing 
hymns.  Find  the  people  very  friendly.  Afternoon  set  out  on  my  journey  for 
New  Connecticut.  Rode  to  a  Mr.  Perry's  on  the  Monongahela,  Alleghany 
County.  Kindly  entertained.  The  rivers  in  this  country  lower  than  ever  was 
known. 

26.  Last  night  about  twelve  o'clock  was  taken  with  a  hard  diarrhoea.*  It 
still  continues  attended  with  considerable  fever.  My  strength  very  much 
reduced. 

27.  My  disorder  in  some  degree  abated.  Had  considerable  pain  and 
fever. 

28.  Am  worse  than  yesterday.  I  fear  I  shall  be  confined  for  some  time. 
Have  the  kindest  attention  from  Mr.  Perry  and  his  famil)-. 

29.  Walked  out.  Crossed  the  Monongahela  and  returned.  The  banks  of 
the  river  opposite  to  where  I  stay  was  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  Morgan  ^  and 
his  army  at  the  time  of  the  insurrection  in  this  country.^  Got  worried  by 
going  out,  and  took  some  cold.  At  night  my  disorder  came  on  with  greater 
violence  than  ever. 

30.  Very  weak  and  sick.  In  the  morning  sent  for  a  physician.  Scarcely 
able  to  sit  up  through  the  day. 

31.  Through  God's  mercy  am  better  than  j-esterday,  though  very  weak.  I 
believe  bilious  disorders  are  my  principal  difficulty.  Kept  my  chamber.  I 
could  not  have  been  taken  better  care  of  had  I  been  at  home.  Blessed  be 
God  for  all  his  goodness. 

November. 

1.  Some  people  in  this  part  of  the  country  have  monthly  seasons  for 
prayer.  There  are  a  great  variety  of  religious  denominations,  but  I  believe 
the  Presbyterians  are  the  most  numerous. 

2.  Hope  I  am  getting  better.  Think  considerably  about  home.  Some 
of  the  time  pretty  gloomy.     Friends  called  to  see  me. 

3.  Had  a  poor  turn,  and  bad  return  of  my  disorder.  Fear  I  am  too 
anxious  about  pursuing  my  journey.  Endeavored  to  commit  my  whole  cause 
to  God,  and  to  yield  wholly  to  his  disposal. 

4.  Feel  considerably  gloomy,  but  am  better  than  yesterday. 


'  A    week   like   that  which   he   had    just  1737,  but  emigrated  to  Virginia.     He  died  in 

passed  through  might  naturally  prepare  him  1802. 

for  such  an  attack.  ^  The  Whiskey  Insurrection  in  1794.     To 

^  Daniel    Morgan,    Brigadier    General,    a  suppress  it  Washington  was  obliged  to  call 

Revolutionary  officer,  born  in    New    Jersey,  out    the  troops. 


214  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEINS,    D.D.  [1803 

5.  All  the  rivers  in  this  country  are  lower  than  was  remembered  ever  to 
have  been.  Yesterday  rode  out  a  mile  and  heard  a  Methodist  preach.  His 
doctrines  quite  corrupt  and  he  wiiolly  unable  to  defend  them.  Today  rode 
out  two  miles.  Pretty  tired,  but  hope  it  was  of  service  to  me.  Gave  notice 
that  I  would  try  to  preach  tomorrow  at  the  house  where  I  keep. 

6.  A  pretty  large  number  of  j^eople  collected.  I  was  unable  to  stand  to 
preach,  but  sat  in  an  armed-chair  on  a  table  and  preached  from  Zech.  ix :  12. 
A  number  of  persons  fell.  Quite  tired,  but  I  believe  my  preaching  has  done 
me  no  injury. 

7.  Wrote  some  for  the  first  time  in  my  sickness.  Quite  cool.  It  snowed 
some. 

8.  Had  an  ill  turn,  with  something  of  my  disorder.  May  the  Lord  take 
care  of  me. 

9.  The  treaty  is  published  and  ratified  by  which  Louisiana  is  ceded  to 
this  country.  I  believe  it  to  be  unconstitutional,  for  I  believe  the  Constitution 
was  made  for  the  United  States  and  no  other.'     Very  cold. 

10.  Think  I  get  better,  but  it  is  but  slowly.     Rode  out  a  little  distance. 

11.  In  the  morning  the  Monongahela  was  frozen  over.  Rode  to  the  upper 
congregation,^  in  the  forks  of  the  Yohogany,  where  I  was  at  the  sacrament  on 
the  23d  ult.,  nine  miles.     Blessed  be  God  that  I  am  at  length  able  to  ride. 

12.  Rode  to  Col.  Cook's.  Mr.  Porter  came  here  to  preach  tomorrow,  this 
congregation  being  vacant.  With  several  young  people  had  one  of  the  most 
serious  and  solemn  evenings  I  ever  witnessed,     I  was  very  much  affected. 

13.  Something  wet.  Pretty  feeble.  Made  out  to  ride  to  meeting,  and 
heard  Mr.  Porter  preach. 

14.  Took  some  cold  yesterday.  Treated  with  great  kindness  wherever  I 
go.  It  is  thought  that  one  half  of  the  people  in  this  State  over  thirty  years  of 
age  are  natives  of  Europe. 

15.  Quite  poor.  Afternoon  preached  in  the  meeting-house  with  notes. 
People  here  much  unused  to  ministers  using  notes.  None  fell ;  some  consider- 
ably affected. 

16.  Tarried  last  night  with  Dr.  Smith  from  Connecticut,  who  was  my  phy- 
sician in  my  sickness.  Rode  to  Col.  Perry's  where  I  was  sick.  Quite  cold. 
Hope  I  am  better  than  yesterday. 

17.  Yesterday  received  four  dollars  and  ten  cents  from  Col.  Power,  of  the 
upper  congregation,  for  my  preaching  among  them.  Rode  out.  Tarried  with 
Mr,  Shields. 

18.  Rode  to  the  upper  congregation.     Visited.     At  evening  preached  at 


'  That  was  an  idea  of  the  Federalists  at  of  our  government.     It  added  to  our  national 

the  time,  as  they  were  not  prepared  to  find  territory  those  vast  regions  of  the  West  and 

anything  good  in  the  acts  of  President  Jeffer-  Northwest,   without   which   we   should   now 

son.     A  nephew  of  the  writer  of  this  diary,  seem  crippled  and  poor.     This  populous  ter- 

now  well  advanced  in  life,  and  never  a  Dem-  ritory  has  vast  spaces  yet  to  be  filled, 

ocrat,  says,  in  this  year  1884,  that  he  consid-  =  There  seem  to  have  been  two  congrega- 

ers  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  the  most  states-  lions,  called  the  upper  and  the  lower,  at  the 

manlike  act  to  be  found  in  the  whole  history  Yohogany  Forks. 


1803.]  ON    HIS    MISSIONARY   JOURNEY,  215 

Col.  Power's  from  2  Tim,  iv :  7,  8,  A  considerable  number  fell.  It  snowed 
some.  The  people  in  these  congregations  appear  to  be  desirous  that  I  would 
stay  with  them. 

19,  Visited.     Rode  to  the  lower  congregation.     Am  still  weak. 

20,  Preached  in  the  meeting-house  from  2  Cor.  iv:  3.  Several  fell,  some 
made  a  great  noise.     After  meeting  rode  to  Mr.  Perry's. 

21,  I  think  I  am  in  such  measure  restored  that  I  may  proceed  on  my 
journey.  I  have  been  detained  here  nearly  four  weeks.  Received  four 
dollars  from  this  congregation  for  preaching.  Col.  Perry  made  me  no  charge. 
Left  his  house,  crossed  the  Monongahela,  rode  clown  and  recrossed  to  Pitts- 
burgh.' This  town  appears  to  be  a  place  of  business,  pleasantly  situated,  but 
pretty  dirty,  and  the  houses  very  black  with  the  smoke  of  the  coal  which  they 
use  almost  entirely  for  fuel.  Some  good  brick  buildings.  Traded  and  paid  a 
tailor  $17.70, 

22,  Called  on  Baldwin,^  an  attorney,  a  former  acquaintance.  Crossed  the 
Monongahela,  rode  down  the  Ohio  on  the  west  side  to  Scot's,  Beaver  County, 
20.     1. 41, 

23,  Quite  cold  but  pleasant.  Rode  ten  miles  and  crossed  the  Ohio  ^  to 
Mcintosh,  Took  the  road  to  New  Connecticut ;  rode  to  Beers.*'  From  Pitts- 
burgh to  Mcintosh,  alias  Beaver,^  the  shire  town  of  Beaver  County,  the  river 
runs  considerably  north  of  northwest.     The  distance  is  thirty  miles. 

24,  The  man  who  kept  me  would  take  nothing.  Rode  three  miles,  came 
into  the  State  of  Ohio,  Columbiana  County.*  Rode  on  to  Poland,  Trumbull 
County,^  alias  New  Connecticut,  14,  From  Mcintosh  here  thirty-one  miles; 
the  course  is  I  believe  but  a  little  west  of  north.  The  road  pretty  good. 
This  day  is  Thanksgiving  in  Connecticut.  Through  the  kind  care  of  a 
merciful  and  holy  Providence  I  have  been  preserved  on  my  long  journey,  and 
now  brought  to  the  end  of  it.     I  have  been  three  months  on  the  road,^  have 

'  This  was  in  Alleghany  County.     He  first  ^  Beaver,   the    shire   town    of   Beaver,   is 
crossed  from  the  east  to  the  west  side  of  the  about  at  the  central   point   of   the   county. 
Monongahela,  rode  down  the  river,  and  then  *  At    last   he   is   in   the    State    of    Ohio, 
recrossed    the    Monongahela,    and   went    to  though     not     yet    on    the    Connecticut    Re- 
Pittsburgh,   a   few   miles   east   of  the  river.  serve. 

Pittsburgh,  now  a  city  of  more  than  150,000  ^  Originally  there  were  eight  counties  on 

inhabitants,  in  1803  had  a  population  of  about  the  Connecticut  Reserve.     These  were  Ash- 

2,000.  tabula,  Cuyahoga,  Geauga,  Huron,  Loraine, 

^  Henry  Baldwin,  a  native  of  New  Haven,  Medina,  Portage,  and  Trumbull.     By  subse- 

Ct,  son  of  a  farmer,  graduate  of  Yale,  1797,  quent  divisions  four  more  counties  have  been 

classmate   o£  George   Griffin,   mentioned   in  made  almost  entirely  out   of   this   same  ter- 

previous  note,   whom  he   found   at  Wilkes-  ritory.     The  additional  counties  are  Mahon- 

barre,  Penn.,  classmate  also  of  President  Jere-  ing.  Lake,  Summit,  and  Erie.     Poland,  where 

miah   Day,  D.  D.,    Lyman    Beecher,  D.  D.,  he  stopped  in  Trumbull   County,  is  now  in 

and   other  notable   men.     Mr.   Baldwin   was  Mahoning. 

member  of  Congress  from  Pennsylvania,  and  *  He  left  home  the  26th  of  August,  and  it 

for  many  years  Associate  Judge  of   the  Su-  was  now  the  24th  of  November.     He  passed 

preme  Court  of  the  United  States.  the  State  line  between  New  York  and  Penn- 

^  After  the  Alleghany  and   Monongahela  sylvania  on  the  loth  of   September,  so  that 

mingle  their  waters  the  river  is  the  Ohio.  by  the  detentions  of  labor  and  those  of  ill- 

■*  Beers  seems  not  to  have  been  the  name  ness,  he  was  on  the  Pennsylvania  soil  about 

of  a  town.  two  and  a  half  months. 


2l6 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1803. 


met  with  great  kindness  from  people,  and  have  been  under  the  uninterrupted 
care  and  protection  of  a  holy  God.  Rode  on  my  journey  eight  hundred  and 
thirty-four  miles. 

25.  Quite  unwell.  Had  something  of  my  late  disorder.  Believe  I  was  too 
much  worried  by  my  journey.     Treated  with  kindness. 

26.  Quite  weak.     Visited  several  families.     Quite  cold. 

27.  Before  preaching  read  my  papers  from  the  Missionary  Society  and  my 
father's  charge.  Preached  from  Acts  viii :  8  and  Zech.  ix  :  12.  A  very  good 
number  of  people  and  quite  attentive.  Mostly  Pennsylvanians.  At  evening 
Mr.  Badger,'  the  other  missionary  in  this  county,  came  to  see  me. 

28.  Think  I  am  getting  better.     Rode  through  Boardman  to  Canfield.'' 

29.  Kept  at  Mr.  Wadsworth's  from  Litchfield,  Ct.,  with  Mr.  Badger.  Be- 
gan a  letter  to  my  parents.  Visited  some  families.  This  town  considerably 
settled.     About  sixty  families. 

30.  Wrote  on  my  letter.  People  here  have  been  expecting  me  for  a  con- 
siderable time.  There  appears  to  be  much  need  of  missionary  labors. 
Considerable  awakening  at  Austinburgh'  and  other  parts  of  the  county. 
Blessed  be  the  Author  of  all  good.     At  night  considerable  rain. 

December. 

1.  Visited.     Rode  to  Boardman*  and  preached  a  lecture  from  Luke  xv: 
17.     Rainy  and  cold.     Roads  pretty  bad. 

2.  It  snowed   some.     Quite  cold.     Rode  to  Poland^  and  back  to  Can- 
field.     Conclude  to  spend  a  few  weeks  in  this  part  of  the  county.     Visited. 

3.  Finished  my  long  letter  to  my  parents.     Gave  a  particular  account  of 
the  work  of  grace  in  Pennsylvania. 


'  Rev.  Joseph  Badger  was  born  in  what 
is  now  Wilbraham,  Mass.,  Feb.  28,  1757.  In 
early  life  his  father  removed  to  Peru,  in 
Berkshire  County.  At  the  breaking  out  of 
the  Revolutionary  War,  he  enlisted  as  a  sol- 
dier and  served  several  years  in  the  army. 
Afterwards  being  at  service  in  New  Preston, 
Ct.,  he  studied  with  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  and 
recited  with  his  boys  Jeremiah  and  Thomas, 
the  former  of  whom  was  afterwards  for  many 
years  President  of  Yale  College,  and  the 
latter  Secretary  of  State  in  Connecticut. 
Badger  entered  Yale  College  and  was  gradu- 
ated in  1785.  He  was  settled  1786-7,  at  Ply- 
mouth, Ct.,  and  1787-1800,  at  Blandford, 
Mass.  In  the  latter  year  he  entered  upon  his 
work  as  home  missionary,  commissioned  by 
the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society,  and  be- 
came a  veteran  in  the  service.  He  died  in 
Ohio  in  1846,  at  the  age  of  eighty-nine. 

^  Boardman  and  Canfield  are  in  the  pres- 
ent Mahoning  County. 

Rev.  John  S.  Whitman,  pastor  of  the 
Congregational    church    in   Canfield,  writes 


under  date  of  Oct.  23,  1884,  as  follows: 
"  Canfield  has  its  name  from  Hon.  Judson 
Canfield,  who  was  born  in  New  Milford,  Ct., 
Jan.  23,  1759,  graduated  at  Yale  in  17S2,  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  and  settled  in  Sharon,  Ct., 
in  1786.  State  Senator  from  1808  to  18 15. 
Died  Feb.  5,  1840." 

"OLD   TOWNSHIP   RECORDS." 

"April,  1798.  Voted,  that  township  No. 
I  in  3d  range  should  be  called  Campfield. 

"April  15,  1880.  Voted  that  the  above 
township  should  be  called  Canfield." 

^  Austinburgh  or  Austintown,  as  it  is  now 
called,  is  the  township  next  north  of  Can- 
field,  and  is  within  the  present  Mahoning 
(then  Trumbull)  County.  It  received  its 
name  from  Eliphalet  Austin,  a  native  of  Tor- 
ringford,  Ct.,  who  removed  first  to  New 
Hartford,  Ct.,  thence  to  New  Hartford,  N.  Y., 
and  thence  to  New  Connecticut  in  1799. 

■•  Boardman  joins  Canfield  on  the  east. 

^  Poland  next  town  east  from  Canfield. 
Poland  touches  the  Pennsylvania  line. 


1803.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  217 

4.  Quite  a  respectable  congregation.  Mostly  Connecticut  people. 
Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19,  a  clause,  and  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  The  people 
appear  pretty  stupid. 

5.  Read  the  Bible.  Rode  out.  Saw  a  log-house  put  up.  Quite  warm 
for  the  season.     Discoursed  considerably  on  Christian  doctrines. 

6.  Read  newspapers.  The  conduct  of  Congress  in  most  things  quite 
contemptible.     Read.     Wrote.     Began  a  letter  to  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford. 

7.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  from  John  iv:  15.  People 
here  appear  but  little  disposed  to  attend  lectures. 

8.  Visited  several  families ;  a  sick  woman  apparently  in  a  consumption. 
Quite  rainy.     The  young  people  in  this  town  had  a  smart  dance. 

9.  Roads  pretty  muddy.  Wrote.  Some  people  here  appear  disposed  to 
cavil  with  Christian  doctrines. 

10.  Had  some  clothes  made.  Rode  to  Boardman.  Finished  my  letter  to 
Mr.  Strong,  in  which  I  gave  an  account  of  the  revival  of  religion  in  Penn- 
sylvania. 

11.  Preached  from  Jude  xi  and  Heb.  xi :  30.  Quite  rainy.  The  most  of 
the  people  in  this  town  are  Pennsylvanians.  Ar  evening  read  a  Hartford 
newspaper.' 

12.  Visited  some  families.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Bad  riding.  The  land 
here  generally  very  muddy  in  a  wet  season. 

13.  Worked  on  some  articles  of  convenience  for  myself.  It  snowed  and 
rained  considerably.  For  a  week  past  there  has  been  a  great  deal  of  rain. 
The  mills  which  were  generally  dry  begin  to  do  business.  Towards  night 
rode  out. 

14.  Visited  nine  families.  There  is  a  prospect  of  an  open  winter.  Many 
people  here  hold  bad  principles  in  religion,  and  some  are  much  inclined  to 
infidelity. 

15.  Read.  Visited.  Rode  to  Poland.  Cold.  Very  bad  riding.  Penn- 
sylvania people   very  kind.^ 

16.  Visited  families.  Visited  and  catechised'  a  school  of  seventeen 
scholars.     They  appear  in  a  pretty  good  way.     It  snowed  some.     Read. 

17.  Rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town.  Mostly  Pennsylvania  people 
living  generally  on  their  land  without  regard  to  roads.  Preached  a  lecture 
from  I  Cor.  ii :  4,  5.     Quite  cold. 

18.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3  and  Luke  xxiii :  39,  43.  A  pretty  large 
meeting.     Trying  to  propose  a  plan  for  society  regulations  in  this  town.'* 

'  The  Connecticut  Cottranf  without  much  then  commonly  taught  in  the  district  schools 

^o^^^-  of  Connecticut,  and  the  Connecticut  people 

-  Some  of  these  Pennsylvania  people  may  would  be   likely  to  take   this   custom  along 

have  been  Connecticut  people  by  a  second  with  them  to  Ohio.     Or  he  may  mean   that 

remove.     It   will   be   remembered   that   Mr.  he  only  asked   questions   about  their  school 

Robbins   found   Connecticut   people  all    the  studies.     We  know  by  later  entries  that  the 

way  along  through   Pennsylvania.  Assembly's  Catechism  was  in  honor  in  Ohio. 

3  He  may  mean  that  he   examined   them  *  The  town  where  he  is  now  making  his 

on   the    Assembly's   Catechism,   which   was  home  is  Canfield. 


k 


2l8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1803. 

19.  Set  out  to  go  to  Warren.'  Rode  to  Youngstown,^  then  missed  my  road 
and  rode  into  the  woods  seven  or  eight  miles.  I  then  turned  about  and  came 
back  four  or  five  miles  and  turned  off  and  found  a  house. 

20.  Rode  to  Warren  from  Poland,  twenty  miles.  Very  kindly  received. 
Received  an  excellent  letter  from  my  father.  The  coldest  weather  we  have 
had  this  season. 

21.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  Wrote.  Visited.  At  evening  preached 
from  Heb.  xi :  30.  A  good  number  of  hearers.  People  appear  to  have  been 
expecting  me  for  a  considerable  time.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Badger.^ 

22.  Severe  cold.  Rode  to  Youngstown.  At  evening  preached  from  Acts 
viii :  8.     Traded.     5.50. 

23.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Rainy.  The  religious  revival  in  these  parts  of  the 
country  a  subject  of  general  conversation. 

24.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  returned.  Read.  Conversed  upon  religious  doc- 
trines, particularly  the  error  of  Universalism.     On  the  2 2d  visited  a  sick  woman. 

25.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  iv :  3.  People  appear  pretty  attentive.  I  hope 
a  church  may  be  formed  here  ere  long. 

26.  Visited.  Very  muddy  riding.  Wrote.  Had  a  coarse  coat  made. 
Paid  a  tailoress  $3.25.  The  season  very  open.  Weather  mostly  cloudy  but 
not  stormy. 

27.  Rode  to  Warren,  nine  miles  through  the  woods.  Called  at  the  salt 
spring.  I  think  those  works  can  never  be  of  much  utility.  It  requires  about 
twelve  hundred  gallons  of  water  to  make  a  bushel  of  salt. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited.  A  Baptist  church  is  formed  in  this  town. 
People  generally  appear  pretty  careless  about  serious  things. 

29.  Wrote  to  B.  I.  Oilman, "  Marietta.  Some  people  here  do  much  in 
hunting.  They  kill  a  good  many  bears.  At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim. 
iv  :  7,8.     People  appear  pretty  attentive. 

30.  It  snowed  considerably.  Visited  a  school.  Pretty  poorly  regulated, 
but  appear  ambitious.  Visited  families.  Wrote  to  Col.  Perry  ^  on  the 
Monongahela.  At  evening  at  family  prayer  was  much  affected,  and  after  it 
had  a  turn  which  continued  some  time. 

31.  Wrote  to  Miss  Peggy  Perry,*  Monongahela.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  one  of  my  pupils  at  Danbury,  Elisha  Whittlesey.  Find  myself  con- 
stantly quite  full  of  business.  May  the  Lord  of  all  grace  be  praised  that  I  am 
now  brought  to  the  close  of  another  year. 


'  He   starts   on   this   journey  to   Warren  bins,  daughter  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of 

from  Poland.     Warren  is  the  shire  town  of  Plymouth.     She   was   born    Sept.    29,    1768. 

Trumbull   County.  Mr.  Oilman  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Mari- 

^  Youngstown,  the   first   township  he  en-  etta,  Ohio,  and  bore  a  very  prominent  part  in 

tered  after  leaving  Poland,  was  in  the  original  its  growth  and  development. 
Trumbull  County,  but  is  in  the  present  Ma-  ^  Qq]^  Perry,  at  whose  house   he  was   so 

honing  County.  kindly  and  generously  taken  care  of  during 

*  Rev.  Joseph  Badger,  see  previous  note.  his  sickness. 

*  Benjamin  I.  Oilman  married  Hannah  Rob-  ^  The  daughter  probably  of  Col.  Perry. 


1804. 

January. 

1.  It  snowed  considerably,  but  warm.  Preached  from  Jude  xi  and  Luke 
xvi :  5,  last  clause.     The  meeting  was  serious  and  solemn  ;  one  person  fell. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  There  appears  to  be  something  of  a  disposi- 
tion among  people  here  to  attend  to  serious  things. 

3.  Very  muddy,  bad  riding.  It  snowed  some.  Visited  a  school  of  more 
than  twenty  scholars.  They  appear  pretty  well.  At  evening  preached  from 
2  Tim.  ii :  19.  An  uncomfortable  time,  but  a  good  number  of  people  col- 
lected. Wrote  to  Col.  Power,  Forks  of  Yohogany.  After  evening  prayer  my 
nervous  system  very  much  affected. 

4.  Very  cold.  Thought  of  setting  out  today  for  the  upper  part  of  the 
county.'  But  weather  and  riding  are  too  unfavorable.  Prepared  this  Alma- 
nack^ and  finished  my  former  one.     Read  the  Bible. 

5.  Wrote  to  Gen.  E.  Champion,  East  Haddam,  Ct.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Am  treated  kindly  by  all  sorts  of  people.  At  evening  Mrs.  Lane,  where  I 
stay,  fell,^  after  evening  prayer.  I  was  also  much  afifected.  The  occasion  was 
very  solemn.     Some  serious  people  present. 

6.  Rode  through  Vienna"*  to  Hartford,'  through  lovely  woods.  Snow 
three    or   four   inclies   deep. 

7.  Rode  to  Smithfield.^  There  appears  to  be  a  powerful  work  of  divine 
grace  here.  The  bodily  affection  is  a  constant  twitching  and  frequent  falling 
without  any  cessation  and  without  noise. ^ 

8.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3,  a  clause,  and  Luke  xvi :  5,  last  clause. 
A  good  number  of  people.  Some  pretty  violently  exercised,  but  no  noise. 
At  evening:  attended  a  conference.     A  small  church  was  formed  here  last  fall. 


'  That  is,  Trumbull  County.  Directly  north  ing   on   the   subject,  but   it  still    remains   a 
of  Trumbull  County,  and  of  the  same  width,  somewhat   unexplained   phenomenon, 
is  Ashtabula  County,  bounded  on  the  east  by  *  Vienna  is  the  next  town  east  of   War- 
Pennsylvania,  and  on  the  north  by  Lake  Erie.  ren,  where  he  was  staying. 

^  The  preparation  of  the  Almanack  con-  ^  Hartford  is  the  next  town  northeast  of 

sisted  in  taking  it  apart  and  inserting  blank  Vienna,   and   borders    on    Pennsylvania.     It 

leaves   of  writing   paper  in   connection  with  was   named   from    Hartford,  Ct.,   while   the 

every  month,  and  several  additional  leaves  at  county  was  named  from  Gov.  Jonathan  Trum- 

the   end   of  the  year,  immediately  after  the  bull,  of  Connecticut. 

month   of  December.     These   last  were  for  *  In  the  original   laying  out  of  the  Con- 

the   extension   of   his  diary,  for  any  month,  necticut  Reserve,  there  was   a  town  named 

when  the  leaf  for  that  month  would  not  hold  Smithfield  in  Trumbull   County,  but  it  was 

all  the  entries,  for  an  index  also,  and  any  gen-  afterwards   changed  to  another  name,  prob- 

eral  remarks.  ably  because  there  was  also  a  town  of  Smith- 

^  We   shall    not   attempt   to    explain  this  field  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio, 
matter  of  falling,  under  religious  impressions  ^  Here  we  have  a  new  phase  of  the  physi- 

and  convictions.     There  has  been  much  writ-  cal  effects  wrought  by  religious  excitement. 

219 


I 


220 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEIXS,    D.D. 


[1804. 


9.     Worked  on  some  of  my  things.     Visited.     Stormy  and  cold. 
ID.     It   snowed   hard   all    day.      Walked   out.      The    storm    quite    severe. 
Many  here  appear  doubting  and  hesitating  about  important  doctrines. 

11.  Wrote  considerably.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  snow  about  a 
foot   deep. 

12.  Visited  some  young  women  severely  exercised.  Preached  a  lecture 
from  Acts  viii :  8.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Meetings  are  very 
much  attended. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  The  most  of  the 
people  here  appear  very  little  affected  with  the  work  of  grace  in  their  neigh- 
borhood. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Find  very  little  time  to  read  or  study.  Pretty 
good  riding. 

15.  Preached  to  a  large  and  very  attentive  audience  from  Heb.  xi :  30 
and  Jer.  viii :  20.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Quite  cold. 

16.  Rode  to  Kinsman.'  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19,  a  clause.  It 
snowed   some. 

17.  Rode  with  company  to  Morgan,^  sixteen  miles,  without  a  house. 
Snow  and  mud  very  deep.     Quite   cold,   and  it  snowed  considerably. 

18.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  all  day.  Find  old  acquaintance.  At  evening 
preached  wholly  extempore  from  Rev.  iii :   10. 

19.  Rode  to  Austinburgh.^  Got  considerably  wet  crossing  a  creek.  Vis- 
ited my  old  friend  and  classmate  Battell,"*  now  a  farmer.  Found  several 
quondam  Norfolk  people.  Am  very  affectionately  received.  A  very  great 
religious  awakening  here.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference  with  i\Ir.  Badger.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister 
Sally,  and  a  bundle  of  my  clothes  sent  from  home. 

20.  Returned  through  the  woods  towards  Smithfield.  Ver}^  cold.  Rode 
to  Gustavus.'     At  evening  preached  extempore  from  Heb.  i :  2. 

21.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  The  snow  a  foot  and  a  half  deep.  Much 
fatigued.     Find   good   entertainment. 


'  Kinsman  is  the  northeastern  town  in 
Trumbull  County.  The  town  of  Vernon  on 
the  south  lies  between  Kinsman  and  Hart- 
ford. 

*  Morgan  is  northwest  from  Kinsman,  near 
the  center  of  Ashtabula  Count)'. 

^  Austinburgh  is  in  Ashtabula  Countv, 
the   town   next   north   from   Morgan. 

*  Probably  Josiah  Buckingham  Battel],  of 
Torrington,  brother  of  Joseph  Battell,  who 
married  Mr.  Robbins's  sister  Sarah.  He 
speaks  of  him  as  a  classmate.  He  was  for  a 
time  connected  with  the  class  of  1796  at 
Yale,  but  did  not  graduate. 

This  same  family  name  has  several  times  al- 
ready appeared  in  the  diary,  where  it  has  com- 
monly been  written  Battle.  Here  it  is  written 


according  to  modern  usage.  The  first  Amer- 
ican ancestor  of  the  family,  Thomas  Battelle, 
was  in  Dedham,  Mass.,  in  the  early  years, 
and  the  name  was  pronounced  in  its  French 
fashion,  Battelle.  Theodore  Dwight,  of  Ded- 
ham, as  Justice  of  the  Peace,  appears  in  the 
record  book  as  saying,  "  Personally  appeared 
before  me  Thomas  Battaly  and  acknowl- 
edged," etc.,  showing  that  the  name  was  then 
pronounced  with  three  syllables,  though  he 
spelled  it  wrong.  Afterward  it  came  to  be 
Battle,  but  now  Battell,  ^^^th  the  accent  thrown 
on  the  last  syllable,  bringing  out  the  French 
origin  of  the  name. 

5  Gustavus  is  on  the  northern  line  of 
Trumbull  County,  ne.xt  west  from  Kins- 
man. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  221 

22.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  iv  :  3.  Some  new  instances  of  awakening  since 
I  left  here.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

23.  Yesterday  and  last  night  a  great  fall  of  snow.  It  is  now  more  thr^.n 
two  feet  deep  on  a  level.  More  than  has  been  ever  known  here.  Very  cold. 
People  are  generally  pretty  well  provided  with  food  and  fodder, 

24.  It  has  snowed  nearly  every  day  for  three  weeks.  Some  young  people 
here  get  comfort  and  appear  pretty  well.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Brainerd,'  of  Had- 
dam.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Much  affected.     Extreme  cold. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  from  Matt,  xiii :  11.  A  prospect  that 
this  will  be  a  pretty  good  town.  The  work  of  religion  here  much  less  than  in 
Smithfield. 

26.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Very  good  riding.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference. Expounded  upon  the  fifty-third  chapter  of  Isaiah.  All  quite  attent- 
ive.    Some  very  solemn.     About  eight  or  ten  fall  almost  every  meeting.^ 

27.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  from  Jer.  1:  34,  first  clause.  Some  few 
people  have  doubts  of  the  genuineness  of  the  present  work  of  grace. 

28.  Wrote  to  my  parents.     Find  much  kindness  from  people  wherever  I 

go- 

29.  Preached  from  Jude  xi.     In  the  afternoon  preached  from  i  John  iv  :   i. 

Endeavored  to  show  that  the  present  work  of  religion  in  these  back  countries 
is  a  work  of  the  true  spirit.  I  hope  it  satisfied  many  doubting  minds.  Peo- 
ple were  very  attentive.     At  evening  attended  a  conference  ;  very  full. 

30.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Preached  from  Acts  viii :  8.  This  is  a  new  settle- 
ment, but  appears  pretty  flourishing.  Yesterday  took  some  cold.  Have 
some   rheumatic   pains   in   my   back.     Houses   very   smoky. 

31.  Very  good  riding  and  sledding.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Almost  worn 
out  with  fatigue.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

February. 

1.  Wrote.     Set  out  to  go  to  Austinburgh.     Rode  to  Gustavus  and  tarried. 
Have  something  of  a  diarrhoea. 

2.  Something  rainy.     Rode  through  the  woods  to  Morgan.     Had  a  dis- 
agreeable time. 

3.  Read.  Afternoon  preached  from  Acts  viii :  8,  Rode  to  Austinburgh 
and  tarried  with  Mr.  Badger.^     Quite  cold. 


'  With  whom  he  boarded  when  preaching  men  in  the  earlier  years.     But  Mr.  Robbins, 

in  Haddam,  Ct.  a   Congregationalist,  had   not  been  brought 

^  How  far  Mr.  Robbins  came  toward  ac-  in  contact  with  it. 
quiescing  in   this  feature  of  those  Western  '  See  previous  note  on  Mr.  Badger.     In 

revivals,  he  has  not  exactly  told  us.     He  has  addition  it  should  be  said,  that  he  was  the 

previously  told  us  that  he  never  saw  anything  first  Congregational  missionary  on  the  Con- 

of  the  kind  until  he  met  with  it  in  Western  necticut   Reserve.      He   left   New   England, 

Pennsylvania  in  1803.     He  might  have  seen  Nov.    15,    i8oo,    and   after   a    hard    journey 

it  in   New  England  among  the  Methodists.  reached  the  Reserve  the  last  of   December. 

It  was  very  common  in  their  camp-meetings,  His  first   preaching  service  was  at  Youngs- 

and   in  their  church   meetings   twenty  years  town,  Ohio,  the  last  Sabbath  of  December, 

later  in  New  England,  and  probably  was  com-  1800.     He  says  : 


222  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

4.  Rode  to  Morgan.     The  creeks  now  generally  hard  frozen. 

5.  Preached  from  Jude  xi  and  2  Kings  iv :  6,  last  clause.  Pretty  full 
meeting.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Some  violently  exercised. 

6.  Helping  the  people  here  to  fix  upon  a  place  for  a  public  ground. 
Visited  families.     Tarried  with  my  old  friend   Battell. 

7.  Rode  to  Austinburgh,  Capt.  Austin's.  Preached  from  Rom.  xiii :  11. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

8.  Cold  and  rainy.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  This  a 
very  flourishing  and  respectable   neighborhood. 

9.  Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town.  Afternoon  and  evening,  by  the 
assistance  of  Mr.  Badger  and  three  or  four  members  of  the  church,  composed 
a  Confession  of  Faith  and  Covenant  and  Articles  of  Practice  for  the  churches 
in  this  county.     May  God  grant  that  they  may  be  long  useful  to  these  churches. 

10.  Wrote.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    Quite  cold. 

11.  Worked  some  with  the  people  building  a  large  bridge.  Rode  to  the 
north  part  of  the  town.     Visited  some  families. 

12.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5  and  i  John  iv:  i.  People  very  solemn, 
some  much  affected.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

13.  Visited  a  school.     Wrote  considerably.     Rode  to  Morgan. 

14.  Visited.  Afternoon  worked  considerably  helping  the  people  here  to 
clear  a  piece  of  ground  for  public  uses. 

15.  Walked  out.  Afternoon  preached  from  Rom.  xi :  18,  first  clause. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference.     People  quite  attentive. 

16.  Rode  to  Austinburgh.  Very  pleasant  weather.  Afternoon  preached 
from  Matt,  xiii:  11.  Read  the  account  of  the  deliverance  of  New  Orleans  to 
the  United  States  Commissioners. 

17.  Rode  to  Harpersfield.'  Afternoon  preached  from  i  Cor.  ii :  10,  last 
clause.  In  one  part  of  this  settlement  the  work  of  grace  this  winter  has  been 
ver\'  great.     The  other  part  very  stupid. 

18.  Visited  a  school  and  several  families.  The  snow  appears  to  be  wast- 
ing away  by  the  gentle  heat  of  the  sun. 

19.  Full  meeting  and  quite  solemn.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3  and  Zech. 
ix:   12.     Quite  tired.     Had  a  turn  of  sickness. 

20.  There  has  been  considerable  opposition  to  the  work  of  God  here,  but 


"  I  had  now  entered  the  great  field  where  Mr.  Badger  organized  the  first  church  on 

I   was    to  preach   and   visit   from   house   to  the  Connecticut  Reserve  in  October,  iSoi,  at 

house.     There   were   no  regular  roads  from  Austinburg,  Trumbull  County.     He  took  his 

place  to  place,  and  the  marks  of  intercourse  family  to  Ohio  for  permanent  settlement  in 

were  not  very  plain.     The  communication  to  1802,  and  Mr.    Robbins   was   appointed   his 

the   lake  settlements  was  not  then    opened.  assistant   in    1803. 

The  winter  and  spring  I  spent  in  the  south,  ■  Harpersfield  is  the  town  next  west  of 
visiting  and  preaching  to  all,  or  nearly  all  the  Austinburg,  in  the  northwesterly  part  of  Ash- 
settlements  in  that  part  of  the  Reserve.  In  tabula  County.  Its  name  was  given  in  honor 
June,  as  soon  as  the  waters  were  fordable,  I  of  Capt.  James  Harper,  one  of  the  surveyors 
visited  the  more  interior  settlements."  who  laid  out  these  townships. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  223 

I  hope  he  will  overrule  it  for  good.  Conversed  with  several  people  about  the 
erection  of  a  public  house  for  meetings.  Rode  to  Morgan.  At  evening 
preached  from  John  iv:  19.  The  work  of  grace  here  appears  lamentably 
declining. 

21.  Rode  to  Gustavus.     Very  bad  riding.     Not  very  well. 

22.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  preached  from  John  iv  •  15.  But 
three  families  in  this  town.  We  have  had  very  pleasant  weather  for  near  a 
fortnight ;  it  now  comes  on  cold. 

23.  Quite  cold.  Roads  very  icy.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  People  appear  to 
receive  me  affectionately. 

24.  Assisted  some  people  in  measuring  a  piece  of  ground  for  public  uses.' 
At  evening  preached  from  2  Kings  iv  :  6.  People  much  disposed  to  attend 
meetings. 

25.  Yesterday  began  a  letter  to  Rev.  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford,  Ct.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Assisted  some  people  in  measuring  a  piece  of  ground  for  public 
uses.     Visited. 

26.  Meeting  very  full  and  attentive.  Preached  from  i  Cor.  ii:  10  and 
Phil,  ii :   12,  13.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     People  very  inquisitive. 

27.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Worked  with  the  people  clearing  their  public 
ground.  Assisted  the  church  in  examining  three  young  men  for  communion. 
They  appear  very  well.  Preached  in  the  evening  from  Rev.  xxii :  20,  last 
clause.     Meeting  very  serious. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  Worked  some  with  the  people  on  their 
public  ground.     I  think  it  will  be  a  pretty  handsome  place, 

29.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  Baptized  a  child 
of  parents  formerly  members  of  a  church  in  Pennsylvania.  The  first  time  I 
ever  administered  the  ordinance.^ 

March. 

1.  Assisted  the  people  in  measuring  out  a  piece  of  public  ground  and 
working  on  it.     Visited  some  families. 

2.  Rode  to  Hubbard.^  Very  good  riding.  Visited.  This  town  contains 
more  than  sixty  families.     Quite  cold. 

3.  Received  an  excellent  letter  from  my  father.  Extreme  cold.  Read 
newspapers.     Visited  families. 

4.  Yesterday  and  today  the  coldest  days  we  have  had  this  winter.  A 
good  number  of  people  attended  meeting  for  such  a  severe  season.  Preached 
from  Acts  xvii  :  31,  last  clause,  and  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  At  evening  walked  out. 
After  meeting  conversed  with  a  number  of  Methodists. 

5.  My  horse  has  received  a  bad  wound.     Weather  moderates.     Rode  to 


■  This  helpfulness  of  Mr.  Robbins  in  all  brought  to  him  in  Pennsylvania,  whose  par- 
ways  would  increase  his   influence  for  good  ents  wished  him  baptized  on  the  Half-Way 
among  the  people,  especially  in  a  new  coun-  Covenant  plan, 
try  where  everything  was  in  the  rough.  ^  Hubbard   is   the   southeastern   town   in 

^  He  did  not,  therefore,  baptize  the  child  the  present   Trumbull   County. 


224  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

Coitsville.'     Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  VVick.^     He  quite  agreeable.     At  evening 
preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5. 

6.  Rode  to  Youngstown  and  to  Warren.     Pretty  tired.     The  court-house  * 
in  the  town  was  burnt  last  week.     Streams  quite  low. 

7.  Visited.     Wrote.     Most  of  the  people  here  appear  to  think  highly  of 
the  work  of  grace  now  in  this  country.     Read  newspapers. 

8.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.     Had  company. 

9.  Wrote.     Walked  out.     At  evening  preached  from  Heb.  i :  2.     People 
attend  meeting  very  well. 

10.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Wilcox,  Hartland,  and  Elisha  Whittlesey,  Danbury,  Ct. 
Visited.  Read  newspapers.  Conversed  upon  the  present  work  of  grace  in 
the  country. 

11.  Preached  from  i  Cor.  ii  :  10  and  Gen.  vi :  3.  Meeting  quite  full  and 
attentive. 

12.  Had  company.  Conversed  considerably  with  some  Baptists.  Wrote 
considerably.     Rainy.     Very  bad  going. 

13.  Began  a  letter  to  my  parents.  The  county  court  began  their  session 
in  this  town.     Considerably  unwell. 

14.  Attended  at  the  session  of  the  court.  Litigation  very  little  prevalent 
in  this  county.  A  Masonic  Lodge  about  to  be  installed  here.  Received  a 
request  from  their  committee  to  deliver  them  an  address  tomorrow.  Mr. 
Badger  came  and  tarried  with  mC* 

15.  Last  night  considerable  snow  fell.  Afternoon  met  with  the  Masons 
and  delivered  to  them  a  public  discourse,  taking  for  my  guide  2  Pet.  i :  3, 
Mr.  Badger  and  I  dined  with  them. 

16.  At  my  request  the  court  authorized  me  to  perform  marriages.^  Re- 
ceived five  dollars  from  the  Masons  with  their  thanks.  Mr.  Badger  and  I 
attended  the  church  here,  and  they  adopted  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Covenant, 
and  Articles  of  Practice  which  we  lately  drew  up.  They  also  chose  me  their 
moderator.  On  the  loth  inst.  the  church  at  Smithfield  chose  me  their  moder- 
ator and  pastor.  At  evening  Mr.  Badger  preached  at  a  meeting  which  I  had 
appointed.     The  first  sermon  I  have  heard ^  since  I  have  been  in  the  country. 

17.  On  the  14th  received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Sally.  Quite  feeble. 
Finished  my  letter  to  my  parents.  Assisted  in  writing  a  notification  of  the 
incorporation  of  trustees  for  a  college  in  this  county,'  which  was  sent  to  Con- 
necticut  for  publication. 


■  Coitsville  is  the  town  next  south  of  Hub-  =  That  subject  belonged  to  the  civil  law, 

bard,  the  northeast  town  of  the  present  Ma-  and  the  right  to  perform  marriages  must  be 

honing  County  taken  from  Trumbull  County.  conferred  by  the  civil  authority. 

^  Mr.  Wick  was  a  Presbyterian  minister,  <>  That   is,   on    the   Connecticut    Reserve, 
as  there  were,  at  that  time,  no  Congregational  He  heard  preaching  several  times  while  pass- 
ministers  on  the  Reserve  except  Mr.  Badger  ing  through  Pennsylvania, 
and  Mr.  Robbins.  7  x^g  pj^^   fo,-  a   college  in  that  county 

^  Warren,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  the  was  not  then  carried  into  effect.     Afterward 

shire  town  of  Trumbull  County.  the   first   college    in   New   Connecticut   was 

*  These   things  were   passing   at  Warren  Western    Reserve    College,    founded    1S26. 

where  he  had  his  home.  This  is  now  removed  to  Cleveland,  Ohio. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  22$ 

18.  Very  bad  going.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  x:  4  and  Zech.  ix  :  12.  Con- 
versed with  some  persons  about  making  a  profession  of  religion. 

19.  Visited  several  families.  Warm.  Waters  very  high.  Read  Gen. 
Tracy's*  very  able  speech  on  the  alteration  of  the  Constitution.  Visited  a 
school, 

20.  Rode  to  Poland.     Very  bad  riding.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Fowler.* 

21.  Visited  families.  Difficulties  attend  ecclesiastical  regulations  here 
Hope    they  may  be   got   over. 

22.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  Canfield.  People  appear  anxious  to  have  me 
visit  and  preach  with  them.     Waters  very  high  and  difficult  to  be  crossed. 

23.  Returned  to  Poland.  Attended  a  society  meeting.  Some  of  the 
people  are  disposed  to  give  an  immediate  call  to  a  minister.  I  took  pains  to 
prevent  it. 

24.  Wrote  considerably.  Preached  from  Rom.  x:  i.  The  Pennsylvania 
churches  are  on  a  pretty  poor  foundation  as  to  sentiments,  modes,  or  numbers. 

25.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  x:  4  and  Luke  xvi :  5.  The  serious^  among 
the  Pennsylvanians  I  think  pay  less  regard  to  the  Sabbath  as  holy  time  than 
is  done  in  New  England.  The  greater  part  of  New  England  people  in  this 
county  pretty  loose  characters.'* 

26.  Attended  a  society  meeting.  They  voted  to  apply  to  the  Presbytery 
for  Mr.  Pittinger^  to  settle  with  them  for  part  of  the  time.  The  more  think- 
ing people  oppose  it,  as  he  has  preached  but  five  times  in  the  town.  I  think 
it  will  be  attended  with  bad  consequences.  Assisted  the  people  in  laying  out 
a  piece  of  ground,  forty  rods  by  sixteen,  for  public  uses.  They  are  not  very 
well  agreed. 

27.  Traded.  6.00.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  bad  riding.  Quite  warm. 
The  snow  appears  likely  to  go  off  by  warm  dry  weather,  which  is  a  great  favor. 
It  is  now  nearly  gone.  Waters  quite  high-.  A  little  before  I  got  to  Hartford, 
I  hurt  my  horse  by  his  running  a  large  stick  into  his  thigh ;  he  is  now  very 
lame.     At  evening  married  two  young  persons.     The  first  I  ever  did.* 

28.  Rode  to  Smithfield.     The  awakening  here  I  fear  is  declining. 

29.  Wrote.  Preached  to  a  few  people  from  Rom.  x:  i.  At  night  quite  a 
hard  rain.     People  receive  me  affectionately. 

30.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  work  of  God  appears  to  remain  in 
a  few  instances  with  great  power.     My  horse  very  lame.     Quite  cool. 

31.  Walked  to  Smithfield;  my  horse  cannot  be  used.  Had  some  clothes 
made.     Conversed  with  some  persons  much  impressed. 


'  Uriah  Tracy,  of  Litchfield,  Ct,  a  native  ^  Serious  minded  people, 

of    Franklin,    Ct.,   born    1754,   graduated   at  *  This  entry  divides  the  bad  things  pretty 

Yale,    1778;    for   quite   a   number   of  years  evenly  between  the  Pennsylvanians  and  the 

member  of  United  States  Congress  and  Sen-  New  Englanders. 

ate,  died  July  19,  1S07,  at  Washington,  D.  C,  ^  Rev.  Nicholas  Pittinger,  having  charge 

and  was  the  first  person  buried  in  the  Con-  of  churches  at  Poland  and  Westfield. 
gressional  burying-ground.  *  His  license  from  the  county  court,  per- 

^  Jonathan  Fowler,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  mitting   him   to   perform  the  marriage  cere- 

from  Wallingford,  Ct.  mony,  used  for  the  first  time. 


226  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 


1.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  x:  4  and  Gen.  xxviii :  20,  21.  Admitted  three 
young  men  into  the  church.  This  church  adopted  the  Confession,  Covenant, 
and  Articles '  which  we  drew  up  at  Austinburgh,  February  9th.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference  ;  quite  serious. 

2.  Considerably  unwell.  May  the  Lord  strengthen  me  according  to  my 
need.  Wrote  considerably.  Conversed  closely  with  a  family  on  the  duty  of 
family  prayer. 

3.  Rode  to  Kinsman  and  performed  a  marriage.^  Very  bad  riding. 
Returned  to  Smithfield. 

4.  Rode  to  Gustavus  and  performed  a  marriage.^  Got  something  wet 
with  rain.  Returned  to  Smithfield.  Received  for  these  two  marriages  two 
dollars. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  Conversed  with  several  persons  under 
serious  impressions.  At  evening  preached  from  John  vii :  34.  A  serious 
meeting.     A  pretty  hard  thunder-shower. 

6.  Procured  a  horse  to  ride,  mine  being  unfit  for  use.  Rode  to  Vienna. 
Keeping  for  horses  very  scarce.     Rainy. 

7.  \^'orked  with  the  people  at  their  public  ground  in  the  center  of  the 
town.     Visited. 

8.  Preached  from  Matt,  xviii :  3  and  Luke  xv:  17.  People  here  appear 
very  stupid  and  unfeeling.     Much  troubled  with  stomach  sickness. 

9.  Set  out  to  go  to  Greensburgh^  to  attend  the  session  of  the  Erie  Pres- 
bytery.    Rode  into  Pennsylvania.     Got  considerably  wet  with  rain.     6. 

10.  Rode  to  Greensburgh.  Set  with  the  Presbyter}^  They  are  much 
crowded  with  business.  In  this  Presbytery  are  fifteen  ministers.  They 
appear  to  be  pious  men,  but  have  very  little  learning  and  still  less  knowledge 
of  mankind.  They  are  generally  near  and  past  middle  life,  and  but  two  that 
have  preached  as  long  as  I  have.* 

11.  An  application  was  made  by  the  congregation  at  Poland  for  leave  to 
present  a  call  to  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio  for  Mr.  Pittinger.^  I  opposed  it  in  a 
particular  statement  of  facts  which  relate  to  the  matter.  It  however  passed 
with  some  opposition.  Should  it  finally  succeed  I  think  the  consequences 
will  be  unhappy. 

12.  The  Presbytery  concluded  their  session.  Wrote  to  the  moderator  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Ohio.     There  was  an  exhibition  of  the  Academy  in  this 


'  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Robbins  drew  up  *  He   reached    Greensburgh    on  the   sec- 

this   plan   to   be   used    in   the    founding   of  ond  day,  and  the  statement  which  he  makes 

churches.     They  were  ecclesiastical  pioneers  is  quite  instructive  as  to  the  character  and 

and  organizers  on  the  Reserve.  qualifications   of  the   ministers   in   this  part 

^  He  is  in  a  new  country,  with  a  good  pro-  of  the  country.     These  men,  as  a  rule,  took 

portion  of  young  people,  and  marriages  are  up  the  business  of  preaching  late  in  life,  and 

increasing.  without  much  special  training  for  their  pro- 

^  Greensburgh,  it  will  be  remembered,  is  fession. 
the   shire   town   of    Westmoreland    County,  '  This  Rev.  Nicholas  Pittinger  is  a  min- 

Penn.,  and  is  forty  or  fifty  miles  away  from  ister  who   is   not    traceable    in  the   college 

the  place  where  he  then  was.  catalogues. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  22/ 

town.  The  performances  were  barely  tolerable.  Many  things  quite  indeli- 
cate, and  a  great  mixture  of  religion  with  things  very  different.  Left  Greens- 
burgh  and  rode  five  miles. 

13.  Rode  to  Poland  and  Boardman.'  Considerably  unwell.  The  ground 
dries  very  fast. 

14.  Read  newspapers.  Wrote  considerably.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Mr. 
Fowler,^   at   Poland,    had    a   large   house    raised. 

15.  Quite  warm.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5  and  Luke  xv :  17.  Quite 
unwell.     Some  unhappy  disturbances  in  this  place. 

16.  Visited  families.  Tried  to  provide  some  way  to  heal  the  difficulties 
existing  here.     Read  newspapers. 

17.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Last  night  a  very  hard  rain.  Preached  from 
Rom.  x:  I.  People  here  trying  to  establish  a  fund  for  the  support  of  a 
minister. 

18.  Visited  families.  Quite  warm.  Conversed  with  people  about  forming 
into  a  church  in  this  town. 

19.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  The  Mahoning^  higher  than  any  time  this  year. 
People  generally  beginning  to  plow. 

20.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Great  numbers  of  families  are  coming  into 
this  county  from  below.     Visited  a  school. 

21.  Wrote.     Rainy.     Visited  a  school.     Preached  from  John  iv  :   15. 

22.  Much  affected  with  stomach  sickness.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5, 
15  and  xv:  17.  Afternoon  asked  Mr.  Smith,  a  Methodist  preacher  living  in 
this  town,  to  make  the  first  prayer.'* 

23.  Worked  with  the  people  here  clearing  a  piece  of  public  ground  twenty- 
six  rods  square.     Rode  to  Liberty.' 

24.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Waters  very  high.  The  riding  in  this  country  not 
so  bad  as  in  many  parts  of  Connecticut  in  a  wet  season. 

25.  Began  a  letter  to  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford.  Afternoon  with  Mr.  Badger 
attended  a  meeting  of  a  number  of  people  here,*  on  the  subject  of  forming 
into  a  church.     Mr.  B.  preached. 

26.  Rainy.  Examined  several  persons  who  offered  themselves  for  cliurch- 
members.     Visited. 

27.  Afternoon  preached  from  Gen.  xxviii :  20,  21.  After  which  the  church 
was  regularly  organized,  consisting  of  three  men  and  six  women.  May  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  have  it  under  his  holy  protection.  Finished  my 
letter  to  Mr.  Flint.     Considerably  unwell. 


'  With  the  start  of  five  miles  the  night  ■♦  This  was  such  an  instance  of  denomina- 

before  he  made  the  rest  of  the  journey  back  tional  charity  and  courtesy  it  was  fit  it  should 

the  next  day.  be  recorded. 

^  Mr.  Jonathan  Fowler,  who  seems  to  have  ^  Liberty  is   one   of  the  southern  tier  of 

been  a  man  of  enterprise,  and  of  considerable  towns  in  the  present  Trumbull  County.     It 

property.  is   the   second   from   the  Pennsylvania   line, 

^  Mahoning   River  seems   to   have   given  Hubbard  being  on  that  line, 

the  name  to  the  county  which  was  afterwards  *  That  is,  in  the  town  of  Canfield,  where 

formed.  one  of  the  early  churches  in  Ohio  was  formed. 


228  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

28.  Visited.  Rode  to  Poland.  The  Presbytery  of  Ohio  approbated  the 
call  put  in  by  the  people  here  for  Mr.  Pittinger,'  and  he  has  accepted.  I 
think  the  consequence  may  be  disagreeable.     Rainy. 

29.  Preached  from  i  Cor.  ii :  lo  and  2  Tim.  iv.  7,  8.  People  appear 
pretty  stupid  in  regard  to  the  excellency  and  spirit  of  religion. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  the  clerk  of  the  Ohio  Presbytery.  Traded. 
1.50.  Rode  to  Hartford.  After  a  long  turn  of  backward  wet  weather,  we 
have  now  settled  spring  weather. 

May. 

1.  Rode  to  Smithfield  and  returned.  My  horse,  which  I  left  here  some- 
time since  on  account  of  lameness,  has  got  well.  At  evening  preached  from 
Rom.  X  :   i.     The  awakening  here  appears  to  be  declining. 

2.  Visited.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Attended  the  raising  of  a  house.  The 
first  frame  erected  in  the  town.^     Warm. 

3.  Rode  to  Warren.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Attended  a  meeting, 
heard  a  Baptist^  minister  preach.  Assisted  in  the  exercise.  Received  a 
letter  from   Mr.   Badger. 

4.  Received  a  letter  from  my  parents.  It  appears  that  the  past  winter 
in  New  England  has  been  very  severe.  A  very  great  quantity  of  snow. 
Quite  equal  to  the  year  1780.     Wrote.     Very  hot  summer  weather. 

5.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Visited.  Read  newspapers.  In  the  late 
election  in  Connecticut,  Democracy  appears  to  have  gained  a  little.* 

6.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Luke  xv :  17.  Afternoon  Mr.  Smith, 
a  Baptist  minister,  preached,  after  which  he  baptized  three  persons  in  the 
river.     In  the  forenoon  I  baptized  a  child.     Some  rain. 

7.  Visited  families.  Attended  a  military'  election  for  the  choice  of  com- 
missioned officers.  The  militia  in  this  State  is  now  about  to  be  organized. 
Electioneering  common  in  this  country  for  all  offices.^ 

8.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  A  very  warm  day,  A  very  growing  season. 
Wheat  on  the  ground  appears  exceeding  well. 

9.  A  framed  barn  in  this  neighborhood  was  burnt  by  accident.  Walked 
out.     Worked  on  some  of  my  things.^ 

lo.  Worked  on  some  of  my  things.  Visited  families.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Vegetation  comes  on  very  fast. 


'  Rev.  Nicholas  Pittinger  remained  here  der  a  Plan  of  Union,  which  made   them,  in 

from  his  settlement  in  1S04  till  1810.  a  certain  sense,  one. 

^  This  reveals  the  new  state  of  the  coun-  *  The  Democratic  party  being  in   power 

try,  and  helps  us  to  a  conception  of  the  con-  at  Washington,  it  was  but  natural   that  the 

ditions  under  which  Mr.  Robbins  was  prose-  opposition    to    Democracy    in    Connecticut 

outing    his  work.      He   was    now   enduring  should   weaken   a  little, 

"hardness  as  a  good  soldier."  s  j^  ^jg  native  State  he  had  not  then  been 

'  Already  we  have  had  glimpes   of  four  used  to  this. 

Christian  denominations  working  on  this  gen-  ^  These  were  articles  for  his  comfort  and 

eral   field,  Presbyterians,  Congregationalists,  convenience  at  his  lodgings.     He  was  natur- 

Baptists,  and  Methodists.    The  Congregation-  ally  ingenious   and   could   turn  his   hand  to 

alists  and   Presbyterians  were   working   un-  mechanism. 


l8o4.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  229 

11.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture 
from  Luke  xxii :  19,  last  clause.  Assisted  the  church  in  examining  four  per- 
sons for  communion. 

12.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  preached  from  John  xiv :  6.  Fires  run  con- 
siderably. 

13.  Preached  to  a  large  assembly  from  Prov.  i:  24,  25,  26  and  Zech.  ix : 
12.  Administered  the  holy  sacrament.  Was  much  affected.  The  season 
was  very  solemn  and  I  hope  comforting  to  God's  people.  Admitted  four 
young  women  into  the  church.  Baptized  a  child.  Some  formerly  Norfolk 
people  present  from  Austinburgh.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Con- 
siderably unwell.     The  awakening  here  appears  to  be  declining. 

14.  Assisted  some  people  in  looking  out  a  road.  They  are  not  very  well 
agreed.     Hope  I  did  them  some  good.     Raining.     Wrote.  * 

15.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Considerably  unwell.  Visited  families.  Visited 
a  school.     At  night  quite  rainy. 

16.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Preached  from  John  xiv:  6.  Some  people  appear 
quite  serious. 

17.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Luke  xxii: 
19.     Quite  feeble.     Few  people  attend  lectures. 

x8.  Rode  to  China.'  Preached  from  John  xiv:  6.  The  settlement  new ; 
people  generally  attended. 

19.  Returned  to  Canfield.  Received  an  Almanack,  sent  from  home  by 
mail.     Read  newspapers.     Visited.     Serious  contentions  in  this  town. 

20.  Preached  from  Prov.  i :  24,  25,  26  and  Zech.  ix  :  12.  Administered  the 
sacrament  of  the  supper.  A  large  number  of  people.  All  tarried  at  the  sacra- 
ment, by  desire.     Several  Pennsylvania  people  joined  with  us  in  communion. 

21.  Visited  families.  Read.  Rainy.  Last  night  a  hard  thunder-shower. 
Quite  warm. 

22.  Set  out  to  go  to  Pittsburgh.  Rode  to  Poland.  A  very  hard  rain. 
Vegetation  comes  on  ver)'  fast. 

23.  Rode  to  Greensburgh.^  Very  wet  riding.  Waters  very  high  and  diffi- 
cult crossing.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Hughes's. 

24.  Had  company  on  the  way.  Rode  to  Beaver  and  onward  towards  Pitts- 
burgh. From  Beaver^  to  Pittsburgh,"  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  the  road 
not  passable  for  teams,  and  but  few  settlements.  The  militia  in  this  country 
very  ordinary.  The  land  near  the  river  quite  mountainous.  On  the  22 d 
finished  reading  the  New  Testament  in  course,  which  I  began  Sept.  24,  1S03. 

25.  Rode  to   Pittsburgh.     Two   men  drowned  here   yesterday.     Was  out 


'  There  seems  to  be  no  town  now  in  Ohio  Ohio,  and   not   the   place   in  Westmoreland 

of  the  name  of  China,  and  it  may  be  that  this  County,  Penn.,  to  which  attention  has  been 

name  then  designated  a  locality  rather  than  a  before  called. 

town.     The  diary  says   the   place  was   new.  ^  Beaver,  shire  town    of  Beaver  County, 

All  places  then  were  new  in  that  region,  but  Penn. 
that  was  new  in  a  special  sense.  ■*  From    Beaver   to   Pittsburgh,  following 

^  This  is  Greensburgh,  Trumbull  County,  Ohio  River,  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  miles. 


230 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 


with  the  people  looking  for  the  bodies  which  could  not  be  found.     Rode  to 
Elizabethtown '  in  the  Forks  of  Yohogany. 

26.  Rode  to  Col.  Perry's.^  Find  many  acquaintances.  Rode  to  the  lower 
meeting-house.  The  people  met  to  begin  the  exercises  of  a  sacramental 
occasion.'  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5.  Mr.  McPherin*  and  Mr,  Snow, 
ministers  and  a  candidate,  present. 

27.  The  work  of  divine  grace  appears  wonderfully  expelled  here  by  party 
contentions  and  animosities.  Not  so  many  people  as  at  the  sacrament  last 
fall.  But  little  bodily  exercise.  Near  two  hundred  communicants.  Three 
tables.     I  administered  the  last.     At  evening  attended  a  praying  meeting. 

28.  Preached  from  Prov.  i :  24,  25,  26.  The  people  appear  to  be  in  an 
unhappy,  captious  state,  about  ministers  and  serious  things.  The  enemy 
appears  to  have  great  hold  in  all  the  congregations  in  this  vicinity. 

29.  Rode  to  the  upper  congregation.  Visited  friends.  Tarried  at  Col. 
Brewer's. 

30.  Visited.  Warm  and  showery.  The  people  here  contending  about  the 
settlement  of  a  minister.     Read. 

31.  Wrote.  Ver}' warm.  Preached  in  the  meeting-house  from  Rom.  x:  i. 
Tarried  with  Dr.  Smith.     Showery, 

June. 

1.  A  very  great  prospect  of  fruit  of  all  kinds.  Wheat  likely  to  be  consid- 
erably injured  in  these  parts  by  the  fly.  Rode  out.  At  evening  had  a  long 
discourse  with  several  people  on  original  sin  and  universal  atonement  and 
invitations.^  The  serious  people  here  are  generally  attached  to  the  literal 
meaning  and  terms  of  the  Vv'estminster  Confession  and  Catechisms.  They 
are  particularly  alarmed  at  new  terms. 

2.  Visited  Mrs.  Smith,  widow  of  the  late  minister.*  A  New  England 
school-master  here,  doing  very  well. 

3.  Preached  from  Acts  xvii :  31  and  from  i  Thess.  v:  25.  The  after- 
noon discourse  was  very  solemn  and  affecting  to  me  and  the  people.  Quite 
tired.     Had  some  bad  turns  of  stomach  sickness. 

4.  Rode  to  Pigeon  Creek,  Washington  County.'  Attended  at  Mr.  Gwin's 
sacramental  occasion.     A  large  collection  of  people.     Considerably  more  than 


'  In  Lancaster  County,  Penn.  Christ   and  be  saved.     The  old  school  peo- 

'  Who  greatly  befriended  him  in  his  sick-  pie  of  that  time  held  that  Christ  died  only 

ness.  for  an  elect  number.     Mr.  Robbins  held  to 

'  It  was  for  this  that  the  long  journey  was  strong  doctrine,  but  trained  under  New  Eng- 

undertaken.  land  divines  he  rejected  the  doctrine  of  lim- 

*  There  were  two  Presbyterian  ministers  ited  atonement, 
at  that  time  of  this  family  name,  though  the  *  Rev.  David  Smith. 

name  is  wrongly  spelled  in  the  diary.     These  ^  Washington   County,    Penn.,   was    next 

were  Rev.  John  McPherrin  and  Thomas  Mc-  south  of  Alleghany  County,  of  which  Pitts- 

Pherrin.      We  do  not  know  which  of  these  burg  was  shire  town.     It  was  a  journey  of 

two  were  present  on  that  occasion.  thirty  miles  perhaps  from  the  one  meeting  to 

^  Universal  invitations  to  men  to  come  to  the  other. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  23I 

at  the  Forks  last  sacrament.  Preached  from  Luke  xv :  17.  After  the  exer- 
cise, a  great  deal  of  falling  and  noise.  Though  the  work  is  sensibly  on  the 
decline,  through  the  country,  there  is  reason  to  fear  a  spirit  of  contention 
will  succeed.     After  the  exercise,  rode  to  Mr.  McMillan's  and  tarried. 

5.  Had  the  misfortune  not  to  see  Mr.  McMillan.*  He  is  leader  of  the 
ministers,  this  side  of  the  mountains.  Rode  to  Canonsburgh,  called  on  Mr. 
Dunlap,^  the  president  of  the  college.^  This  college  has  about  fifty  students. 
But  I  think  it  is  a  poor  place  for  education,  and  ever  will  be.  Rode  to  Pitts- 
burgh. Very  hot.  The  bodies  of  the  two  men  who  were  drowned  have  since 
been  fovmd  and  buried. 

6.  Traded.  18.77.  2.50  of  which  for  primers  to  be  given  on  my  mission 
in  the  name  of  the  Missionary  Society.  Got  some  articles  of  medicine.  Rode 
to  Beaver,  alias  Mcintosh, 

7.  Rode  to  Canfield.  There  has  been  a  great  deal  of  rain  in  this  quarter 
for  two  or  three  weeks  past.     Muddy  riding. 

8.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Much  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Have  had 
company  from  Pittsburgh. 

9.  Very  hot.  Wrote.  Fixed  my  things.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Steele,  Forks  of 
Yough,  and  to  Mr.  Asa  Lane,  Warren.     Wearied  with  my  journey. 

ID.  Rode  to  Kinsman  and  preached  from  Heb.  i:  2  and  2  Tim.  iv  :  7-8, 
Full  meeting.     This  is  a  respectable  settlement. 

11.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Could  not  find  my  horse.  Walked  to  Smith- 
field.     Assisted  at  the  raising  of  a  barn.     My  horse  brought  to  me  at  evening, 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Tried  to  settle  some  differences  about  a  road.* 
Rainy.  My  horse  quite  lame.  Walked  to  Smithfield  and  preached  from 
Matt,  xxvi :  42.     A  serious  meeting. 

13.  Considerably  unwell.  Wrote  records  for  the  church  here.  Walked 
over  the  creek  and  back ;  a  valuable  and  pleasant  part  of  the  town, 

14.  Visited.  Conversed  considerably  with  two  Methodist  preachers,  occa- 
sionally in  town.  One  of  them  preached.  I  think  they  will  get  but  little 
encouragement  here.     Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  from  Matt,  xxvi :  1-6. 

15.  Set  out  to  go  to  Meadville,'  in  Pennsylvania.  Quite  rainy.  Rode 
about  twenty  miles,  tarried  at  a  private  house.    Very  wet  and  bad  riding.     8. 

16.  Rode  to  Meadville.  Kindly  welcomed  by  Mr,  Stogdon.^  People 
were  waiting  to  go  into  meeting.     Preached  immediately  from  Acts  viii  :  8. 


'  This   Rev.   John   McMillan,   though   of  ^  Meadville,  the  shire  town  of   Crawford 

large  influence,  does  not  seem  to  have  been  County,  Penn.,  one  of  the  Pennsylvania  coun- 

a  man  of  college  education,  but  he  was  prob-  ties  bordering  on  Ohio.     It  was  about  forty 

ably  the  father  of  Rev.  John  McMillan,  D.  D.,  miles  from  his   home   at  Warren,   Ohio,  to 

graduated   at    Jefferson   College,    1807,   and  Meadville,  Penn. 

afterwards  professor  of  theology  in  that  in-  *  We  think  that  Mr.  Robbins  must  have 

stitution.  mistaken   this    name,    writing    it    by  sound 

^  Rev.  James  Dunlap,  president  of  Jeffer-  rather  than  by  knowledge  of  the  true  spell- 
son  College,  1803-1811.  ing.     The  only  Presbyterian  minister  we  can 

^  Jefferson   College,  founded   at   Canons-  find  that  seems  to  justify  this  entry  is  Rev- 
burgh,  Washington  County,  Penn.,  1802.  Joseph   Stockton.     With  a  slight  difference 

*  A  minister  in  a  new  country  has  to  make  in  pronunciation  it   might  easily  be  spelled 

himself  generally  useful.  Stogdon. 


232  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

Kindly  and  linndsomely  entertained.     This  is  the  largest  town  in  the  State 
this  side  of  the  Alleghany  River. 

17.  Attended  meeting  at  a  tent  on  the  bank  of  the  French  Creek. 
A  large  and  respectable  collection  of  people.  Mr.  Stogdon  preached  in  the 
forenoon,  and  I  in  the  afternoon  from  Luke  xv :  17.  I  served  the  tables 
and  administered  to  the  first  and  third ;  he  at  the  second.  There  were  about 
sixty  communicants.  We  were  obliged  to  suspend  the  exercises  awhile,  after 
serving  the  tables,  on  account  of  the  rain.  I  was  also  stopped  in  the  midst 
of  the  afternoon  sermon,  and  the  congregation  moved  to  the  court-house  where 
the  exercises  were  finished.     A  very  solemn  occasion.' 

18.  Many  respectable  and  wealthy  people  in  this  town.  Received  several 
marks  of  kindness  and  gratitude.  A  valuable  jacket  pattern  was  given  me. 
Rainy.  Preached  in  the  court-house,  from  Acts  xvii :  31.  People  quite 
attentive  and  serious  through  the  whole  occasion;  but  no  bodily  exercise. 
Rode  home  with  Mr.  Stogdon.     Mr.  Galbreth,  a  candidate,  with  us. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford.  From  Meadville,  about  thirty-five  miles.  Warm 
and  showery. 

20.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Visited.  Wrote.  A  hard  shower.  Had  ap- 
]X)inted  and  expected  to  preach,  but  was  prevented  by  the  rain.  On  the 
iSth  eat  green  peas.  On  the  12th  at  Smithfield,  after  preaching,  baptized 
a  woman  and  two  children.  On  the  14th  at  Hartford,  after  preaching,  bap- 
tized a  young  woman.  These  two  adults  were  admitted  into  the  church  May 
13th,  but  their  baptism  then  was  forgotten. 

21.  Wrote  records  for  this  church.  Worked  on  some  of  my  things. 
Visited. 

22.  Visited  several  families.  Visited  a  school,  very  well  regulated  and 
instructed,  particularly  in  the  catechism."^     Rode  to  Hartford. 

23.  Had  some  clothes  made.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Liberty.  Bad  riding. 
It  has  been  a  very  rainy  season.  It  has  rained  the  most  of  the  days 
for  about  six  weeks. 

24.  Had  appointed  to  preach  at  Youngstown.  Rode  there  and  found  Mr. 
Badger,  in  consequence  of  an  arrangement  between  him  and  Mr.  Wick.  I 
then  rode  to  Hopewell  and  preached  for  Mr.  Wick  and  he  preached  at 
Hubbard.^     2. 

25.  Set  out  with  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Wick"*  to  go  to  the  session  of  the 
Presbytery,  about  twenty-five  miles  in  Pennsylvania.^     Very  warm. 

26.  Met  with  the  Presbytery,  quite  agreeable.  Rainy,  These  ministers 
are  generally  opposed  to  Hopkinsian  divinity,*  but  think  of  it  more  favorably 
than  heretofore. 


^  By  Mr.  Robbins's   attendance  so  many  ^  An  arrangement  which  turned  itself  in- 

times  upon  these  sacramental  occasions,  we  to  what  ministers  call  a  triple  exchange, 
gain  quite  a  clear  conception  of  the  nature  *  Rev.  William  Wick, 

of  these  services.  5  j^jg  ^as   not   a   sacramental   occasion, 

^  By  this  it  appears  that  the  Assembly's  but  a   ministers'   meeting. 
Catechism  was  taught  in  the  schools  of  Ohio,  *  The   Hopkinsian  divinity  was  the  New 

as  well  as  in  those  of  Connecticut.  England  new  school  theology  of  that  day. 


iSo4.] 


MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT. 


233 


27.  Had  a  particular  discussion  in  the  Presbyter}^  of  the  question  of  a 
man's  marrying  his  brother's  wife.  The  Presbytery  decided  against  it.  After- 
noon preached  from  Heb.  11  :  30.  After  which  set  out  with  Mr.  Badger  and 
Mr.  Wick  on  our  return.  Last  Sabbath  preached  from  Heb.  i :  2  and  Matt, 
xxvi  :  42. 

28.  Returned  to  Mr.  Wick's.     Very  tired.     Read  Hopkins's  System} 

29.  Sent  money  to  Mr.  Badger,  $15.25.  On  the  15th  sent  to  Mr.  W.  Jones, 
of  Hartford,  $5.00.     Rode  to  Canfield. 

30.  Ver}f  warm  weather.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Pittinger,  preaching  at  Poland. 
A  thunder-shower. 


Preached  from  Heb.  i :  2  and  Matt,  xxvi :  42.     People  pretty  attent- 
Serious  people  here  apprehensive  of  inroads  by  Methodists. 
Wrote   to   Mr.  Hezekiah  Howe,  New  Haven,  Ct.     Cool  for  the  sea- 


JULY. 
I. 

ive. 

2. 
son. 

3.  Visited  several  families.  Afternoon  rode  to  Deerfield.^  The  most 
of  the  people  here  Methodists.  A  Methodist  church  has  been  formed  here 
for  some  time. 

4.  Conversed  and  disputed  some  with  Bostwick,  the  Methodist  preacher. 
I  fear  he  is  a  dangerous  character.^  Rode  to  Rootstown.*  Tarried  with  Esq. 
Root'  from  Hartford. 

5.  Last  night  a  very  hard  shower.  Rode  to  Hudson.*  The  bridge  over 
the  Cuyahoga  quite  a  curiosity.     Very  warm.     The  roads  very  muddy. 

6.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Brainerd,  of  Haddam.  I  believe  the  hottest  weather 
we  have  had  this  season.     Rode  out. 

7.  Wrote  the  records  of  the  church'  in  this  town  in  a  new  book  I  brought 
for  them.     Afternoon  preached  from  Acts  viii :  8.     Excessive  hot. 

8.  The  people  not  very  generally  out  at  meeting.  I  have  a  good  church. 
Preached  from  Heb.  i:  2  and  Matt,  xxvi:  42,  Almost  overcome  with  the 
heat. 

9.  Wrote  on  the  church  records.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Showery.  For 
five  days  past  the  weather  has  been  excessive  hot. 

10.  Began  a  letter  to  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford.     On  the  8th  began  to  read 
the  New  Testament  in  course.     Visited  a  school.     Catechised  the  children. 

11.  Wrote.     Rode    out   and   visited.     Valuable   mills   lately   burnt   here. 


'  After  the  discussions  at  the  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  he  is  refreshing  his  mind  on  the 
points  of  the  Hopkinsian  system. 

^  Deerfield  is  in  Portage  County,  the  ne.xt 
county  west  of  Trumbull.  Deerfield  is  the 
southeast  town  of  Portage  County. 

^  It  was  hard  for  a  Congregationalist  or  a 
Presbyterian  of  that  day  to  do  even  and  ex- 
act justice  to  a  Methodist,  though  we  know 
nothing  of  the  merits  of  this  particular  case. 


*  Rootstown  is  also  in  Portage  County, 
nearer  the  center  of  the  county. 

5  Ephraim  Root,  Esq.,  from  Hartford,  Ct., 
who  gave  the  name  probably  to  the  town. 

*  Hudson  is  now  in  Summit  County,  which 
was  formed  later,  but  was  then  in  Portage 
County. 

'  The  church  in  Hudson  was  organized  in 
1802,  and  remains  Congregational  to  this 
day. 


234  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

People   generally  haying.     A  great   crop  of  grass.     Read  Hunter's'  Sacred 
Biography. 

12.  Visited  families.  This  very  troublesome.  Roads  quite  wet.  After- 
noon preached  from  Acts  vii :  34.  I  hope  there  are  several  serious  people 
here,  but  they  appear  dull  and  worldly. 

13.  Rode  through  the  woods  to  Cleveland.^  Tarried  with  Esq.  Kingsbury.* 
This  the  oldest  settlement  in  the  county. 

14.  Rode  out  with  Col.  Huntington.'*  Went  to  the  mouth  of  the  Cuya- 
hoga. A  very  pleasant  situation,  commanding  an  extensive  prospect  of  the 
lake.     The  people  rather  loose  in  principles  and  conduct. 

15.  The  morning  rainy.  Had  a  pretty  full  meeting.  The  people  gen- 
erally quite  attentive.  The  most  of  them  have  not  heard  a  sermon  or  a  prayer 
in  eighteen  months.^     Preached  from  Acts  viii :  8  and  Luke  xv  :  17. 

16.  Rode  into  Euclid^  and  back.  Visited  families.  People  generally 
anxious  to  have  me  visit  them  again. 

17.  Rode  to  Hudson.  Visited  families.  My  health  quite  good.  Mr. 
Bostwick,  the  Methodist,  preached  here  today.  He  had  but  few  hearers.  A 
little  before  I  got  to  Hudson  I  killed  a  very  large  yellow  rattlesnake. 

18.  Visited.  Some  people  here  and  at  Cleveland  sick  with  the  fever  and 
ague.     Rode  to  Aurora.^     Wrote. 

19.  Rainy.  Finished  my  letter  to  Mr.  Flint.^  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,^  of 
Hartford.     Preached  from  Heb.  i :  2. 

20.  This  is  the  anniversary  of  my  ordination.  Rode  to  Nelson.'  In 
Hiram  '°  visited  a  man  very  sick  with  the  bite  of  a  rattlesnake.  Settlements 
in  this  part  of  the  county  ver}'  small. 

21.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Wilcox,  of  Hartland.  Visited  a  small  school.  Visited 
families. 


'Rev.  Henry  Hunter,  a  Scotch  clergy-  at  Painesville,  Ohio,  July  7,  1817.  This  Sam- 
man,   born    1 741.  uel  Huntington,  though  son  of   Dr.  Joseph, 

^  Cleveland  is   in   Cuyahoga   County  on  was  the  adopted  son  of  Gov.  Samuel  Hunt- 

the  lake  shore.     In  1804,  when  Mr.  Robbins  ington,  of  Norwich,  Ct. 

was  there,  there  were  only  a  few  families  in  ^  There  was  no  church  organized  then  in 

the  place.     In  1810,  the  population  was  547.  Cleveland. 

In  1880,  it  was  160,146.     This  place  took  its  *  Euclid,  a  few  miles  from  Cleveland,  in 

name  from  Gen.  Moses  Cleveland,  of  Canter-  the  northeast  corner  of  Cuyahoga  County, 

bury,  Ct.,  one  of  the  chief  men  in  the  early  ^  Aurora  is  the  northwest  town  of  Portage 

days  of  New  Connecticut.  County. 

^  Hon.  James  Kingsbury,  "The  Judge,"  ^  These  communications  of  his  to  Drs. 
as  he  was  called,  was  born  in  Norwich,  Ct.,  Flint  and  Strong  were  in  the  nature  of  offi- 
Dec.  29,  1767.  When  young  his  parents  re-  cial  reports  to  them  as  ofificers  of  the  Con- 
moved  to  Alstead,  N.  H.,  where  he  grew  up,  necticut  Missionary  Society.  Several  of  them 
married,  and  from  that  place  emigrated  to  were  published  in  the  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth 
Ohio   in  1796,  settling  at  Cleveland.  volumes  of  the  Connecticut  .£'z'(2«^(!'//V<2/ ./]/a^- 

•♦  Samuel  Huntington,  son  of  Joseph  Hunt-  azine, 

ington,  D.  D.,  of  Coventry,  Ct.     He  was  born  '  Nelson  is  the  northeast  town  of  Portage 

1765,  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1785,  County. 

went  to  Ohio  in  1801,  was  made  Chief-Jus-  '°  Hiram,  in   Portage  County,  next  town 

tice  of  the  State,  Governor  i8o8-i8ii,  died  west  of  Nelson. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  235 

22.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5  and  Matt,  xxvi :  42.  There  are  but  seven 
families  in  this  town.' 

23.  Rode  through  the  woods  to  Warren.  At  evening  preached  from  Acts 
iv :  27,  28.  The  people  here  appear  fond  of  being  visited  by  missionaries. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  (now  a  missionary  on  the 
Susquehanna),  my  father,  and  one  from  my  brother  James.  Received  one 
from  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford,  informing  me  that  I  am  appointed  a  missionary 
for  another  year. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Weather  very  cool  for  the  season.  People  gen- 
erally harvesting.  The  grain  grew  large,  but  it  is  injured  by  being  lodged 
down,  and  not  very  well  filled. 

25.  In  the  morning  felt  considerably  unwell.  Expected  to  ride  to  Canfield 
today,  but  am  unable.  Kept  about  all  day,  but  quite  drooping.  Afternoon 
preached  from  Matt,  xxvi :  39,  latter  part.     At  night  quite  sick. 

July  26.  I  was  more  unwell,  my  disorder  of  a  bilious  kind,  and  I 
was  persuaded  I  should  have  a  turn  of  sickness,  but  expected  it  would  con- 
tinue but  a  few  days,  like  a  turn  I  had  September,  1802.  I  sent  for  a 
physician  and  was  bled  copiously,  and  took  physic.  The  next  day  I  was 
worse  ;^  afternoon  a  ver}^  distressing  weariness,  with  a  high  fever  and  consid- 
erable derangement  of  mind.  At  night  had  a  watcher,  for  the  first  time 
since  I  can  remember.  Dr.  Wright,  my  physician,  was  ver}-  attentive  ;  his 
applications  I  believe  were  very  judicious,  and  I  was  treated  with  the  best 
care  by  attendants.  But  Heaven  destined  for  me  a  pretty  severe  fit  of 
sickness.  I  believe  I  constantly  grew  worse  through  the  month.  On  the 
30th  I  had  an  intermission,  and  appeared  to  myself  and  others  much  better. 
But  my  disorder  soon  returned  with  violence.  My  fever  high,  my  nights  were 
very  restless. 

August. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  month  my  disorder  continued  to  rage  constantly 
with  increasing  violence.  My  fever  ran  high  and  my  nights  were  very  rest- 
less and  tedious.  My  mind  was  much  affected  and  at  times  quite  deranged, 
so  that  I  can  remember  but  little  that  passed.  Excepting  the  restlessness 
of  the  fever,  I  had  but  little  pain.  My  physician,  attendants,  and  watchers  paid 
the  most  faithful  attention,  and  I  had,  perhaps,  as  good  accommodations  as 
I  could  have  had  at  home.  I  did  not  suppose  at  any  time  that  I  should 
die  with  this  disorder,  still,  for  a  few  days  I  considered  my  case  ver)'  critical 
and  began  to  think  of  death,  so  far  as  my  feeble  mind  would  admit,  in 
earnest.  It  appeared  to  me  more  of  a  reality  and  more  solemn  than  ever 
before.  But  I  trust  I  derived  much  support  and  consolation  in  the  con- 
sideration of  the  universal  and  perfect  government  of  God.  My  fever  formed 
no  regular  crisis,  but  it  appeared  to  break  about  the  fifth  or  sixth  instant. 


*  Hiram.  notes.     In  the  present  case,  from  his  condi- 

^  This  matter  of  bleeding,  which  was  ac-  tion  the  next  day,  it  may  fairly  be  questioned 

cording  to  the  common  medical   practice  of  whether  the  bleeding  did  not  work  him  in- 

that  time,  has  been  referred  to  in  previous  jury. 


236  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804.. 

and  from  that  time  gradually  to  wear  away.  On  the  fifth,  Mr.  Badger  and 
Capt.  Case  came  to  see  me,  and  I  was  much  comforted  by  the  visit.  I  sent 
for  Mr.  B.  three  days  previous.  For  the  first  week  after  my  fever  declined 
I  gained  but  verj-  little.  My  weakness  was  very  great,  the  heat  of  the  season 
was  so  extreme,  that  I  was  but  barely  supported  for  many  days.  The 
second  week  I  gained  some  strength  and  sat  up  a  little  every  day.  I 
had  a  supply  of  good  port  wine,  which  was  of  great  benefit.  Such  fruit  as 
could  be  obtained  was  brought  me  constantly.  I  had  watchers  steadily  for 
about  three  weeks.  Being  taken  care  of  by  experienced  persons  in  sickness 
and  confiding  in  their  directions,  I  believe  I  had  as  few  poor  turns  in  my 
recover)'  as  most  any  one  that  is  brought  so  low. 

The  third  week  of  my  recover)^  I  got  strength  sufficient  to  go  out.  I  paid 
Dr.  Wright  for  his  attendance  in  my  sickness,  thirteen  dollars.  I  paid  for 
wine,  two  gallons,  seven  dollars.  One  or  two  articles,  forty  cents.  The 
people  in  Smithfield  and  Hartford,  by  contribution,  have  paid  Mr.  Spencer 
for  his  keeping  me,  twelve  dollars.' 

22.  I  was  dressed,  and  with  assistance,  rode  out  a  little  distance.  To- 
wards night  the  brethren  of  the  church  met  here  to  converse  upon  some 
difficulties.     I  did  too  much.     Had  a  poor  night. 

23.  Poorer  than  yesterday.     Afternoon  rode  out  a  little  way. 

24.  Quite  feeble.  Set  up  but  very  little.  Evidently  got  overdone  the  two 
days  past. 

25.  The  weather  excessive  hot.  It  seems  to  be  very  diflScult  to  gain 
strength  at  such  a  season.  I  have  a  very  good  supply  of  watermelons  brought 
me.  Afternoon  Mr.  Mills  and  Mr.  Beech,  from  Austinburgh,^  called  to 
see  me. 

26.  Rode  out  with  some  assistance  a  little  way,  and  attended  meeting.^ 
I  lay  on  the  bed  the  most  of  the  time,  but  sat  up  and  prayed,  appointed  the 
psalms,  and  made  some  observations  after  the  reading  of  the  sermons.  The 
meeting  was  serious.     I  believe  it  did  me  no  injury. 

27.  My  head  is  very  weak.  I  cannot  bear  close  attention  to  any  subject. 
A  great  number  of  excellent  plums  grow  about  here  spontaneously.  Company 
apt  to  be  injurious  in  severe  sickness.* 

28.  Rode  out.  Can  ride  but  a  little  way  without  stopping.  Rode  to  the 
lower  part  of  Smithfield.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.  Able  to  stand 
but  very  little. 

29.  Rode  to  Esq.  Smith's.  Very  feeble  and  poor.  My  fatigue  yesterday 
and  my  accommodations,  it  being  the  first  night  I  have  slept  from  Mr. 
Spencer's,  were  too  much  for  my  weak  state.     Afternoon  rode  back  to  Hart- 


'  It  will  be  observed  that  this  break,  the  ^  It  will  be  remembered  that  he  is  now  in 

first  which  has  occurred  in  the  diary,  covers  the   town   of    Hartford,   where    this    attack 

nearly  a  month,  from  July  26th  to  August  22d.  stopped   him. 

^  Austinburgh  contained  a  good   number  *  That  is  a  general  remark  with  a  particu- 

o£    people    from   that   part   of    Connecticut  lar  application.     But  in  this  case  he  was  in 

where  Mr.  Robbins  was  born,  several   from  too  much  hurry  to  get  about  his  regular  work 

his  o\vn  town  of   Norfolk.  asfain. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY   IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  237 

ford.     Quite  overdone.     Rode    on  a   side-saddle.     It   seemed   to   revive    me 
to  get  home. 

30.  Quite  feeble.  Afternoon  visited  a  sick  child.  Rode  to  Esq.  Brock- 
way's.     Got  too  much  worried. 

31.  Was  comfortably  well  in  the  forenoon,  but  I  think  more  weak  than 
I  have  been.  Afternoon  I  had  a  hard  fit  of  fever  and  ague.  The  ague 
was  severe,  after  which  I  had  a  high  fever,  which  was  succeeded  by  a  copious 
sweating. 

September. 

1.  Sent  for  my  physician.  Took  stimulant  medicine  to  prevent  fever  and 
ague.  A  little  of  this  disorder  is  common  in  this  country  in  the  convalescence 
of  a  bilious  fever.  Returned  to  Mr.  Spencer's.  Afternoon  the  brethren  of  the 
church  here  met,  and  attended  to  some  difficulties  which  I  think  will  issue 
favorably.  At  evening  had  a  moderate  fit,  which  appeared  to  be  much  miti- 
gated by  wine  and  other  medicines. 

2.  Very  weak.  Sat  up  but  very  little.'  Excessive  hot.  Towards  night 
was  carried  out  a  little  way,  rode  on  a  pillow,  and  attended  a  funeral.  At 
night  had  a  slight  fit.     Took  powerful  stimulating  medicines  through  the  day. 

3.  Forenoon  rode  out  a  little  way.     Afternoon  quite  rainy. 

4.  A  cool  and  very  agreeable  air.  Till  now  the  weather  has  been  uni- 
formly remarkably  hot  for  about  four  weeks.     Began  a  letter  to  my  parents. 

5.  Wrote.  Capt.  Canfield^  called  to  see  me.  I  think  I  gain  strength 
pretty  fast. 

6.  Rode  out.  Finished  my  letter  to  my  parents.  Could  write  but  a  little 
while  at  a  time.  My  head  is  quite  weak.  Received  a  good  letter  from  my 
brother  James,  one  from  Mr.  Tower,  and  one  from  Mrs.  Perr}^  at  the  Forks  of 
the  Yough. 

7.  Warm.  Afternoon  rode  to  Smithiield.  I  cannot  be  sufficiently  thank- 
ful that  I  have  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  ride  in  some  measure 
comfortably. 

8.  People  generally  appear  pleased  to  see  me  again  about.  Rode  out. 
Quite  warm.     Read  newspapers. 

9.  Attended  meeting.  Sermons  were  read.  I  performed  the  other 
exercises,  and  made  some  remarks  after  the  sermons.  I  was  pretty  much 
fatigued,  but  I  believe  I  received  no  injury. 

10.  Read  the  particulars  of  the  fatal  duel  between  Col.  Burr  and  Gen. 
Hamilton.^  Perhaps  no  event,  saving  the  death  of  Washington,  has  excited 
such  general  regret  and  mourning  in  the  United  States  as  this.  Rode  to 
Hartford. 


'  If  Mr.  Robbins  had  been  an  older  man,  land,  etc ,  were  named  after  persons,  while  a 

or  had   had   a  wife   of  good   judgment,  he  far  larger  number  of  names  were  copied  from 

would  have  kept  more  quiet  until  he  had  re-  the   old    Connecticut   towns,   like   Hartford, 

covered  strength.  Farmington,   Vernon,    Simsburj',    Windham, 

^  This   Capt.  Canfield,   Judson    Canfield,  and  many  more, 

probably  gave  name  to  the  town  of  Canfield.  ^  Hamilton  was  shot  by  Burr  July  11,  and 

Many   of    the   towns    on   the   Reserve    like  died  the  next   day.     This   news   was  nearly 

Rootstown,   Hubbard,    Harpersfield,-   Clcve-  two   months   in   reaching   Ohio. 


238  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

11.  Wrote  considerably.  My  head  is  still  quite  weak.  Read  the  Bible. 
Quite  rainy.     A  very  bad  season  for  clearing  land. 

12.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Got  quite  fatigued.  At  night  had  something  of 
the  fever  and  ague. 

13.  Quite  poor.  Much  overdone  by  my  fatigue  yesterday.  Rode  a  little 
way.     At  night  had  an  ague  and  quite  restless. 

14.  Very  poor  and  feeble.  Took  pains  to  settle  an  unhappy  difference 
between  two  neighbors.  I  hope  I  was  successful.  Had  appointed  to  go  to- 
day to  Kinsman  to  examine  some  candidates  for  communion  in  this  church, 
but  was  unable  to  go.  Sent  a  notice.  Received  an  affectionate  letter  from 
my  parents. 

15.  Am  a  little  better  than  yesterday.     Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford. 

16.  Attended  meeting.  In  the  afternoon  preached  from  Heb.  i:  2,  the 
first  time  since  my  sickness.'     Was  obliged  to  keep  my  seat.     Quite  tired. 

17.  Rainy.  Afternoon  rode  to  Smithfield.  Some  expectation  in  this  set- 
tlement of  obtaining  the  college  which  is  to  be  established  in  this  count}'.^ 

18.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  Married  a  couple  of  persons.  Some  families  here 
exceedingly  distressed  with  sickness,  fever,  and  ague,' 

19.  Quite  a  wet  season.  Several  members  of  the  church  in  Smithfield 
came  here,  and  seven  persons  were  examined  and  approved  for  admission  into 
the  church.     At  two  marriages  lately  received  $2.50.     Rode  to  Smithfield. 

20.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Have  considerable  care  in  providing 
for  the  sacrament.  Gave  Dr.  ^^'right  an  order  on  the  Missionary  Society  for 
fifty  dollars,  thirteen  I  owe  him  for  his  attendance  in  my  sickness,*  for  the 
remainder  took  a  due  bill. 

21.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Had  company.  Considerable  electioneering  in 
the  county.' 

22.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Began  in  the  afternoon  the  exercises  of  a  sacra- 
mental occasion.     Mr.  Badger  preached. 

23.  A  large  collection  of  people  ;  about  sLxty  communicants.*  Admitted 
seven  persons  into  the  church.  We  had  a  pleasant  place  in  the  woods.  The 
meeting  ver}-  attentive  and  solemn.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Amos 
vi :  I,  first  clause.  Mr.  Badger  preached  in  the  afternoon  and  evening.  Very 
tired.  Was  carried  through  the  exercises  better  than  I  expected.  I  adminis- 
tered at  one  table  yesterday.  I  received  a  handsome  Psalm  Book,  a  present 
from  Mrs.  Ripley,  of  Whitestown. 

24.  Meeting  most  as  large  as  yesterday.  Preached  from  Luke  xvii :  15. 
The  meeting  was  dismissed  about  one  o'clock.  I  hope  it  received  the  divine 
blessing. 


*  He  had  been  present  at  two  or  three  Sab-  there  for  the  physician  not  to  receive  pay  for 
bath  services  where  sermons  were  read.  attendance  upon  the  minister. 

^  We  have  before  had  intimations  of  this  ^  This  was  the  autumn  for  the  fifth  presi- 

dream  about  a  college,  but  it  was  not  realized  dential  election, 
for  many  years.  *  So    they    copied    and    introduced    into 

^  The  fever  and  ague  is  the  curse  of  new  Ohio  from  Pennsylvania  the  sacramental  oc- 

countries.  casion,  which  was,  to  say  the  least,  a  doubt- 

*  It  seems  not  to  have  been  the  custom  ful  good. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  330 

25.  Rode  to  Kinsman  and  back.  Some  families  there  much  afflicted  with 
the  fever  and  ague. 

26.  Commenced  with  the  people  on  tlie  subject  of  the  college,  which  is 
expected  soon  to  be  established.     Rode  to  Hartford. 

27.  Set  out  to  go  to  Canfield.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Very  tired,  poorly  able 
to  ride. 

28.  Rode  to  Canfield.  My  ride,  though  fatiguing,  I  hope  will  do  me  no 
injury.     Very  kindly  received. 

29.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Tower,  Forks  of  Yough.  Something  rainy.  Afternoon 
attended  meeting.  Mr.  Badger  preached.  Very  few  people  attended.  To- 
morrow is  appointed  for  a  public  sacrament  here.  The  prospect  is  pretty 
discouraging.  This  town  in  a  great  ferment  on  account  of  a  town  quarrel  and 
the  approaching  election. 

30.  Quite  cold.  Held  meeting  in  an  open  new  house.  I  preached  in  the 
forenoon  from  Acts  xxviii:  24.  Mr.  Badger  preached  the  sacrament.  A  good 
number  of  people.  Mr.  B.  preached  in  the  afternoon.  Some  of  the  people 
quite  disorderly.  Concluded  not  to  have  any  meeting  tomorrow.  There  is  so 
little  prospect  of  having  any  number  to  attend. 

October. 

1.  Wrote  to  Col.  Perr}',  now  of  Charlestown,  Virginia.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Oilman,'  of  l^arietta.  Mr.  Badger  set  out  to  attend  the  Synod  at  Pittsburgh. 
I  expected  to  have  gone  had  my  strength  been  sufficient. 

2.  Wrote  records  for  the  church  here.  Walked  about  half  a  mile.  Got 
too  much  worried. 

3.  Wrote  to  Dr.  West,  of  Stockbridge.  Rode  out.  Great  electioneering 
on  account  of  the  approaching  election.^ 

4.  Read  newspapers.  Began  a  letter  to  Esq.  Holmes,^  of  Litchfield. 
Rode  out. 

5.  Quite  unwell.  I  believe  I  have  been  too  attentive  to  business  this 
week. 

6.  Rode  to  Boardman.     Visited,     Quite  cool  for  the  season. 

7.  Had  a  full  and  attentive  meeting.  Very  tired.  This  is  the  first  time 
that  I  have  preached  twice  in  a  day  since  my  sickness.  Preached  from  Luke 
xii :  20,  first  clause,  and  Rom.  x  :  i. 

8.  Visited.     Many  people  sowing.     Rode  to  Canfield. 

9.  This  day  is  the  election  for  State  and  county  offices  through  this 
State.*     Finished  my  letter  to  Esq.  Holmes.     Quite  rainy.     25. 


'  Mr.  Benjamin  I.  Oilman,  who   married  ^  Uriel  Holmes,  Esq. 

Hannah  Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.  *  This  was  the  second  Tuesday  in  Octo 

^  The    Presidential    Electors    were    then  ber,  1804.     As  we  write  in  the  early  days  of 

chosen   by  the    State    Legislatures,  and   the  October  in  this   Presidential  year,  1884,  the 

political  campaign  was  directed  by  the  par-  whole  country  is  waiting  eagerly  for  the  State 

ties  toward  securing  such  legislatures  in  the  election  in  Ohio  on  the  second  Tuesday  of 

several  States  as  should  carry  out  their  wishes.  October,  which  this  year  falls  October  14. 


240  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

10.  Rode  to  China  and  preached  from  Luke  v:  27,  last  clause.  Returned 
to  Canfield. 

11.  Quite  feeble.  Visited.  Several  Dutch  families  have  moved  into  this 
town.' 

12.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  gain  strength  very  little.  I  think  I  am 
scarcely  any  better  than  I  was  a  fortnight  ago. 

13.  Wrote  considerably.     Visited  a  school.     Rode  out. 

14.  Preached  on  the  doctrine  of  Original  Sin  from  Rom.  v:  18.  People 
very  attentive.  Baptized  three  children.  The  first  baptisms  in  this  town. 
At  evening  was  at  a  singing  meeting. 

15.  Quite  rainy.  Read  the  Bible.  Visited.  Many  people  in  this  town 
are  very  friendly  to  me. 

16.  Visited.  Rode  to  Poland.  Many  New  England  families  are  arriving 
in  the  county.^     Bought  apples  for  ten  a  dozen. 

17.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  Indian  harvest  rather  light.  Said  to  be 
owing  to  the  wet  season.     Traded.     2.50. 

18.  Rode  to  Warren.  I  begin  to  ride  in  my  usual  way.  A  hard  shower. 
Got  something  wet.     Roads  pretty  bad. 

19.  For  some  weeks  past  many  people  have  been  quite  sickly.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  father.     Read  Boston's^  Fourfold  State.     Rainy.     Wrote. 

20.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Read  newspapers.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
The  late  elections  in  Connecticut"*  have  issued  favorably. 

21.  Pleasant  weather  after  a  long  turn  of  wet.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii: 
24  and  from  Matt,  xxvi :  42.     Quite  tired. 

22.  Visited.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.     Something  unwell. 

23.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Bacon,^  a  missionary  lately  arrived  in  the  count}-.  Yes- 
terday was  requested  to  baptize  a  child  of  parents  who  made  no  profession. 
Refused. 

24.  Visited.     Rode  to  Vienna.     Bad  riding.     Wet  and  cold.   Traded.    2.20. 

25.  Ten  New  England  families  have  moved  into  this  town  this  year.  Rode 
out.     My  strength  gains. 

26.  Read.  Wrote.  Visited.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  from  Matt, 
ix :  9,  a  clause.     Quite  cold. 


'  As  we  understand  it  he  is  still  making  umphed.     Unfortunately  in  Ohio   they  were 

his  home  at  Hartford.  Democratic  that  year. 

^  Then   Trumbull   County,   but   now   the  ^  Rev.  David  Bacon,  father  of  the  late  Dr. 

southern  part  where  Poland  is,  is  a  portion  Leonard  Bacon.     He  was  sent  in  the  summer 

of  Mahoning  County.  of  iSoo  as  a  missionary  to  the  Indians  and 

'  Thomas   Boston,  a   popular   Scotch  di-  trading  companies  in  the  region  of  Detroit, 

vine,   born    at    Dunse,    Berwickshire,    1676.  Mich.     Here    his  son  Leonard  was  born   in 

He  died  May  20,  I7'i2,  at  Ettrick,  where  he  February,  1802.     In  1S04  he  was  tranferred 

was  settled  in  the  ministry.     His  best  known  to   the    Western   Reserve,   his   two-year  old 

work  is  his  Fourfold  State,  which  was  pub-  boy  being  carried  on  his  shoulders  much  of 

lished  1720.     Other  popular  works  of  his  in  the  \vay.     There  was  a  younger  child,  a  babe 

their  day  were  Tlie  Crooli  in  ilie  Lot,  and  the  of  only  a   month  old.     The  little  family  at 

Marrow  of  Modern  Divinity.  length  reached  Cleveland  in  the  fall  of  1S04, 

*  The   elections  in   Connecticut  were   all  after  a  long  and  wearisome  journey  attended 

right  because    the    Federal    party   had    tri-  with  great  hardships. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  241 

27.  Wrote  to  Mr,  Flint,  of  Hartford. 

28.  Pretty  full  meeting.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3  and  Luke  xvi :  5.  At 
evening  walked  out.     Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Wilcox,  of  Hartland. 

29.  Worked  a  little  all  day  helping  to  raise  a  log-house.  At  evening  the 
people  here  met  and  conversed  some  on  the  subject  of  building  a  meeting- 
house. 

30.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Weather  quite  warm  and  pleasant.  Twelve  fami- 
lies have  lately  moved  into  this  town  from  Hartland,"  Ct.     Visited. 

31.  Visited.  Afternoon  Mr.  Badger  preached  a  lecture.  My  health, 
I  think,  grows  better,  but  I  am  not  yet  at  my  usual  state.  May  the  Lord  help 
me  more  and  more. 

November. 

1.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  There  appear  to  have  been  some  late  instances 
of  serious  impressions  here. 

2.  Rode  to  Westfield  ^  and  preached  to  eight  persons  from  Matt,  ix :  9. 
Returned  to  Hartford. 

3.  Wrote  to  Esq.  Holmes,  of  Litchfield,  Ct.  Read  the  Bible.  Afternoon 
assisted  in  raising  a  log-house.  Felt,  I  hope,  in  some  measure,  a  spirit  of 
prayer  for  assistance  on  the  approaching  Sabbath. 

4.  Preached  to  a  large  and  respectable  congregation  from  Luke  xii :  20, 
first  clause,  and  from  Isa.  xxxv :  i.  Quite  attentive.  Veiy  good  singing. 
Smithfield  ^  and  Hartford  together  is  now  the  largest  New  England  settlement 
in  the  county. 

5.  Read.  Afternoon  assisted  in  raising  a  log-house.  Worked  too  hard. 
It  did  me  an  injury.     Rode  to  Smithfield. 

6.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Bacon,  our 
brother  missionary,  came  here.  Formed  an  agreeable  acquaintance  with  Mr. 
Bacon.'* 

7.  Mr.  Bacon  has  set  out  to  go  to  Connecticut  on  foot.  He  chooses  to 
go  in  that  way.  Wrote  to  my  parents  and  to  Capt.  Ripley,  of  Whitestown. 
Rode  to  Hartford. 

8.  Visited.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  At  evening  preached  from  Isa.  vi :  9, 
10.  People  in  general  here  appear  to  accord  with  those  doctrines  which  exalt 
God  and  tend  to  humble  creatures. 

9.  Rode  to  Johnston'  and  preached  from  Heb.  i :  2.     Returned  to  Smith- 


'  It  is  likely  that  the  letters,  which  for  a  ^  This  remark  makes  it  plain  that  Smith- 
time  had  been  passing  between  him  and  Dr.  field,  no  longer  bearing  this  name,  was  in  the 
Wilcox,  of   Hartland,  Ct.,  had  reference   to  immediate  neighborhood  of  Hartford. 
this  proposed  movement  of  Hartland  families.  "•  David  Bacon  was  born  in  Woodstock, 

^  Westfield  seems  to  have  been  some  place  Ct.,   baptized   Sept.    15,    1771,   and   died  at 

near  Hartford  in   TrmnbuU   County,  which  Hartford,  Ct,  Aug.  27,  1817.     He  was  the 

either  was  not  a  township,  or  if  a  town,  the  first  missionary  to  the  Indians  sent  forth  by 

name  was   afterward   changed.     There   is   a  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  in  1800. 
Westfield  in   Morrow   County,   Ohio,   more  ^  Johnston,  named  from  James  Johnston, 

than  a  hundred  miles  away  from  this  place  of  Connecticut,  one  of  the  Connecticut  Land 

in  Trumbull  County.  Company. 


242 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 


field.     A  hard  rain.     But  two  families  in  Johnston.     This  was  the  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town. 

10.  Rode  out  and  visited.     Wrote.     Quite  cool. 

11.  Preached  from  Rom.  i :  i6,  first  clause,  and  from  Rom.  v:  19,  first 
part.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Conversed  upon  difficult,  impor- 
tant doctrines.  A  young  man  here  has  lately  obtained  a  hope.  He  appears 
pretty  well.     Others  are  much  affected. 

12.  Yesterday  and  today  it  has  snowed  considerably.  Rode  out.  People 
have  success  in  killing  deer. 

13.  Visited  families.  Rode  to  Vienna.  My  health  and  strength  through 
God's  mercy  are  pretty  good. 

14.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  the  most  of  the  day.  Rode  to  Warren.  The 
county  court  in  session  here. 

15.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James,'  now 
a  licensed  preacher,  and  a  tutor  at  Williams  College.  The  snow  is  eight  or 
ten  inches  deep. 

16.  Considerable  business  at  court.  Litigation  increases  in  the  county. 
Rode  to  Canfield.     Quite  cold. 

17.  Rode  out.     Read  newspapers.     Fall  crops  not  yet  gathered. 

18.  Very  bad  going.  Quite  pleasant.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii :  8. 
Very  tired  and  considerably  unwell.     People  here  very  stupid. 

19.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Snow  goes  very  fast.  Drank  some  cider,  the 
first  time  in  this  county. 

20.  Read  newspapers.  At  evening  married  a  daughter  of  Capt.  Tanner. 
There  was  a  large  and  agreeable  company  at  the  wedding.     Received  a  dollar. 

21.  Visited  families.  The  snow  is  said  to  have  been  quite  deep  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  county.  Apples  are  considerable  plenty  here,  brought  from 
the  Ohio." 

22.  Rode  to  Poland.  The  snow  mostly  gone.  Returned  to  Boardman, 
and  preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  The  settlement  in  this  town  increases 
considerably. 

23.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Visited  a  number  of  families.  Preached  in  an  out 
neighborhood  from  Matt,  ix  :  9. 

24.  Blessed  be  God  \vho  has  now  preserved  me  one  year  in  this  country. 
May  I  be  made  more  faithful  in  his  service.     Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

25.  Preached  from  Psalm  xiv :  i,  first  clause,  and  Rom.  i ;  16.  At  even- 
ing received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  now  at  Marietta. 

26.  Quite  rainy.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.^  Visited.  Traded. 
5.18.     Things  very  dear  here. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  bad  riding.  Quite  warm  and  pleasant  for 
the  season. 


*  James  Watson  Robbins.  ^  Samuel    Prince    Robbins,  before    men- 

*  From  the  Ohio  River  country,  the  region      tioned,   son  of    Dr.   Chandler    Robbins,   of 
about  Marietta.  Ph-mouth,  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  179S. 


l8o4.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  243 

28.  Rode  to  Smithfield.'  People  here  building  considerably.  Wrote. 
On  the  18th  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.  On  the  24th 
wrote  to  Dr.  Smith,  Forks  of  Yough. 

29.  This  day  is  kept  by  the  people  in  Smithfield  and  Hartford  as  a  day  of 
Thanksgiving.  I  preached  from  Isa.  i :  2,  3.  A  large  collection  of  people. 
Quite  warm.     Saw  Mr.  Power ^  from  the  Forks  of  Yough. 

30.  Visited.  Rode  with  Mr.  Power  to  Vienna.  A  prospect  of  a  good  set- 
tlement in  Brookfield.^     The 'fall  is  closed  and  I  am  restored  to  health. 

December. 

1.  Rode  to  Warren  and  to  Salem.*  Very  bad  riding.  No  meetings  are 
kept  at  Warren  on  the  Sabbath. 

2.  Preached  from  Heb.  i:  2  and  Rom.  i:  16.  People  mostly  Pennsylva- 
nians.  Quite  attentive.  After  meeting  crossed  the  river,  and  tarried  at  Mr. 
Cleveland's.     Quite  cold. 

3.  It  snowed  considerably.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Riding  very  bad  and 
dangerous.     Great  commotion  with  regard  to  the  division  of  this  county. 

4.  I  think  I  am  quite  as  smart  for  business  or  fatigue  as  I  was  last  winter. 
At  evening  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.     Wrote  to  Capt.  Tanner,  of  Canfield. 

5.  Visited  families.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Afternoon  it  snowed  quite  hard. 
Read  newspapers. 

6.  Rode  to  Vienna.  The  people  here  appointed  this  day  for  a  day  of 
Thanksgiving.     I  preached  from  Isa.  i :  2,  3.  , 

7.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hubbard.'  Considerable  snow,  but  warm.  I  have 
a  pretty  hard  cold. 

8.  Rode  out.  Read.  The  people  considerably  divided  here  in  religious 
opinions. 

9.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii :  24  and  Rom.  i :  16.  Quite  cold.  Am  so 
hoarse  with  my  cold  that  I  speak  with  difficulty.  At  evening  wrote  to  my 
parents. 

ID.  Visited.  I  hope  the  way  may  appear  before  long  for  the  formation  of 
a  church  in  this  town.     At  evening  Mr.  Badger  came  here. 

II.  Rode  to  Warren.  Was  soon  called  to  see  a  dying  woman.  Continued 
with  her  till  she  expired.  A  most  solemn  occasion.  The  first  person,  except- 
ing a  man  hung,*  that  I  ever  saw  die.^ 

'  Mr.   Aaron   E.    Austin,   son    of    Aaron  already  several  times  mentioned,  was  given 

Austin,  who  gave  the  name  to  Austinburgh,  probably  in   honor   of   Nehemiah   Hubbard, 

Ohio,  and  who  was  born  in  that  town  1S04,  Jr.,  one  of  the  Connecticut  Land  company, 
and  is  still  living,  says  that  the  old  town  of  ^  This  was  the  Indian  murderer  whose  ex- 

Smithfield  is  the  present  town  of  Vernon  in  ecution   he   witnessed  at  Whitestown,  April 

Trumbull  County.  26,  1801. 

"^  Rev.  James  Power.  ^  Mr.  Robbins  was  now  twenty-seven  years 

^  Brookfield  is  the  township  next  to  Hart-  old,  and  though  never  a  settled  minister,  he 

ford  on  the  south  in  Trumbull  County.  had  been  stated  supply  for  longer  or  shorter 

*  The  present  town  of  Salem,  Ohio,  is  in  periods  in  several  places.     It  is  a  little  re- 

Columbiana  County,  south  of  Warren,  some  markable   that  he   had  never  before,  either 

twenty-five  miles.     It   is    probable   that   the  among   his   kindred   and  family  friends,   or 

Salem    he    visited   was   some   locality   near  among  the  people  whom  he  temporarily  had 

Warren.  in  charge,  seen  a  person  die.     He  was  after- 

^  The  name  of  this  town,  which  has  been  wards  many  times  at  the  bedside  of  the  dying. 


\ 


244  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1804. 

12.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.     Severe  cold. 

13.  Attended  a  funeral.  Talked  some,  sung,  and  prayed.  The  Pennsyl- 
vanians  are  not  generally  used  to  having  prayer  at  funerals.'  Walked  out. 
Read  the  Bible. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  hoarseness  abates  in  some  measure.  The 
electors  for  President  in  Massachusetts^  are  Democrats.  The  first  instance  in 
which  Democracy  has  ever  triumphed  in  that  State. 

15.  Visited  a  school.     Warm.     Read  the  Bible.     25. 

16.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.  Had  but  one 
exercise.     Am  much  better  of  my  cold,  but  still  am  something  hoarse. 

17.  Read  the  Bible.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Extreme  cold.     Wrote. 

18.  Crossed  the  Mahoning  on  the  ice,  and  rode  to  the  upper  part  of  the 
town.     Visited.     It  snowed  some. 

19.  Rode  to  Nelson.^  The  most  difficult  riding  I  have  ever  found  in  the 
country.     At  evening  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.     Very  much  fatigued. 

20.  This  most  severe  cold  we  have  had  this  year,  and  I  think  that  I  have 
ever  seen  in  this  country.  Rode  to  Middlefield."  Had  very  fearful  apprehen- 
sions of  lying  out,*  but  the  Lord  took  care  of  me. 

21.  Rode  to  Burton.*  From  Warren  here  I  have  had  much  the  most  diffi- 
cult and  laborious  travel  I  have  ever  had  in  this  country.  Snow  about  a  foot 
deep,  no  path,  waters  high  and  partly  frozen,  ground  soft  and  the  weather 
extremely  cold,  and  almost  the  whole  way  in  lonely  woods  where  I  had  never 
been.     Thanks  be  to  God  who  has  been  my  gracious  Preserver. 

22.  Wrote  considerably.     It  snows  almost  daily.     Tarried  with  Esq.  Noyes. 

23.  Preached  from  Heb.  i:  2  and  Rom.  i:  16.  People  quite  generally  at 
meeting.  They  appear  to  be  much  gratified  in  being  visited.  This  town  I 
believe  has  not  had  its  proportion  of  missionary  service. 

24.  They  have  a  large  and  very  good  frame  raised  here  for  an  academy.' 
Rode  out  and  visited. 

25.  Read  the  Bible.  Was  invited  to  an  entertainment  with  a  number  of 
people,  it  being  Christmas.     The  people  however  are  not  Episcopalians.* 

26.  Read.  Visited.  Quite  cold.  Very  good  traveling  where  the  roads 
are  used. 

27.  It  snowed  considerably.  Rode  out.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9. 
Read. 


'  Services  at  funerals  in  old  times,  and  able  to  reach  any  dwelling.  That  is  a  fear- 
even  now,  differ  greatly  in  different  parts  of  ful  experience  on  a  winter's  night  in  those 
the  country.  lonely  and  far-spreading  fields  of  the  west. 

=  And  the  man  that  Massachusetts  voted  ''  Burton  is  one  of  the  central   towns  of 

for  for  President  that  year  (1804),  was   the  Geauga  County. 

same  Thomas  Jefferson  that  she  looked  up-  ^  These  settlers  had   carried  to  the  Con- 
on  with  such  horror  and  dread  in  1800.  necticut   Reserve,  the    Connecticut   zeal   for 

'  In    the    northeast    corner    of    Portage  education. 

County.  8  j,^  those  days  Christmas  was  not  usually 

■*  Middlefield  was  midway  on  the  eastern  observed  in  this  country  except  by  Episcopa- 

Ime  of  Geauga  County.  Hans.      In    many   country   towns    Christmas 

*  That  is,  of  losing  his  way  and  not  being  came  and  went  without  recognition. 


1804.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  245 

28.  Read  the  Bible.  Visited.  At  evening  preached  from  Acts  viii :  8.  I 
have  seldom  had  so  many  hearers  at  an  evening  meeting. 

29.  It  snowed  all  day.  Wrote.  The  people  of  this  town  generally  came 
here  pretty  poor.  They  are  now  generally  living  comfortably,  but  are  not 
forehanded.  They  are  industrious.  The  center  of  the  town  is  a  very  hand- 
some situation. 

30.  Quite  cold  and  stormy.  Full  meeting.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iii :  9, 
first  clause,  and  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  But  two  or  three  professors  of  religion  in 
this  town. 

31.  Wrote  all  day.  The  snow  is  quite  eighteen  inches  deep  and  very 
solid.  God  has  graciously  preserved  me  through  another  year.  I  have  this 
year  passed  through  as  great  a  variety  of  scenes  perhaps  as  in  any  one  of  my 
life.  I  have  had  no  home.  I  have  seen  no  family  relation,  and  may  almost 
say  I  have  no  resting-place.  I  have  been  visited  with  sore  sickness,  but  every 
favor  was  provided  for  my  help  and  restoration,  and  having  obtained  help  of 
God  I  am  preserved  and  restored  to  health. 


isoe- 

January. 

1.  Very  cold.  Wrote.  Rode  out,  took  supper,  and  spent  the  evening 
with  considerable  company. 

2.  Visited.     Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19. 

3.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

^.  Extreme  cold.  Much  the  most  severe  I  have  ever  seen  in  this  country. 
Rode  to  Middlefield.' 

5.  The  people  have  never  seen  such  a  severe  season  in  this  country.  But 
seven  families  in  this  town. 

6.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi:  5  and  Luke  xv:  17.  There  appear  to  be 
but  few  serious  people  in  this  part  of  the  county. 

7.  Rode  to  Burton.  At  evening  attended  a  marriage.  The  snow  is  two 
feet  to  two  and  a  half  deep. 

8.  On  the  6th  finished  reading  the  New  Testament  in  course,  which  I 
began  July  8,  1804.     Visited  families.     Read  newspapers. 

9.  Rode  to  Mesopotamia."^  Had  company  on  the  way.  About  half  of 
the  way  there  was  no  path  in  the  snow.  People  here  considerably  inclined  to 
errors. 

10.  Last  night  was  called  up  by  reason  of  the  woman  where  I  stopped,  and 
I  walked  to  another  house  about  half  a  mile.  The  weather  more  moderate 
than  last  week. 

11.  Weather  very  severe.  Equal  to  any  that  we  have  had.  Rode  out. 
At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.     But  few  people  in  this  settlement. 

12.  Rode  and  visited.  Read  the  Life  of  jfoseph.  Very  good  riding  where 
the  roads  are  traveled. 

13.  Preached  from  Rom.  X  :  i  and  Luke  xv:  17.  People  pretty  attentive, 
yet  most  of  them  very  stupid,  and  several  much  inclined  to  infidelity, 

14.  Began  a  letter  to  my  parents.  Visited  a  school.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

15.  Rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town.  Preached  from  John  xi :  23,  to  a 
family  called  to  mourning. 

16.  Visited  families.  Rode  to  Windsor.^  Read  newspapers.  The  Legis- 
lature of  this  State  appear  to  have  no  dignity  of  character.     The  spirit  of  party 


'  Middlefield,  as  stated  before,  was  in  Ge-  ^  Windsor  was  the  southwest  township  of 

auga  County.     The  townships  on  the  Reserve  Ashtabula  County.     It  was  altogether  natural 

were  laid  out   originally  five   miles   square,  that  there  should  be  a  town  of  this  name  on 

and  many  of  these  towns  had  not  as  many  the   Reserve,  for  Oliver   Phelps   and  Roger 

families  even  as  Middlefield.  Newberry,  both  natives  of  Windsor,  Ct.,  bore 

^  Mesopotamia  was  the  northwest  town  of  a  very  prominent  part  in  the  affairs  of  early 

Trumbull  County.  Ohio. 

247 


248  DIARY   OF    REV.   THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1805. 

and  electioneering  which  has  deluged   our  country  is   sinking   our  national 
character  to  speedy  contempt,  and  our  free  government  to  certain  ruin.' 

17.  Warm.  It  thawed  quite  fast  all  day.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9. 
Walked  out.     Some  families  lately  moved  into  this  town  live  pretty  poor. 

18.  Rode  to  Mesopotamia.  Visited.  It  snowed  considerably.  Conversed 
upon  difficult  religious  subjects. 

19.  Rode  out.  Extreme  cold.  Read  President  Adams's  Defence  of  the 
American  Constitutions.     Bad  crossing  streams. 

20.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  preached  from  Rom.  xiv  :  7  and  Matt,  xxvi :  42. 
At  evening  rode  to  Mesopotamia,  and  preached  from  Rom.  xiv:  10,  last 
clause.     People  in  Windsor  appear  to  be  very  thoughtless. 

21.  Most  extreme  cold.  Rode  through  the  woods  to  Middlefield.  Froze 
one  of  my  ears.     Preached  from  John  iv  :  15.     People  generally  attended. 

22.  Rode  to  Wooster.'^  Found  some  formerly  Norfolk  people.  On  the 
29th  of  July  last  there  was  a  great  windfall  in  all  this  part  of  the  countr)'. 

24.  The  people  here  are  very  stupid  with  regard  to  serious  things,  and 
have  erroneous  principles.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  The  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town.^     Rainy  all  day.     Rode  to  Burton. 

25.  The  snow  thaws  and  the  streams  rise  very  fast.  Wrote.  Visited.  At 
evening  preached  from  i  Cor.  ii :  4,  5. 

26.  Rode  to  Middlefield,  and  preached  in  a  small  neighborhood  from 
Matt,  ix :  9.     Returned  to  Burton.     Waters  quite  high. 

27.  Preached  from  Acts  xvii :  31,  last  clause,  and  Jer.  viii :  20.  People 
appear  quite  attentive  and  serious.  Very  much  fatigued  with  my  labors  for  a 
week  past.     Read  the  Life  of  Joseph* 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited  families.  Very  comfortable  winter  weather. 
Considerably  unwell. 

29.  Quite  stormy.  At  evening  a  number  of  the  people  here  met  and  ex- 
pressed a  wish  that  I  would  hereafter  take  the  charge  of  the  academy  which 
they  are  erecting,  and  be  their  minister.     I  gave  very  little  encouragement. 

30.  Rode  through  the  woods  to  Bondstown^  and  to  Perkinton.^  Had 
company  on  the  road.  At  Bondstown  was  thrown  violently  from  my  horse. 
My  teeth  were  hurt  considerably. 

31.  Warm.  Afternoon  preached  from  Heb.  i :  2.  A  few  serious  people 
here.     A  small  Pennsylvania  settlement. 


'  It  was  very  hard,  as  we  have  before  inti-  ^  It  is  worthy  of  special  notice,  as  showing 

mated,  for  the  Old  Federalists  to  see  power  the  newness  of  the  country,  how  often  Mr. 

pass  out  of  their  hands,  and  still  keep  up  a  Robbins    preaches    the    first    sermon    ever 

cheerful    courage.      Ohio   had  gone   Demo-  preached   in   the   place, 
cratic,  but  the  grave  fears  of   the  writer  of  ■*  This  being  the   second  allusion   to  the 

the  diary  were  not  realized.  Life  of  yosep/i,  we  were  led  to  infer  that  it 

^  Wooster  is   in    Wayne   County,  one   of  was  a  book  by  itself,  and  not  the  Bible  story 

the  tier  of  counties  immediately  south  of  the  of  Joseph.     He  refers   to   a  poem  by  John 

Reserve.     It  is  the  shire  town  of  that  county.  McGowan,   entitled  Life  of  Joseph,   Son   of 

It  was  then  very  new,  as   Mr.  Robbins  was  Israel,   in   eight  books,    1803. 
the  first  man  to  preach  there.     It  was  quite  a  '  Neither   of  these   places   are  towns,  or 

journey  for  Mr.  Robbins  to  make  in  the  dead  even  post  office  localities,  in  the  present  State 

of  winter  to  reach  Wooster.  of  Ohio. 


1S05.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  249 

February. 

1.  Rode  to  Bondstown  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.  The  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town.'  A  good  woman  told  me  she  had  not  heard  a 
sermon  before  for  ahnost  two  years  and  a   half.     Returned   to  Perkinton. 

2.  Rode  to  Palnesville,-  and  preached  from  John  iv  :  15.  Rode  to  Men- 
tor.^    Had  considerable  conversation  with  an  ignorant  infidel. 

3.  Rode  to  Painesville,  and  preached  from  John  xi :  23  and  Rom.  i :  16, 
Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  The  forenoon  discourse  adapted  to  the  occa- 
sion.    Very  cold.     Last  night  had  a  pretty  hard  lodging. 

4.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Chapman/  formerly  a  missionary 
in  this  county.  Rode  to  Carlton.'  Tarried  at  Mr.  Abbott's.  He  would  not 
let  me  perform  any  religious  exercises  in  his  family.*  I  shall  not  tarry  with 
him  again  on  the  same  terms  without  necessity. 

5.  Rode  to  Euclid  and  Cleveland.^     The  riding  generally  very  good. 

6.  Preached  from  Hab.  i :  62.  A  very  good  number  of  people  attended. 
They  appear  to  be  pleased  to  be  visited,  and  anxious  to  have  me  come  again. 
They  keep  meetings  steadily  on  the  Sabbath. 

7.  Rode  to  Euclid,  preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  Baptized  a  child.  Sev- 
eral serious  people  in  this  town.     A  prospect  of  a  good  settlement. 

8.  Rode  to  Carlton.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.  The  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town. 

9.  Rode  to  Kirtland,^  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.  The  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town.  Rode  to  Mentor.  Had  some  conversation  with  a 
stupid,  cross  infidel. 

ID.  Preached  from  Acts  viii  :  8  and  Luke  xv  :  17.  A  good  number  of 
people.  Reproved  some  men  for  trading  on  the  Sabbath.  The  people  in 
this  vicinity  are  much  inclining  to  infidelity  and  immorality.  Have  rode  the 
week  past  more  than  fifty  miles. 

11.  Rode  to  Perkinton  and  preached  to  a  few  people  from  John  vi :  48. 
Warm.  The  snow  thaws  fast.  Rode  to  Painesville.  The  river  very  hard 
frozen. 

12.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.  Rode  out.  Missed  my  way  and  lost  the 
travel  of  several  miles.  Visited  a  school  well  regulated  and  instructed. 
Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9,     A  good  number  of  people. 

13.  The  ground  begins  to  appear  considerably,  having  been  covered  since 


'  Mr.  Robbins   calls   Bondstown  a  town,  ■•  Rev.  Ezekiel  J.  Chapman,  a  native   of 

but    its   name    must    afterward    have    been  Saybrook,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1799,  one  of 

changed.  the  very  early  missionaries  sent  to  the  Con- 

^  Painesville   is   near  the  shore   of  Lake  necticut  Reserve.     Rev.  Jedediah   Bushnell, 

Erie,  and  in  the  present  Lake  County.     This  another  early  and  prominent  missionary,  was 

county  has  been  made   out   of   Geauga  and  from  Saybrook. 

Cuyahoga  Counties,  since  the  original  settle-  '  Carlton  is  a  place  not  now  found  in  the 

ments.     Edward  Paine,  one  of  the  early  ad-  Ohio  list  of  towns. 

venturers  in  these  parts,  probably  gave   the  ^  He  had   the  same   experience   here  as 

name  to  Painesville.  with  a  Mr.  Fowler,  before  mentioned. 

^  Mentor  is  just  west  of  Painesville,  now  ^  Euclid  and  Cleveland  near  together,  both 

so   well    known   as   the   home   of    President  in  Cuyahoga  County. 
Garfield,  *  Kirtland  is  in  Lake  County. 


250  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

the  2d  of  December.     Rode  to  Harpersfield.'     Streams  breaking  up  and  high. 
Quite  fatigued  with  my  labors  for  some  time  jDast. 

14.  Finished  my  letter  to  my  father,  which  1  began  January  14,  I  have 
not  found  time  to  finish  it  before  now.  Last  night  considerable  of  a  thunder- 
shower.     Read  a  newspaper.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

15.  Read.  The  people  here  appear  to  be  not  very  well  agreed  with  regard 
to  society  matters.  Visited  a  school.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii.  The 
weather  has  again  become  quite  cold  and  tedious. 

16.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.     Find  old  Norfolk  friends. 

17.  Preached  extempore  on  new  subjects  both  parts  of  the  day  from  Rom. 
x:  20  and  Matt,  x:  32.     Full  meeting.     People  quite  attentive. 

18.  Rode  out.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.  Some  people  here  appear 
to  be  much  opposed  to  Mr.  Badger. 

19.  Rode  to  Austinburgh.^  Preached  from  John  vi :  37.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  Considerable  of  the  bodily  exercise  appears  here  yet. 
The  effects  of  the  revival  last  winter  appear  to  be  good. 

20.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visits  of  neighbors 
here  are  generally  devoted  to  religious  conversation. 

21.  Visited.  Quite  warm  and  pleasant.  Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the 
town.  Some  difficulties  exist  in  the  church  here.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference. 

22.  The  snow  goes  fast.  Afternoon  preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  The 
people  here  sing  hymns  very  well.  ., 

23.  Visited  a  school     Rode  to  Morgan.     Tarried  with  my  old  classmate  I 
Battell.' 

24.  Mr.  Badger  was  with  me  and  preached  in  the  forenoon.  I  preached 
in  the  afternoon  and  evening  from  Rom.  xiv :  10,  last  clause,  and  Gal.  v:  22. 
There  appear  to  be  some  evils  existing  here.  I  preached  very  plainly  to  the 
people,  and  we  had  a  very  solemn  and  may  God  grant  it  a  profitable  day. 

25.  Visited  a  number  of  families.  Preached  in  an  out  neighborhood  from 
Matt,  xxvi :  42. 

26.  Yesterday  traded.  6.00.  The  snow  appears  to  be  going  off  by  dry 
warm  weather,  which  is  a  great  favor.  Rode  to  Somers.*  Had  company  on 
the  way.     The  riding  very  bad.     Streams  just  broke  up  and  ver}-'  high. 

27.  Rode  to  Gustavus.'     Preached  from   Matt,  ix :  9.     Something  rainy. 

28.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Received  a  letter  from  my  parents,  accompanied 
with  a  pair  of  boots  and  a  pair  of  stockings,  brought  by  Dr.  Wright.* 


*  In  Ashtabula  County.  *  Somers,  so  named  doubtless  from  Som- 

^Austinburgh  and  Morgan,  adjoining  towns  ers,  Ct.,  is   another   of   those   places   whose 

in  Ashtabula  County,  were  largely  settled  at  name  seems  to  have  departed, 
the  first  by  people  from  Litchfield   County,  ^  Gustavus,  in  Trumbull  County,  already 

Ct.,  especially  from  the  towns  of  Torrington  noticed.  1 

and  New  Hartford.  *  Dr.  Wright  came  from  Norfolk.     In  fact  | 

^  Josiah   Buckingham  Battell,  from   Tor-  Norfolk   seems   to   have  furnished  Western 

rington,  Ct.,  already  noticed.  emigrants  in  great  numbers. 


i 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  25 1 

March. 

1.  Wrote  considerably.  Good  weather  for  making  sugar.  Walked  out 
and  visited. 

2.  On  the  26th  ult,  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford,  inform- 
ing me  that  the  Missionary'  Society  have  appointed  me  for  another  year  to 
itinerate  in  this  county. 

3.  Preached  from  i  Cor.  ii :  4,  5  and  Matt,  x :  32.  A  general  stupidity 
and  inattention  to  the  concerns  of  religion  seems  to  have  prevailed  here  much 
the  winter  past. 

4.  Quite  weak  and  unwell. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  families.  The  snow  gone.  The  riding 
very  bad, 

6.  Rode  out.     It  rained  some.     At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :   19. 

7.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Had  appointed  to  preach  on  the  east  side  of  the 
creek,  but  could  not  get  over  on  account  of  high  water. 

8.  Wrote  considerably.  Last  night  a  very  hard  rain.  At  evening 
preached  from  Ps.  xiv :  i.  In  crossing  a  stream  which  was  high  I  was 
thrown  from  my  horse,  but  fell  on  a  bank,  and  was  not  hurt  nor  much  wet. 
Rainy  with  considerable  thunder. 

9.  The  people  in  this  and  the  neighboring  towns  are  trying  to  raise 
money  to  procure  preaching.  Walked  out.  Showery.  Remarkably  warm 
and  sultry.     The  frogs  peep.* 

10.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  Got  quite  wet  with  rain.  Was  carried  across  the 
creek  in  a  canoe.  Could  not  get  my  horse  across.  Preached  once  from  Matt, 
xviii :  3.  But  few  hearers.  Returned  to  Smithfield.  Very  wet  and  bad 
riding.     The  streams  higher  than  has  been  before  known. 

11.  It  snowed  some.     Worked  considerably.     Wrote. 

12.  Quite  cold.  Went  to  the  east  side  of  the  town,  carried  over  the  creek 
ill  a  canoe,  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.     Visited  families. 

13.  Visited  a  number  of  families.  The  prospect  of  society  regulations 
here  is  more  encouraging  than  I  have  feared.     Recrossed  the  creek. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  The  ground  some- 
thing frozen,  and  the  riding  ver/  bad. 

15.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Worked  some  with  the  people  on  the  road.  At 
evening  preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  24.  The  Methodists  appear  to  be  wishing 
to  get  an  influence  here,  but  I  think  they  will  not  succeed.  Read  Winches- 
ter's Dialogues?^ 

16.  Rode  out.  Visited  an  afflicted  family.  The  man  was  killed  last  Janu- 
ar)^,  by  the  fall  of  a  tree.  Am  taking  the  number  of  families  in  the  different 
settlements  in  the  county.  Received  a  letter  from  my  parents.  The  past 
winter  has  been  extraordinarily  severe  in  New  England. 

17.  Ver)'  warm  for  the  season.     More  than  an  hundred  people  at  meeting. 


'  This  was  a  sound  which  he   had   been  1786,    by   Rev.   Elnathan    Winchester.      He 

wont  to  hear  in  his  native  State,  and  not  far  was  a  Restorationist  minister,  born  in  Brook- 

from  this  same  time  of  year.  line,  Mass.,  1751,  and  died  at  Hartford,  Ct, 

^  Universal  Restoration  in  Four  Dialogues,  April,  1797. 


252  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBRIXS,    D.D.  [1805. 

Preached  from  Rom.  x:  20  and  Rom.  i:   16.     At  evening  visited  an  aged 
woman,  probably  near  her  end. 

18.  Visited  families  in  Brookfield.'  Assisted  in  raising  a  large  log-house. 
Returned  to  Vienna. 

19.  Quite  uncomfortably  warm.  Preached  from  Jer.  1 :  34.  The  mud 
dries  ver}-  fast.  The  people  here  are  calculating  to  build  a  good  framed 
school-house  to  be  used  for  meetings.  They  have  signed  eighty  dollars  to 
hire  preaching.     Visited  a  school. 

20.  Rode  to  Brookfield  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9.  The  first  sermon 
ever  preached  in  the  town.  The  people  in  the  eastern  part  of  this  town  can 
conveniently  belong  to  Mr.  Satterfield's^  congregation  over  the  State  line. 
Rode  to  Hartford. 

21.  Conversed  with  several  people  who  are  professors  of  religion  on  the 
subject  of  joining  with  the  church  here.     Cold.     Some  snow. 

22.  Rode  to  Smithfield  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  24.  A  serious 
meeting.  In  the  forenoon  visited  a  school  in  Hartford.  Conversed  seriously 
with  some  people  on  the  importance  of  family  religion. 

23.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  requesting  the  Missionary  Society 
to  send  out  a  preacher  to  be  emploj-ed  in  Smithfield.  Hartford,  and  Vienna. 
Am  feeble,  but  better  than  I  was  yesterday.     Rode  to  Hartford. 

24.  Had  a  large  and  attentive  audience.  Preached  closely  from  John  vi : 
37  and  Rom.  xiv :  10.  Quite  tired.  Propounded  three  persons  for  church- 
members. 

25.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Visited  a  number  of  families.  Quite  warm. 
People  beginning  to  plow.  Conversed  with  some  persons  under  serious 
impressions. 

26.  Rode  to  Canfield  to  see  a  sick  man.  Streams  have  got  quite  low  for 
the  season.  Vegetables  coming  forward  quite  fast.  The  snow  was  wholly 
gone  about  the  loth  inst. 

27.  Several  persons  in  this  town  appear  to  be  seriously  impressed.  Vis- 
ited families.     Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  Sam.  P.  at  Marietta. 

28.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Visited  families.  Afternoon  preached  from 
Rev.  XX  :  15.  Had  a  serious  conversation  with  the  church-members,  and 
some  persons  under  serious  impressions.  The  serious  people  here  appear 
engaged  to  call  on  the  Lord  for  help. 

29.  Read  newspapers.  Judge  Chase,'  having  been  impeached  and  tried 
before  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  is  acquitted  by  a  majority  on  all  the 


'  Brookfield  was  on  the  eastern  border  of  Judge  was  a  bold,  able  man,  but  somewhat 

the  county  touching  the  Pennsylvania  line.  overbearing.     John  Randolph  undertook  to 

-  Rev.    James    Satterfield,     Presbyterian  impeach  him  for  various  misdemeanors.     He 

minister.  was  acquitted  by  the  House  of  Representa- 

^  Samuel  Chase,  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  tives  on  five  counts  by  a  majoritj'  vote,  and 

Supreme  Court  of  United  States,  was  born  on  the  other  three  counts  the  requisite  two 

in  Maryland,  April  17,  1741.     His  father  was  thirds  vote  would  not  be  secured.     His  trial 

an  Episcopal  minister  of  England,  who  came  ended  March  5,  1805.     So  the  case  was  just 

to  this  countrv  and  settled  in  Marvland.     The  concluded. 


i 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT,  253 

charges  taken  together  of  twenty-two  to  twelve.     On  one  article  nineteen  said 
guilty,  and  fifteen  not  guilty.     Rode  out.     Visited  families. 

30.  Rode  to  Liberty.  Forded  the  Mahoning,  quite  deep  and  difficult. 
Vegetation  comes  on  considerably.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvi  :  24.  Several 
people  in  this  vicinity  are  seceders. 

31.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Preached  to  a  large  and  attentive  meeting  from 
John  vi :  37  and  Matt,  x:  32.  The  most  of  the  serious  people  here  are  Meth- 
odists or  Baptists.     At  evening  attended  a  singing  meeting. 

April. 

1.  Wrote  all  day.  Weather  very  warm.  At  evening  walked  out  and 
visited.     The  prospect  for  society  regulations  here  is  pretty  discouraging. 

2.  Rode  to  Hopewell,  and  preached  on  the  occasion  of  the  quarterly 
concert  of  prayer,  which  is  generally  attended  to  by  the  Presbyterian  churches 
in  this  part  of  the  country.  Preached  from  Matt,  vi :  10.  Tarried  with  Mr. 
Wick.' 

3.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Visited  a  school,  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix  :  9. 
Visited.     Very  favorable  weather  for  business.     Saw  blossoms  on  peach-trees. 

4.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  number  of  families.  The  Methodists  here 
profess  to  be  friendly. 

5.  Visited  a  school,  and  preached  from  John  vii :  34.  Conversed  with 
some  people  of  different  denominations  on  serious  subjects. 

6.  Visited  families.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Badger.  My  strength  and  appetite 
appear  to  fail  as  the  season  advances. 

7.  Preached  largely  on  the  doctrine  of  Divine  Sovereignty  from  Rom. 
X :  20.  Was  favored  with  unusual  fullness  of  expression  and  clearness  of 
illustration.  Several  Methodists  were  present.  After  meeting  rode  to  Brook- 
field,  and  preached  a  third  sermon  to  a  pretty  large  collection  of  people  from 
Acts  xxviii :  24.     Conversed  considerably  with  a  bigoted,  ignorant  Methodist. 

8.  Warm.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Conversed  with  serious  people  on  the 
Christian  walk.     Many  people  here   appear  very  stupid.^ 

9.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Quite  rainy.  Afternoon  attended  a  church 
conference.  This  church  have  now  concluded  to  have  regular,  monthly  con- 
ferences.    I  hope  they  may  be  attended  with  a  good  effect. 

10.  Rode  to  Kinsman,  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvi:  24.  At  evening 
preached  again  from  i  Cor.  ii :  4.  Some  people  here  appear  to  be  something 
attentive  to  serious  things. 


'  Rev.  William  Wick,  before  mentioned,  brother,  who  had   entered  the  wilderness  a 

a  Presbyterian  minister,  who  is  said  to  have  few  weeks  before  me,  and  whose  family  was 

preached   the   first  sermon   on  the  Western  the  only  one  in  Coitsville." 
Reserve.     We  suppose  Mr.  Wick  to  be  the  Coitsville  (now  in  Mahoning  County)  was 

man  of  whom  Rev.  Joseph  Badger,  on   his  then  one  of  the  towns  of  Trumbull  County 

journey  to   New  Connecticut  in    1801,  thus  bordering  on  Pennsylvania, 
speaks  :   "  I  soon  fell   on  the  open   line  be-  ^  We  have  suggested,  in  a  previous  note, 

tween   Pennsylvania  and  Ohio,  and   arrived  that  the  word  stupid  in  this  connection  means 

at  the  residence  of  a  reverend  Presbyterian  simply  dull  and  indifferent  in  religious  things. 


254  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBIXS,    D.D.  [1805. 

11.  Rode  to  Smithfield,  and  preached  from  Acts  vii :  34.  The  people 
here  generally  appear  very  stupid.  Visited  a  young  man  who  has  a  bad 
broken  limb. 

12.  Quite  warm.  Yesterday  morning  a  hard  frost,  but  it  is  hoped  the  fruit 
is  not  much  injured.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Preached  in  the  evening  from  Rev. 
XX :  15.  Saw  Mr.  Badger.  He  expects  to  go  on  a  short  mission  to  the  Wy- 
andot Indians  the  ensuing  summer. 

13.  Rode  to  Canfield.'  Very  tired.  The  riding  pretty  good.  The  pros- 
pect of  grain  is  very  encouraging.  The  last  season  being  very  unfavorable  for 
seeding  there  appears  to  be  more  on  the  ground  than  was  expected. 

14.  Had  a  full  and  solemn  meeting.  I  have  never  seen  the  appearance  of 
the  people  here  so  solemn  before.  Preached  from  Amos  vi :  i  and  Rom.  xiv : 
10.  Several  appear  to  be  ver}^  deeply  affected.  At  evening  preached  again 
from  Acts  vii :  34. 

15.  Visited  a  good  many  families.  There  appear  to  be  six  or  seven  peo- 
ple, who  are  heads  of  families,  in  deep  concern  for  their  souls. 

16.  Wrote  considerably.  Wrote  to  Mr.  G.  H.  Tower,  Forks  of  Yough. 
Rode  out  and  visited. 

17.  Ver}- warm  and  dr}Mveather.  Rode  to  Poland.  Traded.  10.00.  Vis- 
ited. Many  people  here  appear  gratified  to  see  me.  I  have  not  preached 
here  for  nearly  a  year. 

18.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  24.  Quite  poor 
riding.     Rode  to  Canfield. 

19.  The  air  appears  to  be  almost  filled  with  fires  and  smoke.  A  very 
favorable  time  for  burning.  Preached  to  a  very  solemn  audience  from  Esther 
iv  :  16,  last  clause. 

20.  Rode  to  China  and  preached  from  Esther  iv  :  16.  Returned  to  Can- 
field.     A  hard  shower.     Got  quite  wet. 

21.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  preached  from  John  vi :  37  and  Matt,  x  :  32. 
Many  people  attended  meeting  from  Canfield,  though  the  day  was  unfavor- 
able. After  meeting  rode  to  Poland,  and  preached  from  Rom.  i:  16.  With 
some  cold  taken  yesterday  and  my  speaking,  I  contracted  a  great  hoarseness. 
Very  tired. 

22.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Visited  a  school.  I  believe  the  most  forward  one 
in  the  count}%  Had  appointed  to  preach,  but  my  hoarseness  was  such  that  I 
could  not. 

23.  Visited  thirteen  families.  The  work  of  God  appears  to  be  gloriously 
increasing. 

24.  Rode  to  Libert}'.  Visited  a  school,  and  preached  from  Esther  iv  :  16. 
Rainy. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  A  hard  rain.  Several  people  in  different  places 
are  sickly. 

26.  Rode  to  Vienna  and  Liberty.  Was  stopped  several  times  with  show- 
ers.    Bad  riding.     My  health  quite  good  for  the  season. 


'  Canfield,   which   has    been    often   men-       Mr.  Judson  Canfield,  one  of  the  early  pur- 
tioned,  was  so  named,  as  we  suppose,  from      chasers  of  these  lands  on  the  Reserve. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  255 

27.  Rode  to  Warren.  Excepting  at  Canfield  it  appears  to  be  generally  a 
very  stupid  time  with  regard  to  religion.  Received  this  Almanack  sent  from 
home.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  Col.  Perry, 
Charlestown,  Va.     Read  newspapers. 

28.  Preached  in  the  western  part  of  the  town  from  John  vi :  37  and  Matt. 
x:  32.     But  few  hearers.     Waters  quite  high. 

29.  Rode  to  Braceville,  and  preached  from  Esther  iv :  16.  The  first  ser- 
mon ever  preached  in  the  town.     Returned  to  Warren.' 

30.  For  several  mornings  past  we  have  had  pretty  hard  frosts.  Read  the 
Bible.     Wrote. 

May. 

1.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  preached  from  Acts  vii  :  34.  The 
people  generally  appear  to  be  very  stupid. 

2.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Rode  to  Rowland,''  and  preached  from 
Matt.  X :  32.     Several  of  the  people  here  are  Baptists. 

3.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Have  some  cold  in  consequence  of 
taking  off  my  flannel  yesterday.  At  evening  preached  to  a  good  number  of 
people  from  2  Tim.  iii :  16,  first  clause. 

4.  Had  some  clothing  made.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Vienna,  and  preached  to 
a  few  people  from  John  xiv  :  6,     Caught  a  considerable  addition  to  my  cold. 

5.  Rode  to  Warren.  Preached  from  Rom.  i:  16  and  Esther  iv :  16. 
A  large  number  of  people  at  meeting. 

6.  A  pretty  hard  frost.  Had  appointed  to  go  and  preach  at  Newton,  but 
my  pain  and  lameness  is  such  that  I  am  unable.  Spent  the  forenoon  with 
Mr.  G.  Granger.     Wrote  records  of  this  church.     Walked  out. 

7.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Salem.  Preached  from  Num.  x :  29.  The  few 
people  in  this  town  conversed  agreeably.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from 
my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.^  He  has  received  a  call  to  settle  at  Marietta.  I 
hope  he  will  accept. 

8.  Rode  to  Youngstown."*  Showery.  Preached  in  the  meeting-house 
from  Rom.  x:  50.  The  first  time  I  have  preached  in  a  meeting-house  in  this 
country.^ 

9.  Rode  to  Canfield  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Rev.  xvi :  15. 
10.     Rode  to  Poland  and  preached  from  Jer.  1 :  34.     Two  women  in  the 

house  quite  sick.     Very  tired. 


'  Mr.  Robbins  confines  his  labors  chiefly,  Trumbull    County,   so   named    from  Joseph 

it  will  be  observed,  to  a  circuit  of  towns  in  Howland,  one  of  the  Land  Company. 
Trumbull  County,  while  his  associate,  Rev.  ^  He  was  then  tutor  at  Williams  College. 

Joseph  Badger,  was  doing  the  same,  as  we  ■*  Youngstown     was     then     in    Trumbull 

suppose,  in  Ashtabula  County.     These   two  County,  now,  by  the  division  of  the  county, 

counties  bordering   on  Pennsylvania  had,  at  in  Mahoning  County. 

that  time,  received  more  population  from  the  '  As  h€  had  been  preaching  four  or  five 

East  than  any  other  counties  on  the  Reserve,  times  a  week  for  more  than  a  year  and  a  half, 

though  there  were  small   settlements   in   al-  this  fact   alone   shows   the   newness   of  the 

most  all  parts  of  the  Reserve.  country.     The  whole  region  was  just  out  of 

^  Howland   is  a  town  near  the  center  of  the  primitive  state. 


256  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROCBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

11.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Warm  and  showery.  In  Poland  went  to  see  a 
furnace  which  is  nearly  ready  for  blowing.  I  hope  they  may  succeed  well.  If 
so  it  will  be  very  beneficial  to  this  country.  At  evening  assisted  the  members 
of  the  church  in  examining  three  women  for  communion.  I  have  rarely  ex- 
amined any  who  gave  better  satisfaction. 

12.  Had  a  very  full  and  solemn  meeting.  The  most  so  of  any  that  has 
ever  been  in  this  town.  Admitted  three  women  into  the  church.  Adminis- 
tered the  sacrament.  Several  members  of  the  church  at  Youngstown  com- 
muned with  us.  Many  people  very  much  affected,  and  all  the  congregation 
very  attentive  and  solemn.  Preached  from  Num.  x  :  29  and  Gen.  vii :  16, 
last  clause.     Met  in  a  barn  with  very  convenient  accommodations. 

13.  Visited,  particularly  those  who  are  oppressed  with  sin.  None  at 
present  appear  to  get  relief  from  their  burdens. 

14.  In  the  morning  considerably  unwell.     Walked  out.     Wrote.     Visited. 

15.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day.  Rainy.  The  weather  very  unsteady. 
Read   newspapers. 

16.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Afternoon  attended  a  conference.  Quite 
rainy.  The  people  were  very  much  alarmed  by  two  children  being  lost. 
They  were  found  just  at  dark.     Saw  some  people  late  from  Warren,  Ct. 

17.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Some  vile  characters  here  are  trying  to  make 
difficulty  among  the  members  of  the  church.  Afternoon  preached  from  Matt, 
xvii :  5,  latter  clause. 

18.  Visited.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Stanford,'  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5, 
The  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town.     Returned  to  Canfield. 

19.  Meeting  nearly  as  numerous  as  last  Sabbath.  Preached  from  Rom, 
x:  20  and  from  Eccles.  xii :  i,  first  clause.  Baptized  two  children.  At  the 
eastern  part  of  the  town  preached  a  third  sermon  on  the  account  of  a  sick 
woman,  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  i,  last  clause.  Wrote.  Very  tired.  The  people  here 
have  appointed  a  committee,  of  which  I  am  one,  to  procure  a  preacher. 

20.  The  ground  very  wet.  Visited  some  of  the  Dutch  families  in  the 
town.  Preached  towards  night  from  John  xiv  :  14.  But  few  hearers.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Mr.  Moore  of  this  town.  He  appears  to  be  an  enemy  to 
religion  and  to  me.  It  appears  that  he  wishes  to  draw  me  into  a  correspond- 
ence, but  I  conclude  to  take  no  notice  of  it, 

21.  Quite  rainy.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  most  of  the  people  here  are 
inquisitive  about  serious  things. 

22.  Rode  to  Deerfield.  Roads  very  wet  and  muddy.  Preached  from  Gen. 
vii :  16.  The  people  collected  very  well  upon  a  short  notice.  Spent  the 
evening  with  Mr.  Bostwick  without  any  altercation. 

23.  Rode  through  the  woods  to  Warren.  Tarried  with  Maj.  Perkins. 
Conversed  considerably  about  county  matters.  Spent  the  evening  with  Gen, 
Champion,'^  from  Connecticut.     Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  T.  Crosby,  of  Smithfield. 


*  Stanford   does   not   now  appear  among  Stanford   must   have   been   some  place  very 

the  Ohio  towns.     As  he  returned   the  same  near  at  hand. 

day  to  Canfield,  which  is  in  the  present  Ma-  ^  Gen.  E.  Champion  from  Haddam,  promi- 

honing  County,   then  in   Trumbull   County,  nent  in  the  settlement  of  New  Connecticut. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  257 

24.  Rode  to  Newton/  and  preached  from  Matt,  x :  32.  In  the  morning 
received  an  excellent  letter  from  my  father.  Mr.  Jones,  a  Baptist  minister, 
has  come  to  live  in  Warren. 

25.  Rode  to  Palmyra.*  People  here  of  diverse  denominations  in  religion. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Badger.  Wrote.  Conversed  considerably  with 
Methodists. 

26.  Preached  from  John  vi :  37  and  Num.  x :  29.  There  is  Methodist 
preaching  here  about  two  thirds  of  the  Sabbaths.  Rode  to  Deerfield  and 
preached  a  third  sermon  from  Luke  xv  :   17.     Very  tired. 

27.  Rode  to  Atwater^  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  About  half  of 
the  people  came  in  just  as  I  finished  the  sermon.  I  sat  a  few  minutes,  prayed, 
and  preached  again  from  Esther  iv  :  16.  This  a  small  new  settlement.  Mr. 
Atwater "  here  the  proprietor  of  the  town.     Very  friendly. 

28.  Received  a  present  of  two  dollars  from  Mr.  Atwater.  Very  warm. 
Flies  begin  to  be  troublesome.  Rode  to  Randolph.*  Afternoon  preached  to 
a  few  people  from  Num.  x  :  29.     Assisted  in  hiving  a  large  swarm  of  bees. 

29.  Something  unwell.  Rode  to  Suffield.^  Read  the  Bible.  Considerable 
of  old  openings  in  this  town.  I  think  it  will  be  one  of  the  pleasantest  towns 
in  the  county.  ^ 

30.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  preached  from  Matt,  xvii  :  5.  The 
first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town.  The  people  collected  very  well. 
Quite  cool. 

31.  In  the  morning  considerable  frost.  Rode  through  a  very  blind  and 
lonely  road  to  Ravenna.'     Something  unwell.     Read  Don  Quixote. 

June. 

1.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote.  The  Methodists  appear 
endeavoring  to  obtain  an  influence  here,  but  I  think  there  is  but  little  pros- 
pect of  their  succeeding.* 

2.  Very  warm.  Preached  in  Rootstown'  to  a  pretty  large  number  of 
hearers.  Many  more  than  I  expected.  There  has  been  but  very  little  preach- 
ing in  this  vicinity.  Rode  into  Ravenna  and  preached  a  third  sermon  from 
Gen.  vii:  16.  In  Rootstown  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv:  7,  8  and  from  Rom. 
xiv  :  ID.     Very  tired. 

3.  Rode  to  Stowe  and  Hudson."  Missed  my  way.  Lost  the  travel  of 
many  miles.     Some  Connecticut  families  lately  arrived  in  the  county. 


'  Newton,  about  five  miles  from  Warren,  ''  Ravenna,    the   shire    town    of    Portage 

the  southwest  town  in  the  present  Trumbull  County. 
County.  *  There   is  something   of   denominational 

^  Palmyra  is  in  Portage  County.  narrowness  in  this  remark. 

^  Atwater,   one   of    the   southern   tier   of  '  Rootstown   is   in  Portage  County,  next 

towns  in  Portage  County,  so  named  from  Mr.  south  of  Ravenna. 
Caleb  Atwater.  '°  To  a  person  living   in   Massachusetts, 

*  Caleb  Atwater,  the  founder  of  this  town,  Stowe  and  Hudson,  as  two  neighboring  towns, 

was  one  of  the  Connecticut  Land  Company,  seem  very  familiar.      But    in    Ohio    Stowe 

whose  share  in  the  investment  was  $22,846.  seems  to  have  dropped  out  from  its  ancient 

5  Randolph,  also  in  Portage  County.  connection.     Hudson   is  in  Summit  County, 

^  Suffield,  next  town  west   of   Randolph,  which  was  not  of  the  original  counties,  but 

owes  its  name  to  Connecticut.  has  been  since  formed. 


258  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

4.  Visited.  Rode  to  Aurora.'  Quite  a  dry  season.  Had  difficulty  in 
finding  the  way.     Lost  the  travel  of  about  eight  miles. 

5.  People  complain  considerably  of  vermin  destroying  the  corn.  Rode 
to  Mantua.'  Visited  families.  Preached  from  Rom.  i:  i6.  Have  been 
engaged  since  last  January  in  taking  the  number  of  families  in  this  county; 
have  now  finished. 

6.  Rode  to  Warren.  From  Nelson  to  Warren  a  very  bad  road.  Several 
families  have  lately  come  into  this  town. 

7.  There  is  generally  a  considerable  scarcity  of  provisions.  Very  warm 
for  this  country.     Very  good  riding. 

8.  A  very  hard  rain.  Wrote  considerably.  The  rain  is  very  favorable 
for  the  crops. 

9.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5  and  Esther  iv:  16.  Toward  evening 
attended  a  conference.  Conversed  considerably  with  a  young  man  who  has 
lately  obtained  a  hope  after  having  been  under  great  exercise  of  mind  for  a 
long  time.     I  think  he  appears  very  well. 

ID.  Quite  weak  and  unwell.  Walked  out  and  visited.  A  young  man  here 
has  lately  had  a  thigh  amputated,  hurt  by  the  falling  of  a  tree. 

11.  Rode  out  and  visited.     Rode  to  Gustavus.     Quite  cool  for  the  season. 

12.  Rode  to  Austinburgh.^  The  roads  pretty  bad.  My  old  acquaintance 
here  apjDcar  pleased  to  have  me  come  among  them. 

13.  Rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town.  Very  warm.  Was  expecting  to 
go  on  this  week  to  Cleveland ;  but  being  considerably  unwell,  with  some  other 
reasons,  I  have  concluded  to  stay  here  till  next  week.  On  the  8th  wrote  to 
Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford. 

14.  Some  unhappy  difficulties  exist  in  the  church  here.  I  hope,  however, 
they  are  not  incurable.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  trustees  of  the 
college'*  in  this  county  have  determined  to  fix  the  seat  of  it  at  Burton. 

15.  Some  difficulty  among  military  characters  with  regard  to  the  choice  of 
a  colonel.  Walked  out.  With  the  assistance  of  a  dog  I  killed  a  large  wild 
turkey.     Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 

16.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii:  5  and  Num.  x:  29.  The  people  in  this 
town  and  Morgan  generally  attended.  Conversed  largely  with  some  of  the 
church-members  on  the  subject  of  existing  differences  here.  Baptized  a  child 
of  Roger  Nettleton.^  I  think  I  have  experienced  nothing  in  this  country 
which  seemed  so  much  like  home. 

17.  Visited.  Rode  to  Morgan.*  I  think  the  roads  in  Austinburgh  are  the 
worst  of  any  settled  town  in  the  county. 


*  Aurora  is  in  Portage  County.  seems   to   have   been  for  a   long  time   non- 
^  Mantua,  in  the  northern  tier  of  Portage  existent.     It  was  like  Connecticut  people  to 

towns.  plan  for  a  college  at  once. 

^  As  already  said,  Austinburgh  was  settled  ^  Roger  Nettleton  was  probably  some  old 

chiefly  from  Litchfield  County,  Ct.,  where  Mr.  Connecticut  acquaintance. 
Robbins  was  born.  *  Morgan,  several  times  already  mentioned, 

*  Mention  has  several  times  been  made  of  was  named  in  honor  of  John  Morgan,  one  of 
this  prospective  college,  but  the  institution  the  Land  Company. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  259 

18.  Mr.  Bacon*  and  I  attended  at  Austinburgh,  with  the  principal  part  of 
the  brethren  of  the  church,  for  familiar  conference  on  the  subject  of  their 
difficulties.     I  hope  the  way  appears  a  little  more  favorable  than  in  time  past. 

19.  The  weather  steadily  very  warm.  A  very  favorable  season  for  the 
crops.  On  the  15th  wrote  to  my  brother  missionary,  Mr.  Bacon.  Rode  to 
Harpersfield. 

20.  Last  night  my  horse  got  out  of  the  pasture.^  He  was  found  a  little 
before  noon.  Rode  to  Grand  River.^  Good  riding.  Tarried  at  Judge  Wal- 
worth's. 

21.  The  heat  very  severe.  Rode  to  Euclid."  The  road  from  Grand  River 
here  mostly  very  good.  Some  people  at  Chagrine^  have  endeavored  to  circu- 
late a  false  and  wicked  story  about  me  since  I  was  there  in  the  winter.  I 
hope  I  may  have  a  spirit  of  forgiveness  towards  enemies. 

22.  Afternoon  preached  from  Rev.  ii :  15.  Several  apparently  very  serious 
people  here.     Rode  to  Cleveland. 

23.  Preached  from  Rom.  i:  10  and  Num.  x:  29.  The  people  in  this  town 
and  Euclid  meet  together  on  the  Sabbath  and  hold  meetings. 

24.  A  very  great  prospect  of  peaches  in  this  and  the  neighboring  settle- 
ments. In  the  lower  part  of  the  county  they  are  mostly  killed  by  late  frosts. 
Rode  to  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  A  good 
number  of  hearers  and  quite  attentive.  Spoke  with  great  freedom.  Assisted 
in  towing  into  the  river  a  vessel  of  twenty  tons  burthen,  lately  built  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Chagrine.     Tarried  with  Col.  Huntington.* 

25.  Very  hot.  Left  Cleveland,  rode  to  Kirtland.'  Had  pretty  hard  lodg- 
ing, but  people  kind. 

26.  Rode  to  Burton.  Troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  breast  in  riding.  The 
committee  of  the  trustees  of  the  college  in  this  county  here  making  some 
arrangements  to  establish  it  in  this  town.  The  proprietors  and  inhabitants  of 
the  town  have  engaged  to  give  the  trustees  a  building  now  erecting,  estimated 
at  three  thousand  dollars,  and  seven  thousand  dollars  to  be  paid  principally  in 
lands.     The  place  is  very  handsome. 

27.  Weather  much  cooler.  Spent  the  day  with  the  trustees.  This  town 
at  present  very  free  from  the  fever  and  ague  with  which  they  were  much 
afflicted. 

28.  Through  the  day  felt  very  unwell.  Was  very  apprehensive  of  a  bilious 
fever.     Felt  much  as  I  did  the  first  day  of  my  sickness  last  year. 


'  Rev.  David  Bacon.     See  note  Oct.  31,  '  Kirtland,  before  mentioned,  named  from 

1804.  Turhand  Kirtland,  agent  of  the  Connecticut 

-  Losing  horses  and  cattle  is   one  of  the  Land  Company.     He  was  the  father  of  Jared 

common  incidents  of  a  new  country.  Potter  Kirtland,  LL.  D.,  who  was  graduated 

3  There  is  no  town  of  this  name  now  in  at  the  Yale  Medical  School,  New  Haven,  in 

Ohio.  1S15,  and  became  professor  and  president  of 

''Euclid,  in  Cuyahoga  Co.,  near  Cleveland.  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  professor  in  the 

5  Chagrin  Falls,  in  Cuyahoga  County.  Western  Reserve  College,  etc.     He  died  re- 

'"  Col.  Samuel  Huntington,  before  noticed,  centlv  in  1877,  after  a  long  life  of  activity  and 

afterwards  Governor  of  Ohio.  usefulness. 


260  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

29.  I  think  I  am  better  than  I  was  yesterday.  Rested  well  the  last  night. 
Have  some  fever,  but  moderate. 

30.  Preached  with  considerable  difficulty  from  Gen.  vii :  16  and  Num.  x: 
29.  Some  of  the  time  1  sat  on  my  chair.  The  largest  collection  of  people  I 
believe  ever  in  this  town.  They  hold  meetings  here  some,  but  not  steadily. 
Very  much  worried,  but  I  believe  not  essentially  injured.  Quite  cool  for  the 
season. 

July. 

1.  Very  weak  and  feeble.  Visited  a  few  families.  Rode  to  Middlefield. 
Wrote  to  Judge  Walworth,'  Grand  River.  The  settlement  considerably  in- 
creasing in  this  vicinity. 

2.  Had  appointed  to  preach  the  next  Sabbath  at  Nelson,  and  the 
succeeding  one  at  Grand  River.  But  I  am  now  so  feeble  and  my  health 
appears  to  be  so  critical,  that  I  conclude  to  go  to  Smithfield,  if  my  strength 
permit,  where  is  a  good  air,  good  accommodations  for  me,  and  a  good  physician. 
Rode  to  Parkman.'^  Mr.  Parkman '  is  clearing  a  piece  of  one  hundred  acres 
to  be  sowed  to  wheat.     Read. 

3.  Rode  with  company  to  Warren.  Roads  quite  dry.  I  think  I  gain 
strength.     Crops  appear  flourishing. 

4.  In  the  morning  was  requested  to  dine  at  an  Independence  dinner  and 
deliver  a  public  address  to  the  people.  I  accordingly  did.  Mr.  Jones,  the 
Baptist  preacher  here,  made  the  first  prayer,  and  after  singing  and  the  address, 
I  concluded.  The  conduct  of  the  people  was  decent  and  respectful.  Very- 
warm. 

5.  Quite  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  The  rain  is  very  seasonable  and 
refreshing.  Read.  Saw  a  new  map  of  the  United  States ;  very  valuable  and 
accurate. 

6.  Rode  in  company  with  Mr.  Jones  to  Hartford.  He  appears  to  enter- 
tain erroneous  sentiments.  A  very  hard  shower.  Got  something  wet.  On 
the  fourth,  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James  at  Williams  College,  and 
one  from  Mr.  B.  I.  Gilman  at  Marietta. 

7.  Preached  from  Rom.  x:  i  and  Gen.  vii:  16.  The  people  here  keep 
meetings  steadily. 

8.  Visited  families.  The  people  in  this  town  feel  disappointed  that  the 
place  for  the  college  was  fixed  so  suddenly.  Very  feeble.  People  beginning 
a  little  to  harvest. 

9.  Rode  to  Smithfield.     Afternoon  Mr.  Tower,*  from  the  Forks  of  Yough, 


'  Judge  John  Walworth,  born  in  Groton,  ^  Parkman  is  in  Geauga  County. 

Ct.,  June  10,  1765,  married  Juliana  Morgan,  ^  Samuel  Parkman,  one  of  the  Land  Com- 

born  in  Groton,  Ct.,  Dec.  31,  1769,  moved  to  pany,  gave  his  name  to  the  town.     His  invest- 

northem  Ohio  early  in  the  present  century,  ment  in  the  fund  was  $12,000. 
and  went  from   Painesville,  Ohio,  to  Cleve-  ■♦  Mr.  Tower  not  a  minister,  but  a  friend, 

land  in  1806.     He  died  in  Cleveland  in  18 12,  with  whom  Mr.  Robbins  became  acquainted 

and  hfs  wife  in  the  same  place  not  till  1S53,  during  his  sickness  at  Yohogany  Falls,  and 

at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  from  whom  he  received  kind  services. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  261 

came   to  see   me.     Very  warm.     Received  a  letter  from  my  Uncle  Starr  of 
Warren,  Ct.,  and  one  from  Dr.  Smith,  Forks  of  Yough. 

10.  Something  rainy.  Visited  with  Mr.  Tower.  Read.  People  generally 
haying.     A  great  crop  of  grass. 

11.  I  have  scarcely  ever  felt  so  feeble,  when  T  have  kept  about.  Wrote 
to  Maj.  Perkins  and  Mr.  Clark,  of  Warren.     Wrote  considerably. 

12.  Last  evening  conversed  considerably  with  a  young  man  under  serious 
impressions.  The  Lord  is  very  bounteous  and  merciful.  Wrote.  Worked 
some  among  hay.     Very  hot.     Some  rain. 

13.  Walked  over  the  creek  and  visited.  A  very  growing  season.  Crops 
appear  very  well.  Am  quite  feeble.  Studied  some  for  discourses  for  to- 
morrow. 

14.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  Preached  from  Heb.  xii :  17  and  Gen.  xix:  17, 
middle  clause.  Attended  with  the  church,  to  a  confession  of  a  member,  who 
had  been  found  in  a  fault.  He  appears  humble,  and  I  hope  God  will  preserve 
him  from  a  repetition  of  his  error.     Very  tired. 

15.  Very  unwell.  Last  night  slept  but  very  little.  Rode  out  a  little  way. 
Mr.  Kinsman  very  unwell.     Rode  to  Smithfield.     Visited. 

16.  Endeavoring  to  heal  a  difficulty  existing  between  some  neighbors. 
Visited.     Quite  feeble.     Wrote.     Worked  considerably  among  hay.     Very  hot. 

17.  Last  night  very  restless.  I  believe  I  worked  too  much  yesterday. 
Wrote.     Walked  out.     People  beginning  to  harvest. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  a  school.  Some  people  here  who  have 
lately  arrived  from  Connecticut  feel  pretty  gloomy. 

19.  Rode  out  and  visited.  There  appears  to  be  something  of  an  unhappy 
party  spirit  existing  in  different  parts  of    this  town. 

20.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Quite  steady  wann  weather. 
Wrote  to  my  parents. 

21.  Preached  to  a  full  meeting  from  Heb.  xii:  17  and  Isa.  ii :  17.  The 
Methodists  appear  solicitous  to  get  an  influence  here,  but  I  hope  they  will 
not  succeed.     Quite  feeble.     Baptized  a  child. 

22.  Visited  a  sick  man  hurt  by  going  into  the  water  when  hot.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Considerably  unwell.  At  night  much  troubled  with  nervous 
affections. 

23.  Read.  Very  warm.  Assisted  in  raising  a  heavy  and  valuable  frame 
for  a  mill.     About  ninety  men  were  present. 

24.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Wrote  considerably.  People  generally  harvest- 
ing. The  grain  comes  in  rather  light  on  the  ground,  but  very  well  headed 
and  filled. 

25.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Worked  some  in  the  harvest.  I  think  I 
am  better  in  health  than  in  time  past. 

26.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ephraim  Root,  of  Hart- 
ford, Ct. 

27.  Visited.  Weather  cooler  than  it  has  been.  Got  some  medicine  of 
Dr.  Wright.     Rode  to  Hartford. 

28.  Preached  to  a  very  large   meeting  for  this  country,  from  Gen.  xvii : 


262  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

part  of  the  ist  and  2d  verses  and  Acts  xxviii :  24.     Very  tired.     Assisted  the 
church  in  examining  and  propounded  ten  persons  for  communion. 

29.  Endeavored  to  engage  a  couple  of  neighbors  to  submit  a  difference 
to  men.     Rode  out.     Quite  feeble. 

30.  Attended  with  the  referees  all  day.  Rode  in  the  woods  and  got  lost. 
Came  out  without  much  difficulty.     Rode  to  Smithfield  late  at  night. 

31.  Quite  fatigued  and  unwell.  Visited  a  school.  A  very  dr)'  season. 
Last  Sabbath  received  a  man  into  the  church.  Sabbath,  the  28th,  above 
one  hundred  and  fifty  people  were  counted  at  meeting,  belonging  to  Hartford 
and  Smithfield  nearly  equally. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  rode  to  Kinsman.  The  roads  quite 
dry  and  good. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Heard  a  small  part  of  a  discourse  of  an 
ignorant  Methodist.'  Afternoon  attended  a  church  conference,  and  assisted 
in  examining  three  persons  for  communion. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Conversed  with  some  people  at  Kinsman  on  the 
subject  of  joining  the  church.  They  appear  strongly  attached  to  some  of 
the  trivial  Pennsylvania  customs. 

4.  Rode  to  Brookfield  and  preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3  and  Isa.  Ixiii :  i, 
last  clause.     Felt  considerably  unwell. 

5.  In  the  morning  quite  sick  with  considerable  fever.  Rode  with  diffi- 
culty to  Smithfield.  Immediately  sent  for  Dr.  Wright,  who  came  and  left 
me  medicine.     In  hopes  not  to  have  a  hard  turn. 

6.  Last  night  rested  tolerably.  Am  exceedingly  weak.  Cannot  sit  up 
scarcely  any.     I  think  I  have  less  fever  than  yesterday. 

7.  Walked  some.     Hope  that  my  sickness  will  go  off  with  a  short  turn. 

8.  Able  to  write  some.  My  head,  however,  very  weak,  ^^'rote  to  my 
parents.  Drew  an  order  on  the  Missionary  Society  of  five  hundred  dollars, 
payable  to  my  brother  Nathaniel.    Visited  a  woman  under  serious  impressions. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  Assisted  in  laying  a  plan  for  a  bridge 
over  the  creek  in  this  town.     I  gain  strength  considerably. 

10.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  Assisted  in  examining  two  persons  for  communion 
in  the  church.  Preached  preparator}-  to  the  sacrament  from  Matt,  xxviii :  20, 
first  part.  Am  much  stronger  to  preach  than  I  expected.  Visited  a  man 
very  sick.  A  large  mill-pond  appears  to  be  the  occasion  of  disorders,  I  think, 
similar  to  lake  fever.     Rode  to  Smithfield  and  tarried. 

11.  In  the  morning  felt  quite  feeble,  but  hoped  to  be  carried  through  the 
exercises  of  the  day.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  A  large  collection  of  people. 
Several  present  from  Austinburgh.  The  place  of  meeting  very  convenient. 
Preached  from  Num.  x:  29  and  Rev.  xx :  15.  Received  eight  persons,  four 
men  and  four  women,  into  the  church.  Four  of  whom  had  been  church- 
members  heretofore.     One  was  baptized.     Administered  the  sacrament.     It 


'  As  a  rule  at  that  time    the   Methodist       were  rather  disposed  to  boast  of  the  fact,  as 
ministers  were  men  without  education,  and       if  to  their  credit. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  263 

was  a  ver)'  solemn  season.  Talked  largely.  There  were  about  forty  com- 
municants. Three  persons  fell.  The  whole  assembly  appeared  much  sol- 
emnized. Had  great  freedom  in  preaching.  Baptized  two  children.  I  am 
this  day  twenty-eight  years  old. 

12.  Visited  sicl^  people.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Afternoon  attended  with 
the  people  at  work  at  a  large  bridge.     Very  warm. 

13.  Wrote  considerably.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Nathaniel. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited  families.  A  great  number  of  rattlesnakes  have 
been  killed  in  this  town  this  year.  People  on  the  eastern  side  of  this  town 
improving  their  lands  quite  fast. 

15.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Very  warm.  The  State  of  Pennsylvania 
in  a  very  great  electioneering  ferment. 

x6.  Visited.  Afternoon  preached  at  the  house  of  a  sick  woman  from  Ps. 
xlvi :  10.     There  appears  to  be  some  instances  here  of  serious  impressions. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  visited  families  and  returned.  Some  people 
have  the  fever  and  ague.     I  believe  it  to  have  been  taken  in  other  places. 

18.  Had  a  very  full  and  attentive  meeting.  Preached  from  Ex.  xx  :  8  and 
Isa.  V :  3.  Towards  evening  attended  a  conference,  which  is  their  ordinary 
custom  here,  Esq.  Smith,  of  this  town,  was  yesterday  chosen  brigadier- 
general  of  the  militia  of  this  county. 

19.  Wrote  considerably.  Walked  out  and  visited  families.  I  hope  there 
are  some  instances  of  genuine  seriousness. 

20.  Wrote  all  day.  Attending  to  a  very  difficult  case  of  duty  of  a  friend. 
I  hope  I  have  given  advice  which  will  be  useful.  I  think  a  promise  of  mar- 
riage ought  not  to  be  complied  with  where  the  affections  obstinately  refuse.' 

21.  Very  warm.  Thought  to  be  equal  to  any  this  summer.  Eat  water- 
melons ;  very  good.  After  a  kind  of  respite  of  more  than  six  weeks  I  now 
again  undertake  to  itinerate.     Rode  to  Hubbard. 

22.  Visited  families.  Afternoon  preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  The  Meth- 
odist and  Baptist  interest  here  appear  to  gain  some  strength.  The  people 
here  quite  sick.     Streams  lower  than  have  been  known  in  this  country. 

23.  Rode  to  Vienna,     Flies  very  severe.     Some  people  here  quite  sick. 

24.  Read  newspapers.  The  drought  in  the  Eastern  States  very  severe. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  My  dear  sister  Sally  was  married  on  the 
24th  ult.  to  Mr.  Joseph  Battell,  of  Norfolk.^  I  think  it  a  very  favorable  con- 
nection for  her.  And  as  it  is  what  I  have  been  wishing  to  have  take  place  for 
some  years,  so  I  desire  now  to  be  thankful,  and  I  hope  the  blessings  of  a 
gracious  Providence  may  rest  upon  them. 

25.  The  people  here  I  fear  are  more  slack  about  attending  meeting  than 
before  they  had  their  Baptist  preacher  among  them.  Preached  from  Ex.  xx : 
8  and  Isa.  ii:  17.     Baptized  a  child. 


'  As  he  himself  lived  and  died  unmarried,  this   marriage   came   one   of   the   large   and 

he  may  or  may  not  have  been  a  wise  adviser  excellent  families  of  Connecticut.     The  hus- 

in  such  matters.  band  was  then  thirty-one  years  of  age,  and 

-  This  marriage  took  place  just  a  month  the  wife  twentj'-five.     Mr.  Battell  was  a  man 

before  this  entry,  i.e.,  July  24,  1805.     From  of  great  enterprise  and  ability. 


264  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

26.  A  pretty  hard  rain.  Visited.  A  fine  season  for  melons  and  garden 
productions  generally. 

27.  Paid  for  shoeing  iTiy  horse  $1.75.  Received  of  Maj.  Perkins  thirty 
dollars,  on  account  of  an  order  I  gave  him  on  the  Missionary  Society  last 
spring.  Rode  to  Bristol.'  Preached  towards  evening  from  Matt,  x  :  32.  The 
people  in  this  new  settlement  collected  very  well. 

28.  My  health  quite  as  good  as  I  could  expect  at  this  season.  Rode  to 
Mesopotamia.'^  Had  a  tedious  time.  The  road  bad  and  blind ;  and  the  flies 
and  mosquitoes  very  troublesome.  Towards  night  a  very  hard  rain.  It  is 
thought  that  the  mills  generally  will  now  go.  The  most  of  them  in  the  county 
have  been  still  for  some  time. 

29.  Rode  to  Windsor.'^  Eat  some  very  fine  watermelons.  This  town 
settling  considerably.     Quite  cool.     Provision  quite  scarce.     , 

30.  Visited  families.  The  people  in  this  quarter  have  suffered  consid- 
erably of  late  for  want  of  grinding.  Afternoon  preached  from  Num.  x  :  29. 
The  people  in  the  town  generally  attended. 

31.  Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  and  preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16. 
After  which  rode  to  INIesopotamia.  The  people  in  this  town  not  very  well 
united.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Badger. 

September. 

1.  The  settlement  in  this  town  increases  but  moderately.  Preached  from 
Ex.  XX  and  Esther  iv :  16.  People  here  generally  pay  but  little  regard  to 
the  Sabbath. 

2.  Rode  to  Middlefield  and  to  Burton.  Several  people  here  sick  with 
fever  and  ague,  and  there  have  been  some  instances  of  lake  fever. 

3.  I  am  enabled  to  bear  the  fatigue  of  labor  and  riding  much  better  than 
I  feared.  Visited  families.  Afternoon  preached  in  the  Academy  from  Matt. 
X  :  32.     The  Academy^  is  enclosed  and  glazed.     Quite  warm. 

4.  Rode  to  Parkman.  Quite  tired.  At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim. 
iv  :  7,  8.     The  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town. 

5.  Rode  to  Nelson.  Visited  families.  Some  sickness  here.  In  general 
the  countr)^  is  quite  healthy.  At  evening  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  People 
attended  very  well.     Very  warm. 

6.  Rode  to  Warren  and  Salem.  The  county  in  considerable  agitation  with 
regard  to  the  approaching  election.     Very  tired. 

7.  In  the  morning  my  horse  was  missing.  After  considerable  search  he 
could  not  be  found.  It  appears  that  he  jumped  out  of  the  pasture.  Walked 
to  Canfield,  ten  miles.  I  desire  to  be  thankful  that  I  am  able  to  endure  so 
much  fatigue. 


'  There  is  a  town  named  Bristol,  in  Mor-  bull    County,  and   the   latter   the   southwest 

gan  County,  Ohio,  but  that  is  far  away  from  town  of  Ashtabula  County-, 

this  locality.    This  was  one  of  the  early  towns  3  This  is  the  institution  probably  which 

on  the  Reserve  whose  name  was  changed.  has  several  times  been  called  a  college,  but 

-  Mesopotamia   and   Windsor    join ;    the  which  never  rose  apparently  above  the  grade 

former  being  the  northwest  town  of  Trum-  of  an  academy. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  265 

8.  It  is  thought  that  the  weather  is  as  warm  as  any  that  we  have 
had.  Was  unable  to  preach  without  standing  in  an  outside  door.'  Preached 
from  Heb.  xii :  17  and  Heb.  xi :  13,  latter  clause.  Visited  in  the  evening. 
Several  persons  here  still  quite  serious ;  baptized  a  child. 

9.  A  considerable  supply  of  peaches  in  this  town.  On  the  7th  received 
a  letter  from  my  father  and  one  from  Mr.  G.  H.  Tower,  Forks  of  Yough. 
Quite  tired  with  so  much  walking  in  the  heat. 

10.  Wrote  to  Mr.  G.  H.  Tower.  Borrowed  a  horse  and  rode  to  Salem  to 
the  house  where  my  horse  left  me.  I  found  him.  He  was  brought  yesterday. 
Rode  to  Warren. 

11.  Rode  to  Hubbard  and  to  Hartford.  In  the  evening  performed  a 
marriage.  Had  a  pretty  numerous  and  an  agreeable  wedding.  After  which 
rode  to  Smithfield.     Very  tired. 

12.  Wrote  to  the  Missionary  Society.  The  people  here  considerably 
anxious  about  the  approaching  election. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Several  people  have  the  fever  and  ague.  Wrote 
to  my  Brother  and  Sister  Battell.  At  evening  met  with  the  people  here  to 
converse  upon  attempting  to  get  the  college  in  the  county  placed  in  this 
town. 

14.  Visited.  Considerably  unwell.  Rode  to  Hubbard  and  preached  from 
Heb.  xii :  17. 

15.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Ex.  xx :  8.  After  which  rode  into 
Pennsylvania  and  assisted  at  the  administration  of  a  sacrament  in  Mr.  Satter- 
field's  ^  church.  There  were  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  communicants. 
After  the  ordinance  preached  from  Num.  x :  29.  The  exercises  were  con- 
cluded about  sundown.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  company.  Had  considerable 
difficulty  in  getting  through  the  woods.  Lost  our  road  in  the  dark  several 
times.     Preached  in  the  evening  from  Esther  iv:   16. 

16.  Almost  sick  with  the  fatigue  of  yesterday.  My  horse  is  not  to  be 
found.  Visited  a  woman  very  sick  with  the  nervous  fever.  Walked  to  Smith- 
tield.     At  evening  preached  from  Matt,  v  :  8. 

17.  Quite  warm.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Visited  the  sick  woman,  prob- 
ably a-dying.  She  has  a  husband  and  one  child ;  moved  from  Connecticut 
this  summer.  I  have  never  witnessed  so  trying  a  scene  in  this  country. 
Found  my  horse. 

18.  In  the  morning  heard  of  the  death  of  the  woman  I  visited  yesterday. 
May  the  Lord  help.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral.  Preached  from  i  Cor^ 
vii :  29,  31.     A  good  many  people  very  solemn  and  some  very  much  affected. 

19.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Brookfield.  Conversed  with  some  people  on 
the  subject  of  forming  into  a  church.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Hughes. 


'  As  we  understand,  he  was  not  regretting  ^  This  church  of  Mr.  Satterfield's,  which 

that  he  had  stood  in  a  draft,  but  is  telling  us  has  been  brought  to  our  notice  before,  was 

that   the   heat  was   so  great    he   could    not  only  a  little  way  from  the  dividing  line  be- 

preach  with  any  comfort  without  standing  in  tween  Ohio  and   Pennsylvania.     He  was  at 

a  draft.  Upper  Neshannock,  Lawrence  County,, Penn. 


266  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

20.  Visited  several  families.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Afternoon  after  preaching 
from  I  John  iv :  ii,  conversed  with  several  persons  who  presented  letters  and 
certificates  of  good  standing  in  different  Christian  churches,  on  the  subject  of 
formvng  into  a  Christian  church.  Concluded  to  proceed  further  on  the  subject 
tomorrow. 

21.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  i8.  After  which  pro- 
ceeded in  the  examination  of  tliose  who  wished  to  be  organized  into  a  church. 
Having  obtained  satisfaction,  concluded  to  constitute  them  publicly  tomorrow. 
Mr.  Matthews,  committee  of  the  church  at  Smithfield,  was  present  and  assisted. 

22.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5  and  Gen.  v:  24.  After  sermon  in  the 
afternoon  publicly  organized  thirteen  persons  —  seven  men  and  six  women  — 
as  a  church  of  Christ,'  charged  them  to  keep  covenant  with  God  and  one 
another,  and  endeavored  to  commit  them  to  the  care  and  grace  of  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church.  Several  people  attended  from  the  neighboring  towns. 
Rainy. 

23.  Quite  cool  after  long  warm  weather.  Rode  to  Westfield.  Preached 
from  Gen.  xii :  3.     Some  here  inclining  to  the  sentiments  of  the  Universalists. 

24.  Rode  to  Vienna.  Wrote  considerably.  Rode  to  Warren.  The  riding 
I  believe  as  good  as  I  have  ever  seen  in  this  country. 

25.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James  at  Williamstown.  Visited. 
A  good  frame  of  a  house  raised  in  town.  At  evening  wrote  to  my  brother 
James. 

26.  Wrote  a  petition  to  be  presented  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State  for 
admission  of  this  county.^  Afternoon  preached  preparatory  to  the  administra- 
tion of  the  sacrament  from  Matt,  xvi :   18.     But  few  people  attended.     Rainy. 

27.  Rode  out  and  visited  some  people  sick  with  the  fever  and  ague.  Some 
members  of  the  church  I  think  will  be  unable  to  attend  at  the  sacrament. 

28.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  from  Gen.  xvii :  12.  After  which  exam- 
ined several  persons  for  admission  in  the  church.     Very  thin  meeting. 

29.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Num.  x :  29.  Received  five  persons 
—  two  men  and  three  women  —  into  the  church,  three  of  whom  had  previously 
been  members.  This  the  first  addition  to  this  church.  Administered  the 
sacrament  of  the  supper.  The  season  appeared  to  be  striking  and  solemn. 
Afternoon  preached  fr-om  Rom,  xiv  ;  10.     A  full  arid  attentive  meeting.     Had 


*  The  Congregational  churches,  organized  serve,  consisting  of  eight  male  and  six  female 

on  the  Western   Reserve   by  the  early  .mis-  members."     So  also  the  church,  organized  at 

sionaries  of  New  England  from  ,1800  to  iSoS,  Hudson    in    1S02,  remains    Congregational, 

generally  became  Presbyterian.     The  church  Next  to   these   in  age  comes  the  church  of 

in   Austinburgh,  organized   by    Rev.  Joseph  Tallmadge,  which  was  formed  in  1809. 

Badger,  remains  Congregational.    In  Mr.  Bad-  The   Congregational  church  of   Marietta 

ger's.4z/;A?/w^w/>/^jy,  published  in  the  thirteenth  to   the   south,  on  the  Ohio   River,  is  older 

volume  of   the  American  Quarterly  Register,  than  any  of  these,  having  been  organized  in 

pp.  317-328,  he  says  of  this  church  at  Austin-  1796. 

burgh:  "There  I  preached  on  the  Sabbath,  -"This    county"   is    Trumbull    Count}-, 

and  on  the  next  Wednesday,  the  24th  of  Octo-  which  seems  by  this  entry  not  to  have  been  at 

ber  (1801),  formed  the  first  church  on  the  Re-  this  time  officially  recognized  by  the  State. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  267 

great  freedom  in  preaching.     Several  people  appeared  considerably  affected. 
Baptized  a  child.     In  the  morning  a  little  frost. 

30.     Set  out '  to  go  to  Pittsburgh.     Rode  to  Greensburgh.^     A  horse-race  at 
Youngstovvn  with  fifty  dollars  risqued.^ 

October. 

1.  Rode  to  Beaver''  and  to  Pittsburgh.  This  State  in  a  very  warm  con- 
tention with  regard  to  the  approaching  election.  Quite  fatigued.  Have  rode 
about  eighty  miles '  in  two  days. 

2.  The  Synod  of  Pittsburgh  met  here.  I  sat  with  them.  About  forty 
ministers  present.  Very  cordially  entertained  by  my  old  friend,  Col.  Perry. 
At  evening  preached  in  the  court-house  to  a  very  numerous  and  attentive 
audience  from  Rom.  x :  i.  The  ministers  here  have  not  yet  generally 
imbibed  the  sentiment  of  the  literal  return  of  the  Jews  to  their  own  land.^ 
Traded,  etc.     11.33. 

3.  Sat  with  the  Synod.  Visited  Mr.  Addison.  The  ministers  appear 
agreeably.  I  think  they  manifest  a  little  too  much  bitterness  against  opposite 
denominations.  At  evening  a  very  good  missionary  sermon  was  preached  and 
a  collection  made  of  sixty  or  seventy  dollars. 

4.  Traded,  etc.  6.31.  Rode  to  Beaver.  At  evening  preached  in  the 
court-house  from  Rom.  i  :  16.  Saw  people  moving  from  Connecticut  to  New 
Connecticut.     Treated  very  kindly.     Quite  tired. 

5.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Boardman.  In  the  morning  received  for  preaching 
last  evening  $2.50.'  It  is  their  usual  custom  to  give  something.  Have  had  a 
prosperous  journey. 

6.  Preached  from  Isa.  ii  :  17  and  Ex.  xx :  8.  Quite  cold.  Before  this 
vegetation  has  not  generally  been  killed  by  the  frost.  At  evening  rode  to 
Canfield. 

7.  Rode  to  Warren  and  to  Smithfield.  The  farthest  I  have  ever  rode  in  a 
day  in  this  country.     The  roads  get  something  wet. 

8.  In  the  morning  a  hard  frost.  This  is  the  day  of  election  of  State  and 
county  officers  in  this  State  and  Pennsylvania.  Wrote  considerably.  Cool 
fall  weather. 

9.  Rode  to  Kinsman.  ^  Visited  sick  people  in  Smithfield  and  Kinsman. 
About  thirty  families  in  this  town  and  all  sick  but  one.     A  large  mill-pond 


'  His   preaching  the  day  before   was   at  directly  in  the  line  of  his  journey  to  Pitts- 
Warren,  from  which  place  he  sets  out  on  his  burgh,  in  Alleghany  County,  Penn. 
journey  to  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  taking  a  south-  ^  Considering  the  state  of  the  roads,  the 
east  direction.  journeys  that  used  to  be  made  on  horseback 

^  This,  as  before  said,  is  not  the  Pennsyl-  show  a  good  measure  of  endurance  on  the 

vania  Greensburgh,  but  a  place  in  Trumbull  part  both  of  man  and  beast. 

County.  ^  That  point  was  far  more  under  discus- 

^  Youngstown,    where     this     betting     on  sion  sixty  or  seventy  years  ago  than  now. 

horses   took    place,   was   then   in   Trumbull  '  This  was  for  his  preaching  in   Beaver, 

County,  now  in  Mahoning.  paid  him  the  next  morning,  as  he  was  starting 

^  Beaver,  in   Beaver    County,  Penn.,  was  on  his  way  to  Boardman. 


I 

L 


268  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

here  supposed  to  be  the  cause.     It  produced  considerable  sickness  last  year; 
but  this  season  its  effects  are  much  more  extensive  and  severe.' 

10.  Rode  to  Gustavus.  Every  family  in  the  town  sick,  some  of  whom, 
every  individual.  Generally  fever  and  ague,  in  some  instances  severe  bilious 
fever.  Some  want  much  for  attendants.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Visited  thir- 
teen sick  families.  Some  infant  children  have  died.  The  sickness  is  in  all 
directions,  about  three  miles  from  the  pond.^ 

11.  Visited.  Rode  to  Vienna.^  My  horse  quite  lame.  Had  appointed  to 
preach  a  sacramental  lecture,  but  the  lameness  of  my  horse  hindered  me  so 
that  I  did  not  arrive  in  time.  Quite  warm.  Wrote  to  Col.  Perry,  of  Pitts- 
burgh. 

12.  Wrote  records  for  the  church  here.  Afternoon  the  church  chose  me 
for  their  standing  moderator,  and  chose  a  committee  and  clerk.  Preached 
preparatory'  to  the  sacrament  from  Rev.  xv  :  15.  Some  people  from  Pennsyl- 
vania came  to  attend  the  sacrament.* 

13.  Preached  from  Matt,  x :  32  and  Esther  iv  :  16.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. The  first  time  in  this  place.  A  very  agreeable  and  solemn  season.  A 
full  meeting,  appeared  solemn  and  attentive, 

14.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Rev.  xx  :  15.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  A 
man  has  lately  died  of  the  prevailing  fever  in  Gustavus.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  cousin,  S.  P.  Robbins. 

15.  Visited  the  sick.  Received  thirt}'-seven  dollars  by  an  order  I  gave  on 
the  ^Missionary  Society  last  fall.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Chapman,  of 
Canfield. 

16.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Chapman,  of  Canfield.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Sick 
people  find  much  difficulty  in  getting  suitable  attendants. 

17.  Rode  to  Austinburgh.  Quite  bad  riding.  Delegates  from  the  churches 
in  Smithfield  and  Vienna  accompanied  me. 

18.  Rode  to  Harpersfield.  Met  with  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Bacon  and 
delegates  from  four  of  the  churches,  and  formed  ourselves  into  an  ecclesiasti- 
cal convention'  for  the  promotion  of  union  and  the  general  benefit  of  the 
churches.  Mr.  Hawley,^  a  minister  from  Connecticut,  attended  with  us.  We 
were  happily  united  in  sentiment. 


*  This  is  a  kind  of  repetition  of  the  sad  of  Churches.  The  ministers  were  Rev.  Jo- 
scenes  in  .Sheffield,  Mass.,  during  the  months  seph  Badger,  Rev.  David  Bacon,  and  Rev. 
of  August  and  September,  1796.  Thomas  Robbins.   The  names  of  the  delegates 

"^  Kinsman,  Gustavus,  and  Smithfield  (now  from  the  four  churches  are  not  given.  The 
Vernon)  were  adjoining  towns.  These  town-  four  churches  represented  by  these  delegates 
ships  were  five  miles  square,  and  the  pond  were,  without  much  doubt,  those  of  Austin- 
was  so  situated  as  to  affect  all  three  towns.  burgh,   Canfield,   Smithfield    (now    Vernon), 

^  Vienna,  it  will   be   remembered,  is   the  and  Vienna, 
place   where   he   had  just  before  organized  '  Rev.   Rufus    Hawley,  from    Avon,  Ct. 

a  church.  He  was  settled  at  Avon  (then  Northington) 

*  Vienna  was  not  on  the  Pennsylvania  in  1769  and  continued  to  his  death  in  1826. 
line,  but  was  separated  from  it  by  the  town  He  was  not  a  missionary,  but  was  probably 
of  Brookfield.  on  a  journey  of  observation  among  the  new 

*  What  would  now  be  called  a  Conference  settlements. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  269 

19.  The  convention  was  dismissed.  Afternoon  Mr.  Badger  preached  pre- 
paratory to  the  sacrament. 

20.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Rev.  xvi :  i6.  Mr.  Badger  preached 
in  the  afternoon.  In  the  administration  of  the  ordinance,  he  performed  the 
first  part,  and  I  the  second. 

21.  In  the  morning  Cephas  Case  and  Henr}^  Badger  set  out  for  Sandusky  ' 
to  live  with  the  Indians.  They  went  down  Grand  River  in  a  canoe  with 
which  they  expect  to  go  the  whole  way.  Rode  to  Austinburgh  and  preached 
from  Rev.  xvii :  14,  latter  clause.     Read  newspapers. 

22.  Rode  to  Morgan  and  preached  from  Heb.  xii :  17.  Unhappy  diffi- 
culties still  subsist  in  the  church  here.  Quite  cool.  Mr.  Badger  building  a 
new  log-house. 

23.  Rode  to  Somers.  At  evening  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  The 
first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town.  But  four  families  in  the  town. 
The  prospect  of  this  settlement  is  favorable.      The  riding  good  for  the  season. 

24.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  considerably.  Rode  to  Gustavus.  Visited 
sick  people,  generally  convalescent.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Preached  on  ac- 
count of  God's  visitation  in  the  prevailing  sickness  from  Isa.  i:  5.  Had  a 
serious  and  solemn  meeting.     Visited. 

25.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Wrote  to  Maj. 
Perkins,  and  Mr.  Edwards,  of  Warren,  and  Mr.  Titus  Brockway,  Hartford. 
Something  rainy. 

26.  Quite  cold  and  stormy.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Rode  to 
Mercer^  to  attend  on  a  public  sacrament.  Had  quite  a  tedious  time,  but  got 
along  better  than  I  feared. 

27.  Mr.  Tait^  preached  in  the  forenoon.  Mr.  Satterfield  introduced  the 
sacrament.  I  administered  at  the  second  table.  There  were  eighty  or  ninety 
communicants.  The  season  was  solemn  and  the  congregation  very  attentive. 
There  was  but  little  of  the  bodily  affection.  I  preached  in  the  evening  from 
Rev.  xvi:  15.  The  snow  in  the  morning  about  three  inches  deep  and  the 
most  of  it  continued  through  the  day. 

28.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Rom.  i :  16.  People  attended  very 
well.  They  appeared  much  gratified  with  my  being  with  them.  Assisted  the 
congregation  in  doing  some  congregational  business.  Set  out  with  Mr.  Tait 
to  go  to  the  meeting  of  the  Presbyter}'.     Rode  to  Nishannock. 

29.  Rode  to  Greensburgh.*  Sat  with  the  Presbytery.  The  ministers 
appear  quite  friendly.  There  was  a  sacrament  here  last  Sabbath,  and  people 
spent  the  nights  on  the  ground. 


'  Sandusky  was  at  the  extreme  western  miles  from   the   dividhig  line    between  the 

end   of    the   Connecticut    Reserve,  then  in  States. 
Huron  (now  Erie)  County,  Ohio.     The  white  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Tait. 

settlements  in  Ohio  as  yet  were  almost  en-  •♦  This  must    be   Greensburgh,   Ohio,   as 

tirely  on  the  eastern  portions  of  the  Reserve,  Greensburgh,  Penn.,  is  eighty  or  ninety  miles 

with  scattered  families  farther  west.  from  Canfield,  Ohio,  and  by  his  entry  (Oct. 

"  This   was    Mercer,   the    shire    town   of  31)  he  seems  to  have  made  the  journey  to 

Mercer  County,  Pennsylvania,  about  twenty  Canfield  from  Greensburgh  in  a  short  time. 


270  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

30.  Presented  to  the  Presbyter)-  an  account  of  our  ecclesiastical  conven- 
tion and  requested  a  union  and  good  understanding.  They  appeared  much 
disposed  to  cultivate  and  maintain  a  harmony  with  the  New  England  people, 
and  passed  a  vote  correspondently,  which  I  drew.  They  appear  very  willing 
that  we  should  retain  our  own  habits  and  practices.  They  dispatched  busi- 
ness very  speedily.  At  evening  walked  out  two  miles  and  preached  from 
2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.     Other  ministers  attended  and  spoke  a  little. 

31.  Rode  with  company  to  Canfield.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  Uncle  Starr.  Some  of  his  people  have  moved  to  this 
country. 

November. 

1.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  Visited.  Quite  rainy.  Several  families 
have  lately  moved  into  this  town.  At  evening  preached  from  Isa.  xliii :  13, 
last  clause.     The  people  here  appear  anxious  to  procure  a  preacher. 

2.  Rode  to  Warren'  and  to  Youngstown.  Some  people  at  Warren  have 
the  fever  and  ague. 

3.  Preached  from  Rom.  i :  16  and  Rev.  xvi :  15.  But  few  people  attended 
meeting.  The  greater  part  of  the  people  here  appear  indifferent  as  to  any 
religion,  and  the  others  are  much  divided.^ 

4.  Had  a  talk  with  several  of  the  principal  people.  I  think  they  are 
pretty  destitute  of  principle,  and  appear  inimical  to  me  and  to  religion.  They 
have  circulated  false  and  ungenerous  reports  about  me,  with  regard  to  an 
interference  in  the  late  election.  Yesterday  morning  my  horse  was  gone,^ 
He  is  not  yet  to  be  found.     Rode  a  borrowed  horse  to  Liberty. 

5.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  The  sick  people  in  this  quarter  are  generally 
getting  better.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Elliott,"*  a  New  England  minister, 
requesting  him  to  come  to  this  country  and  preach  in  Canfield  and  Boardman. 

6.  Paid  for  home-made  cloth  for  two  shirts,  $3.33.  Wrote  to  my  parents. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     The  wolves  are  something  troublesome  here. 

7.  Wrote  to  Deacon  Mills,  of  Austinburgh.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited 
sick  people.     At  evening  preached  from  Isa.  i :  5. 

8.  Had  some  clothes  made.  Visited.  Rode  to  Liberty.  Cannot  hear 
anything  of  my  horse.     I  have  considerable  anxiety  about  him. 

9.  Rode  and  walked  to  Canfield.  Got  something  wet  with  rain.  Heard 
of  my  horse.  It  appears  that  he  came  pretty  direct  to  this  town.^  Towards 
evening  preached  preparatory  to  the  sacrament  from  Matt,  xxviii :  20.  Mr, 
Bacon  and  his  family  are  here.^ 


'  Warren    probably    received    its    name  the   church  in   Madison,  Ct.,  where  he  was 

from  Moses  Warren,  one  of  the  surveyors  pastor    1791-1824.      He    was    a    Corporate 

who  laid  out  the  townships  on   the  Western  Member  of  Yale  College  from    181 2  to   his 

Reserve  in  1797.  death,  1824. 

-  This  is  said  of  the  people  of   Youngs-  '  He  had  been  there  a  good  many  times 

town.  before,  and   perhaps    he   specially  liked  the 

^  This  experience  of  losing  his  horse  was  place, 
growing  serious.  *  Rev.    David     Bacon,    his     wife,    Alice 

*  Without    much   doubt,   this   was    Rev.  (Parks)  Bacon,  Leonard   Bacon,  then   three 

John   Eliott  (afterwards  D.D.),  minister  of  years  old,  and  a  babe  of  one  year. 


i8os.] 


MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT. 


271 


10.  Mr,  Bacon  preached  in  the  forenoon.  Received  a  woman  into  the 
church,  hopefully  a  subject  of  the  late  work  in  this  place.  Mr.  Bacon  and  1 
together  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  from 
Isa.  V  :  3.     Baptized  two  children.     At  evening  visited  families. 

11.  Quite  cold.  Visited.  Rode  to  Youngstown  and  returned.  Two  men, 
heads  of  families,  have  lately  died  in  this  vicinity. 

12.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Marietta.  May  the  Lord  go  with  me.  Rode 
through  New  Lisbon  '  to  the  salt-works.     The  roads  very  dry. 

13.  Rode  through  Steubenville  ;  crossed  the  Ohio  to  Charlestown,  and  on 
to  Wheeling.^  From  New  Lisbon  to  the  Ohio,  the  land  is  very  hilly  and 
appears  poor.     Very  fine  weather.     Very  tired. 

14.  Something  rainy.  Rode  to  Herd's  Ferry.  The  settlements  through 
which  I  passed  very  thin  and  poor. 

15.  Rode  all  day  in  a  single  horse  path.  Many  moving  families  on  the 
river.     Rode  to  Newport.^     Begin  to  find  New  England  people. 

16.  Rode  to  Marietta.'^  Very  affectionately  received  by  my  friend  Mr. 
Oilman  and  family.^  Very  tired  with  my  journey.  This  town  appears  much 
larger  than  I  expected.  Mr.  Lindsley,^  the  Presbyterian  minister  here,  called 
to  see  me. 

17.  Mr.  Lindsley  preached  in  the  forenoon.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon 
from  Rom.  i :  16.  A  quite  respectable  congregation.  They  sing  very  well. 
Find  some  old  acquaintance. 

18.  Read  newspapers.     Walked  out  and   visited  with  my  cousins.'     The 


'  New  Lisbon  is  in  Columbiana  County, 
which  then  joined  Trumbull  County,  but  now 
Mahoning  County  lies  between. 

^  From  his  starting-point  in  the  morning 
to  Wheeling,  Va.,  was  more  than  forty  miles. 
Charlestown  and  Wheeling  are  in  what  is 
now  West  Virginia. 

^  Newport  only  a  short  distance  from 
Marietta. 

*  The  ride  from  Youngstown  to  Marietta 
not  far  from  one  hundred  and  fifteen  miles. 
The  oldest  regular  white  settlement  in  Ohio 
was  made  at  Marietta  in  17S8  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Ohio  Company.  This  com- 
pany was  composed  of  revolutionary  officers 
and  soldiers,  to  whom  the  Continental  Con- 
gress gave  1,500,000  acres  of  land  to  the 
northwest  of  the  Ohio  River.  This  company 
was  organized  in  Boston,  in  1786.  Forty- 
seven  emigrants  from  Massachusetts,  Rhode 
Island,  and  Connecticut  were  the  first  movers, 
and  they  started  the  settlement  at  Marietta, 
April  7,  17SS.  Some  of  the  chief  men  in  the 
management  of  the  affairs  of  this  Ohio  Com- 
pany were :    Gen.  Rufus  Putnam,  Rev.  Ma- 


nasseh  Cutler,  LL.D.,  Col.  Israel  Putnam, 
Gen.  Samuel  Holden  Parsons,  Commodore 
Abraham  Whipple,  Hon.  James  Mitchell 
Varnum,  a  general  in  the  Revolutionary 
Army,  Col.  Ebenezer  Battelle,  Capt.  Jona- 
than Devol,  Col.  Return  Jonathan  Meigs, 
Gen.  Benjamin  Tupper,  Col.  Ebenezer 
Sproat,  and  Griffin  Greene,  Esq.,  cousin 
of  Gen.  Nathaniel  Greene. 

'  Benjamin  I.  Oilman,  whose  wife  was 
Hannah  Robbins,  daughter  of  Dr.  Chandler 
Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.  She  was  born 
Sept.  29,  1768,  and  was  married  to  Mr.  Gil- 
man,  in  1790.  A  son,  of  the  same  name  with 
his  father,  was  a  well-grown  lad  at  this  time, 
and  was  graduated  at  Brown  University  in 
1813. 

^  Rev.  Stephen  Lindsley.  We  do  not  find 
the  name  of  this  clergyman  among  the  col- 
lege graduates  of  the  country,  and  it  is  prob- 
able that  he,  like  the  majority  of  the  Presby- 
terian ministers  in  those  parts  at  that  time, 
was  not  a  man  of  college  education. 

'  His  cousins  were  Benjamin  I.  and  Han- 
nah (Robbins)  Oilman. 


272  DIARY   OF    RtV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 

people  here  appear  to  have  a  great  attachment  to  my  cousin,  Sam.  P.,  as  a 
preacher. 

19.  Wrote  considerably.  Something  rainy.  Played  backgammon.  Had 
company.  Mr.  Gilman  appears  to  do  a  great  deal  of  business.  Wagons 
arrive  at  this  town  from  Alexandria.' 

20.  Visited.  Was  invited  out  to  dine.  Many  families  here  live  in  pretty 
high  taste.  Mr.  Gilman  has  a  very  good  rope-walk,  in  which  business  is  done 
extensively.     He  is  building  a  very  good  brig.     At  evening  had  company. 

21.  Rode  up  the  Muskingum,  '^sixteen  miles,  to  Waterford.^  Mr.  Lindsley,^ 
the  minister  here,  absent  from  liome.  Preached  to  a  few  attentive  hearers 
from  Num.  x  :  29.     People  appear  much  gratified  with  my  visit. 

22.  Returned  to  Marietta.  Much  of  the  land  in  this  quarter,  very  poor. 
Mr.  Lindsley,'  of  Waterford,  called  and  tarried  with  me.  Walking  in  the  even- 
ing in  the  dark  ran  against  a  fence,  and  considerably  wounded  my  face. 

23.  Dined  at  Gen.  Putnam's.  He  has  lately  received  a  letter  from  my 
cousin,  Sam.  P.,*  and  one  from  my  father,  addressed  to  the  committees  of  the 
church  and  society  here.  Called  on  several  families.  Treated  very  politely. 
Wrote.     A  prospect  of  a  great  continental  war  in  Europe.     Something  rainy. 

24.  Wet  and  rainy.  Preached  to  a  very  attentive  audience  from  Heb.  xi: 
30  and  Luke  xv :  17.  Some  people  here  appear  to  have  been  perplexed  with 
some  of  Sam.  P.'s  doctrines. 

25.  Rode  to  Belpre '  and  preached  from  Num.  x  :  29.  This  is  a  very  fine 
farming  settlement.  It  appears  more  like  Connecticut  than  any  other  in 
this  State.     At  evening  attended  a  singing  meeting. 

26.  Returned  to  Marietta.  At  evening  met  with  the  committees  of  the 
church  and  society  here,  and  concluded  to  have  cousin  Sam.  P.'s  ordination 
the  first  of  next  May.  Wrote  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  ministers  and  churches 
to  be  sent  to.     Attended  a  singing  meeting. 

27.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Expected  to  have  set  out  today  on  my 
journey,  but  find  it  difficult  to  leave  friends  and  to  get  ready.  Wrote  to  my 
cousin  Sam.  P.  Endeavored  to  give  him  the  best  advice  in  my  power  with 
regard  to  his  conduct  here,  as  his  situation  on  some  accounts  will  be  critical 
and  difficult.^  Received  presents  from  my  friends  to  the  value  of  nine  or  ten 
dollars.     Weather  remarkably  mild  and  pleasant.     Traded,  etc.     4.62. 

'  Alexandria,  Va.   The  journey  from  Alex-  there  and  had  now  gone  back  to  New  Eng- 

andria  to  Marietta  across  northern  Virginia  land. 

more  than  two  hundred  miles.  A  road  for  '  Rev.  E.  A.  Mirick,  Congregational  pas- 
carriages  through  this  country  had  then  tor  of  Belpre,  writes  in  answer  to  inquiry: 
recently  been  completed.  "  Newberry  is  merely  a  local  name  for  south- 

^  Marietta  was  at  the  mouth  of  the  Musk-  ern  end  of   Belpre.     Little  Hocking  is  the 

ingum  River.  post  office  of  that  locality.     Belpre  is  a  long 

^  Waterford   and   Marietta  were   both  in  and  narrow  town,  twenty-one  by  three  miles, 

Washington  County.  back  from   the   river.     Newberry   is   at  its 

*  Another  man  of  the  same  name  with  the  lower  extremity,  on  the  river." 
minister  of  Marietta.  *  New   England    then,   more    than    now, 

'  Rev.  Jacob  Lindsley,  supplying  at  Wa-  represented   advanced  education  and  ideas, 

terford.  and  there  was  a  jealousy  toward  her  on  the 

''  Samuel    Prince   Robbins   had  preached  part  of  those  who  were  less  enlightened. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY   IN   NEW   CONNECTICUT.  273 

28.  Left  Marietta  early  in  the  morning.  Rode  on  my  journey  up  the  river 
thirty-six  miles.  Comfortably  accommodated.  A  large  good  bridge  is  build- 
ing over  Duck  Creek. 

29.  Considerably  afiflicted  with  a  stiff  neck.  Rode  to  Grave  Creek.  Quite 
warm.     The  road  very  crooked. 

30.  Something  rainy.  Thunder-showers.  Arrived  at  Mr.  Potter's,'  near 
Steubenville,  towards  night.  Kindly  entertained.  Mr.  Potter  lives  on  the 
bottom  formerly  occupied  by  the  Mingo  Indians.  The  grave  of  Logan,^  their 
celebrated  chief,  is  near  here.  Traded.  1.67.  Mr.  Potter  a  minister  formerly 
in  Vermont. 

December. 

1.  Preached  in  the  court-house  in  Steubenville  ^  from  Rom.  i:  16.  The 
audience  very  attentive.  Mr.  Snodgrass,*  a  Presbyterian  minister,  is  settled 
here  for  half  the  time. 

2.  Rode  to  the  salt-works.  A  considerable  part  of  Jefferson  and  Colum- 
biana Counties  appears  to  be  poor  land. 

3.  The  morning  quite  cold.  Had  company  all  day.  Rode  to  Canfield. 
Blessed  be  God  who  has  given  me  a  most  agreeable  and  prosperous  journey 
and  a  safe  return.  My  cousin  Sam.  P.  was  here  last  week  to  see  me,  and 
taking  another  road  to  Marietta  I  have  missed  him. 

4.  Received  two  letters  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  His  preaching  here  is 
much  approved  of.  Visited.  Wrote  to  my  cousins  Sam.  P.  and  Hannah  at 
Marietta. 

5.  Visited  families.  Set  out  to  ride  to  the  northward,  but  was  stopped 
by  rain.     Wrote.     The  people  here  generally  extremely  thoughtless. 

6.  Quite  rainy.  Rode  to  Hubbard.  Some  thunder.  There  have  been 
no  rains  to  raise  the  streams  before  now  this  fall. 

7.  My  horse  left  me ;  was  found  about  five  miles  distant.  Afternoon 
preached  in  a  Methodist  neighborhood  from  Rev.  xvii:    14. 

8.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5  and  Rom.  viii :  29.  The  discourse  in  the 
afternoon  was  by  request.  The  Pennsylvania  people  have  very  imperfect 
ideas  of  divine  sovereignty  and  human  liberty.  Many  people  here  are  very 
fond  of  having  meetings  and  preaching. 

9.  Visited  many  families.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Very  pleasant  weather. 
This  place  appears  to  me  more  like  home  than  any  other  in  this  country. 

10.  Wrote  considerably.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Badger.  Rode  out.  Quite  cold. 
Waters  getting  high.  Have  a  number  of  winter  things  in  making.  People 
very  kind. 


'  This  may  have  been  Rev.  Lyman  Potter,  is   familiar  to   the   school-boys   of  the   past 

a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  a  graduate  of  generation,  if  not  the  present.     His  Indian 

Dartmouth   College,  1799.     Mr.  Robbins,  as  name  was  Tah-Gah-Jute. 
a  rule,  gives  only  family  names  in  his  diary.  ^  Steubenville  is  the  shire  town  of  Jeffer- 

If  he  had  furnished  us  with  the  given  names  son  County,  Ohio. 

also,   the   work   of    identification  would   be  *  Rev.  James  Snodgrass,  having  charge  of 

much  more  easy.  Presbyterian   churches   at   Steubenville  and 

'^  The  speech  of  Logan,  the  Mingo  chief,  Island  Creek. 


274 


DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1805. 


11.  Visited  fourteen  families.  The  riding  getting  pretty  bad.  Some 
families  have  lately  moved  into  this  town. 

12.  Rode  to  Kinsman  and  preached  from  Isa.  i :  5.  Many  people  here 
not  yet  recovered  from  their  sickness.  The  number  of  people  here  the  sum- 
mer past  has  been  about  one  hundred  and  eighty.  And  the  number  of 
individuals  that  has  escaped  the  sickness  is  less  than  twenty.' 

13.  Rode  to  Smithfield  and  preached  preparatory  to  the  sacrament  from 
I  Cor.  xi :  30. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  i  Cor.  xi : 
30.  Expecting  to  receive  some  people  here  into  the  church.  Their  case  is 
not  so  favorable  as  I  could  wish.  I  hope,  however,  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  will  take  care  of  this  tender  vine  and  preserve  it  from  corruption 
and  danger.     Last  night  a  great  rain. 

15.  Preached  from  Rev.  xvii :  14  and  John  vi :  68,  latter  part.  Adminis- 
tered the  sacrament.  Admitted  seven  elderly  people  into  the  church.  Bap- 
tized a  child.  Being  disappointed  of  wine  made  a  composition  of  brandy, 
vinegar,  water,  and  brown  sugar,  which  answered  well ;  I  presume  was  not 
perceived.  Towards  night  it  snowed  considerably;  the  first  we  have  had, 
saving  a  turn  In  October. 

16.  Rode  to  Smithfield  over  the  creek  and  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8. 
The  Metliodists  have  attempted  to  form  a  society  in  this  neighborhood.  I 
think  they  will  not  get  great  strength. 

17.  Rode  to  Johnston  and  preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  This  town 
appears  likely  to  settle  fast,  with  a  good  set  of  inhabitants.  Very  bad 
riding. 

18.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Received  a  letter  from  the  church  at  INIarietta. 
It  appears  that  after  cousin  Sam.  P.  arrived  there  they  concluded  to  have  the 
ordination  soon,  and  have  accordingly  sent  an  express.^  Wrote  to  cousin 
S.  P.,  and  Gen.  Putnam,  and  to  Mr.  Potter,  of  Steubenville.     Wrote. 

19.  This  day  is  observed  here  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving.^  Preached  from 
Ps.  1:14.  People  attended  meeting  very  well.  Very  warm  for  the  season. 
At  evening  performed  a  marriage.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Badger. 

20.  Rode  to  Liberty.  The  roads  very  muddy.  Received  from  a  man 
some  unkind  treatment  and  hard  words  and  false  accusations.  He  forbid  me 
to  preach  in  his  house,  which  I  was  expecting  to  do  the  Sabbath  after  next. 
This  is  the  first  instance  of  the  kind  in  this  countr}\'' 

21.  Rode  to  Newton.^  This  is  quite  a  flourishing  settlement.  I  hope  a 
favorable  prospect  here  of  the  future  enjoyment  of  gospel  privileges. 


'  This  fact  itself  would   make  it  evident  to  January.     The  last  Thursday  of  Novem- 

that  there  must  have  been  some   powerful  ber  has  now  become  the  fixed   and  regular 

local  cause  for  the  sickness.  day  for  this  observance. 

*  At  the  time  he  was  at  Marietta,  it  will  *  He  means  probably  in   his  own   expe- 

be  remembered,  it  was  arranged  to  have  the  rience  in  that  country,  but  the  country  itself 

ordination  not  until  the  first  of  May.  was  veiy  young. 

'  Thanksgiving  Days  in  the  olden  times  '  Newton  the  southwest  town  in  the  pres- 

were  quite  irregular,  ranging  from  October  ent  Trumbull  County. 


1805.]  MISSIONARY   IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  27$ 

22.  Preached  from  Rom.  i :  i6  and  Rev.  xvi :  15.  The  peoi)le  here 
appear  much  gratified  to  be  visited.     Baptized  a  child. 

23.  Rode  to  Warren  and  preached  from  Heb.  iv  :  9.  A  young  man  here 
ver}'  bad  with  the  dropsy,  succeeding  a  turn  of  fever  and  ague.  Received  two 
letters  from  cousin  Sam.  P.,  one  from  my  father,  and  one  from  my  brother 
James.     He  and  my  parents  have  lately  been  a  journey  to  Plymouth. 

24.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  all  day.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Missed  my  way 
and  lost,  I  believe,  a  travel  of  five  miles.  Had  a  very  tedious  day.  The  snow 
eight  or  ten  inches  deep. 

25.  Very  great  warlike  preparations  by  the  great  nations  of  Europe.  I 
hope  the  Corsican  usurper '  may  be  humbled,  but  I  fear  that  it  is  uncertain. 
Rode  to  Smithfield.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Badger.  He  is  gone  on  for 
Marietta  and  left  word  for  me  to  come  on  alone.  I  think  he  has  not  done 
right,  as  there  can  be  no  advantage  in  his  being  forward  of  me.^  Wrote  to  my 
parents.     Can  get  no  member  of  this  church^  to  go  with  me  to  Marietta. 

26.  Rode  with  some  others  to  Kinsman,  by  an  appointment  of  the  people, 
to  converse  with  Mr.  Kinsman,  respecting  his  mill-pond.  It  is  agreed  on  all 
hands,  that  that  is  the  cause  of  the  late  severe  sickness  in  this  vicinity.  It  is 
the  general  wish  that  it  may  be  drawn  off  immediately,  I  hope  he  will  do  it. 
Returned  to  Smithfield. 

27.  Set  out  for  Marietta.  I  have  seldom  set  out  on  a  journey  with  more 
reluctance  or  anxiety.  I  hope,  however,  in  the  glorious  protection  of  the  God 
who  reigns  in  Zion,     The  riding  extremely  bad.     Rode  to  Vienna. 

28.  In  the  forenoon  quite  rainy.  The  snow  mostly  goes  off.  Rode  to 
Liberty.  The  ground  exceedingly  wet.  The  settlement  in  this  town  has 
increased  considerably  this  year. 

29.  Quite  cold.  The  waters  very  high.  The  weather  so  tedious  that  few 
people  attended  meeting.  Preached  from  Mat.  xvii :  5  and  Rom.  xiv :  10. 
The  most  of  the  people  here  appear  to  care  very  little  about  serious  things. 

30.  Very  cold  and  stormy.  Rode  to  Warren.  The  Mahoning  extremely 
high.  I  cannot  cross.  Read  an  account  of  a  naval  victory  by  Lord  Nelson 
over  the  combined  fleets  of  France  and  Spain.'*  I  think  it  was  the  greatest 
naval  action  ever  fought.  The  great  admiral  was  slain.  Received  twenty  dol- 
lars from  Major  Perkins,  for  which  to  give  an  order  on  the  Missionary  Society. 

31.  Several  men  with  a  large  keel-boat  carried  me  over  the  Mahoning. 
Rode  to  Canfield.     This  is  the  first  real  cold  weather  we  have  had  this  season. 


'  France  was  formed  into  an  empire  and  the  French  and  Spanish  fleets  under  Admiral 
Napoleon  made  Emperor  May  18,  1S04.  He  Villeneuve,  eighteen  French  and  fifteen  Span- 
was  crowned  King  of  Italy,  May  26,  1805.  ish  vessels,  all  ships  of  the  line,  were  de- 
He  gained  the  victory  at  Austerlitz  Dec.  2,  feated  by  Lord  Nelson  with  twenty-seven  Brit- 
1805.  ish  ships  of  war.    Lord  Nelson  was  killed, 

^  Mr.  Robbins  regarded  this  as  a  want  of  and  fell    uttering    those  memorable  words, 

courtesy,  and  so  it  certainly  appears.  "  England  expects  every  man  to  do  his  duty." 

3  That  is,  as  a  delegate.  This  victory  was  gained  Oct.  21,  1805,  and 

■*  This  was  the  battle  of  Trafalgar,  where  was  a  very  notable  event. 


isoe. 

January. 

1.  May  the  Lord  God  of  heaven,  who  has  ever  been  my  father,  and  my 
father's  God,  be  with  me  this  year,  and  enable  me  to  devote  it  to  his  holy 
service.  Left  Canfield  for  Marietta.  I  have  much  concern  about  this  jour- 
ney,' but  I  hope  I  am  in  the  way  of  duty,  and  I  know  I  am  in  safe  hands. 
Rode  to  the  salt-works.     From  New  Lisbon  had  company. 

2.  The  waters  not  so  high  as  I  feared,  having  fallen  considerably.  Rode 
with  company  to  Steubenville.  It  snowed  some.  The  Ohio  is  so  high 
that  I  cannot  with  any  safety  ride  to  Marietta,  and  unless  it  should  fall  it 
would  be  hardly  possible  to  cross  the  gulfs  and  runs.  Conclude  to  leave  my 
horse  here,  and  go  down  in  a  boat.  Was  very  fortunate  in  finding  a  Kentucky 
boat  ready  to  start  soon.  It  was  a  poor  one,  but  tolerable.  The  accommo- 
dations ver}'  indifferent.  Procured  provision  for  my  passage.  Started  at  six 
O'clock  in  the  evening.  The  water  being  so  high  we  floated  a  little  more  than 
three  miles  an  hour. 

3.  Last  night  watched  till  near  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  rested 
very  little  afterward.  Got  along  with  much  greater  ease  and  safety  than  I 
expected.  The  traveling  on  the  banks  appears  to  be  quite  as  bad  as  I 
imagined. 

4.  At  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  I  arrived  at  Marietta.  From  Steuben- 
ville more  than  one  hundred  miles.  I  had  no  sleep  till  after  I  got  here.  The 
boatman  would  take  nothing  for  my  passage.  I  went  to  a  tavern  and  got  a 
good  sleep.  In  the  morning  found  my  dear  cousin  Sam.  P.  Robbins,  and 
crossed  the  Muskingum  to  Mr.  Gilman's.     Very  much  fatigued. 

5.  In  the  forenoon  Mr.  Badger  preached,  in  the  afternoon  my  cousin 
Samuel.  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Potter  from  Steubenville  arrived  here  last 
Monday,  before  the  waters  got  very  high.  I  preached  in  the  evening  from 
2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.     The  ground  very  wet  and  muddy. 

6.  Began  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxiv :  14^  for  the  approaching  ordination. 
Have  a  very  short  time  to  prepare.  In  the  afternoon  the  ordaining  council 
met  and  formed,  consisting  of  five  ministers.  They  attended  to  a  particular 
and  satisfactory  examination  of  cousin  S.  P.,  and  arranged  the  parts  for  the 
ordination. 

7.  This  day  is  observed  as  a  fast  previous  to  the  ordination.  I  did  not 
attend  till  near  the  close  of  the  second  meeting.     The  church  adopted  the 


'  When  it  is  considered  that  this  journey,  ^  Text :  "  And  this  gospel  of  the  king- 
twice  to  Marietta  back  and  forth,  involved  dom  shall  be  preached  in  all  the  world,  for  a 
more  than  five  hundred  miles  of  travel  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then  shall  the 
through  a  new  country  in  the  winter  season,  end  come."  The  circumstances  of  this  ordi- 
one  need  not  wonder  that  he  "  had  much  con-  nation  in  the  Western  wilderness  were  quite 
cem  about  it,"  peculiar,  and  his  text  was  impressive. 

277 


278  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

Confession  of  Faith,  which  I  think  considerably  defective.     Am  under  poor 
circumstances  for  writing. 

8.  Finished  my  sermon  near  three  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Very  cold. 
Attended  the  ordination,  preached  from  Matt,  xxiv :  14.  The  people  suffered 
ver}-  much  with  the  cold,  the  house  being  quite  open.'  Some  parts  of  the 
exercises  ver}-  solemn.  I  never  spoke  with  so  great  embarrassment  from  the 
cold.  There  is  a  ver)'  happy  union  among  the  people.  Am  almost  sick  with 
fatigue  and  want  of  sleep. 

9.  The  ice  runs  considerably.  Mr.  Badger  and  Mr.  Potter  set  out  on 
their  return.     I  fear  they  will  have  a  severe  time.     Read  Addison's  works. 

10.  Severe  cold.  Read  considerably.  Read  newspapers.  Wrote.  Had 
company.  Bonaparte  appears  to  be  successful  against  the  Austrians.^  I  fear 
he  will  be  permitted  to  make  great  desolations. 

11.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Belpre,' by  request,  to  preach  with  them 
tomorrow.     Ground  very  hard  frozen. 

12.  They  have  here  a  convenient  log  meeting-house.  The  people  at- 
tended very  generally.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5  and  Acts  xxviii :  24. 
The  people  here  wish  to  hire  me  to  preach  with  them.  I  think  it  cannot  be 
consistent  with  my  engagements  and  duty. 

13.  It  rained  steadily  the  most  of  the  day.  Received  from  the  people  here 
five  dollars.*     Rode  to  Marietta.     Got  considerably  wet. 

14.  Wrote,  completing  my  last  year's  diary.  The  rivers  rise  ver}'  fast. 
Ver}'  difficult  crossing.     Walked  out. 

15.  Wrote  to  the  Missionary  Society.  Very  cold.  The  rivers  very  full  of 
running  ice.     Am  accommodated  here  with  great  kindness. 

16.  Wrote,  copying  my  late  ordination  sermon.  The  thermometer  was  at 
ten  above  zero.     Considerably  unwell  with  a  cold. 

17.  W^rote  on  my  sermon.  Visited  a  school,  very  well  instructed.  I  think 
the  weather  for  a  few  days  has  been  nearly  as  severe  as  any  last  winter. 

18.  Considerably  affected  with  a  cold.  Very  difficult  crossing  the  river. 
Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Belpre.  Very  hard,  rough  riding.  It  snowed 
some.     The  river  continues  to  be  very  full  of  running  ice. 

19.  Wet  and  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  30  and 
Rom.  xiv:  10.  People  quite  attentive.  They  appear  to  be  much  in  need  of 
sound  instruction. 

20.  Rode  to  Newberr}-'  and   preached   from  Matt,  x:   32.     Returned  to 


'  The  services  of  ordination  are  not  often  ^  This  refers  to  the  great  battle  of  Aus- 

compressed  into  less  time  than  two  hours,  or  lerlitz,  fought  Dec.  2,  1805. 

two  and  a  half,  and  to  sit  in  a  poorly  built  ^  As  before  stated,  about  twelve  or  fifteen 

house,  without  fire,  on  a  severely  cold  day,  miles  down  the  Ohio  River, 

for  that  length  of  time,  was  one  of  the  afilic-  ■*  The  price,  in  Ohio  as  in  New  England, 

tions  which  our  fathers  had  to  endure.     The  seems  to  have  been  generally  about  five  dol- 

ministers  taking  part  in  these  services  were  lars  for  a  Sabbath's  services. 

Rev.  Joseph  Badger,  Rev.  Thomas  Robbins,  ^  Newberry  (or  Newbury),  a  short  distance 

Rev.  Lyman  Potter,  Rev.  Stephen  Lindsley,  from    Marietta,  was   probably  a  part  of  the 

and  Rev.  Jacob  Lindsley.  township  of  Belpre,  and  not  a  town  by  itself. 


[8o6.] 


MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT. 


279 


Belpre.  Preached  in  the  evening  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  Though  the  evening 
was  quite  unpleasant  and  the  going  very  bad,  there  was  quite  a  full  and 
attentive    meeting. 

21.  Received  from  the  people  here  four  dollars  and  a  half.  Rode  to  Nog- 
glestown '  and  preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  Very  muddy  riding.  Rode  to 
Marietta.     Quite    tired. 

22.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Was  applied  to  for  a  copy  of  my 
sermon  preached  at  the  ordination  here  for  publication.  Had  an  application 
to  come  to  this  place  and  take  the  charge  of  an  academy,  with  a  pretty  large 
salary.  I  hope  for  divine  direction,  but  conclude  I  cannot  comply.^  Quite 
wet.  Roads  very  muddy.  At  evening  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  Tarried 
at  Gen.  Putnam's.^ 

23.  Rode  with  my  cousin  to  Salem.  Preached  to  a  few  people  from  Matt. 
X :  32.  The  people  here  are  very  stupid  and  loose,  and  greatly  in  want  of 
gospel  instruction. 

24.  Rode  down  to  Marietta.  Preached  in  an  out  neighborhood  from  John 
vi:  37.  Very  warm  and  pleasant  for  the  season.  Maple  sap  runs.  I  think 
I  have  preached  more  this  week  than  any  one  since  I  came  to  this  State.* 

25.  Very  warm.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Waterford  to  spend  the 
Sabbath  with  Mr.  Lindsley.  My  cousin  Hannah  very  sick  with  an  ague  in  the 
face.  Mr.  Lindley'  quite  disappointed  in  not  having  heard  of  my  coming. 
The  message  which  I  sent  failed.     The  frost  nearly  out  of  the  ground. 

26.  Preached  in  an  out  neighborhood  from  John  vi :  37.     Quite  few  peo- 


One  of  the  chief  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Belpre  was  Col.  Ebenezer  Battelle,  a  native 
of  Dedhani,  Mass.,  of  the  same  name  of  his 
father,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College  in 
1775.  He  was  from  the  same  Dedham  an- 
cestor (Thomas  Battelle)  as  the  Connecticut 
family  of  this  name.  In  a  previous  note  we 
have  spoken  of  the  different  ways  of  spelling 
and  pronouncing  this  family  name.  Eben- 
ezer Battelle  retained  the  ancient  spelling, 
but  pronounced  the  word  in  two  syllables  in- 
stead of  three,  as  was  the  custom  when  the 
family  first  came  over  and  settled  at  Dedham. 

'  Nogglestown  is  another  place  which  we 
cannot  identify. 

*  His  relations  with  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety were  such  that  it  might  have  seemed  a 
want  of  good  faith  if  he  had  turned  again  to 
teaching,  though  he  loved  the  business  of 
teaching,  and  was  very  successful  in  it. 

^  Gen.  Rufus  Putnam,  as  we  have  already 
suggested,  was  the  leading  man  of  this  colony. 
He  was  born  in  Sutton,  Mass.,  in  1738,  and 
was  at  that  time  sixty-eight  years  old. 

■*  He  had  preached  eight  times  in  six  days, 
last  past. 


*  In  this  entry  of  the  diary  this  name  is 
spelled,  as  will  be  seen,  in  two  different  ways. 
Dr.  Israel  W.  Andrews,  President  of  Mari- 
etta College,  in  his  historical  address  at  the 
National  Centennial,  1S76,  writes  the  name 
Stephen  Lindley.  He  was  the  pastor  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  had  only  very  re- 
cently come  there  at  the  time  of  Mr.  Rob- 
bins's  visit.  The  oldest  church  in  the  State 
of  Ohio  is  the  Congregational  church  at  Ma- 
rietta, which  was  organized  in  1796,  and  had 
for  its  first  pastor  Rev.  Daniel  Story,  a  native 
of  Boston,  born  in  1755.  The  Presbyterian 
church  at  Marietta  was  formed  some  years 
later,  and  its  first  pastor.  Rev.  Stephen  Lind- 
ley, began  his  labors  there  in  1804. 

Rev.  Manasseh  Cutler,  LL.  D.,  scientist 
and  minister  at  Hamilton,  Mass.,  did  very 
important  work  for  this  Ohio  company  in 
drawing  up  a  plan  for  a  territorial  govern- 
ment, which  was  then  a  new  thing.  His 
scheme  is  said  to  have  been  a  kind  of  model 
for  subsequent  territorial  governments.  It 
was  through  Dr.  Cutler's  agency  that  the 
services  of  Rev.  Mr.  Story  were  secured  as 
the  early  preacher  and  minister  at  Marietta. 


28o  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

pie.  There  was  a  misunderstanding  in  appointments.  Mr.  Lindsley  preaches 
on  the  Sabbath  at  three  different  places.  Returned  with  Mr.  Lindsley,  and 
preached  in  the  evening  to  a  good  number  of  people,  very  attentive,  from 
Matt,  xvii :  5.  The  people  here  sing  exceedingly  well.  Mostly  New  Eng- 
land people,  yet  Mr.  Lindsley's  church  is  Presbyterian.' 

27.  Rode  with  Mr.  Lindsley  to  an  out  neighborhood  and  preached  from 
Heb.  xi :  30.  There  appear  to  be  here  a  number  of  quite  serious  people. 
Visited. 

28.  Rode  to  Marietta  without  any  great  coat.  Pleasant  and  warm  as 
March.     Played  backgammon.     Mrs.  Oilman  still  quite  unwell. 

29.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  from  Esther 
iv  :   16.     But  few  people  attended. 

30.  Afternoon  attended  with  my  cousin  at  a  church  meeting.  They  appear 
to  be  very  well  united.  At  evening  attended  Mr.  Lindsley's  stated  evening 
meeting  and  preached  from  Luke  xvi :  9.  I  fear  my  cousin  may  have  some 
difficulty  with  the  Presbyterian  society  here. 

31.  Read  newspapers.  Am  very  earnestly  requested  to  come  and  take  the 
charge  of  the  academy^  in  this  town.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  printer 
"began  the  printing  of  my  sermon.  There  has  been  for  several  nights  past  no 
frost  at  all. 

February. 

1.  Wrote.  Rainy.  Afternoon  Mr.  Oilman's  fine  brig  sailed  down  the 
river  for  New  Orleans  and  Philadelphia.^  Yesterday  saw  a  large  cable  layed 
for  it  in  his  rope-walk.     The  river  quite  high. 

2.  Preached  from  Rom.  x  :  i  and  Acts  xvii:  31.  Sargeant,  a  sectarian 
imposter,  preached  in  town,  and  baptized  six  persons  in  the  name  of 
Christ  at  the  river.  I  fear  he  will  get  a  number  of  followers  here.  Wrote. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

3.  Quite  cold.  Wrote  considerably.  My  cousin  S.  P.  has  quite  con- 
venient accommodations  for  study,  and  appears  disposed  to  be  studious. 

4.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Inspected  a  proof-sheet.  Some 
people  here  alarmed  at  the  progress  of  Sargeant's  doctrines. 

5.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  preached 
from  Rom.  viii :  29.     But  few  people  attended. 


'  Already  under  the  Plan  of  Union  the  but  a  fuller  statement  will  be  in  place.  Ben- 
process  was  going  on  by  which  the  majority  jamin  Ives  Oilman  was  a  native  of  Exeter, 
of  Congregationalists  going  from  New  Eng-  N.  H.,  born  in  1765,  and  was  in  his  youth  ed- 
land  to  the  West  were  changed  into  Presby-  ucated  at  Exeter  Academy.  In  1789  he  went 
terians  when  they  passed  beyond  the  Hud-  with  his  parents  (Joseph  and  Rebecca  Gil- 
son  River.  man)   to   Marietta,   Ohio.      In   1790    he  re- 

*  This    was    the    Muskingum    Academy,  turned    to    New    England,    was    united    in 

which  was  organized  soon  after  the  beginning  marriage    with   Hannah    Chandler,   of    Ply- 

of  the  settlement.  mouth,  and  the  young  bride  and  bridegroom 

^  This  was  probably  its  first  voyage,  for  a  made  a  horseback  journey  through  the  plains 

few  weeks  before  it  was  in  process  of  build-  and    over  the    mountains,    occupying    from 

ing.     We  have  before  spoken  of  Mr.  Oilman,  twenty-five   to  thirty  days. 


l8o6.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  281 

6.  Rode  with  my  cousin  to  Salem'  and  preached  from  Rev.  xvi:  15. 
Rode  to  an  outer  neighborhood  in  Marietta,  and  preached  in  the  evening  from 
John  xviii :  37.     Very  cold.     People  attended  these  meetings  very  well. 

7.  Rode  into  town.  A  very  cold  rain.  Read  newspapers.  Bonaparte 
makes  rapid  strides  in  Germany.'     Wrote. 

8.  Finished  the  copy  of  my  sermon  for  the  printer.  A  very  hard  rain. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Belpre.^     Very  bad  riding. 

9.  Quite  cold.  Preached  from  John  vi :  37  and  Esther  iv :  16.  People 
quite  attentive.  They  have  heretofore  been  very  much  divided  in  their 
opinions.     At  evening  preached  again  from  John  xviii:  37.     Quite  tired. 

10.  Received  of  the  people  here  five  dollars  and  a  half.  Visited.  The 
people  here  met  and  requested  me  to  preach  with  them  as  much  as  I  can.  I 
have  agreed  to  supply  them  on  the  Sabbath  generally,  in  case  I  take  charge 
of  the  Academy  at  Marietta.  Expected  to  have  crossed  the  river  to  the  mouth 
of  the  little  Kanawha  *  to  preach,  but  the  ferriage  being  so  bad  1  did  not  dare 
to  attempt  it. 

11.  Rode  to  Marietta.  The  river  and  tributary  streams  very  high.  Was 
necessitated  to  ride  considerably  in  the  woods. 

12.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  with 
cousin  S.  P.  Expounded  upon  the  first  chapter  of  Matthew.  There  appear 
to  be  some  unpleasant  prejudices  here  between  the  two  societies.* 

13.  Visited.  Some  people  here  appear  to  be  considerably  alarmed  at  the 
progress  of  sectarian  Sargeant.  Was  applied  to,  to  answer  him  publicly,  but 
concluded  it  will  not  be  expedient. 

14.  Wrote.  Read  newspapers.  The  prospect  of  our  foreign  relations  with 
several  nations  is  pretty  embarrassing.  Bonaparte  assumes  a  dictatorial  tone 
towards  our  minister.^ 

15.  Afternoon  had  a  long  talk  with  Sargeant.  He  is  very  artful,  and 
appears  very  destitute  of  seriousness.  I  think  he  means  to  hold  his  system, 
comformable  to  circumstances.     A  thunder-shower. 

16.  Yesterday  my  cousin  rode  to  Belpre,  and  left  me  to  preach  for  them.. 
Preached  from  Ex.  xx  :  8  and  Num.  x:  29.  Full  and  very  attentive  meeting.. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

17.  Rainy.  Assisted  in  forming  a  plan  for  an  academical  school.  Yes- 
terday Mr.  Oilman  left  home  to  go  down  the  river  in  a  vessel  from  Pittsburgh.'" 
Walked  out  and  visited. 


'  Salem  was  made  a  town  in  1797.  ^  The   Presbyterian    and   the    Congrega- 

^  Bonaparte  established  the  kingdoms  of  tional  churches.    The  Congregational  church 

Bavaria  and  Wurtemberg  in  1805.  was  organized  here  in  1796,  and  the  Presby- 

^  Belpre  (a  French   name  meaning  beau-  terian  a  little  later, 
ful   meadow    or  field)  was  the  second  place  ^  Our   Minister  to^  France,  at   this   time,, 

settled  by  the  Ohio  Company.     Marietta,  Bel-  was  Hon.  John  Armstrong,  of  Pennsylvania,, 

pre,   and    Waterford   were    incorporated    as  appointed  to  the  place  by  Jefferson  in  1S04, 
towns  in  1790,  and  these  are  the  oldest  towns  ^  In  a  vessel  which  was  coming  down  the 

in  Ohio.  river   from  Pittsburgh.     By  the  windings  of 

*  This  would  have  taken  him  over  to  the  the  river  Marietta  is  more  than  one  hundred 

Virginia  side.  miles  below  Pittsburgh^ 


282  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806, 

18.  My  cousin  S.  P.  and  Hannah  gave  me  cloth  and  trimmings  for  a  coat, 
which  cost  about  fifteen  dollars.  Qui\e  uncomfortably  warm.  At  evening 
preached  extempore  from  John  vi :  44.     Preparing  for  my  journey. 

ig.  A  committee  of  the  Academy  here  called  on  me  with  their  application 
that  I  would  engage  as  an  instructor.  On  condition  that  my  parents  consent, 
I  have  given  encouragement  of  undertaking  next  fall.  Was  expecting  to  set 
out  on  my  journey,  but  my  company  was  not  ready.  Drank  tea  at  Col. 
Meigs's.'  At  evening  preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  My  sermon  at  cousin's  or- 
dination is  published,  and  pretty  well  executed. 

20.  Quite  rainy.  Left  Mr.  Oilman's  and  crossed  the  Muskingum.  The 
rain  re-commencing,  concluded  to  tarry  till  tomorrow.  ISIy  cousin  Jane  gave 
me  a  gold  ring.'^     Traded.     5.25. 

21.  Set  out  for  New  Connecticut.  The  people  here  promised  a  horse  for 
me  to  ride  to  Steubenville,  and  a  young  man  to  bring  it  back.  Rode  twenty- 
eight  miles.  The  water  rising  pretty  fast.  Very  bad  riding.  Some  trees  on 
the  bank  of  the  river  begin  to  appear  green. 

22.  The  creeks  and  guts  of  the  river  ver)^  high  and  difficult  to  be  crossed. 
Rode  twenty-five  miles.  Crossed  the  Ohio.  At  evening  preached  to  a  few 
people  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.     The  first  time  I  ever  preached  in  Virginia. 

23.  Rode  twenty-five  miles  to  Grave  Creek.  In  the  evening  preached  to 
a  good  number  of  people  from  Rom.  i:  16.  This  is,  I  believe,  the  first  time 
that  I  ever  traveled  on  a  journey  on  a  Sabbath.  Towards  night  the  riv^er 
began  to  fall.     Treated  with  much  kindness  on  the  road. 

24.  Rode  to  Steubenville.  Found  my  horse  in  very  good  order.  A  good 
many  boats  starting  down  the  river.     At  evening  wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P. 

25.  Visited  Mr.  Potter.  Paid  the  tavern  keeper  for  keeping  my  horse, 
since  I  went  down,  $13.50,  of  which  ten  were  given  me  at  Marietta  for  that 
purpose.  I  think  he  was  quite  reasonable  in  his  charge.^  Rode  on  my 
journey  to  Weirs.''     At  evening  wrote  considerably. 

26.  Rode  to  New  Lisbon.  At  evening  preached  from  Rom.  i :  16.  A 
good  number  of  people  attended.     The  ground  is  pretty  well  settled. 


'  This  was  Col.  Return  Jonathan  Meigs,  Mass.,  had  a  daughter,  Jane  Prince  Robbins, 

Senior  or  Junior.     The   first  was  a  Revolu-  born   in  1764,  who  in  1787  married  Francis 

tionar}'  soldier,  and  was  one  of  the  leaders  of  Le  Baron  Goodwin,  and  died   in   Maine   in 

the  Ohio  Company,  and  drew  up  the  system  1801.      It   would   seem,   therefore,   that   the 

of  regulations  for  the  guidance  of   the  Ma-  diary  meant  to  say  she  had  left  him  a  ring, 

rietta  colony,  which  was  posted  on  an   oak  which  probably  in  the  difficulty  of  transmis- 

tree  near   the   confluence   of  the    Ohio   and  sion  had  not  reached  him  till  then. 
Muskingum   Rivers.  ^  He  left  his  horse  there  on  the  2d  day  of 

Col.  Meigs,  Jr.,  was  made    Governor  of  January,  and  it  was  now  February  25,  nearly 

Ohio  in  1810.     He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  eight  weeks,  so  that  the  charge  was  less  than 

College  in  1785,  and  was  Senator  at  Wash-  twenty-five  cents  a  day,  which  was  certainly 

ington,  and  Judge  of  Supreme  Court  in  Ohio.  reasonable. 

The  Meigs  family  came   from    Middletown,  ■*  This  place  does  not  now  appear  on  the 

Ct.     Both   father  and   son   were   natives   of  list    of    Ohio   towns,   or   in   the    post   office 

that   town.  directory,  and  was  probably  some  temporary 

^  Dr.   Chandler    Robbins,    of    Plymouth,  designation. 


l8o6.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  283 

27.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Having  obtained  help  of  the  Lord,  I  have  now 
completed  a  journey  which  I  undertook  with  great  anxiety,  but  from  a  sense 
of  duty,  God  has  been  with  me  all  the  time,  and  has  given  me  the  greatest 
occasion  to  remember  his  unmerited  kindness  and  love.  In  the  morning  paid 
a  saddler  $2.50,  The  season  here  appears  more  backward  than  on  the  Ohio. 
Read  newspapers. 

28.  Wrote  considerably.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Cold  and  squalls  of  snow. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Several  people  here  are  sick. 

March. 

1.  Visited  families  all  day.  At  evening  had  a  little  conference  with 
church-members.'     It  appears  to  be  a  time  of  great  stupidity  here.     Very  cold. 

2.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  Had  a  pretty  full  meeting.  Preached 
from  Matt,  xviii :  3  and  Gen.  vi:  3.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  preached  in  the 
evening  from  Esther  iv  :  16. 

3.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  Boardman.  Visited  an  afflicted  family,  the 
man  in  a  dying  state  with  an  apoplexy.  At  evening  preached  from  John 
xi :  23.     While  I  was  preaching  in  the  same  room  he  expired.^ 

4.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  The  ground  quite  dry  for  the  season.  The 
streams  low.  Some  people  have  lately  arrived  here  with  families  from 
Connecticut. 

5.  Walked  out.  At  evening  preached  from  John  vi :  44.  The  people 
here  appear  quite  anxious  to  procure  a  preacher. 

6.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Preached  in  the  evening  from  John 
xviii :  37.  People  here  attend  meetings  well,  but  appear  pretty  unfeeling 
with  regard  to  the  great  interests  of   eternity. 

7.  Rode  to  Vienna.  It  snowed  considerably.  Very  bad  riding.  Preached 
in  Brookfield  from  John  vi :  44.     The  people  here  engaged  about  schooling. 

8.  Rode  to  Youngstown.  Preached  in  an  outer  part  of  the  town  from 
Matt,  xvii :  5.  Rode  about  seventeen  miles  before  preaching,  and  then 
preached  without  eating.  I  think  it  did  me  an  injury.  A  very  good  mill 
lately  built  here. 

g.  Rode  into  China  and  preached  from  John  vi :  37  and  Rom.  xiv  :  10. 
Very  cold.  Rode  to  Boardman  and  preached  in  the  evening,  where  the  man 
lately  died,  from  Esther  iv  :  16.  Several  quite  serious  people  here.  Had  full 
meetings. 

ID.  Rode  to  Stanford  and  preached  from  Matt,  x:  32.  Baptized  two  chil- 
dren. My  lungs  very  sore.  It  snowed  some.  Very  bad  riding.  Returned 
to  China. 

11.  Visited.  Hurt  my  horse  so  that  he  is  something  lame.  Rode  to 
Warren.     The  county  court  in  session  here. 

12.  Received  two  letters  from  the  Missionary  Society,  one  containing  a 
re-appointment  for  me  as  a  missionary.     Received  one  from  my  cousin  James 


*  He  is  still  at  Canfield,  where  he  came  ^  A  scene  like  this  would  not  be  likely  to 

on  the  27th  of  March.  transpire  except  in  a  new  country. 


284  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

with   an   Almanac,  and  one  from  cousin    S.  P.  at  -  Marietta.     Wrote   to    Dr. 
Strong,  of  Hartford. 

13.  Attended  the  court.  Litigation  increases  here  considerably.  This 
court  was  divided  into  two  at  the  late  session  of  the  Legislature.  Read  news- 
papers.    It  appears  that  Bonaparte  has  met  with  a  repulse  *  in  Germany. 

14.  Wrote  to  Aaron  Gates,'^  a  young  preacher  in  Hartland,  Ct.,  requesting 
him  to  come  into  this  county.  Rode  to  Bolton.'  Bad  riding.  Preached  in 
the  evening  to  four  persons.  The  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town. 
There  are  but  two  families  here  ;  came  from  Colebrook.*  Preached  from  Matt. 
X  :  32. 

15.  Rode  to  Nelson.  Troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  breast.  Preached  in 
an  out  neighborhood  from   Esther  iv :    i6.     Quite   cold. 

16.  Preached  from  Ex.  xx :  8  and  John  vi :  37,  The  people  here  gener- 
ally keep  meetings  on  the  Sabbath.     Some  are  very  loose  and  stupid. 

17.  Visited  families.  Attended  the  raising  of  a  log-house.  A  remarkably 
fine  season  for  making  sugar.     Prepared  this  Almanac. 

18.  Rode  out  and  visited.     Wrote.     Began  a  letter  to  my  mother. 

19.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  night  a  hard  rain  with  a  good  deal  of 
thunder.     People  here  of  different  religious  sentiments. 

20.  Rode  to  Mantua.'  The  streams  high.  My  pain  at  the  breast  is  such 
that  I  do  not  feel  it  to  be  duty  to  try  to  preach.     Read  the  Bible. 

21.  Very  cold  for  the  season.  Went  out  with  some  men  to  take  up  a  bee- 
tree.     A  great  deal  of  honey  has  been  taken  in  that  way  this  year. 

22.  Rode  out  and  visited  families.  Read  considerably.  Some  families 
lately  moved  into  this  town  from  New  England. 

23.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5  and  Rom.  xiv :  10.  Quite  winter 
weather.     Very  little  appearance  of  seriousness  here. 

24.  Rode  to  Aurora.^  The  ground  pretty  hard  frozen.  Am  trying  to  take 
the  number  of  families  in  the  county. 

25.  Read  newspapers.  I  fear  that  the  pain  at  my  breast  does  not  moder- 
ate much. 

26.  It  snowed  almost  all  day.  Rode  to  Hudson.'  The  riding  ver\-  bad. 
Tarried  at  Owen  Brown's,  formerly  from  Norfolk.     Read. 

27.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read  newspapers.  This  settlement  appears 
to  be  increasing  favorably. 

28.  Warm  spring  weather.     All  this  month  hitherto  has  been  cold.     My 


'  There  does  not  seem  to  have  been  any  at  East  Hartland.     He   died   in  Barkhamp- 

great  battle  between  the  French  and  allied  sted,  Ct.,  April  4,  1850. 
forces  about  this  time  to  justify  this  rumor.  ^  ^Ye  do  not  find  any  town  of  Bolton  now 

^  This  request  sent  to  Mr.  Gates  did  not  on  the  Western  Reserve,  but  it  was  probably 

prove  effectual.     Mr.  Gates  was  born  in  East  in  the  western  part  of  Trumbull  Count}-,  as 

Haddam,  Ct.,  Aug.  12,  1780,  was  graduated  Nelson,  which  seems  to  have  been    not  far 

at  Williams  College,  1804,  studied  theology  off,  is  the  northeast  town  of  Portage  County, 
with  Dr.  Joseph   Lathrop,  of  West   Spring-  *  Colebrook,  Litchfield  County,  Ct. 

field,  was  pastor  at  Montague,  Mass.,  1807-  '  Mantua  is  in  Portage  County. 

1827,  at  South  Church,  Amherst,  Mass.,  1S32-  *  Aurora  also  in  Portage  County. 

T835,  ^^'^  ""^^^  afterwards  settled  for  a  time  '  Hudson  is  in  Summit  County. 


l8o6.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  285 

great  coat  and  mittens  have  never  been  burdensome,  though  they  were  not 
needed  several  times  in  February.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Rev. 
xvi:   15. 

29.  Rode  out  and  visited  families.  Bad  riding.  Read.  The  Methodist 
influence  in  this  town  is  becoming  very  small. 

30.  Preached  from  Num.  X  :  29  and  Ps.  xiv :  i.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. There  were  twenty-two  communicants.  We  had  a  good  meeting. 
Baptized   four   children.     Wrote   church    records. 

31.  Quite  feeble.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Visited.  Rode  to  Stowe. 
Am  trying  to  take  the  number  of  families  in  the  county. 

April. 

1.  Rode  to  Northampton.'  This  settlement  new,  but  its  prospects  are 
very  good.  Afternoon  preached  from  Matt,  x  :  32.  The  first  sermon  ever 
preached  in  the  town.     Baptized  a  child. 

2.  Rode  to  Stowe.  Quite  cold.  Preached  from  Rom.  i:  16.  The  first 
sermon  ever  preached  in  the  town.  The  people  appear  very  careless  about 
serious  things.     Rode  to  Hudson.     Quite  feeble. 

3.  Rode  to  Rootstown.  The  settlements  in  this  quarter  increasing  con- 
siderably.    Several  mills  are  building. 

4.  Visited.  Some  very  good  families  here.  Rode  to  Palmyra.^  Quite 
warm  for  the  season.     The  pain  in  my  breast  quite  steady  and  pretty  hard. 

5.  Last  night  caught  cold.  Had  a  pretty  bad  lodging.  Rode  to  New- 
ton.    Wrote,  though  with  considerable  difficulty. 

6.  Preached  in  Mahoning,  the  first  sermon  in  the  town,  from  John  vi :  37 
and  Gen.  xvii :  12.  Very  tired.  Several  serious  people  here  may  probably 
soon  be  united  with  the  Warren  church.  Rainy.  This  settlement  increases 
much. 

7.  Rode  to  Warren.  At  night  much  distressed  with  pain  and  weakness. 
I  desire  to  leave  my  case  wholly  with  God,  who  has  always  remembered  me  in 
his  love. 

8.  Visited.  Played  a  little  at  ball.  People  appear  quite  unwilling  to 
have  me  leave  the  country ;  but  if  my  health  will  admit  I  think  I  must  soon. 
Received  an  excellent  letter  from  my  father,  one  from  my  brother  James,  and 
one  from  my  brother  Battell.^ 

9.  Received  of  Maj.  Perkins*  forty  dollars,  and  gave  him  an  order  on  the 


'  Northampton  is  in  Loraine  County.  sha  Hyde,  James  Johnston,  Samuel  Mather, 
^  Palmyra  is  in  Portage  County.  Jr.,  Ephraim  Kirby,  Solomon  Griswold,  Oli- 
^  Joseph  Battel!,  of  Norfolk,  Ct.  ver   Phelps,    William    Hart,    Henry    Cham- 
*  Major  Enoch  Perkins,  one  of  the  Con-  pion   2d,  Asher  Miller,  Robert  C.  Johnson, 
necticut  Land  Company.     The  original  num-  Ephraim  Root,  Nehemiah  Hubbard,  Jr.,  Solo- 
ber  of  persons  composing  this  Company  was  mon  Covvles,  Oliver  Phelps,  Asahel   Hatha- 
thirty-five  or  six,  who  gave  their  bonds   for  way,  John   Caldwell,  Timothy  Burr,  Luther 
different  sums,  the   total   making  the  whole  Loomis,  William  Lyman,  Moses  Cleaveland, 
purchase  money  $1,200,000.     These  original  Samuel  P.  Lord,  Roger  Newberry,  Ephraim 
names  were  Joseph  Howland,  Elias  Morgan,  Starr,  Sylvanus  Griswold,  Joseph    Stocking, 
Caleb   Atwater,   Daniel    Holbrook,    Joseph  Titus  Street,  James  Ball,  and    P.erpont  Ed- 
Williams,  William  Love,  William  Judd,  Eli-  wards. 


286 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[1806. 


Missionary  Society  of  sixty.     The  remainder  I  received  last  December.     Rode 
to  Canfield.     Quite  cold. 

ID.  Very  cold.  Considerable  snow.  Wrote.  I  think  the  pain  in  my 
breast  is  considerably  alarming.  Wrote  to  the  Missionary  Society.  Cold 
winter  weather. 

11.  Endeavored  to  employ  myself  with  trifles,  appearing  the  most  likely  to 
help  my  complaints.  People  are  moving.  I  fear  these  settlements  will  be 
injured  by  a  great  accession  of  Dutch  people. 

12.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Boardman.  Am  poorly  able  to  preach 
tomorrow.  If  I  never  preach  much  more,  I  hope  to  be  thankful  that  I  have 
been  allowed  to  try  to  labor  in  the  field  so  long.     Visited. 

13.  Preached  with  a  very  low  voice  and  short  exercises  from  Rev.  xvii :  14 
and  Rev.  xxii :  20,  first  part.  Towards  evening  performed  a  marriage.  Yes- 
terday Mr.  Fowler,'  of  Poland,  was  drowned  in  the  Big  Beaver.  Rode  to  Can- 
field.     Weather  moderates. 

14.  Rode  with  company  to  Hartford.  Am  obliged  to  ride  upon  a  walk. 
Military  companies  make  rather  an  indifferent  appearance. 

15.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Met  with  the  Ecclesiastical  Convention.^  No 
other  minister  was  present.  Did  considerable  business.  Finished  in  the 
evening.     Showery. 

16.  Quite  unwell  and  fatigued.  Hope  however  the  pain  at  my  breast  is 
not  quite  so  hard  as  it  has  been.  A  verj'  backward  season.  Grass  has  grown 
very  little,  and  I  have  seen  no  blossoms. 

17.  Bonaparte  appears  to  be  a  terror  of  nations.  The  people  here  building 
a  good  school-house. 

18.  Wrote  considerably.  Worked  some  abroad.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Pretty   good    riding. 

19.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Rode  out.  Warm,  though  the  season  very 
backward.     Read  the  Bible. 

20.  Attended  meeting.     So  unwell  that  I  concluded  not  to  "preach.     Have 


These  were  the  men  who  dealt  directly 
with  the  State  of  Connecticut,  and  became 
responsible  for  the  payment  of  the  $1,200,000. 
But  there  were  quite  a  number  of  other  men 
who  became  members  of  the  company,  and 
shared  in  the  benefits  of  the  purchase,  and  in 
the  payment  of  the  debt.  Some  of  these 
were  Daniel  L.  Coit  (who  probably  gave  the 
name  to  Coitsville),  Uriah  Tracy,  Elijah 
Boardman,  Uriel  Holmes,  Jr.,  Gideon  Gran- 
ger, Peleg  Sanford,  Ebenezer  King,  Jr.,  John 
Stoddard,  David  King,  Enoch  Perkins,  Jona- 
than Brace,  Joshua  Stowe  (who  probably 
gave  the  name  to  Stowe),  Aaron  Olmsted, 
and  John  Wyles.  There  were  eight  more 
whose  names  we  do  not  know,  making  the 
whole  number  of  the  members  of  the  Land 
Company,  after  the  enlargement,  fifty-seven. 


Since  writing  the  above  we  find  a  few 
names  more  that  seem  to  belong  in  this  same 
connection.  If  they  were  not  regular  mem- 
bers they  were  sub-members.  These  names 
are  John  Morgan,  Nathaniel  Shalon,  Samuel 
Fowler,  Samuel  P.  Lord,  Nathaniel  Gorham, 
Williams  Parks,  Joshua  Canfield  (who  prob- 
ably gave  the  name  to  the  town  of  Canfield), 
Caleb  Strong,  Samuel  Hinckley,  Elijah  Wads- 
worth,  Jeremiah  Wilcox,  and  Samuel  Park- 
man. 

'  Mr.  Jonathan  Fowler,  before  mentioned. 

^  This  was  the  convention  or  conference 
organized  the  year  before  in  connection  with 
Rev.  Messrs.  Badger  and  Bacon.  Though 
small  as  to  its  numbers  it  was  an  important 
organization  in  the  early  history  of  the  great 
State  of  Ohio. 


l8o6.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW    CONNECTICUT.  287 

not  missed  a  Sabbath  before  for  a  year  and  a  half.     Prayed,  gave  out  the 
psahns,  and  made  some  remarks  on  the  sermons  which  were  read. 

21.  Rode  and  visited  families.  I  think  riding  hurts  me  as  much  as  any- 
thing.    People  making  improvements  quite  fast. 

22.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Wrote  to  my  parents.  Walked  out.  Very  good 
fish  are  caught  in  the  streams  here. 

23.  Marked  and  appointed  a  place  for  setting  apple-trees  in  the  form  of 
circles.     Am  much  relieved  of  pain  in  my  breast. 

24.  I  am  apprehensive  that  my  complaints  arise  in  a  great  measure  from 
bilious  affections.  In  the  morning  a  very  hard  frost.  The  peach  blossoms 
are  just  out. 

25.  Wrote  considerably  on  the  records  of  churches.  Have  considerable  of 
that  kind  of  business  to  do.'     Walked  out  and  visited. 

26.  Writing  is  pretty  hard  for  me.  Rode  to  Johnston.  Visited.  The 
settlement   here    increasing   favorably. 

27.  Preached  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  17;  Rev.  xvi :  15.  After  meeting  quite 
unwell.     Scarcely  able  to  sit  up.     The  pain  in  my  breast  very  hard. 

28.  Visited  families.  But  just  able  to  walk  about.  A  prospect  of  a  ver}' 
good  settlement  here.  I  hope  the  way  may  be  open  for  the  settlement  of  a 
minister  in  this  vicinity  shortly. 

29.  Am  some  better.  Rode  to  Smithfield.  Received  a  letter  from  G.  W. 
Hawley,  of  Morgan.     Quite  cool. 

30.  Quite  sick.  It  appears  like  a  beginning  of  a  bilious  fever.  My  ves- 
sels appear  to  be  much  pressed.     Sent  for  a  physician. 

May. 

1.  Have  considerable  fever.  Am  very  feeble,  and  can  eat  nothing.  It  is 
a  peculiar  favor  for  me  that  I  am  here.^ 

2.  Kept  the  house  entirely.  Have  the  best  attendants.  Sent  and  bought 
wine. 

3.  Hope  I  am  some  better.  Rode  out  a  little  way.  I  think  it  my  duty  to 
set  out  for  home  as  soon  as  f  can  conveniently. 

4.  Attended  meeting.  Prayed  three  times,  gave  the  psalms,  and  made 
remarks  on  the  sermons  which  were  read.  Very  warm.  Towards  evening 
performed  a  marriage. 

5.  Think  I  am  getting  better.  Fires  broke  out  with  violence.  Was 
out  among  them  considerably.^  Got  very  much  worried.  Attended  a  militar}- 
muster.     Prayed  with  the  company.     They  appear  very  well. 

6.  The  air  very  full  of  smoke.  Fires  run  with  great  violence.  Wrote  rec- 
ords for  the  Ecclesiastical  Convention.  I  think  so  much  writing  is  injurious 
to  me,  but  I  cannot  well  avoid  it. 

7.  Rainy.     Played  ball  some.     Wrote.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

8.  Last  night  there  was  a  ball  near  here,  and  two  young  women,  members 


'  Ever  since  he  was  at  Marlborough,  Ct.,  '^  That  is,  with  some  family  in  Smithfield, 

in  1798,  he  had  had  more  or  less  of  this  work  ^  He  has  singular  ways  of  spending  his 

to  do.     He  was  naturally  of  an  exact,  syste-  time  during  convalescence.     One  day  he   is 

matic,  clerkly  nature.  sick,  and  the  next  he  is  fighting  fever. 


288  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

of  the  church,  attended  and  danced.'     Visited  them.     One  appears  ver)^  hum- 
ble, the  other  very  hardened. 

9.  I  trust  my  health  is  mending  considerably.  Wrote  a  long  letter  to 
Mrs.  Hamilton,  of  Austinburgh,  respecting  her  leaving  her  husband.  Rode 
out  and  visited.     Waters  verj-  high. 

10.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Mills  Case,  of  Austinburgh.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Had  a  new  coat  made. 

11.  Had  a  very  full  and  solemn  meeting.  Preached  from  Rom.  x  :  20  and 
Rev.  xxii :  20.  One  young  woman  made  a  public  confession  for  joining  in 
the  ball.  Spoke  largely  upon  the  subject.  Received  two  persons  into  the 
church.  Baptized  a  child.  Very  tired,  but  was  carried  through  the  day  much 
better  than  I  feared. 

12.  Wrote  an  address  to  the  Missionary  Society  for  the  people  here. 
Rode  to  Kinsman.  Visited.  Exchanged  horses  with  Gen.  Smith.  Gave  him 
twenty-five  dollars. 

13.  Visited  families.  People  appear  very  reluctant  at  my  leaving  them. 
I  feel  disagreeably  and  anxious  for  them.  Took  a  public  leave  of  them  last 
Sabbath. 

14.  Wrote  to  G.  W.  Hawley  and  John  Andrews.  Had  some  clothes  made. 
Rode  out.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  At  evening  preached  from  John  xvi : 
13,  first  clause.     Baptized  a  child. 

15.  Took  an  affectionate  leave  of  friends,  and  set  out  on  my  journey. 
May  the  Lord  God  of  heaven  carry  me  safely  to  my  father's  house.  Rode  to 
Vienna. 

16.  Rode  to  Warren.  Bad  riding.  Am  quite  feeble  for  traveling.  Re- 
ceived of  Maj.  Perkins  forty  dollars,  and  gave  him  an  order  on  the  Missionar)- 
Society.     People  appear  sufficiently  unwilling  to  have  me  leave  them. 

17.  Rode  to  Canfield.  Quite  warm.  Have  considerable  pain  at  my 
breast.     Visited. 

18.  Preached  from  Acts- viii :  8  and  Zech.  ix  :  12.  Baptized  two  children. 
At  even  read  the  newspapers.  I  am  considerably  encouraged  with  society 
prospects  in  this  place. 

19.  Wrote  to  my  father,  to  Esq.  Smith,  and  Dr.  Wright,  of  Smithfield. 
Rainy.     Am  quite  too  feeble  to  pursue  my  journey.     Visited. 

20.  Visited  families.  It  is  pretty  tr\-ing  to  leave  faithful  friends.  Rode  to 
Boardman.     Rainy.     Concluded  to  tarr)^  here  till  tomorrow. 

21.  Quite  feeble  and  sick.  Left  New  Connecticut.  Rode  to  Beers.  How 
many  and  rich  are  the  mercies  I  have  received  from  God  since  I  first  entered 
that  district  Nov.  24th,  1803. 

22.  Met  with  much  kindness.  Rode  through  Beaver  to  Knox's.  A  Dutch 
ferryman  at  the  Beaver  would  take  no  pay  as  I  was  a  preacher.  Quite  warm. 
Met  some  Jersey  families  moving  to  New  Connecticut. 

23.  Rode  to  Pittsburgh.  Rode  entirely  upon  a  walk.  My  horse  is  ex- 
ceedingly good.     Tarried  with  my  old  friend  Col.  Perr}-. 


'  Balls  seem  to  be  a  worse  institution,  or       they  were  then  reckoned  to  be  in  Xew  Eng- 
at  least  with  a  worse  reputation,  in  Ohio  than       land. 


l8o6.]  MISSIONARY    IN    NEW   CONNECTICUT.  2B<) 

24.  Concluded  to  go  to  the  Forks  of  Yough  to  see  my  friends  there  ;  but 
hearing  of  a  sacrament  at  Peter's  Creek  concluded  to  go  and  attend  it.  Very 
kindly  received  by  Mr.  Woods. 

25.  Attended  the  sacramental  occasion.  There  were  nearly  a  thousand 
people.  About  two  hundred  communicants.  I  administered  at  the  first  and 
the  fourth  tables.  The  season  was  comfortable,  but  no  special  work  of  grace 
appears.     There  was  no  sermon  after  the  ordinance. 

26.  Attended  meeting.  Very  full.  Preached  from  Rom,  i :  16  with  great 
freedom,  to  an  audience  very  attentive.     Rode  a  few  miles. 

27.  Quite  unwell.  My  late  fatigue  almost  too  much.  Am  in  a  very  kind 
family.  Concluded  to  stay  till  tomorrow.  Had  some  clothes  washed.  Wrote. 
Very  warm  for  the  season. 

28.  Rode  to  the  Forks  of  Yough.  Crossed  Monongahela.  Much  op- 
pressed with  the  heat.  Find  many  friends.  It  is  nearly  two  years  since  I  was 
here.     A  very  great  prospect  of  crops  of  fruit. 

29.  Visited,  Mr.  Wiley  has  been  settled  in  the  ministry  here  since  I  was 
here.     Afternoon  preached  to  a  small  serious  meeting  from  Rev.  xvi :  15. 

30.  Rainy.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Chapin,'  ex- 
pected as  a  missionary  to  New  Connecticut. 

31.  Set  out  on  my  journey.  Crossed  the  Yohoghany.  Rode  to  the  foot 
of  the  Chestnut  Ridge,  the  first  of  the  mountains.     Very  warm. 

June. 

1.  Concluded  not  to  travel  today.  There  being  no  meeting  near  re- 
mained all  day  at  the  tavern.  Read  several  of  Paul's  Epistles.  Wrote.  The 
pain  in  my  breast  considerably  severe.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  R.  at 
Marietta. 

2.  Rode  on  my  journey.  Crossed  Chestnut  Ridge  and  Laurel  Hill.* 
Met  many  moving  families,  mostly  from  Jersey. 

3.  Tarried  last  night  at  Somerset.'  Quite  cool.  Crossed  the  Alleghany 
Mountain."  Met  Mr.  Chapin'  going  as  a  missionary  to  New  Connecticut.  I 
ride  wholly  on  the  walk.     Somfe  magnificent  prospects  on  the  mountains. 

4.  Passed  through  Bedford.^  Bought  me  an  umbrella  for  four  dollars. 
Met  a  good  many  road-wagons.  There  appears  to  be  but  a  little  .grain  grow- 
ing on  the  mountains. 

5.  Crossed  Sideling  Hill,  and  the  North  Mountain,  the  Conecocheague 


'  Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  D.  D.,  the  life-long  counties   in   Pennsylvania,   bounded  on    the 

pastor,  1794-1851,  at  Rocky  Hill,   Ct.,   cor-  south  by  Virginia. 

porate  member   of   Yale.      His   mission   to  *  This  is  the  highest  ride  in  this  land  of 

Ohio  was  like  that  of  Mr.  Robbing's  father  to  mountains. 

Central  New  York,  a  Connecticut  pastor  on  ^  It    may   be   that    Rev.   Calvin   Chapin, 

a  preaching  and  surveying  tour  through  the  already  spoken  of  as  commissioned  for  this 

new  settlements.  service,  met  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  by  some  pre- 

^  These   are   the  western    ridges    pf  the  vious    arrangement,   or  it    may   have    been 

Alleghany  Mountains.  accidental. 

3  Somerset  is  the  shire  town  of  Somerset  *  Bedford  is  the  shire   town   of   Bedford 

County,  and  this  is  in  the  southern  tier  of  County  adjoining  Somerset 


290  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOiMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

Valley.     I  desire  to  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God  who  has  once  more 
brought  me  to  this  side  of  the  mountains.     I  think  my  health  grows  better. 

6.  Very  warm.  Rode  through  Chambersburgh,'  a  flourishing  town. 
Ride    in   the    sun    vvith   my   umbrella. 

7.  Rode  to  within  three  miles  of  York.^  I  have  traveled  this  week  one 
hundred  and  sixty-six  miles,  and  walked  my  horse  all  the  way.^  I  think  this 
is  not  so  fine  a  country  as  on  the  Carlisle  road.  The  heat  veiy  oppressive. 
Eat  green  peas. 

8.  .  Rode  into  York."*  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
German  Lutherans.  All  the  exercises  were  in  Dutch.  Afternoon  preached 
in  the  English  meeting-house  from  Rom.  i :  i6.  Am  treated  with  much 
politeness. 

9.  \\'rote.  Wrote  to  my  father.  This  day  is  a  fair  in  this  town.  A  great 
collection  of  people.  Highly  entertaining  to  a  stranger.  German  habits  are 
on  many  accounts  agreeable.  A  great  degree  of  good  humor  and  tolerable 
temperance  prevails.  Wrote  to  Gen.  Smith,  New  Connecticut.  Visited. 
Formed   some    agreeable    acquaintance. 

10.  Rode  on  my  journey.  Crossed  the  Susquehannah,  and  came  to  Lan- 
caster.^ Very  hot.  The  Susquehannah  at  Columbia  a  mile  and  a  quarter  in 
width.     A  turnpike  road  is  made  from  there  to  Philadelphia  of  stone. 

11.  Ver}^  hard  riding  on  the  turnj^ike.  Lancaster  appears  to  be  a  rich 
town.  Crossed  some  very  fine  stone  bridges.  Arches  of  thirty  and  forty  feet. 
The  one  over  the  Conestoga  is  very  fine.  Continue  to  ride  almost  wholly 
upon  a  walk.     Eat  cherries. 

12.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  with  Mr.  J.  D.  Perkins,*  now  a  preacher. 
Rode  a  few  miles.     This  a  very  fertile  and  finely  cultivated  countr}-. 

13.  Rode  to  Philadelphia.^  The  bridge  over  the  Schuylkill  exceeds  any- 
thing of  the  kind  in  America.  Three  arches,  the  middle  one  one  hundred  and 
eighty  feet.  Most  elegantly  covered.  The  cost  nearly  $300,000.  This  city 
exceedingly  defective  in  turrets  and  spires.  The  water-works  very  useful 
and  magnificent. 

14.  Last  night  quite  sick.     Find  friends  very  kind  and  agreeable. 

15.  In  the  forenoon  heard  Mr.  Janeway^  preach.  Afternoon  with  some 
difficulty  preached  for  him  from  Rom.  i :  16.  Towards  evening  heard  Mr. 
Hay,'  an  English  Independent,  lately  settled  here.  Find  some  apparently 
very  serious  people. 


'  Chambersburgh,  the  shire  town  of  Frank-  minister,  was  a  native  of  Plainfield,  Ct.,  the 

lin  County.     He  still  holds  his  course  through  same   town  where   Dr.  Perkins,  of  metallic 

the  southern  tier  of  counties.  tractors  memory,  resided.     He   was    gradu- 

'  This    day's    journey    took    him    across  ated  at  Yale  College  in  1791. 
Adams   County   into    York.      York   County  '  Across  Chester  and  Delaware  Counties, 

also  bounds  south  on  Virginia.  *  Rev.  Jacob  J.  Janeway,  D.  D.     He   re- 

3  Between    twenty-eight   and   twenty-nine  ceived  his  degree  of  D.  D.  from  Middlebury 

miles   a  day.  College,  Vt.,  in  1S14. 

*  York  is  the  shire  town  of  York  County.  '  P;-obably  Rev.  James  Hay,  D.  D.,  a  na- 

5  The   shire   town   of   Lancaster  County.  tive   of   Scotland.     His   title   of   D.  D.   was 

This  also  touches  Virginia  on  the  south.  conferred   upon   hiiu  by   Miami   College   in 

^  Rev.  John   D.  Perkins,  a   Presbyterian  183$, 


i8o6.] 


GOING    HOME    FROM    NEW   CONNECTICUT. 


291 


16.  In  the  forenoon  attended  to  the  eclipse  of  the  sun.  It  was  nearly 
total.  The  sky  very  clear.  One  star  was  very  visible.  Dined  with  Mr. 
Greenleaf.  Viewed  Beale's  Museum.  Visited  several  respectable  families 
by  invitation.  Walked  on  the  wharves.  The  business  here  does  not  appear 
to  equal  New  York.     The  banks  very  elegant  and  notable  buildings. 

17.  Bought  a  ticket  in  Smithfield  and  Russelton  turnpike  lottery,'  Number 
30,061,  and  have  in  my  own  determination,  given  its  avails,  if  any,  to  a  friend. 
Price  $6.50.  Left  Philadelphia.  Roads  very  dry  and  dusty.  Rode  to 
Bristol.^     My  horse  something   lame. 

18.  Very  hot  weather.  Rode  in  New  Jersey  for  the  first  time.  Rode 
through  Trenton  and  Princeton.^  The  bridge'*  at  Trenton  on  many  accounts 
the  best  in  the  United  States.  The  piers  and  abutments  are  of  hewn  stone, 
five  arches,  three  of  two  hundred  feet  each.  Length  within  the  abutments 
one  thousand  and  sixty-two  feet.  Cost  $150,000.  It  appears  like  durability. 
Viewed  Princeton  College.^  About  one  hundred  and  eighty  students.  To- 
wards evening  stopped  with  rain. 

19.  Jersey  very  level.  Saw  and  conversed  considerably  with  the  French 
ambassador.^  Quite  cool.  Rode  thirty-three  miles,  the  furthest  that  I  have 
any  day  on  my  journey.  Tarried  at  Newark.  This  State  is  pleasant,  but  not 
so  fertile  as  Pennsylvania. 

20.  Made  a  visit  to  Mr.  Griffin.^  Saw  the  Tunisian  ambassador.*  Rode 
to  New  York.  Am  rejoiced  to  be  again  east  of  the  Hudson.  Came  to  Mrs. 
Watson's.'  Kindly  received.  Mr.  Watson  died  after  a  long,  severe  illness, 
May  15th.  Walked  out.  This  city  has  much  increased  since  I  was  here  five 
years  ago. 

21.  Visited  Dr.  Rodgers.'°     Walked  to  the  State  Prison  on  an  alarm  of  fire. 


'  The  sentiment  then  about  lotteries  very 
different  than  at  present. 

-  Bristol  is  in  Bucks  County,  Penn. 

3  Trenton  and  Princeton,  both  in  Mercer 
County,  New  Jersey. 

*  Across  the  Delaware  River. 

5  This  college  planted  at  Elizabethtown, 
N.  J.,  in  1746,  was  removed  to  Newark  in 
1748,  and  in  1757  to  its  permanent  home  in 
Princeton.  It  had  distinguished  men  for  its 
early  presidents,  but  their  terms  of  office 
were  short:  Rev.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  1746- 
1747;  Rev.  Aaron  Burr,  1748-1757 ;  Rev. 
Jonathan  Edwards,  1757-1758;  Rev.  Samuel 
Davies,  17  59-1 761.  At  the  time  of  Mr.  Rob- 
bins's  visit  the  president  was  Samuel  Stan- 
hope Smith,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  1795-1S12. 

''  The  French  ambassador  at  that  time, 
was  Gen.  Terreau,  envoy  extraordinary. 

'  This  was  the  same  George  Griffin,  grad- 
uate of  Yale,  1797,  whom  Mr.  Robbins  found 
at  Wilkesbarre,  Penn  ,  on  his  journey  out  to 
Ohio.     He  married  the  daughter  of  Col.  Zeb- 


ulon  Butler,  while  he  lived  at  Wilkesbarre, 
and  in  1806  removed  to  New  York,  where  he 
became  very  eminent  as  a  lawyer. 

^  The  ambassador  from  Tunis  had  re- 
cently arrived  in  this  country  on  a  special 
errand.  Our  vessels  at  that  time  had  been 
blockading  Tripoli,  and  a  Tunisian  cruiser, 
with  two  prizes  in  tow,  undertook  to  run  into 
the  port  of  Tripoli  in  spite  of  the  blockade, 
and  was  captured.  In  a  special  message  by 
President  Jefferson  to  Congress,  April  14, 
1806,  he  says  :  "  The  Bey  (of  Tunis)  preferred 
explaining  himself  by  an  ambassador  to  the 
United  States,  who,  on  his  arrival,  renewed 
the  request  that  the  vessels  and  prizes  should 
be  restored.  It  was  deemed  proper  to  give 
this  proof  of  friendship  (viz.,  that  of  returning 
the  vessels)  to  the  Bey  and  the  ambassador." 

9  Widow  of  Mr.  James  Watson,  noticed 
frequently  in  the  early  years  of  the  diary. 

'°  Rev.  John  Rodgers,  D.  D.,  of  the  Wall 
Street  Church,  the  oldest  Presbyterian  church 
in  New  York. 


292 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1806. 


A  very  exj^ensive  city  hall  building.     Wrote.     Quite  cool   to  what  we  have 
had.     Have  a  good  many  acquaintances  here. 

22.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  from  Rom.  i:  16  for  Dr.  Rodgers.  Found 
my  cousin  Henry  Starr.'  I  believe  the  ministers  are  quite  serious  preachers. 
A  vast  number  of  people  on  the  public  walk. 

23.  Visited  some  acquaintance.  Saw  a  most  extraordinary  edition  of 
Hume's  History.  Dined  with  Mr.  Hopkins.  Excessive  hot.  It  seems  impos- 
sible that  people  can  long  continue  healthy.  Visited  Mr.  Trumbull.^  Saw 
his  paintings.  Excepting  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  the  greatest  curiosity  I  have 
ever  seen.     Visited  Eben  Watson.^ 

24.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Maj.  Perkins,'*  of  New  Connecticut.  Wrote  to  my 
cousin  Mr.  Oilman.  Towards  night  left  New  York.  Rode  eleven  miles. 
The  country  here  has  suffered  considerably  from  a  drought.  Am  obliged  to 
ride  my  usual  gait,  on  a  walk. 

25.  Very  warm.  Am  much  rejoiced,  and  I  pray  for  thankfulness  that  I 
am  once  more  in  my  dear  native  State.  Called  on  Dr.  Lewis.^  Rode  to 
Canaan  to  Mrs.  Mitchell's.  Mr.  Mitchell^  died  suddenly  last  fall.  Find 
much   kindness. 

26.  Rode  to  Ridgefield  and  to  Danbury.  Meet  a  very  cordial  welcome 
from  old  friends.  I  think  I  have  much  better  health,  in  the  mercy  of  God, 
than  when  I  set  out  on  my  journey. 

27.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Many  heads  of  families  have  died  here  since 
I  lived  in  this  town.  Got  acquainted  with  Rev.  Mr.  Ward.'  An  agreeable 
man.     This  town  appears  to  increase  in  numbers  and  wealth. 

28.  Visited  all  day.  A  very  great  alteration  in  the  religious  character  of 
the  people  here  in  a  few  years.  Now  the  most  of  the  best  families  are  serious 
people.     Have  to  answer  very  many  inquiries  respecting  the  western  country. 

29.  Preached  for  Mr.  Ward  all  day,  from  Num.  x:  29  and  Luke  xv.  17. 


'  Henry  Starr,  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Starr, 
of  Warren,  Ct.  This  cousin  was  graduated 
at  'Williams  College,  1804.  He  first  began 
to  study  theology  under  President  Dwight, 
but  soon  turned  to  the  law,  studying  in  the 
Law  School  at  Litchfield,  Ct.  He  afterwards 
established  himself  in  his  profession  at  Cin- 
cinnati, and  was  a  lawyer  of  some  prominence. 

*  Col.  John  Trumbull,  the  painter,  son  of 
Gov.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  of  Lebanon,  Ct., 
graduate  of  Harvard  College  in  1773,  born 
1756,  died  in  New  Haven,  1843,  '^'^  ^^e  age 
of  eighty-seven. 

^  This  is  the  E.  Watson  with  whom  Mr. 
Robbins  has  been  in  the  habit  of  correspond- 
ing, perhaps  a  nephew  of  Hon.  James  Wat- 
son. 

*  Maj.  Enoch  Perkins. 

'  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  D.  D.,  of  Greenwich, 
Ct.,  who  died  in  1840,  seventy-five  years  after 
his  graduation  at  Yale  College. 


^  Rev.  Justus  Mitchell,  not  of  the  town  of 
Canaan,  Ct.,  but  of  the  Canaan  Parish  in 
Norwalk,  now  known  as  the  town  of  New 
Canaan.  Mr.  Robbins  either  misunderstood 
Mrs.  Mitchell  in  her  statement  as  to  the  time 
of  her  husband's  death,  or  else  he  made  a 
slip  of  his  ]3en  in  writing.  In  the  Yale  Tri- 
ennial and  in  the  contributions  to  Ecclesiasti- 
cal Histoiy  of  Connecticut  his  death  stands  as- 
signed to  1806.  Writing  to  Franklin  B.  Dex- 
ter, A.  M.,  of  the  Yale  College  Library,  of 
this  discrepancy,  he  shows  that  Mr.  Mitchell 
died  Feb.  25,  1806.  Mr.  Robbins  meant  to 
say  probably,  "last  winter"  instead  of  "last 
fall."  Dr.  Robbins  had  a  reputation  for  ac- 
curacy, but  the  best  sometimes  make  mis- 
takes. 

^  Rev.  Israel  Ward  was  the  successor  to 
Rev.  Timothy  Langdon.  He  was  settled  in 
Danbury,  May,  1S03,  and  continued  till  his 
death  in  1810. 


l8o6.]  AT    HOME   AGAIN    IN    NORFOLK,    CT.  293 

People  very  attentive  and  serious.  Towards  night  attended  a  conference  in 
which  I  gave  something  of  a  narrative  of  my  mission,  and  considerable 
account  of  the  revival  of  religion  in  the  western  country.     Very  tired. 

30.  Rainy.  Visited.  Concluded  to  tarry  till  tomorrow.  Some  of  my  best 
friends  here,  unfortunately,  are  out  of  town.  Tarried  at  Mrs.  Starr's  now  a 
widow.  The  caterpillar  makes  some  ravages  in  this  vicinity.  The  late  eclipse 
of  the  sun  is  a  subject  of  much  conversation  wherever  I  go. 

July. 

1.  Were  it  not  for  my  anxieiy  to  get  home,  I  could  hardly  get  away  from 
here  without  a  much  longer  visit.  Rode  to  New  Milford  in  the  afternoon. 
They  have  a  toll-bridge  here  across  the  Housatonic.  Kindly  entertained  at 
Mr.  Canfield's.'     The  religious  state  of  this  town  is  very  bad. 

2.  Rode  to  Warren.'^  All  my  friends  appear  to  have  had  much  anxiety 
for  me  on  account  of  my  poor  health.  Had  company  through  the  afternoon 
and  evening. 

3.  In  the  morning  considerably  detained.  Rode  to  Litchfield.  Could 
not  conveniently  get  home.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Allen.  He  appears  quite 
serious.     The  sight  and  company  of  former  friends  gives  me  many  emotions. 

4.  Mr.  Allen  ^  gave  me  some  information  which  affected  my  feelings  con- 
siderably. Rode  to  Norfolk.'*  Arrived  safely  at  my  father's  house.  Had  a 
most  kind  and  affectionate  meeting  with  my  parents  and  family.  Thus  has  it 
pleased  God  to  keep  and  preserve  me  through  many  trying  scenes  in  my  long 
absence,  since  Aug,  25,  1803,  and  now  to  bring  me  home.  I  hope  it  has 
pleased  God  to  use  me  in  some  degree  as  an  instrument  of  good.  My  health 
is  very  much  injured,  and  I  fear  that  my  constitution  is  impaired.  Towards 
evening  drank  tea  with  a  number  of  people  as  a  celebration  of  Independence, 
People  generally  appear  gratified  to  see  me, 

5.  Wrote.  I  fear  my  horse  has  a  lameness  which  will  be  substantially 
injurious.     The  vegetation  suffers  very  much  with  a  drought, 

6.  My  father  preached  in  the  forenoon  and  administered  the  sacrament. 
My  brother  Ammi  came  and  attended  with  us.  Afternoon  preached  from 
Luke  XV  :  17,  People  appear  serious  under  preaching,  but  it  is  a  very  stupid 
time. 


'  Probably  of  the  kindred  of  Mr,  Judson  making  an  enumeration   of  families   on   the 

Canfield,  from  whom  the  town  of  Canfield  on  Reserve.     In  a  letter  from  him,  published  in 

the  Connecticut  Reserve  is  now  named.  1806,  in  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Magazine, 

^  Where  his  Uncle  Starr's  family  lived.  we  have  the  result  of   his   investigations  as 

^  John  Allen,  Esq.,  native  of  Great  Bar-  follows:  In  January,  1804,  there  were  not  far 

rington,  Mass.,  settled  as  a  lawyer  in  Litch-  from  four  hundred  families  in  the  eight  coun- 

field  in  1785,  and  was  an  able  lawyer.     He  ties  on  the  Reserve.     In   1805    the  families 

was  a  man  of  strong  mind  and  of  gigantic  had    increased   to   eleven   hundred,   and    of 

bodily  proportions,  being   six   and   one  half  these  four  hundred  and  fifty  were  from  New 

feet  high.     He  received  a  degree   of   A.  M.  England.      There   were   in   that    same   year 

from  Yale  in  1791.     He  died  in  1812.  twenty-four     schools     in     operation,     sev<'n 

*  Several   times,  it  will   be   remembered,  churches  organized,  and  twenty  places  where 

there  were  entries   in   the   diary  during  Mr.  preaching   was    steadily   maintained.     From 

Robbins's  stay  in  Ohio,  saying  that  he  was  that  time  on  the  growth  was  rapid. 


294  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

7.  On  the  fifth  arranged  and  secured  several  volumes  of  newspapers. 
Wrote  to  M.  L.  C.  Feel  a  little  embarrassed,  but  hope  not  to  receive  any 
special  wound  in  my  feelings.'  Walked  out.  The  inhabitants  in  this  town 
change  considerably. 

8.  Wrote  to  Mr.  J.  xA.llen,  Litchfield.  Looking  over  my  papers  and  things. 
They  have  been  well  kept  since  I  have  been  gone.  My  sister  S.^  settled  very 
agreeably. 

9.  Quite  feeble.  Read  newspapers.  There  appears  to  have  been  but 
little  notice  paid  to  Independence  in  this  State. 

10.  Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Hamilton,  New  Connecticut.  Afternoon 
preached  from  Isa.  xliii :  13.  Endeavored  to  give  an  historical  sketch  of  rny 
mission  and  of  the  state  of  society  in  the  western  country.  Spoke  an  hour  and 
a  half.     Mr.  Bassett/  of  Winchester,  here.     Likely  to  be  dismissed. 

11.  Wrote  on  a  letter  to  the  Missionary  Society,  began  the  5th  inst. 
Worked  some  raking  hay.  Walked  out  and  visited  neighbors.  I  fear  Mrs. 
Akins  is  sinking  in  a  consumption. 

12.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  People  generally  beginning  their  haying. 
Cool  for  the  season.     My  breast  very  feeble. 

13.  Attended  meeting.  My  father  preached.  It  seems  a  little  singular  to 
spend  the  Sabbath  in  this  way,  but  I  think  it  is  best  and  necessary  for  me. 
After  meeting  attended  a  funeral  of  a  black  child.  My  father  preaches  very 
much  as  he  used  to. 

14.  Wrote.  Had  company.  Worked  in  the  hay.  Visited  neighbors.  A 
great  supply  of  cherries.  The  drought  very  oppressive  and  very  extensive.  I 
am  persuaded  I  never  saw  so  dry  a  time  in  this  town. 

15.  Finished  my  letter  to  the  Missionary  Society.  Wrote  to  my  brother 
James,*  at  Williamstown.     Am  almost  too  feeble  to  write. 

16.  Very  warm.  West  Simsbury,  lately  made  a  town,  called  Canton. 
Tarried  w-ith  Mr.  Hallock.^  Called  on  my  brother  x\mmi,  in  Colebrook ; 
moved  since  I  have  been  gone.^ 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Am  still  obliged  to  ride  very  slow.  Towards  even- 
ing a  gentle  and  very  refreshing  shower. 

18.  It  appears  that  unkind  persons  have  sent  evil  reports  about  me  to  the 
Missionary  Society ;  but  they  did  not  receive  so  much  credit  as  to  do  me  any 
injury.  I  hope  to  have  a  spirit  of  forgiveness.  Very  hot.  Received  of  the 
Missionary  Society  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  Treated  in  a  very  friendly 
manner  by  Mr.  Strong  and  Mr.  Flint.     Rode  to  West  Hartford.     In  the  after- 


^  We    do   not   understand  this  reference,  Chester,  May,  180T,  was  dismissed  in  August, 

but  connect  it  with   the  conversation  which  1806. 

he   had   only   a  few   days   before   with    Mr.  •*  His   brother  James   was   still   tutor   at 

Allen,   of   I  itchfield,  to   whom   he   writes   a  Williams    College. 

letter  the   next   day.  s  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock. 

^  Sarah  Robbins,  now  Mrs.  Joseph   Bat-  ^  His  brother   Ammi  removed   from   Ca- 

tell.  naan   to   Colebrook   soon   after   he    left    for 

'  Rev.  Archibald  Bassett,  settled  in  Win-  Ohio. 


l8o6.]  AT    HOME    IN   NORFOLK. 


29s 


noon  we   had  two  very  refreshing  showers.     The    second  very  violent   and 
powerful.     Good  is  Jehovah.     Tarried  with  Dr.  Perkins.' 

19.  Rode  to  Farmington.  Called  and  dined  with  Gov.  Treadwell."  Rode 
to  Simsbury.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Stebbins.^  Intended  to  have  gone  today  to 
Hartland,  but  could  not.  People  generally  harvesting ;  which  comes  in  very 
well.  Said  to  be  more  wheat  this  year  than  has  been  in  this  State  for  many 
years.     The  grass  generally  is  pretty  light. 

20.  Mr.  Hallock  here  on  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Stebbins.  Preached  in  the 
afternoon  from  Num.  x :  29.  Again  towards  evening  at  a  large  school-house 
from  Esther  iv  :  16.  Something  of  an  awakening  here.  People  very  attentive. 
Quite  too  feeble  to  preach. 

21.  Wrote  considerably.  Cool  for  the  season.  Dined  at  A.  Phelps.  After- 
noon rode  to  Canton.     Quite  a  hard  shower.     Got  considerably  wet. 

22.  Read  Porter's  Lectures.^  Rainy  all  day.  Afternoon  preached  from 
Rom.  i:  16.  Had  a  very  serious  meeting.  Gave  some  account  of  my  mission 
in  public.     Some  people  here  talk  of  moving  to  New  Connecticut. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartland.  I  never  was  here  before.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference  ;  quite  full.  There  appears  to  be  some  seriousness  here.  Got 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Gates/  a  candidate  here.  I  hope  he  will  go  to  New 
Connecticut.  In  the  morning  wrote  a  long  letter  to  Mr.  Bacon,  my  late 
brother  missionary. 

24.  People  generally  harvesting.  The  grain  very  good.  Visited.  The 
most  of  the  people  here  have  friends  in  New  Connecticut,  and  more  are 
talking  of  moving.     Eat  at  a  harvest  supper. 

25.  Visited  all  day.  Pretty  warm.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  in 
the  meeting-house.  The  people  here  are  in  danger  of  inroads  from  Baptists. 
Their  minister  perhaps  is  not  the  most  judicious. 

26.  Very  feeble.  It  appears  to  hurt  me  to  do  so  much  ministerial  busi- 
ness. Visited  considerably.  Tarried  at  Dr.  Wilcox's.^  He  expecting  to 
move  to  the  westward  soon. 

27.  In  the  forenoon  Mr,  Church^  preached.  Afternoon  preached  from 
Luke  XV :  17.  People  very  attentive  and  serious.  At  evening  preached  again 
from  Rev,  xxii :  20,  They  sing  very  well  here.  They  have  a  very^  good  new 
meeting-house.     Talked  very  seriously  to  the  people. 

28.  Rode  home.  A  way  that  I  never  traveled  before.  There  is  a  prospect 
of  a  turnpike  direct  from  Norfolk  through  Hartland  to  Suffield.  I  hope  it 
may  be  effected.     Mr.  Strong,*  of  Somers,  here. 

29.  Sent  $150  to  Mr.  Battell  on  interest.     Raked  after  the  cart  four  loads 


'  Nathan  Perkins,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  West  go  to  Ohio,  nor  did  he  then  settle  in  Hart- 
Hartford,  1772-1838.  land,  but  later  in  life  he  was  minister  there, 

^  Governor  of  Connecticut,  1809-1S1 1.  He  *  This  was   the   Dr.  Wilcox   with   whom 

was  the  first  president  of  the  American  Board.  Mr.  Robbins  corresponded  while  he  was  on 

^  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins,  pastor  at  Sims-  the  Reserve.     Probably  the  letters  had  refer- 

bury,  1777-1806.  ence  to  his  plan  of  moving  to  the  West. 

*  Porter's  Lectures.     Reference  unknown.  ^  Rev.  Aaron  Church,  pastor  at  East  Hart- 

^  Aaron    Gates,    with    whom    he    corre-  land,  Ct.,  1773-1815. 
sponded  w'lile  in  Ohio,     Mr,  Gates  did  not  ^  Dr,  Charles  Backus,  of  Somers,  died  in 


296  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    RODBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

of  hay.     Am  pretty  feeble,  but  think  manual  labor  is  serviceable  to  me.    Read 
newspapers.     Political  parties  in  this  State  manifest  a  great  deal  of  bitterness. 

30.  Made  a  model  of  a  ditching  instrument.  I  hope  the  plan  will  succeed, 
but  am  a  little  fearful.  Rainy.  Received  a  letier  from  my  cousin  S.  P.,  at 
Marietta,  and  one  from  the  proprietors  of  the  academy  there,  wishing  me  to  be 
the  preceptor.     I  think  I  cannot  accept  of  the  offer. 

31.  This  month  has  been  very  cool  for  the  season.  Worked  in  hay. 
Wrote.  Some  unpleasant  things  in  my  father's  church.  Wrote  to  W.  Wood- 
bridge,  Esq.,'  of  Marietta,  declining  the  instruction  of  their  academy. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Bates,  Smithfield,  New  Connecticut.  Afternoon  worked 
five  hours  raking  hay  without  any  intermission.  Very  tired.  Am  consid- 
erably better  than  I  have  been. 

2.  Read  Bossuet's  Universal  History.^  Settled  my  pecuniary  matters  with 
my  brothers  who  owe  me.  Allowed  my  brother  N.  what  he  has  paid  for  me 
in  my  absence,  ten  dollars.     Wrote.     Read  newspapers. 

3.  My  father  preached.  I  think  he  preaches  as  well  as  he  ever  did. 
Read  the  life  of  Dr.  Hopkins.^  At  evening  attended  and  talked  considerably 
in  a  conference.  Sabbath  evening  conferences  have  been  suspended  here  for 
some  time. 

4.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Chapman/  Smithfield,  and  to  his  daughter  Fanny.  Read 
Bossuet.     I  suspect  he  is  not  the  most  accurate  in  chronology-. 

5.  Feel  considerable  anxiety  about  my  horse  who  is  gone.  He  got  away 
last  Thursday  and  I  can  hear  nothing  of  him.  Wrote  to  Richard  Hays,  Hart- 
land,  New  Connecticut.     Worked  considerably  in  hay. 

6.  Took  physic.  Am  considerably  disordered.  Quite  warm.  Worked 
some.     Read  newspapers. 

7.  Yesterday  there  was  a  great  Democratic  celebration  at  Litchfield. 
They  appear  determined  to  overthrow  the  institutions  of  this  State.  Rode  to 
the  north  part  of  the  town  and  attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer. 

8.  We  have  frequent  rains  and  a  ver}-  growing  season.  Wrote.  Had 
some  clothes  made.     I  find  my  historical  extracts  and  drafts  very  useful. 

9.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read  in  the  life  of  Suwarrow.^  My  brother- 
in-law  Battell  has  a  good  library.  Worked  some.  My  father  rode  to  Torring- 
ton  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Gillet.* 


1803,  and  Rev.  William  L.  Strong  was  set-  1704.     He  was  so  much  in  favor  with  Louis 

tied  as  his  successor  in  1S05,  and  continued  XIV  that  he  was  made  instructor  of  the  dau- 

in   office    till    1829.     Rev.    Mr.    Strong  was  phin.     His  Universal  History  was  written  es- 

father  of  Hon.  William  Strong,  of  Philadel-  pecially  for  the  instruction  of  his  royal  pupil. 

phia,  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  ^  jjj-.  Stephen  West,  of  Stockbridge  (Mr. 

of  the  United  States,  and  of   Rev.  Edward  Robbins's  theological  teacher),  wrote  the  Zz/c- 

Strong,  D.  D.,  late  pastor  of  the  Congrega-  of  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins,  and   the  work  was 

tional  church  at  West  Roxbury.  published  1S05.     Dr.  Hopkins  died  in  1803. 

'  William  Woodbridge,  a   lawyer  in  Ma-  •♦  Rev.  Ezekiel  J.  Chapman, 

rietta,  who  was  for  some  years  representative  =  Count  Peter  Alexis  Suwarrow,  a  Russian 

from  that  town  in  the  Ohio  Legislature.  general  of  extraordinary  courage,  an  impetu- 

^  James  Benigne  Bossuet,  one  of  the  great  ous  but  successful  military  leader. 

court  preachers  of   France,  born  1627,  died  *  Rev.  Alexander  Gillet. 


lSo6.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  297 

10.  Mr.  Gillet  preached;  and  in  the  evening  a  third  sermon.  People 
appear  considerably  disposed  to  attend.  Mr.  Gillet  preached  very  well.  The 
people  here  sing  very  well. 

11.  Walked  out.  Afterwards  rode  with  my  sister  to  the  east  part  of  the 
town  on  a  visit.  The  roads  here  are  generally  much  improved  from  what  they 
have  been.  I  have  this  day,  more  thaii  at  any  birthday  I  have  yet  seen,  occa- 
sion to  magnify  and  praise  God,  who  is  my  constant  keeper  and  preserver. 

12.  A  late  instance  of  suicide  in  an  adjacent  town.  Rode  to  Torrington  to 
attend  a  minister's  meeting.  There  were  eleven  present  besides  me.  At- 
tended public  worship.  After  the  sermon  I  delivered  an  address  by  request 
of  the  meeting.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  There  appears  to  be 
some  seriousness  here.     I  am  still  feeble  about  riding. 

13.  Sat  with  the  meeting  which  was  quite  instructive.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Goshen.  Went  into  a  Methodist  meeting.  Circumstances  being  peculiarly 
favorable,  I  spoke  a  little.  I  hope  it  was  of  service.  In  the  west  part  of  the 
town  I  found  my  horse,  to  my  great  satisfaction.  He  was  taken  up  and  has 
been  well  taken  care  of.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Howe  where  I  found  my  horse ;  a 
Methodist. 

14.  Visited.  Afternoon  rode  with  Mr.  Hooker'  to  the  north  part  of  the 
town  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  Returned  with  Mr.  Hooker.  At 
evening  preached  at  a  prayer-meeting  from  Esther  iv :  16.  Mr.  Hooker  has 
six  students  in  divinity.^ 

15.  Rode  home  and  led  my  horse.  My  preaching  yesterday  I  think  was 
too  much  for  me.  Read  newspapers.  We  have  frequent  showers  but  ver}- 
little  rain.     Streams  are  remarkably  low. 

16.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Thomas  Latimer,  of  Philadelphia.  Rode  out.  Breaking 
my  horse  for  a  carriage.     Quite  feeble. 

17.  Read  Hopkins's  Life  and  Writings.  I  think  his  dialogue  on  benevo- 
lence is  incorrect.  My  father  preached.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Expounded  the  53d  of  Isaiah.     People  very  attentive. 

18.  Read  Bossuet.  Worked  some.  Played  ball.  My  father  went  to 
attend  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Farrand,^  of  Canaan.  She  died  by  taking  tartar 
emetic  instead  of  cream  of  tartar.     Visited  neighbors. 

19.  Worked  making  a  press  for  books  and  papers.  Wrote  to  my  brother 
James.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

20.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  Philadelphia.  Very  cool  for  the 
season.     Read  newspapers.     I  am  still  quite  weak  at  the  breast. 

21.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town 
and  attended  the  weekly  concert.  Dr.  Perkins,'*  of  Hartford,  came  here  and 
tarried. 

22.  Quite  warm.     Read  Bossuet.     Mr.  Whittlesey'  and  Mr.  Mygott,  from 


'  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  of  Goshen.  *  Nathan  Perkins,  D.  D.,  of   West  Hart- 

^  He  was  a  favorite  instructor  in  theology,  ford, 
and  though  not  of  long  life  he  taught  a  large  ^  The  man  with  whom  he  boarded  in  Dan- 
number  of  students.  bury  some  years   before.     His   given   name 

^  The   widow  of    Rev.   Daniel    Farrand.  we   have   not  been  able  certainly  to   deter- 

He  died  three  years  before.  mine. 


298 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1806. 


Danbury,  came  here  and  tarried.     Am  exceedingly  glad  to  see  them.     Have 
had  succotash  this  week. 

23.  Read  the  Life  of  Lord  Ndson}  Very  entertaining.  His  character 
rises  on  a  nearer  inspection. 

24.  Rainy  and  very  cold  for  the  season.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  from 
Acts  xxviii :  24.  I  think  I  grow  stronger  at  the  breast.  J  hope  it  may  please 
divine  goodness  to  restore  my  health. 

25.  Worked  some.  Played  ball.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Traded. 
5.03.  At  evening  Uncle  and  Aunt  Starr  came  here  and  tarried.  Wrote  to 
Dr.  Sampson,  Whitestown. 

26.  Our  neighbor,  Mrs.  Akins,  I  fear  is  declining  fast.  Rode  to  Win- 
chester and  attended  with  the  consociation-  on  the  trial  of  Mr.  Bassett. 
Seventeen  ministers  and  sixteen  delegates  present  as  members.  Some  of  the 
evidence  is  pretty  bad. 

27.  Sat  with  the  consociation  all  day.  Mr.  Bassett^  is  declared  not  guilty 
on  all  charges,  and  censured  for  want  of  Christian  prudence.  After  which  he 
was  dismissed.     In  the  evening  rode  home.     Quite  cool. 

28.  Received  an  application  to  preach  at  Winchester.  Afternoon  attended 
a  sacramental  lecture  and  church  meeting.  There  is  considerable  discipline 
in  this  church.     Had  some  clothes  made. 

29.  Wrote.  Read.  Perhaps  there  have  never  been  greater  exertions  than 
are  now  making  to  change  the  order  of  things  in  this  State.  Preparing  for  my 
journey. 

30.  Set  out  for  Hartford.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  Talcott  Mountain.* 
Tarried  at  a  tavern.     I  can  ride  but  little  better  than  when  I  came  home. 

31.  Rode  to  Dr.  Perkins's,  West  Hartford.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from 
Num.  X  :  29.  And  in  the  evening  from  Luke  xv  :  17.  Mr.  Snow,'  a  candidate, 
preached  in  the  afternoon. 


'  Lord  Nelson  was  killed  in  the  battle  of 
Trafalgar  in  1805.  The  Life  of  Nelson,  which 
Mr.  Robbins  read,  was  probably  some  hastily 
prepared  sketch.  Robert  Southey  a  few  years 
later  wrote  the  Life  of  Lord  Nelson. 

^  A  consociation  is  a  body  composed  of 
the  ministers  who  may  at  the  time  be  settled 
over  ten  or  fifteen  neighboring  Congregational 
churches  within  fixed  bounds,  with  lay  dele- 
gates chosen  from  the  same  churches.  This 
body  belongs  chiefly  to  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut. In  Congregational  language  a  conso- 
ciation differs  from  an  association,  which  is 
composed  only  of  ministers,  and  it  differs 
from  a  conference  in  that  it  has  certain  gov- 
ernmental powers  unknown  to  that  body, 
though  that  is  also  composed  of  ministers 
and   lay  delegates. 

*  Rev.  Archibald  Bassett  was  a  native  of 
Derby,  Ct.,  as  was  also  Rev.  Amos  Bassett, 
D.  D.,  of    Hebron,  the  former  graduated  at 


Yale  in  1784,  and  the  latter  in  1796.  Mr. 
Robbins  and  Mr.  Bassett,  of  Winchester, 
were  classmates  at  Yale.  The  charges  against 
Mr.  B.  were  wholly  of  a  business  nature. 
He  was  regarded  as  too  worldly-minded  and 
eager  after  money,  etc.  He  was  afterwards 
settled  in  Walton,  N.  Y. 

*  Talcott  Mountain  is  distinctly  visible  at 
the  west,  as  one  journeys  along  the  shores  of 
the  Connecticut  River  from  Hartford  to 
Springfield.  He  crossed  the  mountain  prob- 
ably on  the  road  running  from  Avon  (then 
Northington)  to  Hartford.  Wadsworth's 
Tower  stands  on  the  top  of  the  mountain  a 
little  way  north  from  this  Avon  road,  and 
the  town  of  Avon  itself  lies  at  the  foot  of  the 
mountain  on  the  west  side. 

*  This  was  probably  Rev.  Simeon  Snow, 
who  was  sent  by  the  Connecticut  Missionary 
Society  as  a  missionary  to  New  York.  Ap- 
parently he  was  not  a  college  graduate. 


l8o6.j  AT   HOME   IN   NORFOLK.  299 

Septembbr. 

1.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Talk  of  getting  some  cabinet  work  of  Mr.  Chapin.' 
He  has  some  very  good.  Rode  to  Suffield.  The  most  of  the  way  in  a  moder- 
ate rain.     Tarried  at  Esq.  Leavitt's. 

2.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Am  entertained  very  kindly  at  Esq.  Leavitt's. 
Visited  Mr.  Gay  and  some  others.  Read  Humphreys's  Poems^  The  first 
rainy  day  in  many  months.     Fruit  pretty  plenty. 

3.  Quite  rainy.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  Hartford.  The  trustees  of  the 
Missionary  Society  met  and  organized  for  the  ensuing  year.  Tarried  at  Mr. 
Strong's.     He  has  resigned  his  office  of  trustee. 

4.  Received  of  the  missionary  trustees  twenty-nine  dollars,  the  amount 
of  my  account.     Paid  for  a  new  coat,  $15.50. 

5.  Rode  to  Rocky  Hill.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  Mr.  Chapin^ 
still  in  New  Connecticut.  Preached  from  Num.  x :  29.  There  have  been  a 
good  many  deaths  in  this  town  since  I  left  here. 

6.  Rode  to  Branford.  Missed  my  way.  Called  on  Mr.  Eells,"  North 
Branford.  He  has  lately  broken  his  leg.  Mr.  Williams,  a  very  worthy  man, 
is  preaching  here.* 

7.  Mr.  Williams  preached  in  the  forenoon.  We  joined  in  administering 
the  sacrament.  It  was  a  very  solemn  and  feeling  occasion.  I  preached  in 
the  afternoon  from  Luke  xv  :  17.  He  preached  a  third  sermon.  The  people 
here  are  very  desirous  to  settle  a  minister. 

8.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Am  desired  to  come  here  and  preach. 
I  think  I  can't. 

9.  Rode  to  New  Haven  to  attend  Commencement.  Went  to  see  the 
figures  of  wax-work.*  Quite  a  curiosity.  Find  many  old  acquaintances. 
Found  my  brother  James  whom  I  have  not  seen  before  since  I  came 
home. 

10.  Attended  the  exercises  of  Commencement.  I  think  not  so  good  as 
sometimes.     Last  evening  there  was  speaking  for  premiums.     I  think  not  so 


'  Dea.  Aaron  Chapin,  a  native  of  Chico-  to  Portugal.  He  was  a  copious  writer.  A 
pee,  Mass.,  removed  to  Hartford  in  early  collection  of  his  poems  and  tracts  was  pub- 
life,  and  established  himself  in  the  cabinet  lished  in  New  York  in  1790,  and  another 
making    business.      His    only    son,   Laertes  edition  in  1S04. 

Chapin,  father  of  President  Aaron  L.  Chapin,  ^  Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  of  whom  we  have 

D.  D.,  of  Beloit  College,  toward  the  close  of  before  spoken,  still  absent  on  his  missionary 

the   last   century,  became   partner   with   his  journey  to  Ohio. 

father,  and  the  firm  was  known  for  long  years  ■•  Rev.    Samuel    Eells,   pastor    at    North 

as   the  firm   of   Aaron  Chapin  &   Son,"  and  Branford,  1769-180S. 

known   also   for  the   honesty  and   thorough-  =  Mr.  Eells   was  now  growing   old,    and 

ness  of  their  work.     Aaron  Chapin  was  dea-  Mr.    Williams   was    assisting    him.       There 

con   of   the  First  Church  of   Hartford  from  were  so  many  ministers  of  the  name   Will- 

18 1 3  to  his  death  in  1838.  iams,  that  without  farther  clue  we  cannot  tell 

2  Col.   David   Humphreys,   son    of    Rev.  who  this  Mr.  Williams  was. 
Daniel  H.  Humphreys,  of  Derby,  born  1753,  ^  It  will   be   remembered   in   a   previous 

died    1818.     He   was   aid   to   Gens.  Putnam  note  respecting  Mr.  Reuben  Moulthrop,  the 

and  Washington  in  the  War  of  the  Revolu-  painter,  that  he  worked   more    in  wax-work 

tion,  was   private   secretary  of   Washington,  than  on  the  canvas.     Very  likely  these  figures 

17S8-1790,  when  he  was  appointed  Minister  were  by  his  hand. 


300 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1806. 


many   ministers    present   as   sometimes.     At   evening   Dr.    Cyprian    Strong' 
preached  the  Concio. 

11.  Visited  acquaintance.  Attend  the  meeting  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society, 
Dined  with  Mr.  Davis. ^  Left  New  Haven.  Rode  with  my  brother  James  to 
Salem.^     Quite  cool. 

12.  A  pretty  good  year  for  cider.  Rode  home,  near  forty  miles.  After- 
noon quite  rainy.     My  brother  Frank  now  at  home.     Quite  tired. 

13.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Sampson,  Whitestown.  Mrs.  Battell,'*  of 
Torringford,  not  likely  to  live.     Rode  with  James  to  Winchester. 

14.  James  preached  in  the  forenoon.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  from 
Num.  X :  29.  The  people  were  generally  at  meeting  and  were  affected  and 
rejoiced  that  they  can  again  meet  for  worship  without  prejudice  or  difficulty. 
At  e\ening  w-alked  out.  We  have  agreed  to  supply  the  pulpit  here  six  or 
seven  Sabbaths. 

15.  Last  evening  my  brother  went  to  Torringford.  Set  out  for  home  afoot. 
Stopped  at  Mr.  Bigger's,  He  let  me  ride  his  horse.  Attended  Freemen's 
Meeting,  It  was  quite  agreeable.  Two  hundred  and  eight  votes  —  thirty-four 
Democratic.     They  do  not  appear  to  gain  any  in  this  town. 

16.  Ver}'^  warm.  The  thermometer  at  82°.  Studied  most  all  day  endeavor- 
ing to  reckon  and  balance  my  own  accounts.  Rode  to  Canaan  and  back  with 
my  sister, 

17.  Wrote,  Very  warm.  Rode  out  and  labored  considerably  with  a 
church-member  under  censure.     The  case  is  something  difficult. 

18.  Mrs.  Battell,  of  Torringford,  died  last  night.  My  parents  there.  Rode 
to  Colebrook  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child  of  brother 
Ammi's.  The  accounts  of  the  Freemen's  Meeting  through  the  State  are  very 
favorable.  There  is  not  one  Democratic  Representative  chosen  in  the  county 
of  Litchfield.' 

19.  Extreme  heat.  The  thermometer  at  90°.  Wrote  to  Isaiah  Thomas,*  of 
Worcester,  and  to  Esq.  Leavitt,  of  Suffield.     A  hard  thunder-shower, 

20.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Woodbridge,'  of  Stockb ridge.  Worked  considerably 
tr^-ing  to  alter  the  course  of  the  brook.  Read  Lee's  Trial  of  Virtue.  It  much 
exceeds  what  I  expected. 

21.  My  father  preached  in  the  forenoon.  Afternoon  I  preached  from 
Rom.  x:  i.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Talked  on  the  salvability  of 
the  heathen. 

22.  Endeavored  to  write  on  the  subject  of  the  Moral  Taste.  My  pain  at 
the  breast  something  troublesome.     Read  Lord  Nelson's  Life. 


'  Pastor  of  the  First  Church  at  Portland,  of  Milford,  Ct.     In  1807  Mr,  Battell  married 

Ct,  1 767-181 1.  for  his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Mitchell,  widow  of 

^  His  classmate  Henry  Davis,  frequently  Rev.  Justus  Mitchell,  of   New  Canaan,  Ct, 

mentioned,  whose   maiden   name  was  Martha  Sherman, 

^  This  is  now  the  church  in  Naugatuck,  '  The    Federalists   kept  their  strength  in 

but  was  then  Salem  Parish  in   the  town  of  Connecticut  longer  than  in  almost  any  other 

Waterbury,  State. 

*  Wife  of  Mr,  William  Battell,  and  mother  *  Isaiah  Thomas,  of  Worcester,  published 

of  Mr.  Joseph   Battell,     Her   maiden   name  the  Almanacs,  which  he  used  for  his  diary. 
was  Sarah  Buckingham,  and  she  was  a  native  ^  Probably  Gen.  Jonathan  Woodbridge. 


i8o6.] 


AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


301 


23.  Worked  all  day  ;  endeavoring  to  fix  a  family  to  move  to  New  Connecti- 
cut.    Their  prospects  are  pretty  poor. 

24.  Worked,  as  yesterday.  Wrote  on  the  subject  of  Moral  Taste.  I  think 
that  a  system  which  cannot  be  supported.     Read. 

25.  Quite  cool.  For  two  or  three  mornings  we  have  had  frosts.  After- 
noon attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer  and  a  church  meeting.  The 
church  excommunicated  a  member. 

26.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.  Rainy.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Brown,' 
Washington,  Penn. 

27.  Rode  to  Torringford.  There  is  a  turnpike  through  Winchester  all  the 
way.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Battell's.'' 

28.  In  the  forenoon  Mr.  Mills  preached.  Afternoon  preached  from  Num. 
x:  29.  In  the  evening  preached  a'gain  from  Esther  iv :  16.  Some  serious- 
ness here.     Meetings  quite  full. 

29.  Rode  home.  My  brother  Ammi's  wife  quite  sick.  Last  evening  quite 
tired,  but  am  evidently  stronger  at  the  lungs  than  I  have  been. 

30.  Rode  with  my  father  to  Salisbury  and  met  with  the  association.  The 
regiment  of  militia  met  at  Canaan.  The  association  examined  and  licensed 
four  young  men  ^  who  appeared  very  well.  They  acknowledged  me  as  one  of 
their  number. 

October. 

1.  Preached  before  the  association  from  Rom.  x:  i.  The  association 
had  a  great  deal  of  business.  Rode  home.  My  father  has  three  scholars 
admitted  freshmen  in  Williams  College.* 

2.  Wrote  to  Esq.  Leavitt,  Warren,  New  Connecticut.  Received  a  letter 
from  Esq.  Leavitt,  Suffield.  Gov.  TreadwelP  and  Mr.  Ely*  came  to  my 
father's  and  tarried. 

3.  Rode  to  Goshen.     A  military  regiment  of  foot,  and  one  of  horse,  met 


'  Rev.  Matthew  Brown,  Presbyterian  min- 
ister. 

-  Mr.  William  Battel],  father  of  Mr.  Jo- 
seph Battel],  of  Norfolk. 

^  These  four  young  men  were  Rev.  Tim- 
othy Phelps  Gillet,  son  of  Rev.  Alexander 
Gillet,  of  Torrington,  Ct.,  Rev.  Bennet  Ty- 
ler, D.  D.,  a  native  of  Middlebury,  Ct.,  Rev. 
Heman  Humphrey,  D.  D.,  a  native  of  Bur- 
lington, Ct.,  and  Rev.  Frederick  Marsh.  The 
first  of  these  was  the  life-long  pastor  at  Bran- 
ford,  1 808-1866,  dying  in  the  fifty-eighth  year 
of  his  ministry,  and  in  the  eighty-seventh 
of  his  age.  The  second  of  these,  Dr.  Tyler, 
was  pastor  in  Connecticut,  and  in  Portland, 
Me.,  whence  he  was  called  to  be  the  head  of 
the  Connecticut  Theological  Institute,  now 
better  known  as  the  Hartford  Theological 
Seminary.  He  died  at  the  age  of  sevent}-- 
five,  after  large  activities,  in  1858.  Rev.  Dr. 
Humphrey,  after  several  years'  labor  in  the 


ministry,  was  long  the  able  President  of 
Amherst  College.  HediedinPittsfield,  Mass., 
in  1861,  aged  eighty-two. 

Rev.  Frederick  Marsh  was  pastor  at 
Winchester,  Ct,  from  1809  to  1851,  and  died 
in  that  town  in  1873,  ^t  ^^^  ^o^  °^  ninety- 
three.  It  is  rare  that  a  ministerial  associa- 
tion has  the  opportunity  to  license  in  one 
day  four  young  men  destined  to  so  large  a 
measure  of  Christian  service. 

*  The  little  family  school,  in  the  parson- 
age house  at  Norfolk,  was  sending  out  its 
candidates  for  college  year  by  year.  On  the 
very  spot  where  this  parsonage  house  stood, 
a  handsome  building  for  a  family  school  is 
now  in  process  of  erection  by  the  grandchil- 
dren of  the  old  Norfolk  pastor  and  teacher. 

5  Gov.  John  Treadwell  lived  at  Farming- 
ton,  Ct. 

*  Who  this  Mr.  Ely  was  we  have  not  the 
means  of  determining,  though  we  conjecture 


302 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1806. 


and  were  received  here.'     They  have  very  good  officers.     Rode  to  Litchfield. 
Tarried  at  Mr.  Allen's." 

4.  Rode  to  Torringford  and  home.  Am  much  better  able  to  ride  than  I 
have  been.  Very  warm.  Tried  to  buy  the  Universal  History.  The  owner 
would  not  sell  it,     Mrs.  Akins/  our  neighbor,  died  last  night. 

5.  My  father  preached  both  parts  of  the  day.  Afternoon  on  occasion  of 
Mrs.  Akins's  death.  The  meeting-house  very  much  crowded.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference. 

6.  Read  all  day.  Finished  reading  the  Life  of  Lord  Nelson.  I  think  him 
one  of  the  first  characters  of  the  age.* 

7.  Rode  to  Colebrook  and  back.  All  of  our  family  except  sister  Betsey 
dined  together  at  home.  This  has  not  been  the  case  before  in  several  years. 
Considerably  unwell  with  a  cold. 

8.  My  cold  pretty  bad.  Wrote.  My  brother  Frank  went  ofE  to  college.^ 
Read  Pope's  works. 

9.  Wrote  considerably.  Worked  picking  up  apples.  A  pretty  good  year 
for  them. 

10.  I  think  I  have,  on  investigation,  got  some  pretty  good  ideas  concerning 
moral  character  and  inability.     Wrote  all  day. 

11.  Rode  to  Warren.  Quite  cool.  Rode  in  the  dark.  The  roads  drj--  and 
the  streams  very  low.  My  father  received  a  letter  to  go  to  New  London  to 
attend  an  ordination,*  but  concludes  not  to  go. 

12.  Expected  to  have  gone  to  New  Preston  and  preached,  now  vacant  by 
the  death  of  Mr,  Day,^  Hearing  that  they  were  supplied,  preached  for  Uncle 
Starr  from  Acts  xxviii :  24  and  Num.  x :  29.  Rainy.  At  evening  had 
company. 

13.  Two  or  three  families  who  moved  from  this  vicinity  to  New  Con- 
necticut are  coming  back.^     Wrote  considerably.     My  nerves  are  weak. 


that  it  was  Rev.  afterwards  Dr.  David  Ely, 
of  Huntington,  a  member  of  the  corporation 
of  Yale  College.  Gov.  Treadwell  and  Dr. 
Ely,  though  not  classmates,  were  in  college 
together,  Gov.  Treadwell  graduating  in  1767, 
and  Dr.  Ely  in  1769. 

'  It  was  the  year  for  the  regimental  train- 
ings which  came  on  alternate  years.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  only  a  few  days  before 
there  was  a  training  of  this  kind  at  Canaan, 

^  Hon,  John  Allen,  before  noticed. 

'  Mrs.  Akins  was  the  wife  of  Edmund 
Akins,  Esq.,  a  highly  esteemed  lawyer,  of 
the  town  of  Norfolk.  He  himself  died  in  the 
following  year. 

*  Probably  Mr.  Robbins  would  have  this 
understood  as  true  in  many  respects  but  not 
in  all. 

5  Francis  Le  Baron  Robbins,  the  youngest 
of  the  family,  now  a  Sophomore  at  Williams. 


*  This  was  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Abel 
McEwen,  D.  D.,  whose  wife  was  Sarah 
Battell,  daughter  of  William  Battell,  of  Tor- 
ringford, and  aunt  of  Mr.  Robbins.  Dr. 
McEwen  was  a  notable  man,  and  his  min- 
istry at  New  London  lasted  from  1806  to 
i860. 

^  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  father  of  Dr.  Jere- 
miah Day,  President  of  Yale  College,  and 
Hon.  Thomas  Day,  Secretary  of  State  in 
Connecticut.  Mr.  Day  had  been  settled  at 
New  Preston  since  1770,  and  died  Sept.  12, 
1806. 

^  This  was  no  uncommon  circumstance. 
The  fever  and  ague,  with  attendant  hardships 
and  calamities  of  various  sorts,  made  many 
of  those  early  emigrants  sigh  for  their  homes 
in  the  East.  When  we  consider  that  the 
West  was  settled  under  such  conditions,  it  is 
wonderful  how  fast  the  work  has  gone  on. 


l8o6.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  363 

14.  Rode  to  Burlington  '  and  attended  a  Ministers'  Meet'ng.  Read  a  long 
piece  on  the  subject  of  Moral  Character  and  Change  ^  which  was  well  approved. 

15.  Sat  with  the  Ministers'  Meeting.  Rode  to  Goshen.  The  prospect  of 
peace  in  Europe  is,  happily,  dissipating.^     My  breast  pretty  weak. 

16.  Very  cold.  Rode  home.  Read  the  Vicar  of  Wakefield.*  Political 
parties  very  quiet. 

17.  Finished  reading  the  Vicar.  Almost  winter  weather.  Dr.  Wilcox, 
from  Hartford,  here  with  his  family ;  moving  to  New  Connecticut.  Walked 
out  and  visited.     An  exhibition  of  wax-work  in  town. 

18.  On  the  nth  wrote  to  Mr.  T.  Crosby,  Smithfield,  New  Connecticut. 
Asa  Spalding,  a  Democrat,  got  forty-six  votes  for  United  States  Senator  in  our 
House  of  Representatives.  Rode  to  Winchester.  A  young  horse  which  I 
rode  threw  me  off  with  great  violence.  My  leg  was  hurt  considerably,  yet  was 
most  mercifully  preserved. 

19.  Quite  lame  in  consequence  of  my  fall.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii :  24 
and  Esther  iv :  16.  People  very  attentive  and  meetings  for  this  place  very 
full.     Had  company. 

20.  Walked  and  rode  home.  Walk  with  difficulty.  My  mamma  quite 
unwell.     The  season  remarkably  dry.     Read  Pleasures  of  Hope.^ 

21.  Worked  all  day  setting  glass.  The  weakness  at  my  breast  continues. 
I  fear  I  am  not  like  to  be  freed  from  it.     May  I  submit. 

22.  Set  glass  at  my  sister's.*  Read.  It  appears  likely  that  there  will  be 
no  peace  between  England  and  France  at  present.  Under  the  circumstances 
I  think  we  may  rejoice.' 

23.  Looked  over  my  books  and  wrote  in  those  which  I  have  read.  Read 
Bossuet. 

24.  Worked.  With  my  father  made  a  well-curb.  Cool  weather,  but  very 
pleasant.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James,  and  to  Dr.  Skinner,  New  Haven. 
Walked  out  and  visited. 

25.  Finished  reading  Bossuet.  My  mamma  much  better  than  she  has 
been.  Mr.  I.  Knapp,  of  Westfield,  here  to  preach  for  my  father  tomorrow. 
Rode  to  Winchester.  Am  still  somewhat  lame.  A  remarkably  fine  season  to 
gather  in  fall  crops. 

26.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  Preached  from  John  vi :  37  and  Rom.  i : 
16.  My  breast  quite  weak.  Had  company.  The  prospects  of  this  society 
are  quite  encouraging.     Mr.  Bassett^  does  not  attend  meeting. 


'  Burlington  was  a  small  town  about  twenty  place  in  literature  from  generation  to  genera* 

miles  southeast  from  Norfolk,  having  Farm-  tion. 

ington  on  the  east.  ^  Thomas  Campbell's  poem  entitled  Pleas- 

^  This  was  a  theological  paper,  such  as  a  ures  of  Hope  was  first  published  in  1799. 

ministerial  association  would  like  to  hear  and  ^  Mrs.  Joseph  Battell. 

discuss.  ^  Here  he  more  fully  expresses  what  he 

3  So  it  stands  written  in  the  diary.     What  has  just  before  suggested.     A  peace  made  at 

precise  thought  was  in  his  mind  we  do  not  that  time  would  be  premature, 

know.  ^  Rev.   Archibald   Bassett,  who  was   dis- 

*■  Goldsmith's   charming    story   keeps  its  missed  there  a  short  time  before. 


304 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1806. 


27.  Wrote,  On  the  19th  wrote  to  Col.  Barker,  of  Branford,  that  I  could 
not  go  there  to  preach.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Very  warm.  Rode  to 
Goshen  and  home. 

28.  Read.  Assisted  in  tending  Mr.  Bartlett's  store,  his  clerk  being  sick. 
The  dust  flies  very  much.  Some  men  called  on  me  directly  from  New 
Connecticut. 

29.  Read  Polite  Learning.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank  at  college.  Read 
newspapers.  We  have  still  some  fears  of  peace  taking  place  between  Eng- 
land and  France. 

30.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Attended  a  sacramental  lecture  and 
church  meeting.  Wrote  a  catalogue  of  all  my  father's  students,  exceeding  one 
hundred  and  eighty.' 

31.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Andrews,  of  Canaan.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Preached 
a  sacramental  lecture  from  Luke  xxii :   19.     Quite  cold.     Had  company. 

November. 

1.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  the  account  of  the  Pellew  Islands.^ 
Read  Whitefield's  Life?     His  industry  was  astonishing. 

2.  Preached  from  Matt,  x:  32  and  Amos  vi :  i.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. The  church  quite  solemn  and  affected.  They  have  not  had  a 
sacrament  before  in  a  long  time.  Baptized  three  children.  At  evening 
had  company. 

3.  Rode  to  Winsted  and  home.  Attended  the  town-meeting.  Wrote, 
Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Skinner,  New  Haven,  and  one  from  Charlotte, 
Vt,  wishing  me  to  go  there  to  preach. 

4.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day  making  and  setting  up  a  well-crotch.* 
Read  the  LListory  of  the  Court  of  St.   Cloud  J" 

5.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  Worked.  Carried  apples  with  a  team  to 
the  mill.     Read  St.  Cloud. 

6.  Worked  making  cider.  Rainy.  Wrote  to  brother  James.  He  is 
now  at  Windham  in  this  State. 


'  His  father  had  now  been  settled  in  Nor- 
folk forty-five  years,  and  as  he  did  not  pro- 
fess to  keep  school,  but  only  to  take  pupils 
into  his  family,  the  number  one  hundred  and 
eighty  is  large. 

^  The  Pellew  (Pelew)  Islands,  belonging 
to  Spain  (the  Spaniards  having  discovered 
them  in  1545),  are  a  group  of  twenty  in  the 
Northern  Pacific  Ocean  at  the  western  ex- 
tremity of  the  Caroline  Archipelago.  They 
are  mountainous  and  rugged  as  seen  from 
the  water,  but  within  are  fertile,  and  abound 
in  tropical  fruits.  The  inhabitants  are  of  the 
Malay  race,  about  ten  thousand  in  number, 
of  very  primitive  manners,  but  of  gentle  and 
kindly  natures. 

^  The  Life  of  Whitefield  which   he  read 


was  probably  that  of  Rev.  J.  Gillies,  D.  D., 
which  first  appeared  in  1772,  two  years  after 
Whitefield's  death.  Other  editions  were 
published   in    1798,    181 1,   etc. 

■*  This  ancient  arrangement  for  drawing 
water  from  wells  has  now  almost  entirely 
ceased  from  among  us.  Occasionally  in  jour- 
neying through  the  rural  districts  of  New 
England  one  sees  a  specimen  of  the  old- 
fashioned  well-sweep. 

5  The  Secret  History  of  St.  Cloud,  Lon- 
don, 1S06.  St.  Cloud  is  a  beautiful  spot  on 
the  river  Seine,  near  Paris,  celebrated  for  its 
gardens  and  parks.  It  was  the  favorite  resi- 
dence of  Napoleon,  and  so  the  imperial  court 
of  France  during  Napoleon's  supremacy  was 
called  the  Court  of  St.  Cloud. 


l8o6.]  AT    HOME   IN    NORFOLK.  305 

7.  Read  St.  Cloud.  It  developes  the  greatest  scenes  of  iniquity  that  I 
have  ever  heard  of.     Traded  some. 

8.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Read  Franklin's  Life^  Quite  cold.  We  have 
now  had  a  moderate  rain,  yet  tliought  to  be  the  greatest  in  eight  or  nine 
months. 

9.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  The  society  here  have  requested  me 
to  preach  with  them  through  the  winter.  But  my  health  is  so  poor  I  cannot 
engage.     Baptized  two  children. 

10.  Rode  to  Torringford  and  back.  Very  cold  and  windy.  Read  con- 
siderably. 

11.  Finished  reading  the  lives  of  Franklin  and  Whitefield.  Mr.  Lee" 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  south  part  of  the  town.  A  good  number  of  people 
attended.     My  breast  is  so  weak  I  cannot  read  steadily.     Played  chequers. 

12.  Rode  home.  'R.ez.d  Court  of  St,  Cloud.  My  lungs  quite  weak.  Rainy. 
Some  little  commotion  in  town  with  regard  to  making  a  permanent  addition  to 
my  father's  salary.  Some  prospect  of  a  continental  war  in  Europe.  It  seems 
Mr.  Fox^  died  Sept.  13th. 

13.  Worked  considerably.  Wrote.  My  brother  S.*  has  engaged  to  keep  a 
school  at  Warren.  There  appears  to  be  some  prospect  of  disturbances  in  the 
western  country,  fomented  by  Col.  Burr.^  The  pusillanimity  of  our  govern- 
ment probably  will  not  be  able  to  suppress  any  considerable  insurrection.^ 

14.  Finished  reading  the  History  of  St.  Cloud.  The  mainspring  of  French 
domination  appears  to  be  avarice.  I  expect  the  $15,000,000  our  countiy  has 
paid  is  a  speculation  for  private  coffers.  Dined  at  my  brother  N.'s.  Reck- 
oned the  number  of  families  in  this  town,  making  two  hundred  and  seventy- 
three.     There  were  probably  more  ten  or  fifteen  years  ago.' 

15.  A  very  cold  tedious  storm  of  rain.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Read 
Backus's  Senjions  on  RegeJieration^  At  evening  talked  seriously  with  the 
family  where  I  live. 

16.  It  snowed  all  day.  Had  a  very  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Rom. 
x:  20.     Less  worried  than  usually. 

17.  Read  the  whole  of  the  Trial  of  Virtue?     I  think  it  one  of   the  best 


*  Two  volumes  of  Franklin's  Essays  with  '  Burr  was  suspected  of  treasonable  nego- 
his  Life  were  published  in  London  in  1792.  tiations,  and  in  the  year  following  was  tried 
But  the  work  which  Mr.  Robbins  was  read-  on  this  charge  in  Richmond,  Va.  Though 
ing  was  probably  the  one  published  in  Lon-  acquitted  by  the  court,  he  could  never  clear 
don  in  1806,  entitled:  The  Complete  lVo7-ks  himself  from  suspicions  on  the  part  of  the 
in   Philosophy,    Politics,  and  Jllorals    of  Dr.  p>eople. 

Pranklin,  first  collected  and  arranged,  with  a  ^  This  is  a  somewhat  gratuitous  remark, 

memoir  of  him.     3  vols.,  8vo.  inspired  by   the   hatred   of    the    Federalists 

^  Rev.    Chauncey   Lee,  D.  D.,   settled   at  toward  Jefferson. 

Colebrook,  Ct.,  1800-1828.  ^  j^e  thinks  the  population  had  decreased 

^  Charles  James   Fox,  the  great  English  because  of  emigration  to  New  York.     This 

statesman,  was  born  Jan.  24,  1749,  and  died  was  doubtless  true  of  many  towns  in  Western 

Sept.  13,  1806.     He  was  a  man  of  extraordi-  Connecticut. 

nary  character,  a  strange  mixture  of  high  in-  *  Dr.   Charles    Backus,   of    Somers,   Ct., 

tellectual   powers   and   noble  political   aims  died.     His     volume    on     Regeneration    was 

joined  with  habits  of  extreme  dissipation.  brought   out  soon   after  his   death. 

*  Samuel  Robbins.  9  This  poem  we  have  not  chanced  to  find. 


3o6  ■    DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

poems  ever  published  in  this  country.  Received  a  dollar,  a  present  from  a 
certificate  man  in  this  society.  There  seems  to  be  a  project  to  set  the  Demo- 
crats through  the  countr)'  addressing  the  President,  praying  him  not  to  decline 
reelection.     What  idiots  and  slaves  I ' 

18.  Read  Best's  Logic^  Wrote.  The  snow  about  eight  or  nine  inches 
deep  Quite  winter  weather.  Rode  out.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Some  people  here  appear  quite  disposed  to  have  conferences. 

19.  Read  the  whole  of  Self  Scrutiny.  Walked  out.  My  brother  Frank,  I 
hear,  has  come  home  from  college  ;  something  unwell.     Weather  moderates. 

20.  Read  Yi\.\hh7ird''s^  A^arrative  of  Indian  Wars,  the  whole  volume.  I 
think  our  fathers  manifested  something  of  an  unfeeling  disposition  towards 
their  Indian  enemies,  though  there  appears  to  have  been  much  conscience 
and  the  fear  of  God  in  their  deliberations  and  conduct. 

21.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  The  people  here  "*  appear  verj^  anxious  to 
have  me  continue  to  preach  with  them  through  the  winter,  but  I  think  my 
weakness  forbids. 

22.  Yesterday  and  today  the  snow  thaws  quite  fast.  Wrote.  Read  Locke 
on  Education.^  I  wish  his  ideas  could  be  received  in  general  practice.  One 
hundred  and  forty  families  in  this  society,  of  whom  sixteen  or  seventeen  are 
certificated.*  Began  to  read  the  Bible  in  course.  Will  the  Lord  spare  my  life 
to  complete  it. 

23.  In  the  morning  wrote  considerably  on  notes  for  a  sermon,  but  did  not 
carry  them  to  meeting.  Preached  from  Cor.  x :  4  and  Gen.  vi :  3.  People 
appear  very  attentive  and  solemn. 

24.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read  Locke.  Quite  unwell  with  weakness 
of  the  breast  and  nervous  affections. 

25.  Read  Goldsmith's  Miscella7iies.  Rode  out.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Pretty  full. 

26.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  cold  and  rainy.  Read  Locke  on 
Education.     The  people  here  are  quite  ambitious  in  their  society  matters. 

27.  This  day  is  the  Thanksgiving.  Never  did  I  see  a  Thansgiving  with 
such  great  obligations.     Preached  from  Ps.  1 :   14.     After  meeting  rode  home. 


-  This  remark  had  reference  to  a  possible  ■*  He  is  still  supplying  the  pulpit  at  Win- 

third  term  for  Jefferson,  just  as,  a  few  years  Chester,  Ct. 

ago,  many  men  were  in  favor  of  a  third  term  s  John  Locke,  as  a  thinker  and  philoso- 

for  Gen.  Grant.  pher,  was  in  far  greater  repute  at  the  begin- 

2  Referring  probably  to  a  work  of  W.  M.  ning  of  this  century  than  now.  But  John 
Best,  an  English  writer.  On  Prmciples  of  Locke,  as  a  man,  was  possessed  of  rare  ex- 
Evidence.  cellences  of  character,  and  his  reputation,  in 

3  Rev.  William  Hubbard,  minister  of  Ips-  that  respect,  abides.  Mr.  Robbins  probably 
wich,  Mass.,  1656-1702.  He  wrote  a  History  refers  to  his  short  treatise  entitled,  Some 
of  Nrdi  England,  and  a  separate  work  on  the  Thoughts  Concerning  Reading  a7id  Study  for  a 
Indians  and  Indian    Wars.      Mr.    Hubbard  Gentleman. 

was  born  in  England,  and  came  to  this  coun-  *  Had  signed  off  and  paid  their  taxes  to 

try  as  a  boy  in  his  father's  family  about  1630.  other  denominations  than  the  Congregational, 

He  was  a  member  of  the  first  class  gradu-  as   they  were   then   allowed    to   do   by  the 

ated  at  Harvard  College  in  1642.  law. 


l8o6.]  AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  307 

Have  not  been  home  at  a  Thanksgiving  since  '99.     All   my  brothers  here 
except  James.'     A  couple  came  to  my  father's  at  evening  and  were  married. 

28.  Worked  helping  to  break  a  colt.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Mr.  Smith,^ 
of  Sharon,  died  yesterday. 

29.  My  father  went  to  Sharon.  Worked  considerably.  Read  the  Bible. 
Warm  and  wet.     The  ground  has  got  quite  bare. 

30.  Rode  to  Colebrook  and  preached.^  Mr.  Lee  went  to  Winchester  for 
me.  Speak  quite  feebly.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Bodwell's.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi : 
3  and  Num.  x  :  29. 

December. 

1.  Quite  cold  and  chilly.  Rode  home.  Read  Eulogies  on  General 
Washington^     Paid  Mr.  BattelP  ^2.11.     Paid  for  a  book,  etc.,  $2.00. 

2.  Worked  getting  wood.  Rode  to  Canaan  with  considerable  company 
on  a  visit.     Came  home  in  a  large  carriage  ;  quite  dark. 

3.  Worked.  Afternoon  and  evening  a  very  severe  snow-storm.  Rode  out 
and  performed  a  marriage. 

4.  Great  preparations  for  war  in  Europe.  Prussia  appears  likely  to  lead 
the  coalition  against  France.^  The  negotiation  between  England  and  France 
has  failed.  I  don't  think  the  English  history  affords  an  instance  of  a  rupture 
of  a  negotiation  for  peace  giving  such  universal  joy.  Read  Washington  Eulo- 
gies.    Very  cold. 

5.  Read.  My  brother  Frank  went  off  to  college.  Rode  to  Winchester  in 
a  sleigh.  Sleighing  not  very  good.  On  the  2d  a  man  in  our  neighborhood 
killed  two  pigs  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  days  old ;  one  weighed  two  hundred 
and  thirty  and  the  other  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  pounds.  The  snow  drifts 
very  hard. 

6.  Finished  reading  Locke  on  Education.  The  snow  thaws  considerably. 
Read  the  Bible. 

7.  Preached  from  Isa.  vi :  9,  10.  Cold  winter  weather.  People  attend 
meeting  very  well.  At  evening  examined  a  young  woman  to  be  propounded 
for  communion  in  the  church. 

8.  Drew  a  confession  for  an  excommunicated  member  of  this  church  now 
in  New  Connecticut.     Rode  home.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

9.  Worked  getting  wood.  Finished  reading  Eulogies  o?i  Washington.  I 
think  the  best  is  Gouverneur  Morris's.^     Have  something  of  a  cold,  but  no  cough. 


'  James,  at  last  report  of  the  diary,  was  part  of  Great  Britain,  Russia,  Prussia,  and 

living  at  Windham,  Ct.,  where  he  was  sup-  Saxony,  was  completed  Oct.  6,  1806. 

plying  a  vacant  pulpit.  ''  Gouverneur  Morris  was  born  in  Morris- 

^  Rev.   Cotton   Mather    Smith.     He   had  ania,  N.  Y.,  1752,  and  died   in   same    place, 

been  settled  at  Sharon  fifty-one  years,  1755-  1816.     He  was,  in  his  day,  one  of  the  most 

1806.     He  was  a  native  of  Suifield,  Ct.,  and  accomplished  public  men  in  the  country,  fill- 

a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1751.  ing  many  different   oflices  with   dignity  and 

^  On   an   exchange   with   Rev.  Chauncey  ability.     He  was  a  graduate   of   Kings  Col- 
Lee,  D.  D.  lege  in  1768.     This  is  now  Columbia  College. 

*  This  was  a  volume  published  in  Boston  It  was  called  King's  College  while  we  were 
in  the  year  iSoo.  under  British  rule.     In  1784  the  name   was 

5  His  brother-in-law,  Joseph  Battell.  changed,  to  give  it  a  more  free  and  American 

*  The    coalition   against  France,   on   the  aspect. 


3o8  DIARY    OF    REV,,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1806. 

10.  Worked  at  my  library,  excluding  several  unimportant  books  from  the 
numbers.  War  is  now  probably  raging  in  Europe.  I  hope  the  God  of  heaven 
will  stop  French  domination.' 

11.  Rode  to  Canaan  and  back.  Got  a  ticket  in  the  New  York  lottery^  for 
the  encouragement  of  literature  and  inland  navigation,  for  which  I  sent  some 
time  since.  It  cost  seven  dollars  and  a  half,  and  its  avails,  if  any,  are  devoted 
to,  as  I  think,  a  charitable  purpose.  Number  23,461.  Assisted  the  selectmen 
in  making  my  fathers  rate  bill.     Very  cold. 

12.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  One  of  the  severest  storms.  Read 
the  Life  of  Washington,  which  I  began  on  the  loth. 

13.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Many  drifts  very  bad.  Wrote.  My  eyes  rather 
weak.     Read  the  Bible. 

14.  Very  cold.  Preached  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  i.  Exercise  very  short.  Had 
but  one  exercise,  and  have  concluded  for  the  present  to  have  but  one  on  the 
Sabbath.     Read  the  Bible. 

15.  Read  the  Life  of  Washington?  This  evening  heard  the  distressing 
intelligence  that  hostilities  have  commenced  between  France  and  Prussia,  and 
that  the  French  have  regained  a  great  battle."*  Our  only  consolation  is  that 
that  vilest  conqueror  and  scourge  of  nations  is  an  instrument  of  infinite 
wisdom. 

16.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Weather  moderates.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.     Very  full. 

17.  Rode  home.  Good  sleighing.  Read  newspaper.  It  is  still  to  be 
hoped  the  Prussians  will  not  give  up  the  contest. 

18.  Walked  out.  Worked  considerably.  People  move  pretty  busily  in  the 
sleighs. 

19.  Rode  out  with  my  mamma.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Snow  goes  pretty 
fast.     Eat  supper  at  Mr,  Battell's  with  several  neighbors. 

20.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  Chapin,^  of  Hartford,  and  to  Mr.  H.  Howe, 
of  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Read  Washington's  Life.  Quite  bad 
riding. 

21.  Preached  from  Ex.  xx  :  8.  Meeting  very  full  and  attentive.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  singing  meeting.  Procured  some  medicine  for  my  complaints. 
My  parents  think  they  are  rheumatic.  I  hope  they  may  be  nothing  worse. 
Read  the  Bible. 

22.  Read  Life  of  Washington.  It  is  more  properly  the  history  of  America. 
It  snowed  considerably. 

23.  Rode  out  and  visited  schools.     They  appear  v&xy  well.     The   school 


'  In  the  early  years  of  this  century  Amer-  *  During  the  month  of  October,  1806,  the 

icans  looked  at  France  and  Napoleon  Bona-  French  were  victorious  in  several  great  bat- 

parte  chiefly  through  English  eyes.  ties,  that  of  Saalfield,  October   10,  those  of 

^  We  have  had   occasion  before   to  note  Auerstadt  and  Jena,  October  14,  and  that  of 

the  different  sentiment  about   lotteries   then  Halle,  Oct.  17.     But  the  day  of  their  great 

prevailing  from  the  present.  calamities  was  to  come,  in  spite  of  all  pres- 

^  Marshall's   Life  of  Washington,  in   five  ent  successes, 
volumes,  was  published  in  1805.     This  was  ^  Dea.  Aaron   Chapin  (see  note    Sept.  i, 

'.he  work  doubtless  that  Mr.  Robbins  read.  1806). 


l8o6.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


309 


visitors  here  are  very  faithful.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     But  few 
people.     It  rained  pretty  hard. 

24.  Rode  home.  Cold.  We  have  very  frequent  changes  of  weather. 
Making  a  new  arrangement  of  my  library,  kead  newspapers.  I  think  it 
most  likely  that  Prussia  will  have  to  make  an  ignoble  peace  with  Bonaparte. 

25.  Warm.  My  father  had  some  good  hogs  killed.  One  weighed  two 
hundred  and  fifty-nine.'  Afternoon  attended  the  weekly  concert.  There  has 
never  been  so  long  a  period  without  additions  to  this  church  as  now. 

26.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Rainy.  The  sleighing  nearly  gone.  Afternoon 
visited  a  school  ;  very  well  instructed.     Read  Life  of  Washington. 

27.  Finished  the  second  volume  of  Washington's  Life.  I  think  it  manifests 
want  of  time  and  historical  study  in  the  writer. 

28.  Preached  from  Luke  xii :  20.  Quite  rainy.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Joseph 
Coit,  of  New  Connecticut.  Read  the  Bible.  Preaching  sensibly  affects  my 
weakness. 

29.  Wrote.  Rode  home.  Growing  quite  cold.  Mr.  Nathan  Strong,^  a 
candidate,  at  my  father's  a  few  days.     Robins  have  been  seen  considerably. 

30.  Very  cold.  Read  the  Life  of  Washington.  Had  a  visit  from  Mr.  Lee, 
of  Colebrook.     He  is  lonely  and  something  melancholy. 

31.  Extreme  cold.  The  thermometer  very  near  zero  all  day.  Mr.  Akins^ 
appears  awfully  and  is  probably  just  gone.  It  is  a  most  striking  spectacle. 
A  holy  and  most  merciful  God  has  thus  safely  preserved  me  through  many 
changes,  trials,  and  apprehensions  to  the  end  of  this  year.  I  think  I  shall 
never  forget  his  great  mercies. 


'  This    is   rather   a   prosaic   remark    for  1802,  studied  theology,  and  was  licensed  by 

Christmas   day.     But   among   the   people  of  the    Hartford    North   Association,    Feb.   7, 

New  England  generally  at  that  time  Christ-  1804.     He   preached  for   a  little   time,  but 

mas    came   and   went    without    recognition.  gave   himself   to   the   study  and   practice  of 

Few  people  stopped  even  to  think  that  it  was  medicine.     He  settled  in  Hartford,  married 

Christmas.  Frances  Butler,  and  died  in  1837. 

^  Son  of  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of  Hartford.  ^  Edmund  Akins,  Esq.,  before  mentioned, 

He   was  graduated  at  Williams  College   in  a  prominent  man  in  Norfolk. 


isor- 

January. 

1.  Will  the  Lord  preserve  my  life  this  year,  and  enable  me  to  devote  it 
entirely  to  him.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  eight  below  zero.  Worked 
getting  wood.'  At  evening  rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  and  per- 
formed a  marriage, 

2.  Read  the  Life  of  Washington.  Accounts  from  Europe  appear  rather 
more  favorable,  but  we  are  still  in  anxious  suspense.  Eat  supper  at  my 
brother  N's. 

3.  Had  a  pair  of  boots  made.  Rode  to  Winchester.  I  think  I  ride 
better  than  in  time  past.     The  ground  mostly  bare  and  very  deeply  frozen. 

4.  Wrote.  Preached  from  Luke  xvi :  5.  Quite  cold.  At  evening 
walked  out.     Caught  some  cold. 

5.  Read  the  Life  of  Washington.  It  thaws  considerably.  I  hope  the 
colossal  power  of  Bonaparte  will  make  a  useful  impression  in  this  country.  I 
think  I  have  been  evidently  better  since  I  have  preached  but  once  on  a 
Sabbath. 

6.  Wrote.  Finished  my  last  diary.  At  evening  walked  out  and  visited. 
Some  people  here  feel  that  the  council,  which  dismissed  Mr.  Bassett,  did  not 
do  quite  justice  to  the  society. 

7.  Wrote.  Find  some  advantage  in  standing  to  write.  Afternoon  at- 
tended a  funeral  of  an  infant.  A  stranger  came  here  some  time  since,  and 
has  had  an  illegitimate  child. 

8.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  Very  cold.  I  have  been  bettei-  for  a  few 
days  than  for  a  long  time.  I  am  not  without  hopes  that  my  complaints  may 
be  mercifully  removed. 

9.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  in  a  private  house  from  Matt,  xvi :  24. 
Meeting  quite  full.  I  believe  I  have  not  preached  in  a  private  house  before 
since  I  left  New  Connecticut,     Tarried  at  Col.  Brunson's.^ 

10.  Received  six  dollars  from  this  society.  Finished  the  fourth  volume  of 
Washington's  Life,  which  is  the  last  I  now  have.  The  fifth  ^  is  not  yet 
obtained.     Wrote  notes  for  sermons. 

11,  Preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  Received  a  young  woman  into  the 
church.  Had  company  at  evening.  Am  able  to  read  but  little  on  the 
Sabbath. 


'  For  an  invalid,  considering  the  state  of  uable  household.     He  died  March  12,  1810, 

the  thermometer,  this  was  resolute  and  cour-  aged  sixty-eight, 
ageous.  *  This  reference  makes  it  plain  that  the 

*  Col.  Ozias  Bronson  (or  Brownson).     He  Life  of  Washington,  which   he  was  reading, 

was  a  stirring  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Win-  was  that  of  John  Marshall.     Marshall's  Life 

Chester  with  several  able-bodied  and   Indus-  of  Washington  in  five  volumes  was  published 

trious  sons,  making  a  very  energetic  and  val-  in  1805. 

311 


313 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1807. 


12.  Received  five  dollars  from  the  society.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Rode 
home.  Read  the  Magazine}  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Samuel.^  I 
believe  he  is  doing  very  well  in  his  school  at  Warren. 

13.  Extreme  cold  all  day.  The  thermometer  below  zero.  Rode  to  Win- 
chester.    Read  Wilberforce's  Viav.^ 

14.  Expected  to  have  gone  on  a  journey  to  Windham;  but  the  cold  is  so 
severe,  with  some  other  reasons,  that  I  conclude  to  defer  it  till  next  week. 
Rode  home.  The  thermometer  this  morning  six  below  zero.  Read  the 
newspapers. 

15.  Weather  moderates.  Afternoon  attended  the  concert  of  prayer.  My 
brother  Frank  came  home  from  college.  Wrote  to  Maj.  Perkins,  of  New 
Connecticut,    and    Mr.    Moulthrop,    of    East   Haven, 

16.  Worked  considerably  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Read 
Wilberforce.  The  country  is  considerably  alarmed  at  the  appearance  of  a 
conspiracy  of  the  w-estern  country.* 

17.  Wrote.  Finished  reading  Wilberforce's  Vieiv.  It  is  to  be  lamented 
that  he  is  not  more  discerning  in  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel.'  We  have  a 
very  cold  winter  for  so  little  snow. 

18.  Wrote  notes  of  a  sermon,  and  preached  from  Rom.  xiii :  11.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference.     Very  full  and  serious.     Quite  fatigued. 

19.  Ver^' cold.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Windham.  Rode  to  Northington,* 
Some  of  the  way  very  good  sleighing.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

20.  Severe  cold.  Last  night  much  disturbed  with  company  at  the  tavern. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Got  some  clothes  that  were  made  for  me.  Rode  to  Suf- 
field.  At  Windsor  called  at  Esq.  Seldon's,^  formerly  of  Haddam.  Tarried 
at  Esq.  Leavitt's.*  His  daughter  appears  quite  as  well  as  I  expected.  I  hope 
for  divine  guidance  in  all  things.'     Paid  a  taylor  $4.22. 

21.  To.wards  evening  rode  to   Somers.'°     The  ice  of  the  river  very  firm. 


'  He  read  doubtless  the  January  number 
for  1807  of  the  Connecticut  Evangelical  Mag- 
azine. 

^  Samuel  did  not  have  a  college  education. 

'  Wilberforce's  Practical  View  of  Chris- 
tianity, before  mentioned,  has  had  a  vast 
circulation,  and  has  done  great  good. 

^  Reference  is  here  made  to  the  plot  of 
Aaron  Burr :  "  In  1807  he  was  apprehended, 
taken  to  Richmond,  Va.,  and  tried  on  a  charge 
of  a  treasonable  design  upon  Mexico.  He  was, 
however,  after  a  long  trial,  acquitted.  His 
public  life  was  now  at  an  end,  as  his  country 
had  no  faith  in  his  integrity." 

5  Mr.  Wilberforce  was  one  of  the  best 
specimens  of  a  thoroughly  Christian  man  of 
the  evangelical  type.  This  position  he  main-" 
tained,  in  the  circle  where  he  moved,  by 
great  firmness  and  self-denial,  for  he  was 


constantly  exposed  to  sneers  and  ridicule. 
Probably  on  technical  points  of  doctrine  he 
did  not  exactly  conform  to  the  technics  of 
the  New  England  schools  of  theology.  But 
he  had  a  good  foundation. 

*  Now  Avon. 

^  Edward  Selden,  Esq.,  who  had  not  been 
long  a  resident  of  Windsor,  but  as  the  diary 
states,  had  removed  there  from  Haddam. 
He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  in  1785, 
and  a  son  of  his,  of  the  same  name,  was  grad- 
uated from  Yale  in  181 1. 

*  Thaddeus  Leavitt,  Esq.,  of  Suffield,  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  and  one  of  the  leading 
men  of  the  town. 

9  The  collocation  of  this  sentence  with 
the  foregoing  one  is  certainly  suggestive. 

*°  About  ten  miles  from  Windsor  to  Som- 
ers. 


c8o7.] 


AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


313 


Tarried  with  Mrs.  Backus  and  Mr.  Strong.'     Something  unwell.     My  travel- 
ing is  i^retty  hard  for  me. 

22.  Rode  to  Tolland.  Dined  with  Dr.  Williams.^  Rode  to  Windham. 
Found  my  brother  James.  He  is  very  well.  It  seems  I  have  been  con- 
siderably expected.     Very  tired.     Rode  today  thirty  miles. 

23.  Read  newspapers.  I  believe  Congress  have  never  been  more  con- 
temptible than  at  present.  Rode  with  my  brother  in  a  carriage  to  Scotland 
and  back.     There  is  some  snow  through  the  country,  but  quite  poor  sleighing. 

24.  Read  Dr.  Hopkins's^  last  volume  of  sermons.  It  thaws  some.  The 
first  instance  in  more  than  a  fortnight.  My  brother  went  to  Scotland  to 
preach  tomorrow,  they  being  now  destitute.''    Wrote. 

25.  Very  cold.  Preached  in  my  brother's  stead^  from  Gen.  vii :  16  and 
Rom.  i :  16.  The  meeting-house  quite  large,  but  the  congregation  not  nu- 
merous.    Quite  worried.     At  evening  had  company. 

26.  Extreme  cold ;  I  believe  equal  to  any  we  have  had  this  winter.  My 
brother  set  out  for  home.     Read  Shakespeare. 

27.  Worked  some.  The  pain  in  my  breast  much  worse  than  before  I  came 
from  home.  Read  Shakespeare.  My  brother  has  lately  bought  a  set  of  his 
plays. 

28.  It  rained  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  newspapers.  It  seems  the  French 
have  had  uninterrupted  successes  in  Prussia.  The  Prussian  army  is  nearly 
destroyed.*  Our  only  hope  is  that  there  is  one  Power  greater  than  Bonaparte. 
Was  requested  to  preach  as  a  supply  at  Scotland.  I  cannot.  W^alked  out 
and  visited. 

29.  The  snow  is  most  entirely  gone.  Warm.  Visited.  The  people  here 
appear  quite  desirous  to  have  my  brother  stay  with  them.  I  think  it  will  not 
be  best. 

30.  Last  week  my  brother  had  an  appointment  as  a  missionary  from  the 
Missionary  Society.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Our  government 
appears   to   be    perfect   pusillanimity. 


*  Mrs.  Backus,  widow  of  Dr.  Charles 
Backus,  who  died  at  Somers  in  1803,  and 
Rev.  William  L.  Strong,  who  succeeded  him 
in  1805. 

^  Rev.  Nathan  Williams,  D.  D.,  settled  in 
Tolland  in  1760,  already  about  forty-seven 
years  minister,  and  destined  to  continue 
twent}'-two  years  more.  His  ministry  closed 
by  his  death  in  1829,  though  he  had  a  col- 
league during  the  last  sixteen  years  of  his 
life. 

^  This  volume  was,  without  much  doubt, 
the  one  prepared  and  published  by  Dr. 
Stephen   West,   of   Stockbridge,   in    1805. 

*  The  church  in  Scotland  parish  (Wind- 
ham, Ct.),  had  been  made  vacant  by  the 
death  of  Rev.  Cornelius  Adams,  who  died 
two  months  before  in  November,  1806.     And 


now  in  this  very  month  of  January,  1807, 
Rev.  James  Cogswell,  D.  D.,  died,  who  had 
been  pastor  there  from  1772  to  1804,  and  had 
since  been  living  there  in  his  old  age,  retired 
from  the  active  duties  of  his  office. 

^  His  brother,  James  Watson  Robbins, 
having  been  graduated  at  Williams  College 
in  1802,  intended  to  make  the  ministry  his 
life-work,  but  soon  afterward  turned  aside  to 
other  pursuits.  He  was  supplying  the  pulpit 
of  the  old  church  at  Windham  Centre,  made 
vacant  by  the  dismissal  of  Rev.  Elijah  Water- 
man in  1805.  Mr.  Waterman  went  to  Bridge- 
port, Ct.,  where  he  died  1S25. 

*  This  remark  is  grounded  not  on  new 
victories,  but  on  fuller  reports  of  those  great 
battles  which  took  place  in  October,  i8o6j 
and  which  have  been  previously  mentioned. 


314 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1807. 


31.  Read  Shakespeare.  Wrote  a  letter  to  M.  E.  Leavitt.'  Quite  rainy 
the  most  of  the  day  ;  at  night  very  hard.  The  family  in  which  I  live  is  very 
agreeable.     Read  Ur.  Emmons  on  Church  Music.^ 


February. 

1.  Preached  from  Acts  viii :  24  and  Esther  iv  :  16.  Last  night  the  storm 
verj-  hard.  It  snowed  some.  Very  few  people  at  meeting.  Waters  very 
high.     Had   company.     Preached   without   great   fatigue. 

2.  Great  damages  are  sustained  by  the  flood,  which  has  been  extensive 
and  very  great.  Many  bridges  are  gone.  Read  Shakespeare.^  Walked  out 
and  visited. 

3.  Rode  to  Preston*  to  make  a  visit  to  Dr.  Hart.^  Cold.  Dined  at  Mr. 
Goddard's,  Plainfield.  They  have  a  new  meeting-house  in  Canterburj'/  as 
elegant,  I  believe,  as  any  in  the  State. 

4.  Spent  the  day  very  agreeably  with  Dr.  Hart.  He  is  pretty  well,  but 
feels  something  of  his  paralytic  shock. ^  The  prospect  of  ecclesiastical  matters 
in  this  vicinity  pretty  gloomy. 

5.  Rode  to  Windham.  Suffered  considerably  with  the  cold.  There  are 
many  accounts,  from  various  parts,  of  great  losses  by  the  late  high  waters. 
The  great  bridge  in  Hartford  is  gone.^  A  weekly  paper  was  published  at 
Boston  about  the  year  1742  for  two  years,  entitled  the  Christian  History,  giving 
an  account  of  the  religious  work  of  that  time. 

6.  Read  newspapers.  There  are  accounts  that  a  division  of  the  French 
army  has  been  beaten  by  the  Russians.'  May  the  Lord  cause  it  to  be  true, 
and  thus  turn  the  tide  of  events.  My  brother  returned.  Rather  unexpectedly. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     It  snowed  considerably.     Read  Shakespeare. 

7.  Wrote.     Cold.     Considerable  prospect  of  a  turn  of   sleighing.     Con- 


'  Probably  the  daughter  of  Esq.  Thaddeus 
Leavitt,  of  Suffield,  upon  whom  he  called  a 
few  days  before. 

^  Sermon  on  Church  Music,  preached  by 
Dr.  Emmons  in  1S06,  and  published  the  same 
year. 

^  Shakespeare  was  far  less  generally  read 
eighty  and  a  hundred  years  ago  than  now. 
Hardly  a  family  now,  of  any  considerable  in- 
telligence and  culture,  would  be  without  a 
copy  of  the  works  of  this  great  dramatist. 
Mr,  Robbins  found  the  volumes  he  was  read- 
ing in  his  brother's  library  at  Windham,  and 
seems  to  have  applied  himself  to  them  with 
great  eagerness. 

*  Preston  is  in  New  London  County,  Ct., 
but  that  part  where  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  went 
is  now  the  town  of  Griswold. 

^  Dr.  Levi  Hart,  an  eminent  Congrega- 
tional minister  and  teacher  of  divinity. 

*  His  journey  to  Preston  from  Windham 


led  him  through  portions  of  Plainfield  and 
Canterbury. 

''  Dr.  Hart  had  been  in  the  ministry  at 
Preston  forty-five  years.  He  died  the  year 
following,  1S08. 

*  Some  of  the  freshets  on  the  Connecticut 
River  are  hard  to  combat,  and  the  long  bridge 
between  Hartford  and  East  Hartford  had 
been  swept  away  before.  But  the  one  now 
standing  there  has  kept  its  position  for  a 
long  course  of  years.  It  was  built  in  1818,  to 
replace  the  bridge  carried  away  that  same 
year  (March  2),  that  being  an  open  bridge 
built  1S09. 

9  This  was  not  a  true  report.  On  the 
26th  of  December,  1806,  there  was  a  great 
battle  fought  at  Pultusk,  Russia,  between  the 
French  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Russians 
and  Prussians  on  the  other.  Both  sides 
claimed  the  victory,  but  the  real  advantage 
was  with  the  French. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  3x5 

siderable  commotion  at  New  Orleans.  Read  Mr.  Strong's  sermon  on  the 
death  of  Dr.  Coggswell.'  I  presume  his  ministry  was  one  of  the  longest  ever 
in  this  State  ;  above  sixty-two  years.^ 

8.  Most  extreme  cold.  Had  but  a  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Rev. 
xvi:  15  and  Luke  xvi :  17.  My  brother  preached  at  Scotland.  Considerably 
fatigued.  The  people  here  appear  to  wish  to  have  me  stay  with  them  if  James 
cannot. 

9.  Finished  the  second  volume  of  Shakespeare.  Weather  moderates. 
Very  good  sleighing.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Saw  Rev.  Mr.  Weld, 
of  Hampton.^ 

10.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  Evangelical  Magazine.  The  snow  thaws  consid- 
erably. Read  Shakespeare.  Yesterday  Mr.  Hough'*  called  to  see  me  ;  about 
to  be  settled  at  Vergennes,  Vt. 

11.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Scotland,  and  attended  a  funeral.  Preached 
from  John  xi:  25.  The  committee  there  applied  to  me  to  preach  with  them. 
I  could  not  give  them  any  encouragement.  Returned  to  Windham.  Walked 
out.     Am  considerably  troubled  with  my  old  complaints. 

12.  The  sleighing  mostly  gone.  Left  Windham.  Rode  to  East  Hartford. 
Tarried  with  my  old  friend  King.^  He  very  gloomy  with  the  late  loss  of  his 
wife.     Remarkably  warm  for  the  season. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Got  my  father's  sleigh,  which  my  brother  left  at 
Mr.  Strong's,  and  rode  home.  Pretty  poor  sleighing.  Many  bridges  gone  by 
the  late  freshet. 

14.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Afternoon  rode  to  Winchester.  Waters  very 
high.  Mr.  Asahel  Gaylord*  has  preached  here  twice  in  my  absence.  The 
people  speak  well  of  him. 

15.  Very  high  winds.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  iv :  3.  Saw  Mr.  J.  Coit/ 
from  New  Connecticut.     I  think  I  speak  easier  than  in  times  past. 


■Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of  Hartford,  preached  Hampton  in  1824,  he  went  to  Fabius,  N.  f. 

the  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  James  Cogs-  He  died  in  1844. 

well,  and  the  sermon  had  already  been  pub-  *  Rev.  John  Hough,  native  of  Canterbury, 

lished.  Ct.,  graduated  at  Yale,  1802,  pastor  at  Ver- 

^  It  maybe  that  there  had  been  no  min-  gennes,  from  March  12,  1807  to  Aug.  25, 
istry  in  Connecticut  longer  than  this  up  to  18 12.  He  studied  theology  with  President 
that  time.  But  there  have  been  longer  ones  Dwight,  of  Yale  College,  and  was  himself 
since;  for  example,  that  of  Dr.  Nathan  Will-  professor  at  Middlebury  College, 
iams,  of  Tolland,  noted  only  a  page  or  two  '  Rev.  Salmon  King,  Mr.  Robbins's  class- 
back,  which  closed  by  death  in  1829,  after  mate  at  Yale,  was  then  pastor,  not  of  the  old 
sixty-nine  years  continuance.  The  ministry  of  church  in  East  Hartford  Street,  but  the 
Rev.  John  Higginson,  which  began  in  Say-  church  at  Manchester  Centre,  then  known 
brook,  Ct.,  in  1636,  and  ended  in  Salem,  as  the  Orford  parish.  East  Hartford. 
Mass.,  by  his  death  in  1708,  had  been  in  *  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord,  a  native  of  Nor- 
three  different  places,  but  its  whole  continu-  folk,  Ct.,  was  graduated  at  Williams  College 
ance  had  been  seventy-two  years,  and  his  life  in  1804,  and  was  appointed  by  the  Connec- 
ninety-two  years.  ticut  Missionary  Society  for  service  in  Ver- 

^  Rev.  Ludovicus  Weld,  minister  at  Hamp-  mont  and  New  York.     He  died  in  Norfolk 

ton,  Ct,  1792-1824.     He  was  a  graduate  of  in  1845. 

Harvard  College  in  1789,  and   after  leaving  '  Mr.  J.  Coit,  prominent  in  early  Ohio. 


3i6 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1807. 


16.  Read  the  Life  of  Dr.  Hopkins.^  Rode  out.  Very  cold.  Many  people 
appear  displeased  that  Mr.  Bassett"  is  appointed  a  missionary. 

17.  The  late  freshet  appears  to  have  been  higher  than  the  one  preceding. 
Read  the  Stranger  m  Ireland.^  Mr.  Humphrey*  here,  a  candidate,  about  to  be 
settled  at  Fairfield. 

18.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Whittlesey,^  a  candidate.  Last  night  and  in  the  morning 
considerable  snow  fell.  Afternoon  and  at  evening  it  rained  pretty  steady  and 
hard.     Poland  seems  to  have  become  the  theater  of  most  destructive  war.* 

19.  Wrote  to  M.  E.  L.^  Afternoon  rode  to  Colebrook  and  preached  in  the 
evening  at  Moore's  tavern  to  a  pretty  numerous  collection  from  Acts  viii : 
8.  In  the  morning  the  waters  were  higher  than  ever  I  saw  them,  though  I 
believe  not  so  much  water  in  the  streams.     Tarried  at  my  brother  A.'s. 

20.  Rode  home.  The  roads  very  icy.  Extreme  cold.  Very  little  sleigh- 
ing.    Wrote  to  Esq.  Leavitt,  Suffield,  and  to  Dr.  Strong,  Hartford. 

21.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Read  Neal's  History  of  the  Puritans.  Mr. 
Grossman,  of  Salisbury,  has  been  here  this  week  to  commence  a  course  of 
discipline  with  this  church  for  their  treatment  of  Mr.  Bassett.*  I  think  it  is 
wrong. 

22.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Per- 
formed a  marriage.  The  people  here  considerably  agitated  on  account  of  the 
late  dealings  with  the  church.' 

23.  The  destruction  by  the  late  freshets  has  been  great  and  extensive. 
Read  Neal.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Two  or  three  persons  here  very  sick. 

24.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  night  a  pretty  hard  storm  of 
snow.     Roads  very  icy. 

25.  The  snow  eight  or  ten  inches  deep.  Ver^-  cold.  Read  considerably. 
Wrote.     I  think  the  first  Puritans  discovered  something  of  a  separatical  spirit.'" 

26.  Rode  home.  The  papers  contain  many  accounts  of  the  late  freshets. 
Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for  my  father  from  Rev.  xvii :  14. 

27.  Went  with  a  team  sledding  wood  most  all  day.  A  very  fine  turn  of 
sleighing.     Preparing  for  my  journey. 


'  Life  of  Dr.  Hopkins,  by  Dr.  Stephen 
West. 

^  Rev.  Archibald  Bassett,  of  Winchester, 
dismissed  the  year  before,  as  already  stated. 

^  This  was  a  volume,  then  just  published, 
New  York,  1807. 

*  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey,  one  of  the  four 
young  men  licensed  the  year  before  by  Litch- 
field North  Association,  afterwards  President 
of  Amherst  College. 

5  Samuel  Whittlesey,  probably,  graduated 
at  Yale  in  1803. 

''  Battle  of  Mohrungen,  fought  January, 
1807. 

'  Probably  Miss  Leavitt,  of  Suffield. 

*  The  charges  on  which  Rev.  Mr.  Bassett 
had  been  dismissed  had  reference  chieflv  to 


practical  honor  and  integrity  in  the  daily 
business  affairs  of  life. 

9  In  order  to  prepare  the  way  for  disci- 
plining a  church  certain  preliminary  steps 
had  to  be  taken,  as  in  case  of  an  individual, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Grossman,  of  Salisbur}',  had 
been  there  to  set  the  process  in  motion. 

'°  The  Pilgrims  who  came  to  Pljinouth  in 
1620  were  open  and  avowed  Separatists.  Mr. 
Robbins  seems  to  imply  that  some  of  the 
Puritans  who  came  to  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
in  1629  and  1630  had  something  of  the  same 
idea,  though  they  disowned  the  name  of 
Separatists.  He  grounds  this  remark  prob- 
ably on  what  took  place  at  Salem  in  1629, 
in  the  organization  of  the  first  church  in  the 
Massachusetts  Bay. 


1807.J  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  3T7 

28.  Set  out  early  and  rode  to  Suffield  in  a  single  sleigh ;  just  forty  miles. 
Some  of  the  way  bare  ground,  yet  generally  very  good  sleighing.  Tarried 
with  Mr.  Gay.'  Last  evening  was  informed  that  Mr.  Bassett  is  about  to  ha\e 
the  consociation  called  to  Winchester.  A  very  extraordinary  step.  My  father 
has  lately  taken  an  account  of  the  members  of  his  church  as  accurately  as  he 
can.  Some  are  in  distant  parts  of  the  country,  who  have  never  been  dis- 
missed.    The  number  is  two  hundred  and  twenty-seven. 

March. 

1.  Preached  for  Mr.  Gay  from  Acts  viii :  8  and  Luke  xv :  17.  He 
administered  the  sacrament.  Very  bad  stirring.  Last  night  it  rained 
considerably. 

2.  Spent  the  forenoon  at  Esq.  Leavitt's.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford. 
Had  an  agreeable  opportunity  with  E.  L.^  Quite  poor  sleighing.  The  bridge 
at  Windsor  gone.  Got  a  very  fine  cherry  book-case  at  Hartford  which  Mr, 
Chapin  ^  had  made  for  me.     Paid  for  it  forty-four  dollars.** 

3.  Rode  home  with  the  lower  part  of  my  book-case  safely.  From  New 
Hartford  excellent  sleighing.     Crossed  Talcott  Mountain  on  a  south  road.^ 

4.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Visited  a  child  very  sick.  The  committee  of 
the  church  requested  me  to  assist  them  before  the  consociation,  which  is  to 
meet  there  next  week.  I  hope  for  divine  guidance.  Concluded  to  dismiss 
two  objects  of  daily  attention,  to  one  of  which  I  have  attended  for  nearly 
four  years,  to  the  other  nearly  two  years  ;  and  to  adopt  another,  which  I  have 
had  in  attention  for  a  few  months.^  And  may  the  Lord  enable  me  to  be 
honest  and  faithful. 

5.  Rode  to  Goshen  and  returned  in  a  sleigh.  Had  a  long  conversation 
with  Mr.  Hooker  and  Judge  Hale  ^  respecting  Winchester  matters.  I  hope 
their  advice  may  be  useful. 

6.  There  are  accounts  that  Bonaparte's  army  is  suffering  severely  by  fam- 
ine and  pestilence.  However  dreadful  I  can  hardly  regret  it.  Wrote  on  a 
defence  for  the  church,  to  be  laid  before  the  consociation.     Had  company. 

7.  Hindered  from  my  writing  by  company  most  of  the  day.  Rode  out 
and  performed  a  marriage. 

8.  Preached  from  Rev.  xvii :  14.  Had  two  exercises;  expect  to  have 
two  on  a  Sabbath  in  future.  I  hope  my  health  will  admit  it.  Tolerably  good 
sleighing. 

9.  Wrote   steadily  all  day.     At  evening  met  with  the  members  of  the 


'  Suffield  had  two  ministers  by  the  name  bins  was  buying  a  choice  article  of  furniture, 
of  Ebenezer  Gay,  father  and  son.     Ebenezer  ^  This  was  the  road  probably  leading  to 

Gay,  D.  D.,  Senior,  filled   the   pulpit,  1742-  Farmington,  rather  than  the  one  leading  to 

1796.     Ebenezer  Gay,  Jr.,  was  minister  1793-  Northington  (now  Avon),  the  latter  running 

1837.      Their   ministries    covered    nearly    a  near  Wadsworth's  Tower, 
century.  *  This  passage  is  left  for  private  interpre- 

^  The  same  as  M.  E.  L.  tation. 

^  Dea.  Aaron  Chapin.  ''  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  who  has  been  often 

*  Forty-four   dollars   for   a   book-case,  as  mentioned,  and  Judge  Timothy  Hale,  a  prom- 
money  was  then  valued,  shows  that  Mr.  Rob-  inent  lawyer  of  Litchfield  County. 


3l8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

church  to  prepare  for  their  trial.     Am  much  more  able  to  pursue  this  business 
than  I  feared.     Rainy. 

10.  Finished  the  defence  of  the  church,  and  exhibited  it  before  the  conso- 
ciation. I  think  it  had  a  pretty  powerlui  eilect.  Proceeded  in  the  trial ;  about 
half  through  the  charge.  The  complainants  seemed  to  make  out  nothing  of 
any  consequence.  The  consociation  would  not  acknowledge  themselves  to  be 
prosecutors  in  the  case,  which  seems  to  have  been  the  original  design  of  the 
promoters  of  the  affair. 

11.  The  consociation,  after  a  long  debate  by  themselves,  concluded  that 
there  were  such  informalities  in  the  manner  in  which  the  present  complaint 
came  before  them,  that  it  should  be  dismissed.  They  gave  Mr.  Bassett  gener- 
ally a  dollar  each  as  a  consideration  for  their  support.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Miller,'  the  last  moderator  of  the  consociation,  calling  me  to 
sit  as  one  of  the  consociation,  and  I  did  sit.     At  evening  rode  out  and  visited. 

12.  Considerably  unwell.  Attended  a  funeral  of  a  child.  Rode  home. 
Good  sleighing. 

13.  The  public  have  met  with  a  great  loss  in  the  death  of  the  late  Rev. 
Mr.  Swift,^  of  Williamstown.  Went  and  got  a  load  of  wood  with  the  team. 
Read  Chauncey's  View  of  Episcopacy.^  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Moulthrop,* 
East  Haven. 

14.  Last  night  a  hard  snow.  At  least  a  foot  deep,  supposed  to  be  the 
deepest  we  have  had  this  winter.     Rode  to  Winchester. 

15.  Quite  cold.  Preached  all  day  from  Isa.  ii :  17.  At  evening  a  com- 
mittee of  the  church  presented  me  their  thanks  for  my  assistance  in  their  late 
trial,  and  gave  me  a  present  of  $9.63  ;  and  from  members  of  the  societ)',  con- 
tributed for  the  purpose,  ^11.02,  of  which  P.  Miner,^  Esq.,  gave  $3.00.  Quite 
tired.     Sum  received,  $20.65. 

16.  Read  Neal.  Wrote.  Pretty  feeble.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Very 
good  sleighing.  We  have  now  had  snow  steadily  four  months,  and  the  most 
of  the  time  very  cold. 

17.  Visited  schools.  They  appear  very  well.  Are  well  instructed  in  the 
catechism.     Heard,  etc.*     Mr.  Bassett  has  removed  from  this  town. 

18.  Rode  home.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Read  Chauncey's  View  of  Epis- 
copacy. A  very  valuable  work.  It  appears  that  the  progress  of  the  French 
arms  is  in  some  measure  checked.^  The  theater  of  war  is  exceedingly 
distressed. 


'Rev.  William  Fowler  Miller,  probably,  ^  Dr.  Charles  Chauncey's  Cbw//^/'^  F/eWi?/ 

who  seems  to  have  preached  a  short  time  in  Episcopacy  from  the  Fathers. 

Salisbury,   and    was    pastor    at    Bloomfield  *  Reuben  Moulthrop,  the  painter,  who  took 

(Wintonbury)    1791-1811.      He   was    gradu-  his  picture, 

ated   at   Yale,   in    1786,   and   died    in    1818.  '  Phineas  Miner,  Esq.,  a  prominent  man 

^  Rev.  Seth    Swift,  noticed   in   the   early  in  Winchester, 

pages   of    the   diary.     He   was   a   native   of  *  The  full  sentence  would  probably  read 

Kent,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1774,  stud-  "from  M.  E.  L."     (See  March  13.) 

led  theology  with  Dr.  Bellamy,  and  was  pas-  '  The   great  battle   of    Eylau  in    Prussia 

tor  at   Williamstown,    1779-1807.     He   died  was  fought  on  the  7th  and  Sth  of  February, 

February  13.  1807,  in  which  the  French  defeated  the  Rus- 


iSo;.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


319 


19.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Afternoon  attended  the  concert  of 
prayer.     Very  cold.     A  number  of  people  in  town  are  sick. 

20.  Worked  considerably  drawing  pine  timber  to  make  a  fence.  Wrote  to 
Col.  White,  Danbury.     i8th  wrote  to  Mr.  Howe,  New  Haven.     Read  Chauncey. 

21.  Worked.  Very  good  sledding.  Rode  to  Winchester  in  a  sleigh. 
Read    Neal's   History. 

22.  Preached  from  Matt,  xviii :  3.  Very  tired.  At  evening  rode  to  Cole- 
brook  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Lee.  He  is  lately  married,  and  I  think  very 
fortunately. 

23.  Rode  home.  Very  cold.  Worked  considerably.  A  great  and  general 
scarcity  of  hay. 

24.  Finished  reading  Chauncey's  View.  My  parents  rode  to  Colebrook 
and  back  in  a  sleigh.     My  father  has  a  very  fine  set  of  scholars. 

25.  Read  Eclwards's  Last  End  in  Creation^  Rode  to  Winchester  in  a 
sleigh.     Last   night   a   hard    storm    of   snow.     Read    Neal. 

26.  Wrote.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Had  company.  The  people 
here  appear  anxious  for  their  situation  if  I  leave  them,  but  I  trust  they  will  do 
well. 

27.  This  day  is  the  Fast  through  the  State.  Had  two  long  exercises. 
Preached  from  Ezra  viii :  21.  Will  the  Lord  accept  the  services  of  his  people. 
Wrote  my  notes. 

28.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Rode  to  Winsted^  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Beach.^  Very  good  sleighing.  People  here  kill  calves  at  four  or  five  days 
old,  save  the  skin  and  bag,  and  give  the  meat  to  their  hogs. 

29.  It  snowed  quite  hard  nearly  all  day.  Mr.  Beach  rode  to  Winchester. 
Preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16  and  Num.  x:  29.  Their  meeting-house  here  is 
quite  convenient  and  elegant.     Tarried  at  Esq.  Rockwell's.'* 

30.  My  late  labors  too  much  for  me.  Visited.  Rode  to  Winchester. 
Very  little  path.     The  snow  in  the  woods  nearly  two  feet  deep. 

31.  A  very  violent  snow-storm.  In  the  present  great  scarcity  of  hay,  it 
appears  a  great  frown  of  Providence.     Read  Neal.     Wrote.     Am  quite  feeble. 

April. 

I.     Cold  and  very  tedious.     The  snow  flew  very  violently  all  day.     No 
person  scarcely  goes  out.     Wrote  notes  of  sermons.     At  night  quite  unwell. 


sians  with  heavy  losses  on  their  own  side,  wards  was  not  published  till  long  after  his 
but  with  much  heavier  on  the  side  of  the  death.  It  first  appeared  in  17S8. 
Russians.  It  was  reported  that  20,000  Rus-  ^  A  parish  of  the  town  of  Winchester, 
sians  lay  dead  on  the  battle-field.  The  French  3  Rev.  James  Beach  was  settled  at  Win- 
Avere  obliged  to  retire  and  repair  losses,  but  sted  in  1806,  and  remained  pastor  there  till 
there  was  small  ground  for  this  entry  in  the  1842.  He  was  graduated  at  Williams  Col- 
diary.  The  news  came  to  this  country  prob-  lege  in  1804.  He  died  in  1850  at  the  age  of 
ably  through   England  with  its  English   col-  seventy. 

oring.  **  Solomon  Rockwell,  Esq.,  justice  of  the 

'  This  celebrated  treatise  of  President  Ed-  peace,  1S03-1816. 


320  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

2.  Was  out  with  the  people  the  most  of  the  clay  breaking  paths.  The 
snow  between  three  and  four  feet  deep.'     It  snowed  some. 

3.  It  snowed  some,  and  is  very  blustering.  Read  Neal.  As  a  historian  I 
think  he  is  too  much  prejudiced  against  the  House  of  Stuart,"  though  he  appears 
to  be  a  very  candid  man.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Considerably  unwell. 

4.  Read  Neal.  This  week  has  been  more  tedious,  snowy,  and  blustering 
than  any  one  in  the  passing  winter.  It  has  snowed  ever)-  day  but  one.  Some 
people  are  wholly  out  of  hay.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

5.  Thin  meeting.  Very  difficult  getting  about.  Preached  from  i  Cor. 
ii :  10.     Warm  and  pleasant.     At  evening  walked  out. 

6.  The  snow  settles  pretty  fast.  Many  people  in  a  suffering  state  about 
■hay.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Am  quite  feeble. 

7.  Rode  home.  More  snow  here  than  at  Winchester.  I  am  persuaded 
I  never  saw  such  a  quantity  of  snow  and  such  drifts  abouf  my  father's  as 
now.^  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  one  from  Mr.  Humphrey, 
about  to  be  settled  at  Fairfield,  and  one  from  Dr.  Sargeant,'*  of  Stockbridge, 
inviting  me  to  go  there  and  preach,  as  Dr.  West  is  unwell.  My  brother 
Samuel  is  pretty  feeble. 

8.  The  traveling  is  excessively  bad.  People  feel  something  anxious 
about  Freeman's  Meeting,  though  there  is  much  less  stir  than  usual.  Wrote 
to  my  brother  James.     Paid  Mr.  Battell  $10.00. 

9.  Rode  to  Winchester.  In  the  morning  the  sleighing  is  tolerable.  The 
snow  has  settled  considerably.  Read  Neal.  The  people  here  grow  ver)' 
anxious  about  my  leaving  them. 

ID.  ^xoX&ioxXhs.  Evangelical  Magazine.  Read.  Afternoon  several  people 
came  to  converse  with  me  about  staying  here.  I  hope  for  divine  guidance. 
There  are  some  cogent  reasons  for  my  staying  here,  but  I  think  I  cannot. 

11.  Dr.  Wilcox,  from  New  Connecticut,  called  to  see  me.  Rode  out. 
Read  Neal.  The  snow  thaws  very  fast,  and  the  ground  begins  to  appear. 
Read  the  Bible. 

12.  Preached  from  Heb.  xii :  17  and  Matt,  xxvi:  42.  Rode  to  meeting  in 
a  sleigh.  People  here  came  to  meeting,  some  in  sleighs,  Nov.  i6th,  and  I 
believe  there  has  been  one  or  more  every  Sabbath  since.' 

13.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  Freeman's  Meeting.  The  votes  here  for 
Governor,  Federalist,  eighty-seven ;  Democratic,  forty-nine ;  better  than  here- 
tofore.    It  snowed  most  all  day.     Unfavorable  for  the  Federal  interest.^ 

'  This   was    a    remarkable    condition   of  ^  He  means  at  any  time  in  the  year,  and 

things  for  the  first  of  April.     That  portion  of  it  is  now  the  7th  of  April. 

Litchfield  County  is  high  and  presents  more  ^  Erastus   Sargeant,  M.  D.,   son   of   Rev. 

wintry  aspects  in  April  than  the  region  along  John  Sargeant. 

the  Connecticut   River.     But   even   for  that  ^  Five    months    of   continuous   sleighing 

land  of  high  hills  such  an  amount  of  snow  in  show  a  remarkable  season. 

April  was  extraordinary.  *  This  is  the  old  story.     The  Federalists, 

^  The  House  of  Stuart  has  not  improved  on    the   average,   better   housed   and   better 

on   long  acquaintance.     There  is  little  occa-  dressed,  more  careful  of  their  clothes  and  their 

sion  to  use  words  of  apology  for  the  mon-  bodily  comforts,  were  not  so  apt  to  get  out  in 

archs  of  this  dynasty.  stormy  weather  as  the  Democrats. 


iSo;.]  AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


321 


14.  Rode  to  the  lower  part  of  Norfolk  and  married  a  couple.  It  gives  me 
much  pain  to  get  along  with  the  people  here  about  going  away. 

15.  Rode  home  in  a  sleigh.  Sleighing  about  gone.  The  votes  for  Gov- 
ernor here  were  one  hundred  and  eighty-three ;  Democrats  twenty-nine. 
Worked  some.     Am  considerably  better  than  I  have  been  in  times  past. 

16.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Can  bear  riding  much  better  than  I  feared. 
Called  on  Mr.  Judson  ; '  greatly  afflicted  with  the  loss  of  his  son.  In  Sheffield 
saw  people  plowing. 

17.  Came  to  Dr.  West's.  He  is  very  feeble.  Has  not  preached  for  four 
Sabbaths.  Read  newspapers.  Have  to  answer  a  great  many  inquiries  about 
my  mission. 

18.  The  election  of  Governor  in  this  State  seems  to  be  gone  in  favor  of 
Democracy  for  the  first  time.'^    Walked  out  and  visited.     Wrote. 

19.  Very  warm.  In  the  afternoon  took  off  my  outside  coat.^  Preached 
from  Rom.  i:  16  and  Luke  xv :  17.  The  people  here  have  been  without 
preaching  four  Sabbaths,  longer  than  at  any  one  time  in  twenty  years.  Dr. 
West  very  feeble. 

20.  The  river  here  very  high.  Walked  out.  The  people  here  are  much 
more  plain  in  their  manners  than  in  years  past, 

21.  Rode  to  Lenox  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the  Mission- 
ary Society  in  this  county.  Their  funds  are  so  limited  that  they  can  do  but 
little.  Rode  to  Lee  with  Mr.  Hyde.*  Preached  in  the  evening  to  a  large 
meeting  from  Esther  xiv :  16.  There  has  been  a  pretty  great  awakening  here. 
It  is  now  declining. 

22.  Rode  to  Mr.  Goodwin's,^  Lenox.  Had  quite  an  agreeable  visit. 
Read.  The  town  of  Pittsfield  in  a  great  commotion  with  quarrels  of  various 
kinds. 

23.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  It  appears  that  there  has  been  a  great  battle 
between  the  Russians  and  French,  issuing  in  favor  of  the  Russians.*  It  was 
probably  the  hardest  fought  action  in  which  Bonaparte  was  ever  engaged.  I 
think  it  a  most  merciful  interposition  of  Providence.     Walked  out. 

24.  Rainy.  Wrote  considerably.  Received  a  very  ill-natured  letter  from 
Mr.  Bidwell.^  He  appears  to  wish  to  draw  me  into  a  snare,  or  drive  me  out 
of  town. 


'  His  son,  Ephraim  Judson,  Jr.,  was  grad-  ''  Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Lee, 

uated   at  Williams  College  in  1797,  studied  1792-1833. 
law,  and  was  settled  in  legal  practice  at  San-  ^  Joseph  Goodwin. 

disfield,  Mass.,  where  he  died  in  1807,  at  the  ^  We  do  not  find  any  battle   about   this 

age  of  thirty-one.  time  in  which  the  French  were  defeated  by 

^  Hon.    Caleb   Strong,   of    Northampton,  the  Russians.     It  would  seem  that  this  entry 

had  been  Governor  of  Massachusetts,  1800-  in  the  diary  must  have  reference  to  the  battle 

1807.     In  1S07  James  Sullivan,  LL.  D.,  was  of  Eylau,  before  described, 
chosen.     He  was  born  in  Berwick,  Me.,  April  ^  Barnabas  Bidwell,  Esq.,  Democratic  law- 

22,  1744,  and  died  in  Boston,  Dec.  10,  1808.  yer  in  Stockbridge,  graduate  of  Yale  College, 

^  In  those  days  when  there  were  no  stoves  1785,  Member  of  Congress,  1805-1807.     He 

in    churches,    ministers,    during    the   winter  died  in  1833,  but  his  later  life  was  somewhat 

season,  preached   in  their   overcoats.  clouded. 


322  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

25.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Called  on  Mr.  Bacon.'  I  am  fearful  he  and 
Bidvvell  mean  to  oppose  any  minister  here,  who  will  not  be  a  Democrat.  New 
York  in  a  perfect  electioneering  blaze.  Warm.  Vegetation  comes  on  very 
fast. 

26.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii :  24  and  2  Tim.  iv:  7,  8.  People  very 
attentive.  Very  tired.  The  people  wish  me  to  continue  here  longer,  but  I 
think  I  cannot. 

27.  Walked  out  and  visited.  By  particular  desire,  preached  in  the  even- 
ing, on  the  plain,  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  Slept  with  J.  Curtis.^  His  case  is  more 
difficult  and  perplexing  than  any  I  ever  knew. 

28.  Received  ten  dollars  from  the  people  here.  Paid  Dr.  West  for  his 
History  of  Popery^  $S-oo.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  The  ground  mostly 
settled.  They  have  been  greatly  afflicted  at  Winchester  with  sickness  and 
death  since  I  left  there. 

29.  Quite  rainy  and  some  hard  thunder.  Wrote  to  Miss  E.  L.  The  late 
election  in  this  State  has  issued  very  favorably.'*  Yesterday  received  a  letter 
from  H.  De  Wolf,  New  Connecticut. 

30.  Received  a  newspaper  from  Marietta.  Three  large  ships  were  launched 
there  the  first  of  this  month.  Wrote  to  cousin  Sam  P.  Warm,  and  the 
ground  very  wet.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  from  Rev.  xvi :  15. 
Loaded  wagons  crossed  the  Ohio  at  Marietta  during  the  winter  on  ice. 

May. 

1.  Snow  appears  in  a  few  places,  though  it  has  gone  wonderfully  for 
three  weeks.  Notwithstanding  the  concern,  very  few  cattle  have  died.  Rode 
to  Winchester.  A  boy  of  sixteen,  very  promising,  has  died,  out  of  the  family 
where  I  live,  in  my  absence.^  His  sickness  continued  but  thirty-six  hours. 
Several  in  the  neighborhood  now  are  very  sick. 

2.  Visited  the  sick  families.  It  is  a  time  of  great  solicitude  and  distress. 
Rainy.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man.  Preached  on  the  occasion 
from  Luke  xxiii :  28. 

3.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  Had  the  contribution  for  the  Mission- 
ary Society.  Collected  ^16.80.^  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  who  died  last 
night  with  the  prevailing  disorder.     Quite  feeble. 


'  John  Bacon,  Esq.,  lawyer,  once  minister  who  had  been  Governor  since  1798,  was  again 

of  Old  South  Church,  Boston,  Judge,  Mem-  in  this  year  1S07,  re-elected, 
ber  of  Congress,  etc.  s  This  strange  sickness  prevailing  at  Win- 

*  J.  Curtis.     What  this  man's  strange  ex-  Chester,  the  sickness  at  Shetfield,  Mass.,  de- 
perience  was  we  have  no  means  of  knowing.  scribed  in  the  early  part  of  the   diarj',  the 

^  This,   as   we    understand    it,   does    not  great  sickness  and  death  on  a  portion  of  the 

mean   a  work   on  Popery,  which  Dr.  West  Connecticut    Reserve    in    Ohio,   the   yellow 

had  himself  written.     We  are  not  aware  that  fever   in   Philadelphia,   and   other  cities,  all 

he   wrote   any   such   book.     It  was   a   work  these  instances  go    to   show   that  we   have 

which  Dr.  West  had  in  his  library,  and  he  made  a  great  gain  in  the  sanitary  arrange- 

sold  it  to  Mr.  Robbins.  ments   of  towns   and   cities   within  the   last 

*  He  has  been  for  a  time  in  Massachusetts,  hundred  years. 

but   is   now   back   at  Norfolk,  in  his  native  ^  Taken  as  usual  under  State  authority  on 

State  of   Connecticut.     Jonathan   Trumbull,  the  first  Sabbath  in  May. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  323 

4.  Visited  the  sick.  Dined  with  a  military  company.  Had  a  visit  from 
a  committee  of  the  society  requesting  me  to  stay  with  them.  They  are  very 
anxious,  but  I  think  I  cannot. 

5.  Read  Neal.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Quite  cool.  People  do  not  plow 
scarcel}'^  at  all. 

6.  Very  rainy.  The  sick  appear  to  be  mending.  I  hope  the  Most  High 
may  be  entreated  to  stay  the  progress  of  disease. 

7.  Two  young  persons,  one  aged  seventeen,  the  other  eleven,  died  of  the 
prevailing  disorder  after  a  sickness  of  from  twenty-four  to  thirty  hours.  Vis- 
ited the  houses  of  affliction.     Read  Neal. 

8.  Attended  the  funerals  of  two  persons  who  died  yesterday.  Preached 
at  one  from.  Rev.  xvi:  15.  Many  people  exceedingly  afraid  of  contagion  ;  yet 
there  is  no  evidence  that  the  disorder  is  contagious. 

9.  Read  Neal.  Wrote.  Am  considerably  unwell.'  Rainy.  The  weather 
appears  to  have  a  sensible  effect  on  the  sickness.  There  are  some  new  in- 
stances of  sickness,  greatly  violent. 

10.  Was  called  early  in  the  morning  to  visit  a  sick  child.  Preached  from 
Heb.  xi :  13  and  Matt,  v :  4.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church 
quite  thin.  Very  tired  and  feeble.  Many  people  are  much  alarmed  about 
the  sickness,  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  contagious. 

11.  Visited  the  sick.  They  appear  generally  convalescent.  Vegetation 
comes  on,  though  the  ground  is  still  ver}'  bare.  The  society  had  a  meeting, 
and  requested  me  to  take  care  of  supplying  the  pulpit  for  some  time.  I  think 
I  must  do  that,  though  on  account  of  my  poor  health  I  do  not  expect  to 
preach  much  through  the  summer.     Received  of  the  society  forty-eight  dollars. 

12.  Rode  home.  Pretty  feeble.  Received  the  last  volume  of  Xhe.  Lifs  0/ 
Washington.     The  whole  cost  sixteen  dollars.^ 

13.  Rode  with  my  father  in  a  carriage  to  Hartford.  Our  horse  fell  and 
broke  the  carriage,^  and  we  providentially  escaped  injury. 

14.  Had  quite  an  agreeable  election.  A  large  number  of  young  clergy. 
Gov.  Trumbull  had  eleven  thousand  three  hundred  and  twenty  votes.  Gen. 
Hart  seven  thousand  five  hundred  and  nine.'*  A  considerable  proportion  in 
favor  of  Federalism  abo\"e  last  year.  My  brother  James  has  left  Windham, 
and  has  concluded  to  go  on  a  mission.     Rode  to  Talcott  Mountain. 

15.  Rainy.     On  the   nth  saw  some  peach  and  cherry  blossoms,  but  have 


'  Amid   such   outward  conditions   almost  *■  This  is  a  report  on  the  vote  for  Governor 

any  person,  watching  himself,  might  seem  to  taken  in   April.     Gov.    Trumbull,  who    had 

discover  symptoms  of  illness.  been   in   the  office   since    1798,  is   Jonathan 

^  Books  are  produced  now  more  cheaply  Trumbull,   son   of    the   Revolutionary   Gov. 

than  then,  absolutely  so,  but  relatively,  consid-  Jonathan  Trumbull.     Gen.  Ilart,  the  Demo- 

ering  the  purchasing  power  of  a  dollar,  at  cratic    candidate,   was   Major-Gen.    William 

the  two  periods,  very  much  more  cheaply.  Hart,  of  Saybrook,  born  June  24,  1746,  died 

^  The  carriage  was  very  likely  a  chaise.  Aug.  29,  18 17.     His  father  was  Rev.  William 

The  fall  of  a  horse  in  a  four-wheeled  vehicle  Hart,  pastor  in  the  church  of  Old  Saybrook, 

is  not  likely  to  be  particularly  dangerous  to  1736-1784.     The  Federal  party  was  yet  strong 

the  occupants  of  the  carriage.  in  Connecticut  and  so  continued  some  years. 


324  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

seen  none  as  yet  on  the  apple-trees.     Had  salmon  at  Hartford.     Rode  home. 
My  brother  Frank  at  home  from  college. 

16.  Worked  some.  The  ground  extremely  wet.  Got  a  large  Bible  for 
which  I  was  a  subscriber.  Paid  for  it  of  the  money  given  me  at  Winchester, 
March  15  th,  $11.50. 

17.  James  preached  in  the  forenoon.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  from 
Acts  vii :  34.  We  both  sat  in  the  pulpit  with  my  father.  My  parents  much 
affected.     All  my  brothers  here.' 

18.  The  weather  continues  cold  and  very  backward.  Read  Life  of  Wash- 
higton.     The  sickness  at  Winchester  abates  much.     Laus  Deo. 

19.  Worked  some.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.^  Dr.  West  and  his  wife  there.'' 
Wrote.     Cannot  be  comfortable  without  a  fire  steadily.* 

20.  Worked  considerably  planting  a  little  nursery  of  Lombardy  poplars.^ 
Read  the  Lfe  of  Washington.     It  exposes  Democracy  in  its  true  character. 

21.  Was  bled.  Am  unusually  full  of  blood.  Vegetation  extremely  back- 
ward.    All  accounts  indicate  a  reverse  of  fortune  to  the  French  arms.* 

22.  Rainy.  Have  quite  a  sore  arm  by  my  bleeding.  Read.  My  brother 
much  perplexed  about  getting  a  horse  for  his  mission. 

23.  Paid  for  one  half  of  four  very  fine  calves,  seven  dollars  and  seventy-five 
cents.  James  and  I  own  them,  and  my  father  is  to  keep  them  till  the  fall  of  next 
year  for  one  half.     Rode  to  Winchester.     Several  new  cases  here  of  sickness. 

24.  Rainy.  Very  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Rev.  xx  :  15.  Quite  tired. 
I  fear  the  sickness  here  will  be  the  means  of  hardening  the  people  in  stupidity. 

25.  Visited  the  sick ;  some  very  bad.  Yet  I  think  the  physicians  do 
better  with  the  disorder  than  they  did  at  first.     At  evening  married  a  couple. 

26.  Rode  home.  Yesterday  saw  some  cherry  and  apple  blossoms.  The 
first  I  have  seen  in  this  quarter.  Read  Washington.  His  character  is  exalted 
by  examination.     People  beginning  to  plant.     Traded.     4.25. 

27.  Worked  some.  My  brother  James  set  out  on  his  mission  to  the  Sus- 
quehannah.'  May  the  Lord  go  with  him.  Mr.  Ingalls,^  a  missionary,  came 
here  and  tarried. 


'  We  may  as  well  enumerate  them  again :  plant  Lombardy  poplars,  and  in  riding  about 

Ammi  Ruhamah,  Nathaniel,  James  Watson,  New  England  one   sees  them  yet,  here   and 

Samuel,  Francis  Le  Baron.  there,  standing  in  their  grenadier  stiffness. 

^  Mr.  Joseph  Battell.  ^  We  do  not  find  anything  in  the  military 

^  Dr.  West  had  been  seriously  ill,  but  was  history  of  that  year  exactly  corresponding  to 

now  better.     He  was  living  at  this  time  with  this  statement. 

his  second  wife,  whom  he  had  married  the  ^  In  Pennsylvania.     We  do  not  find  that 

year  before.     Her  maiden  name  was  Eleanor  he  was   appointed   by  the  Connecticut  Mis- 

Dewey,    of    Sheffield.      His   first    wife   was  sionary  Society.     He  may  have  gone  out  for 

Elizabeth  Williams,  of  Stockbridge.  She  died  himself,  much   as   the   writer   of  this   diary 

in  1804.  made   his    missionary   circuit   through   Ver- 

*  Every  year  men  are  saying,  "  How  differ-  mont. 

ent  our  springs  now  from  what  they  used  to  ^  Rev.  Calvin  Ingalls,  who   graduated  at 

be."     But  this  entry  in  the  diary  on  the  19th  Dartmouth  College  in  1792.     He  performed 

of  May  sounds  very  much  like  the  same  old  missionary   service  in  Vermont,  New  York, 

story.  and  Pennsylvania.     He  had  been  settled  at 

^  It  was  the   fashion   in   those  years   to  West  Stafford,  Ct.,  1796-1S03. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  325 

28.  Finished  the  Life  of  Washifigton.  It  is  on  the  whole  a  very  valuable 
work.     The  last  volume  is  very  well  executed.     My  mamma  very  feeble. 

29.  Read  Neal.  Very  cool.  Wrote  to  William  Blackburn,'  Philadelphia. 
Read  Shakespeare. 

30.  Rode  to  Winchester  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Everett's  ^  child. 
Preached  from  Isa.  i:  5.  Returned.  They  expect  a  preacher  there  to- 
morrow, and  I  hope  to  rest  for  a  little  while.  The  first  warm  day  we  have 
had  in  this  month. 

31.  Rainy.  Read  the  Bible.  Mr.  Gaylord  ^  preached  for  my  father.  He 
performed  very  well.     The  apple-trees  are  generally  in  full  bloom. 

June. 

1.  Rainy.  We  want  to  sit  by  a  fire  steadily.  Worked  some.  Read 
Neal.     There  is  a  prospect  that  political  contention  in  our  State  is  declining. 

2.  The  Methodists  are  about  having  a  great  camp-meeting  in  Sharon.  I 
think  they  are  trying  to  imitate  the  work  in  the  western  country.*  Read. 
Mr.  Smith,'  from  New  Connecticut,  called  to  see  me. 

3.  Worked  considerably  making  a  gate  for  a  fence.  Read  Neal.  My 
brother  F.^  went  off  to  college. 

4.  I  conceive  that  the  state  of  the  civilized  world  has,  at  no  period  in 
modern  times,  so  much  depended  on  the  fortune  of  war  as  at  the  present  time. 

5.  Read  Neal.  Worked  making  fence.  Agreed  with  Mr.  Bigelow,  of 
this  town,  to  keep  our  little  niece,  Sally  Lawrence.^ 

6.  Finished  the  third  volume  of  Neal  which  is  all  I  own.  Began  to  read 
Homer,  Cowper's  translation.^  Rainy.  I  think  confinement  and  study  is 
injurious   to   my   health. 

7.  My  father  preached.  Sat  with  my  mother.  Read  the  Bible.  Oster- 
wzld's  Notes'^  zxQ  quite  valuable.  They  sing  very  well  here.  Yesterday  was 
invited  to  preach  to  the  Free  Masons  here  on  the  24th  inst. 

8.  Quite  warm.  Wrote,  Afternoon  rode  with  my  father  to  Warren. 
Uncle  Starr's  sons  have  lately  been  all  at  home.  Considerable  seriousness  in 
Goshen. 

9.  Rode  to  Sharon.     Met  with  the  association.     Very  warm.     The  first 


'  William  Blackburn,  a  publisher.  *  Francis   Le    Baron,  now  in   his   Junior 

^  Dr.  Josiah  Everett,  born  Feb.  27,  1749,  year  at   Williams, 
died  Feb.  5,  1829,  aged  eighty.  ^  Daughter  of  his  sister  Elizabeth  (Mrs. 

^  Asahel  Gaylord,  before  noticed,  native  Lavi^rence),  of  Paris,  N.  Y. 
of  Norfolk.  ^  Cowper's  translation  of  Homer  was  pub- 

*♦  As  already  intimated,  in  Methodist  meet-  lished  in  1791.     A  goodly  number  of  writers, 

ings,  especially  camp-meetings,  here  in  New  English  and  American,  have  wrought  at  this 

England,   in   the   early  part   of  the   present  same  work. 

centurv,  the  same  scenes  were  witnessed  as  9  John  Frederick  Osterwald  (Ostervald)  a 

those  described  by  Mr.  Robbins  among  the  celebrated    Swiss   divine,    and   an    extensive 

Presbyterians   in   Pennsylvania,  and  on   the  author.     He  published  a  Bible  in  folio  with 

Western  Reserve.  notes.     This  book  was  translated  into  Eng- 

5  The  same   Mr.  Smith  with  whom   Mr.  lish.    The  author  was  born  at  Neuchatel  in 

Robbins  has  corresponded  by  letter.  1663,  and  died  1747. 


326  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

hot   weather   this   year.     An  unusual  number  of  young  ministers   in  the  as- 
sociation. 

ID.  The  association  licensed  three  preachers.'  Rode  home.  The  turn- 
pike road  from  Sharon  to  Cornwall  very  hilly.     Very  tired. 

11.  Read  newspapers.  Received  a  letter  from  William  Blackburn,  Phila- 
delphia.    Read  illustrations  of  Masonry. 

12.  Worked  making  fence  all  day.  The  weather  again  backward  and 
cold.  My  friend  Gilman,  of  Marietta,  has  lately  had  a  fine  ship  wrecked  at 
the  falls  of  Ohio.^     The  same  misfortune  befel  some  others. 

13.  Worked  considerably.  Rode  to  Colebrook  to  preach  tomorrow  for 
Mr.  Lee,  he  being  gone  on  a  journey.     Tarried  at  my  brother's.' 

14.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  Considerably  unwell  with  a  cold.  At 
evening  rode  to  Winchester.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  sickness  here  is 
abating. 

15.  A  Mr.  Higley,*  a  candidate,  is  preaching  here  now.  There  appears  to 
be  no  prospect  of  his  settling.     Rode  home.     Worked  on  the  road.' 

16.  Considerably  unwell.  My  lungs  appear  to  be  weak,  and  I  have  some 
difficulty  of  breathing.  Read  Homer.  Worked  making  a  gate.  Rainy 
weather,    and   very   backward. 

17.  Very  cool.  Read.  Am  able  to  work  but  little.  The  whole  civilized 
world  appears  to  be  in  an  awful  suspense  on  the  event  of  a  great  battle  which 
is  constantly  expected  between  the  French  and  Russians.*  May  the  God  of 
heaven  save  from  another  universal  monarchy.' 

18.  Read  Homer.  Afternoon  attended  the  concert  of  prayer.  It  appears 
to  be  a  time  of  great  stupidity  here. 

19.  Am  quite  unwell.  Poorly  able  to  read.  Close  attention  seems  to  be 
injurious  to  me.     My  sister's  little  son  is,  I  think,  peculiarly  promising.' 

20.  Worked  pretty  hard  all  day.  I  believe  I  did  too  much.  Quite  warm. 
People  but '  beginning  to  hoe  corn. 

21.  Rode  to  Winchester  by  special  request.     Mr.  Higley  preached  in  the 


'  These  were  John  Woodbridge,  William  into  a  day-laborer  on  the  road  or  in  the  fields, 

Bonney,  and  Caleb  Pitkin.  summer  or  winter. 

^  The  falls  on  the  Ohio  River,  here  referred  ^  That  battle  was  fought  June  14,  three 

to,  are  near  Louisville,  Ky.,  between  Louis-  days  before  this  entry  was  made,  at  Fried- 

ville   and  New  Albany,  Ind.     In  low  water,  land  in  Prussia.     The  battle  was  between  the 

during  the  summer,  the  river  is  fordable  at  French  and  the  allied  armies  of  Prussia  and 

this  point.     It  is  a  place  consequently  where,  Russia.     The  French  were  victorious,  and  the 

at  all  times,  navigation  is  not  without  danger.  peace  of  Tilsit  soon  followed,  when  Prussia 

3  Ammi  Ruhamah  Robbins,  Jr.  was    obliged   to   part   with   nearly   half   her 

*  Silas    Higley.       He   was   graduated   at  territory. 
Yale  College   in   1802,  was   licensed  by  the  '  Like  that  of  Rome  in  the  ancient  days. 

Hartford   North    Association    Feb.   6,    1805,  ^  This  was  Joseph  Bittell,  the  oldest  child 

and  died  in  1853.     He  seems,  however,  never  of  his  sister  Sarah,  who  was  born  April  17, 

to  have  become  an  ordained  minister.  1806,  and  was  now  about  fourteen  months  old. 

'  Mr.    Robbins,   notwithstanding    all    his  9  A   use   of   the  word  i>uf,  corresponding 

sickness   and  weakness,  easily  turns  himself  with  our  Just,  or  only  just. 


iSo;.]  AT   HOME   IN   NORFOLK.  327 

forenoon  pretty  well.     Preached  in   the   afternoon  from  Rev.  xxii :    20,  first 
part.     Baptized  ten  children  belonging  to  two  families.' 

22.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Trying  to  think  of  a  subject  for  a  Ma- 
sonic discourse.^     Quite  unwell  and  feeble. 

23.  Studied  considerably.  Wrote  notes  for  a  Masonic  sermon.  Worked 
some.     Quite  cool.     We  have  very  sudden  changes  of  weather. 

24.  Preached  to  a  Masonic  Lodge  from  2  Peter  i :  3/  latter  clause.  The 
lodge  here  is  quite  respectable,  and  there  was  a  large  number  of  people.  The 
lodge  gave  me  six  dollars,  and  requested  a  copy  of  the  sermon,  which  I  de- 
clined giving.     At  evening  married  a  couple. 

25.  All  Europe  seems  to  be  in  suspense  on  the  event  of  a  great  battle 
daily  expected.*  My  breast  is  constantly  very  feeble,  and  at  times  consider- 
ably painful.     Quite  cool. 

26.  Worked  considerably.  My  father  received  a  letter  from  James.'  He 
is  pretty  feeble.     I  feel  anxious  about  him. 

27.  Read  Homer.  The  heathen  mythology  appears  exceedingly  contempti- 
ble.*    Worked  pretty  hard. 

28.  My  father  preached,  I  sat  in  the  pew.  Read  the  Bible.  Osterwald's 
Notes''  are  very  useful.     People  here  appear  quite  stupid. 

29.  Quite  warm.  Worked  making  a  large  gate  for  a  fence.  The  prospect 
of  productions  of  the  earth  this  year  is  very  poor. 

30.  Very  warm.  At  evening  Capt.  De  Wolfe,*  of  Rhode  Island,  came  here 
and  tarried.  The  slave-traders  are  expecting  to  be  restrained  in  their  traffic 
by  our  government  and  the  British.'     Worked  quite  too  hard. 

July. 

1.  There  seems  to  be  very  little  calculation  in  the  country  for  the  cele- 
bration of  an  Independence.  It  has  become  rather  stale,  and  the  humbled 
state  of  our  nation  lessens  the  animation  of  the  occasion."     Read  newspapers. 

2.  Rode  to  Torrington,  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Rev. 


'  Mr.  Higley  not  being  an  ordained  min-  ^  See  June  7,  1807. 

ister,  could  not  perform  the  rite  of  baptism.  ^  Capt.    James    De   Wolfe,    one    of    the 

^  This  was  years   before   the  great  Anti-  wealthy  and  most  energetic  men  of  Bristol. 

Masonic  movement  in  this  country,  and  min-  He  was  born  March   18,  1764,  and  while  he 

isters,  though  not  themselves  Masons,  used  was  yet  in  his  teens  was  put  in  command  of 

to  accept  these  invitations  to  preach  before  a  vessel.     He  was  engaged  in  the  slave  trade 

Masonic  bodies.  when  this  was  deemed  not  dishonorable.     In 

^"Through  the  knowledge  of   him  who  the  War  of  1812  he  made  much  money  by 

hath  called  us  to  glory  and  virtue."  privateering.      He  was   a  man   of    striking 

■*  The   battle  was   already  fought   as  we  appearance.     He  died  Dec.  21,   1837. 

have  said.  '  The  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  abol- 

5  He  was  off  on  his  mission.  ished  the  slave  trade,  March  25,  1807. 

*  This  remark  is  very  true  generally,  but  '°  In  all  such  entries  as  this  we  must  make 

the  mythologies  of  Greece  and  Rome  hold  allowance  for  the  strong  Federal  leanings  o£ 

within  themselves  many  shadowy  records  of  Mr.  Robbins.     It  was  very  difficult  for   the 

important  primeval  facts,  and  contain  some  men   of   that  generation   to  judge   political 

rare  and  beautiful  conceptions.  opponents  with  fairness. 


338  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

xvii  :   14.     A  young  woman  was  examined  before  the  church  for  admission. 
She  appeared  \ery  well.     Very  cool  for  the  season. 

3.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Visited  families.  The  people  here  feel  very 
anxious  about  the  broken  state  of  their  society  matters. 

4.  Rode  home.  Received  the  remainder  of  my  book-case  from  Hartford. 
It  is  an  exceedingly  good  one.     My  books  nearly  fill  it.' 

5.  My  father  preached.  Attended  the  sacrament.  Our  meeting-house  is 
very  much  crowded.  It  is  a  year  yesterday  since  I  got  home  from  the  west- 
ward.    My  breast  is  nearly  as  weak  as  it  was  then. 

6.  Had  my  book-case  set  up.  Considerably  pained  at  my  breast.  Read 
Homer.  The  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  appear  to  take  great  strides  in 
tyranny.^ 

7.  I  make  a  pretty  common  practice  of  working  in  the  garden  from  early 
in  the  morning  till  breakfast.     Wrote.     Read  Homer. 

8.  \^'rote  to  my  brother  James.  The  country  is  in  a  very  great  commo- 
tion in  consequence  of  the  late  outrage  of  a  British  ship.^  Our  situation 
nattirrally  courts  insult. 

9.  Col.  Burr*  and  six  others  are  indicted  for  high  treason.  I  think  it  will 
come  to  nothing.     Dr.  Sheldon  ^  gave  me  a  receipt  for  a  medicine. 

10.  Preparing  my  medicine.  Very  warm.  Mr.  Marsh,^  a  candidate,  here. 
He  is  quite  unwell.  Worked  in  the  garden.  The  accounts  from  Europe  give 
great  hopes  that  the  Most  High  will  stop  the  mad  conqueror. 

11.  Read  Homer.  Cannot  read  very  long  at  once.  Very  hot.  Feel  con- 
siderably dejected  on  account  of  my  health. 

12.  In  very  warm  weather  people  evidently  absent  from  meeting  for  the 
want  of  more  comfortable  seats.  I  believe  my  father  preaches  about  as  well 
as  he  ever  did.'  At  evening  rode  out  to  see  an  old  man,  supposed  to  be 
dying. 

13.  Am  so  feeble  can  work  but  little.     Paid  Mr.  Battell,  with  some  other 


'  He  had  already  gathered  a  small  por-  but  whom  the  United  States  called  natural- 

tion  only  of  the  large  library  he  left  to  the  ized  American  citizens. 

Connecticut  Historical  Society.  ■*  Aaron  Burr  being  disappointed   in   his 

^  The  misfortune  of  Massachusetts  was,  hopes  of  becoming  President  of  the  United 
that  she  had  that  year  elected  James  SuUi-  States  in  1800,  was  suspected  of  a  plot  to 
van,  LL.D.,  a  Democrat,  for  her  Governor.  set  up  a  rival  confederacy  in  Northern  Mex- 
Mr.  Sullivan  had  been  from  1790  to  1807  ico.  On  this  charge  he  was  tried  in  Rich- 
Attorney-General  of  the  State,  was  one  of  mond,  Va.,  in  1807,  and  was  acquitted 
the  founders,  and,  for  many  years,  President  because  the  needful  proof  could  not  be 
of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  an  obtained.  He  was  not,  however,  cleared 
eminent  and  scholarly  man.  before  the  people,  and   he   lived  under  this 

^  This   was   near   the    beginning    of    the  shadow  all  the  rest  of  his  long  life, 

troubles  which  led  on  to  the  War  of  181 2.  ^  Dj-  Daniel  Sheldon,  one  of  the  leading 

England  was   at  war  with  France,  and   the  physicians  of  Litchfield  County. 

United  States,  as  neutral,  had  a  large  part  of  *  Frederick  Marsh,  already  noticed,  after- 

the   carrying  trade   of  the  world.     England  wards  settled  at  Winchester, 

haughtily  claimed  the  right  to  board  Ameri-  ^  j-jjs  father  was   then   about  sixtj'-seven 

can  trading-vessels  on  the  high  seas  and  take  years  old,  and  in  the  forty-sixth  year  of  his 

off  sailors  whom  she  called  British  subjects,  ministry. 


iSoy.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  329 

accounts,  $10,77.     I  am  in  great  hopes  that  Dr.  Sheldon's  medicine  will  be 
serviceable  to  me. 

14.  Finished  reading  Cowper's  Homer.  I  think  the  translation  is  ad- 
mirably well  executed.  A  pretty  dry  season.  My  book-case  and  library  ;nuch 
admired. 

15.  Worked  some.  Very  warm.  The  President  has  issued  a  very  smart 
proclamation  against  Great  Britain.     That  is  probably  all  that  he  ,will  do.* 

16.  Rode  with  my  brother  Ammi's  wife  to  Goshen.  Last  night  a  very  hard 
shower.  Mrs.  Hale  ^  in  a  state  of  very  great  melancholy.  Attended  an  even- 
ing meeting.     The  awakening  here  is  pretty  great. 

17.  Bought  of  Esq.  Hale  one  third  of  Poole's  Synopsis^  ior  four  dollars. 
Rode  home.     Very  warm.     Some  awakening  in  Litchfield.    ' 

18.  Read  Shakespeare.  Am  much  debilitated  with  the  heat;  My  father 
rode  to  Colebrook  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Lee.     Went  into  the  water. 

19.  Mr.  Lee  preached.  Read  the  Bible.  Our  boy  Gurdon'*  had  a  sister 
die  at  Winsted,  of  the  Winchester  fever. 

20.  Quite  wet  and  rainy.  A  remarkably  favorable  time,  for  vegetation. 
Very  warm.     Read  Shakespeare.  , 

21.  Worked  on  board  fence.  I  think  I  can  bear  labor  of  any  kind  con- 
siderably better  than  in  times  past. 

22.  Remarkably  warm  and  rainy.  Made  a  gate  for  a  fence.  Mr.  Battell 
and  my  sister  set  out  on  a  journey  for  some  time.  I  have  agreed  to  make  my 
home  at  their  house  during  their  absence.  Received  a  beaver  hat  from  Dan- 
bury,  made  for  me,  cost  seven  dollars  and  a  half.  The  one  I  now  have  I  have 
worn  steadily  more  than  four  years.' 

23.  Last  night  a  very  hard  rain.  The  ground  very  wet.  Divine  Provi- 
dence seems  to  frown  on  the  season.  Worked  all  day.  The  belligerent 
powers  in  Europe  seem  to  be  at  an  awful  pause.  I  expect  they  will  make  a 
peace.  That  will  probably  be  an  occasion  of  the  greater  extent  of  French 
dominion. 

24.  Read  considerably.  People  just  beginning  to  mow.  Worked  some. 
Feel  quite  anxious  about  my  brother  James,  lest  his  missionary  life  in  this 
warm  weather  should  be  too  much  for  him.  I  hope  that  the  same  God  who 
carried  me  through  many  trials  will  help  and  support  him. 

25.  Am  pretty  feeble.     Read.     Afternoon  had  a  most  sudden  and  violent 


'  Perhaps  that  was  all  he  could  properly  of  England,  silenced  for  nonconformity.      He 

do,  under  the  circumstances  of  that  time.  went  to  Holland  and  died  in  1679. 

^  Probably   the   wife   of    Judge   Timothy  *  A  boy  probably  who  was  living  in  the 

Hale.  family  as  a  servant. 

3  The  celebrated  Matthew  Poole's  Synopsis  *  If  a  man  buys  such   hats  that   he   can 

Criticorian  Biblicorutn.     This  work  was  con-  wear  them  steadily  for  more  than  four  years, 

structed  upon  the  plan  of  "bringing  together  it  is  not  extravagant  if  he  pays  ^7.50  for  one 

the  opinions  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  Biblical  of  them.     The  hat  which  he  was  now  to  lay 

critics  of  all  times  and  countries  previous  to  aside   went  over   the   Alleghany  Mountains 

his   own."      Poole   was    born   in    1624,  was  twice,  on  horseback,  and  through  his  three 

educated  at  Emmanuel  College,  was  one  of  years  of  rough   experience   in   Ohio.     That 

some  two  thousand  ministers  of  the  Church  was  service  enough  for  one  hat. 


330  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

rain.  I  never  saw  our  brook  so  high.  It  was  nearly  a  foot  deep  over  the 
bridge  and  road.  Orders  are  received  by  the  military  companies  to  furnish  a 
certain  proportion  of  troops  to  be  ready  for  a  call.  I  suppose  in  order  to 
contend  against  the  British  navy. 

26.  Mr.  Goodrich,'  of  New  Haven,  and  Mr.  Gallaudet,"  of  Hartford,  came 
here  yesterday  and  tarried  over  the  Sabbath.  The  roads  are  ver)^  much 
washed   by   yesterday's    rain. 

27.  Worked  in  hay  all  day.  Miss  Sally  Sherman,^  at 'Mr.  Battell's,  quite 
sick  with  an  inflammatory  fever. 

28.  Read.  Rainy.  A  very  melancholy  time.  It  is  said  that  in  the  towns 
below  the  grain  is  likely  to  be  hurt  by  growing.  Have  to  attend  much  on 
Miss  Sherman  ;  am  concerned  about  her. 

29.  Considerable  and  extensive  damage  done  by  late  severe  shower. 
Worked  quite  hard  in  hay.     People  just  beginning  to  harvest. 

30.  Read  Shakespeare.  The  ground  very  wet  and  streams  quite  high.  I 
think  I  never  saw  our  well  so  full  of  water.  My  father  received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  James  at  Canandaigua.  He  is  confined  there  with  a  bilious  fever, 
but  is  hopefully  gaining  health.  I  fear  he  will  not  be  able  to  perform  his 
mission. 

31.  A  ver}'  favorable  season  for  haying.  On  account  of  work  I  read  but 
little.  I  think  my  father  fails  some  with  regard  to  work ;  he  gets  worried 
much  sooner  than  formerly. 

August. 

1.  Gen.  Tracy,"  of  Litchfield,  who  has  lately  died  at  Washington,  is  a 
great  national  loss.  He  is  much  celebrated  in  the  public  papers.  Worked 
quite  hard  all  day. 

2.  Miss  Sherman  continues  quite  weak  and  low.  I  think  I  am  evidently 
considerably  stronger  in  consequence  of  my  work. 

3.  Rainy.  People  have  very  unsteady  weather  for  their  harvest.  Grain 
and  grass  are  pretty  good,  much  beyond  what  was  expected. 

4.  Read  Shakespeare.  Our  national  spirit  has  lately  been  a  little  roused 
at  foreign  aggressions,  but  the  government  seems  to  be  suppressing  it  to  its 
ordinary  supineness.  National  spirit  in  us  seems  to  alarm  no  government  but 
our  own.^ 

5.  Worked  carting  grain.     We  have  the  melancholy  intelligence  of  the 


'  Elizur  Goodrich,  LL.D.,  born   in   Dur-  Justus    Mitchell,  whose   maiden    name   was 

ham,   Ct.,    1761,    graduated    at    Yale,    1769,  Martha  Sherman,  daughter   of   Rev.  Josiah 

lawyer  in  New  Haven,  Mayor  of  New  Haven,  Sherman,  of  Milford.     Miss  Sally  Sherman, 

1803-1822.  visiting  at  Mr.  Joseph  Battell's,  was  doubt- 

2  Thomas    H.  Gallaudet,  LL.D.,  born  in  less  of  her  kindred. 
Philadelphia,  1787,  graduated   in  Yale    Col-  ■*  Gen.  Uriah  Tracy,  born  in  Franklin,  Ct., 

lege,  1805.     Head   of   the  Deaf  and   Dumb  Feb.    2,  1755;   died   at   Washington,   D.  C, 

Asylum,  at  Hartford,  for  many  years.     Died  July  19,  1807.     He  was  United  States  Sena- 

at  Hartford,  Ct.,  Sept.  9,  1851.  tor  from  1796  to  1S07. 

^  Mr.  William  Battell,  of  Torrington,  father  *  gharp  and  sarcastic,  and  perhaps   just, 

of  Joseph,  married  for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  though  Dr.  Robbins  opposed  the  war  of  1812. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  331 

fall  of  Dantzic '  before  the  French  arms.     I  fear  the  powers  at  war  will  now 
make  peace,  and  submit  to  France. 

6.  Worked  at  harvest  all  day.  Quite  warm.  Am  considerably  anxious 
about  Miss  Sherman  as  her  fever  continues. 

7.  At  evening  Mr.  Battell  and  my  sister  returned  from  their  journey. 
We  hear  from  my  brother  James  that  he  is  hopefully  recovering. 

8.  Rode  to  Winchester  and  attended  the  funeral  of  the  widow  Loomis. 
Preached  from  John  xi :  23.  It  hurt  me  less  than  I  feared.  A  great  number 
of  people  at  the  funeral.     A  hard  shower. 

9.  Mr.  Higley"  preached,  and  very  well.  I  assisted  some,  and  baptized 
two  children.  At  evening  attended  a  conference ;  very  full.  I  feel  quite 
concerned  about  the   people  here. 

10.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Several  people  at  Winchester  are  not  yet 
recovered  from  their  epidemical  fever.     Read  Shakespeare. 

11.  Thus  in  the  merciful  Providence  of  God  I  am  brought  to  the  close  of 
my  thirtieth  year.  That  I  shall  live  so  many  years  longer,  I  think  there  is  but 
the  smallest  probability.  That  I  shall  continue  in  this  world  ten  years  more, 
I  think  not  very  likely.^ 

12.  Worked  at  grain.  Some  of  the  grain  very  poor  in  consequence  of 
being  injured  by  the  winter.     The  season  for  harvesting  very  unfavorable. 

13.  Worked  making  a  horse-block.  Quite  cold  and  wet.  Read  Shake- 
speare.    Miss  H.  Battell*  quite  unwell,  and  in  a  degree  deranged. 

14.  Am  quite  oppressed  with  an  influenza.  Have  quite  a  hard  cough. 
Tried  to  work  and  sweat  some,  as  a  likely  way  for  relief. 

15.  Read  some.  Quite  unwell.  The  most  of  my  father's  family  have  the 
influenza.     Very  warm. 

16.  My  father  rode  to  Winchester.  I\Ir.  Higley  preached  here.  Meeting- 
house very  much  crowded.  Read  the  Bible,  My  mamma  very  feeble  with 
her  influenza. 

17.  Worked.  Afternoon  rode  with  Mr.  Whittlesey,^  of  Danbury,  to  Salis- 
bury and  saw  his  wife  and  other  Danbury  friends.  Can  ride  much  better  than 
in  times  past. 

18.  Visited  with  my  friends.  Very  warm.  Rode  home.  People  univer- 
sally in  the  midst  of  haying. 

19.  Worked  at  hay.  I  find  my  breast  something  sore  by  my  ride.  We 
have  an  account  of  a  great  battle  between  the  French  and  Russians.^     I  sus- 


'  Dantzic,    in    Northern    Germany,    had  child  of  Mr.  William  Battell,  of  Torrington. 

belonged  to   Prussia  since  1793.     ^^  surren-  She  was  a  sister  of   Mr.  Joseph   Battell,  of 

dered  to  the  French  in  May,  1807,  and  by  the  Norfolk,  who  married  Sarah  Robbins. 
treaty   of  Tilsit  was  restored   to   independ-  ^  The  man  with  whom  he  boarded  when 

ence,  under  the   protection   of   Prussia   and  living  in  Danbury. 
Saxony.  ^  We   know   of    no    battle    between   the 

^  Silas  Higley,  before  mentioned.  French  and  Russians  about  this  time  exce^Jt 

3  He  lived  forty-nine  years  after  this,  so  that   of   Friedland,  already  reported,  fought 

that  his  estimate  was  very  wide  of  the  mark.  June    14,    1807.     The   foreign   news  of  that 

♦  Miss   Harriet   Battell   was   the  seventh  day  was  very  irregular. 


332  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

pect   there    was   no  great  advantage  on  either  side.     I   am  glad  it  was  no 
worse. 

20.  Read  newspapers.  Rainy.  Worked  in  the  garden.  A  remarkable 
year  for  vegetation.  The  EngHsh  have  met  with  some  distressing  losses  in 
Eg}'pt.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Lee,  of  Colebrook. 

21.  Read  Shakespeare.  Quite  wet  and  rainy.  My  brother  James  came 
home  from  the  westward.  He  appears  to  be  recovering  his  health.  On  the 
17th  received  twenty-two  dollars  from  the  people  at  Winchester. 

22.  Have  the  rheumatism  very  bad  in  my  back.  Read.  Am  scarcely 
able  to  walk. 

23.  Am  something  better  of  my  rheumatic  complaint.  Rode  in  a  carriage 
to  Canaan.  Afternoon  preached  for  Mr.  Cowles' from  Num.  x:  29.  Many 
people  here  worked  all  day  at  hay.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

24.  Rode  home.  Worked  considerably  in  haying.  My  brother  James 
works  some.^     Think  preaching  yesterday  did  me  no  injur)'.     Quite  cool. 

25.  Worked  quite  hard  all  day.  People  generally  are  but  now  doing  their 
haying.  My  influenza  appears  to  have  gone  off  without  leaving  any  cough 
upon  me,  which  I  much  feared. 

26.  If  French  successes  continue  and  Bonaparte  lives,  I  think  it  not  im- 
probable that  one  of  his  favorites  ere  long  will  be  sovereign  of  America.^ 
Probably  a  large  portion  of  our  countr}',  not  to  say^a  majority,  would  gladly 
hail  the  event.     Had  some  clothes  made. 

27.  Expected  to  have  gone  today  on  a  journey  to  the  eastward;  but 
various  circumstances  rendering  it  difficult,  it  must  be  put  off.  I  feel  much 
disappointed.     For  four  days  I  have  worked  steadily  in  haying. 

28.  Rainy.  Wrote  considerably.  Wrote  to  M.  E.  L."*  I  hope  my  brother 
J.  is  regaining  usual  health.  Esq.  Alvord,^  from  Winchester,  came  to  see  me. 
They  still  make  considerable  dependence  upon  me  there. 

29.  Very  warm.  Worked  making  fence.  I  have  this  week  exchanged  my 
horse  which  is  substantially  lame,  for  a  valuable  mare  eight  years  old.  I  am 
to  give  forty  dollars  in  the  exchange.  The  mare  is  probably  w'orth  sixty.  My 
mission  cost  me  about  a  sixty  dollar  horse. 

30.  Afternoon  preached  for  my  father  from  Esther  iv  :   16.     Very  warm. 

31.  Set  out  with  my  father  in  a  carriage  for  Williamstown.  Rode  to 
Lenox.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Goodwin's.*  People  generally  are  haying.  There  is 
some  hope  of  a  favorable  dissension  in  Democracy  in  this  State.' 


'  Rev.    Pitkin    Cowles,  pastor   at    North  this  country  had  a  real  fear  that  Napoleon 

Canaan,  Ct.,  1805  to  1833.     Rev.  Mr.  Cowles  might   come   over   here  with  his  destroying 

was  a  native   of   Southington,  Ct.,  and  was  armies. 

graduated  at  Yale  College  in  iSoo.     He  died  *  It  has  been  some  time  since  we  have 

in  1833.  had  any  suggestion  about  M.  E.  L. 

^  We   understand  him  to  mean   that  his  *  Eliphaz  Alvord,  Esq.,  probably, 

brother  James  is  so  far  recovered  from  his  *  Joseph  Goodwin. 

illness  that  he  is  able  to  perform  more  or  less  ^  We  must  remember  that  he  is  now  in 

physical  labor.  Massachusetts    where    they   have   a   Demo- 

'  It  is  safe  to  say  that  this  did  not  come  cratic    Governor.      Gov.    Sullivan   held   his 

to  pass.    But  for  years  the  good  people  of  office  only  one  year. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


33: 


September. 

1.  Quite  cool.  The  influenza'  universally  prevalent  through  the  country. 
Rode  to  Williamstown.  At  evening  attended  the  exhibitions.  Find  old 
acquaintance.     I    have    not   been   here    before    for   nearly   five   years. 

2.  Last  night  the  President's  oldest  son  died  ;  ^  of  a  fever  similar  to  the  late 
one  at  Winchester.  The  business  of  the  day  generally  very  good.  Much  fewer 
people  than  common ;  probably  in  a  great  degree  on  account  of  the  influenza. 
The  President  appears  remarkably  well  under  his  afflictions.  But  few  minis- 
ters are  present. 

3.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  funeral  of  the  President's  son.  A''isited 
old  acquaintance.  1  suspect  the  corporation  do  not  treat  my  cousin  H.  Starr 
very  well  in  not  appointing  him  tutor.^  The  ecclesiastical  matters  in  this 
town  are  in  a  pretty  bad  state.* 

4.  Rode  with  my  father  to  Stockbridge.  He  found  an  old  acquaintance, 
Mr.  Watson,  at  Pittsfield.  People  in  general  have  not  near  done  haying. 
My  horse  goes  very  well  in  a  carriage.  I  think  it  questionable  whether  the 
college  ought  not  to  be  removed  from  Williamstown.'     Tarried  at  Dr.  West's. 

5.  Rode  home.  The  roads  very  much  gullied.  I  think  I  am  much  better 
than  I  was  a  week  ago.     My  brother  Frank  got  home  before  us. 

6.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon,  my  brother  James  in  the  afternoon.  My 
father  administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  quite  numerous.  Preached 
from  Matt,  x:  32.  I  have  some  real  concern  about  the  feebleness  of  my 
brother  J. 

7.  Set  out  with  my  brother  for  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Waterbury.  Tar- 
ried at  a  tavern.  The  roads  very  much  washed.  Perhaps  no  disease  has  ever 
been  so  universal  in  our  country  as  the  influenza  at  present. 

8.  There  was  dancing  and  great  noise  in  the  house  almost  all  night.* 
Rode  to  New  Haven.  At  evening  attended  the  speaking  for  premiums.  I 
think  the  scholars  here  are  not  so  good  speakers  as  they  were  some  years  ago. 
Quite  rainy. 

9.  But  few  people  in  town  for  the  occasion.^  The  performances  of  the 
day  were  rather  indifferent.     Had  several   applications  to  preach  at  vacant 


'  During  the  administration  of  Vice-Presi-  been  the  pastor  for  twenty-eight  years,  died 

dent  Tyler,  1841-1845,  there  was  a  like  pre-  in  February,  1807,  and  no  one  was  settled  in 

vailing  influenza  known  as  the  Tyler  Grip.  his  place  until  1813,  when  Rev.  Walter  King 

Since  that  time  we  do  not  remember  anything  was  ordained. 

so   severe  and  widespread  as  this  influenza  ^  There  was  in  those  days  some  talk  of 

described  by  Mr.  Robbins  in  1807.  removal  because  Williamstown  then  seemed 

^  An  event  like  this  would  throw  a  cloud  such  an  out-of-the-way  place.     But  it  is  well 

over  the  Commencement   season,  especially  that  no  such  plan  or   suggestion  ever  pre- 

in  such  a  quiet  and   retired  community  as  vailed.     Williams  College  has  a  rich  history, 

that  of  Williamstown  then  was.  and  has  done  a  most  excellent  work. 

^  Henry  Starr,  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  of  *  This  was  at  Waterbury. 

Warren,  Ct.,  was  graduated  in  1S04,  at  Will-  ''  The  prevailing  influenza  and  the  badly- 

iams  College.     He  became  a  lawyer.  washed    roads   seem    to    have    made   small 

■*  The  church  at  Williamstown  was  now  attendance  at  Commencement,  both  at  Will- 
without  a  pastor.     Rev.  Seth  Swift,  who  had  iams  College  and  Yale. 


334  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

places.     Find  many  old  friends.     At  evening  Mr.  Hotchkiss,'  of   Saybrook, 
preached  the  Co?icio.     But  few  ministers  for  the  occasion  were  present. 

10.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.  Bought  books.  Cru- 
den's  Concordance  for  $9.50 1"^  $9-19  of  which  was  the  residue  of  the  money 
given  me  at  Winchester  last  March.  Paid  for  Bedford's  '  Scriptnre  Chronology 
$4.75.     Rode  with  my  brother  to  Branford.     Tarried  at  Mis.  Huntington's. 

11.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  North  Branford  to  see  Mr.  Eells.'*  He  is 
ver}'  poor  and  most  probably  will  not  preach  much  more. 

I-.  Returned  to  Branford.'  Quite  warm.  Dined  at  old  Capt.  Russell's. 
Peaches  quite  plenty.  Events  in  Europe  appear  to  be  going  entirely  in  favor 
of  Bonaparte.     Human  power  contends  in  vain. 

13.  Rode  to  East  Haven  and  preached  for  Mr.  Gaylord,^  of  Norfolk,  who 
is  now  supplying  there,  in  the  forenoon,  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  Afternoon  re- 
turned to  Branford,  and  preached  from  Luke  xv :  17.  The  same  subject  from 
which  I  preached  here  a  year  ago.  I  think  I  never  made  such  a  mistake 
before.'  My  brother  has  engaged  to  supply  tiiem  here  for  a  while.  He  is 
pretty  feeble  with  the  influenza. 

14.  My  preaching  yesterday  affected  me  less  than  I  feared.  Left  Bran- 
ford. rode  to  Durham.  My  brother  has  concluded  to  preach  a  little  while  at 
Branford  if  he  shall  be  able.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Smith. ^ 

15.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Windsor.  Find  many  friends. 
Some  sickness  in  Hartford  ;  I  think  similar  to  the  Winchester  fever.  Tarried 
at  Esq.  Selden's. 

16.  People  begin  to  sit  by  fires.  I  bear  riding  much  better  than  I  feared. 
Rode  to  Suffield.  The  regimental  trainings  in  this  vicinity  are  this  week.  It 
appears  that  Bonaparte  has  made  peace  with  Russia  and  Prussia.  Probably 
pretty  much  on  his  own  terms.  I  cannot  yet  believe  that  he  will  be  permitted 
to  consolidate  Europe  in  one  great  monarchy.' 

17.  Afternoon  rode  to  Simsbury.  I  hope  for  divine  guidance  in  all  inter- 
esting circumstances  in  which  I  may  ever  be  placed.'"  Some  people  are  quite 
sick  with  fever  setting  in  with  the  influenza. 


'  Rev.     Frederick     William     Hotchkiss,  '  Arthur    Bedford,     an     English    divine, 

pastor  at  Old  Saybrook,  Ct.,  17S3-1844,  sixty-  1668-1745.     His  work  was  entitled  Scripture 

one  years.     Mr.  Hotchkiss  was  a  native  of  Chronology  Demonstrated  by  Astronomical  Cal- 

New  Haven,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  dilations.     London,  1730,  folio. 
in  1778.  ■«  Rev.  Samuel  Eells  was  settled  in  North 

^  The  sum  of  $9.50  now  would  buy  a  splen-  Branford  in  1769.     He  died  in  1808. 
did  copy  of  Cruden's  C^«<ro;'a'(2«c^.    Rev.  Alex-  ^  Branford  was  where  his  grandfather,  Rev. 

ander  Cruden,  a  native  of  Aberdeen,  Scot-  Philemon  Robbins,  was  so  long  settled. 
land,   born    May   31,    1701,   was  the    author  ^  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord. 

of   this    Concordance,   though    it    has    been  ^  No  harm  done,  but  it  was  mortifying, 

long  known  that  he  availed  himself  largely,  *  Rev.  David  Smith,  D.D. 

without  giving  credit,  of  the  work  of   Rev.  9  This  remark  shows  the  fears  and  appre- 

Samuel  Newman,  first  minister  of  Rehoboth,  hensions  of  that  day. 

Mass.     Mr.  Newman  wrought  out   his   Co?7-  '°  This  remark  seems  to  have  a  side  refer- 

cordance  under  great   difficulties.      He   was  ence   to  M.  E.  L.,  though   he   does  not  say 

minister  at  Rehoboth  from  1644  to  his  death,  that  he  had  just  been  to  Suffield  where  she 

1663.  was  living. 


iSoy.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  335 

18.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  i  Cor.  xi : 
30.     Think  of  supplying  the  pulpit  here  a  little  time. 

19.  Rainy.  Some  people  have  not  done  haying.  Wrote.  Remarkably 
still  times  through  the  State  in  reference  to  the  approaching  Freeman's  Meet- 
ing, more  so  than  has  been  for  some  years. 

20.  Quite  a  full  meeting.  Preached  from  Rev.  iii :  lo  and  Rom.  xiv  :  lo. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  Baptized  four  children.  At  evening  rode  to 
Colebrook  with  my  brother  Ammi  and  tarried. 

21.  Rode  home.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting.  Votes  here  Federal,  one 
hundred  and  thirty-two  ;  Democratic,  thirty-one.  Parties  very  still.  Had  an 
application  to  preach  at  a  place  near  Boston. 

22.  My  sister  Betsey  arrived  here  last  Sabbath,  with  her  youngest  child,  to 
continue.'  She  is  dependent  on  her  friends.  My  brothers,  SamueP  and 
Francis,^  set  off  on  a  journey  to  Plymouth  and  Boston.  The  influenza  very 
prevalent  here. 

23.  Reviewed  and  balanced  my  accounts  for  a  year  past.  I  have  paid  a 
considerable  sum  for  books,  but  I  think  I  cannot  have  a  better  property. 
Rode  to  Colebrook  and  back.     Weather  cool  but  dry. 

24.  Worked  some.  The  late  Freeman's  Meeting  has  issued  rather  unfa- 
vorably through  the  remissness  of  the  Federalists.'*  At  evening  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  and  wife,^  from  Stockbridge,  came  here  and  tarried. 

25.  Rode  to  Litchfield.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  at  a  stated  weekly 
lecture  from  Luke  xv  :  17.  There  is  a  considerable  seriousness  here,  but  I 
suspect  declining.     At  evening  Mr.  Johns,^  of  Berlin,  preached. 

26.  Treated  very  kindly  at  Mr.  Allen's.'  Visited  several  families.  Rode 
to  Winchester.     Quite  warm.     I  ride  but  poorly. 

27.  Preached  from  Rom.  x  :  i.  I  think  I  never  preached  upon  any  sub- 
ject which  interests  people  more.  Not  so  tired  as  I  feared.  Had  company. 
Quite  sickly  at  Winsted. 

28.  Rode  home.  Received  from  New  Haven,  Bedford's  Scripture  Chro- 
nology. It  appears  much  beyond  my  expectation.  Preparing  for  association. 
Uncle  Starr  came. 

29.  The  association  met  here.  They  dined  today  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Mr, 
Miller*  and  Mr.  Hooker'  preached.     Several  of  the  members  are  absent. 

30.  The  association  licensed  a  young  man '°  who  appeared  very  well.     After 


*  Her   marriage   with   Mr.    Lawrence,   of  *  That  is,  not  in  Norfolk,  but  throughout^ 

Paris,  N.  Y.,  had  not  proved  a  happy  one,  the  State, 

whether  by  his  fault  or  hers,  we  cannot  say.  '  Probably   Gen.   John    Woodbridge  and 

^  Samuel  Robbins,  now  twenty-three  years  wife, 

old,  had  been  teaching  a  school  in  Warren,  *  Rev.  Evans  Johns,  a  Welshman. 

Ct.  '  Judge  John  Allen. 

3  Francis  Le  Baron  Robbins,  now  twenty  ^  Rev.  William  F.  Miller,  of  Bloomfield, 

years  old,  had  just  finished  his  Junior  year  at  Ct. 

Williams  College.      He  takes  advantage  of  «  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  of  Goshen, 

the  vacation  to  go  with  his  brother  and  pay  '°Thisyoungman  was  Rev.  Allen  McLean. 

a  visit  to  their  kindred  in  Plymouth,  Mass.  He  was  a  native  of  Vernon,  Ct,  was  gradr 


336  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

dinner  they  dispersed.     They  met  here  on  my  account.'     My  father  went  to 
Canaan  and  prayed  with  a  military  regiment.     Quite  warm. 

October. 

1.  Read  newspapers.  The  kingdom  of  Denmark  is  probably  near  expir- 
ing.^ She  appears  to  have  no  choice  left,  but  of  masters  'England  and  France. 
Rode  to  Winchester.  Visited  some  families.  The  sickness  is  very  bad  in 
Winsted. 

2.  Visited  a  school.  Rainy.  We  have  now  had  dty  weather  nearly  a 
fortnight ;  much  the  longest  turn  that  has  been  this  year.     Read  Shakespeare. 

3.  Afternoon  rode  up  to  the  north  end  of  Goshen  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
McLean,^  who  supplies  them  now.     Got  considerably  wet. 

4.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii:  24  and  Num.  x  :  29.  There  has  been  con- 
siderable seriousness  lately.  I  think  nearly  as  many  people  attend  meeting 
here  as  at  Winchester.     It  will  probably  be  a  society  ere  long.     Quite  tired. 

5.  Rode  home.  Quite  cool.  A  Mr.  Lansing/  from  Albany,  came  here 
and  left  a  son  with  my  father  for  instruction.  My  mamma  quite  unwell  with  a 
cold  and  cough. 

6.  Read  Shakespeare.  Worked  at  rowing  hay.  A  great  many  people 
traveling  and  visiting  through  the  country.  People  travel  most  in  wagons  and 
carriages.' 

7.  Several  families  from  Winchester  went  on  to  New  Connecticut. 
Worked  considerably.  Read  Shakespeare.  Denmark  is  probably  about  to 
perish  among  the  great  nations.^ 

8.  This  morning  a  pretty  hard  frost.  We  have  had  but  little  before.  A 
great  prospect  of  cider. 

9.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  My  father  has  a  piece  of  grain  very  much 
eaten  by  grasshoppers.  Read  in  the  Life  of  Nelson.  A  ver)^  fine  season  for 
ripening  corn. 

10.  Rode   to  Winchester.     I    feel    anxious   what  to  do  with  this   people. 
Read  Shakespeare.     I  think  I  get  a  great  many  profitable  ideas  from  him. 

11.  Read  the  Bible.     Preachedfrom  Rom.  xi :  7  and  Gen.  xix:   17.    Meet- 


uated  at  Y?.le  College  in  1805,  and  was  after-  fleet,   under    Lord     Cathcart    and   Admiral 

wards  the  life-long  minister  of  Simsbury,  Ct.  Gambier,  bombarded  Copenhagen,  and  com- 
In  the  contributions  to  the  Ecclesiastical  His-   '   pelled  the  Danish  fleet  of  eighteen  ships  of 

to)y  of  Connecticut,  Mr.  McLean's   licensure  the  line,  fifteen  frigates,  and  thirty-seven  brigs 

is  said  to   have   been  given  Sept.  27,  1807.  to  surrender,  which  brought  the  Danish  power 

The  meeting  of  the  association,  according  to  for  the  time  to  the  verge  of  extinction. 

Mr.  Robbins's  record,  was  on  the  29th  and  ^  This  was  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  who  just 

30th   of   September,  and    27th   should   have  before  was  licensed  by  the  Litchfield  North 

been  29th.  Association. 

'  That  is,  he  was  personally  a  member  of  ''  Probably  Judge  John  Lansing,  a  public 

the  association,  and  it  was  his  turn  to  have  man  of  considerable  note, 

the  meeting,  and  not  his  father's.  s  y^g    horseback    age  was    then    giving 

^  Denmark  did  not  join  in  the  alliance  of  place  to  that  of  wheel-vehicles, 

the  great  European  nations  against  France,  *  Her  sun  seemed  to  set  for  a  time,  but 

and  these  nations  were  therefore  hostile  to  rose  again.      The   bombardment   of   Copen- 

her.     On  the  7th  of  Sept.,  1S07,  the  English  hagen  had  just  taken  place. 


1807.]  AT    HOME    IN   NORFOLK.  337 

ing  quite  full   and   attentive.     Had    company.     I  am  much  stronger  than  I 
have  been  in  time  past.     Laus  Deo. 

12.  Very  warm  and  dry.  Visited  families  all  day.  There  are  a  number 
of  fine  dairies  here.     This  has  been  a  favorable  year  for  the  business. 

13.  Rode  home.  Worked  making  a  board  fence.  My  health  and  strength 
gain  very  sensibly. 

14.  Worked  considerably  making  a  milking  yard.  At  evening  Mr.  Ingalls,' 
a  missionary,  came  here  and  tarried.  There  is  a  remarkable  reformation 
among  many  of  the  Indian  tribes,  with  regard  to  spirituous  liquors. 

15.  Worked.  Afternoon  attended  a  church-meeting  and  weekly  concert  of 
prayer.  The  church  excommunicated  a  member.  There  appear  to  be  some 
instances  of  serious  impressions  here.     Had  a  very  solemn  meeting. 

16.  A  man  was  buried  in  town  who  was  yesterday  found  dead  in  the  road. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Avery,  of  Foxborough,  and  to  William  Blackburn,  Philadel- 
phia.    Mr.  Norton,^  from  Whitestown,  called  here.     Read  Shakespeare. 

17.  Worked  at  Mr.  Battell's  fixing  his  well  to  raise  water.  Rainy.  Rode 
to  Winchester.     Read. 

18.  Read  the  Bible.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii:  24.  I  am  fearful  of 
getting  into  a  habit  of  preaching  with  too  little  preparation.     Had  company. 

19.  Walked  and  visited  families  all  day.  A  very  plentiful  year  for  cider. 
Quite  cold.     People  here  in  general  ver)^  industrious. 

20.  Last  night  there  was  some  snow.  Read  Shakespeare  all  day.  Close 
attention  seems  to  affect  my  breast  almost  as  much  as  speaking.^ 

21.  Read  Shakespeare.  Quite  cold.  At  evening  rode  home.  Capt.  Ripley, 
from  Whitestown,  and  his  family  tarried  at  my  father's.  My  brothers  S.  and 
F.  returned  yesterday  from  their  eastern  journey.* 

22.  Worked  some.  Read  Bedford's  Scripture  Chronology.  I  like  it  much 
better  than  I  expected.     My  sister  B.  lives  here  with  us. 

23.  Saw  some  acquaintance  from  Vermont.  Instability,  self-importance, 
vanity,  and  folly  constitute  the  character  of  that  unhappy  State.^  Rode  to 
Winchester.  Attended  a  prayer-meeting,  But  a  few  met,  yet  it  was  a  solemn 
season. 

24.  In  the  morning  a  little  snow.  Last  night  Mr,  Bassett*  and  his  family 
came  here  and  tarried.     He  is  exceedingly  morose,  unsociable,  and  unman- 


'  Rev.  Calvin  Ingalls,  before  spoken   of,  life  on  the  Western  Reserve,  amid  fever  and 

appointed    by  the    Connecticut    Missionary  ague  and  many  rude  exposures,  left  him  in  a 

Society  for  service  in  Vermont,  New  York,  bad  condition,  from  which  he  is  slowly,  but 

and  Pennsylvania.  with  many  drawbacks,  recovering. 

^  Rev.  Asahel  Strong  Norton,  D.D.,  born  *  They  left  on  the  22d  of  September,  so 

at  Farmington,  Ct.,  Sept.  20,  1765,  graduated  that   they  were   gone  a  month   lacking  one 

at  Yale,  1790,  died  at  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  May  10,  day. 

1853.     He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Ham-  ^  This  is  rather  hard  on  Vermont,  but  she 

ilton  College.      He   received   his   degree   of  has  happily  survived  and  has  come  out  into 

D.D.  from  Union  College  in  181 5.  a  very  intelligent  and  virtuous  condition. 

*  Mr.  Robbins  has  been  contending  with  '  Rev.  Archibald   Bassett,  who  Was   dis- 

this  pain  in   his  breast  for  two  years.     His  missed  at  Winchester. 


338  DIARY    OF    RKV.    THOMAS    ROBI5INS,    D.D.  [1S07. 

neriy  in  his  behavior.     Made  some  pills  according  to  the  receipt  Dr.  Sheldon 
gave  nie  some  time  since.     Read  the  Bible. 

25.  Preached  to  a  very  serious  and  attentive  audience  from  Acts  vii :  34 
and  Prov.  i :  24,  25,  26.     At  evening  walked  out.     Quite  tired. 

26.  Visited  Mr.  McEwen,*  of  New  London,  now  in  this  town.  Quite  cold. 
Read  Shakespeare.  At  evening  rode  home.  My  brother  James  just  come 
home. 

27.  Worked  some.  My  brother  S,  quite  unwell.  The  season  dry  and 
ver}'  favorable  for  business. 

28.  Worked  getting  a  large  stick  of  timber  for  building.  Read  newspapers. 
I  am  ver)'  fearful  that  Great  Britain  will  not  be  able  to  contend  long  against 
her  immensely  formidable  enemies. 

29.  Afternoon  my  brother  preached  a  sacramental  lecture.  He  thinks  of 
going  to  Whitestown  to  keep  the  Clinton  Academy.^ 

30.  Rode  to  Winchester  and  to  Canton.  I  think  I  have  never  been  so 
well  able  to  ride  since  I  left  the  western  country.  I  hope  to  devote  my  spared 
life  to  a  useful  service. 

31.  Rode  to  Mr.  Hallock's.^  He  is  now  on  a  mission  in  Vermont.'*  After- 
noon preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Rev.  xvi :   15.     But  few  attended. 

November. 

1.  It  snowed  considerably.  Preached  from  Rev.  xvii :  14  and  Rom.  x:  i. 
Meeting  full  and  attentive.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  here 
pretty  large.^     Quite  tired. 

2.  Rode  home.  My  salt- rheum  considerably  bad.  Am  earnestly  re- 
quested to  go  to  the  Chenango  country  *  to  assist  in  organizing  a  church  and 
society. 

3.  Worked  getting  timber  for  a  large  cow-house.  My  cousin  H.  Starr 
came  here  and  tarried.  My  brother'  engaged  to  keep  the  school  here  in  the 
neighborhood. 

4.  Wrote.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Winchester.  It  seems  the  people 
here  at  a  meeting  last  Monday  have  given  me  a  call  to  settle  with  them.  The 
vote  was  unanimous.  The  salary  voted,  four  hundred  and  thirty  dollars.  They 
expect  to  raise  three  or  four  hundred  dollars  as  a  settlement. 

5.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read  Shakespeare.  Trying  to  put  out  my 
sister  B.'s  youngest  child.  People  make  a  great  quantity  of  cider-brandy. 
Quite  cold. 

6.  Rainy.  Very  cold.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Everest,  of  Canton. 
Finished  reading  Shakespeare's  plays,  which  I  began  in  course  last  winter. 


'  Abel  McEwen,  D.D.,  who  married  Sarah  *  That  is,  as  a  settled  pastor,  leaving  his 

Battell,  of  Torrington,  sister  of  Joseph  Bat-  people  for  a  time  on  a  missionary  circuit, 
tell,  of  Norfolk.  *  This  was  at  Canton,  Ct. 

*  This   is   the   academy,   which,   in    181 2,  *  In    southern    portion   of    Central    New 

grew  into  Hamilton  College.  York. 

^  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock.  ^  His  brother  Samuel. 


iSoy.]  AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  339 

7.  Rode  to  Torrington  and  returned.  Visited.  People  appear  very  anx- 
ious about  my  continuing  here.     I  don't  know  what  to  do.     Read  the  Bible. 

8.  Preached  from  Ps.  cvi :  15.  At  evening  the  committee  of  the  society 
visited  me.  I  am  much  perplexed,  but  hope  to  be  divinely  directed.  Received 
of  the  society  forty-eight  dollars  and  a  due-bill  of  fifty.  Gave  a  receipt  in 
full. 

9.  Cannot  find  my  horse.'  Read  the  Guide  to  Domestic  Happiness.  After- 
noon walked  home.  My  brother  James  went  off  this  morning  to  Clinton.  In 
some  places  there  is  snow, 

10.  My  father  rather  inclines  to  have  me  settle  at  Winchester.  But  I 
think  I  shall  not.  I  feel  that  I  cannot  be  contented  there.  Worked  at  fram- 
ing a  large  cow-house.^     It  snowed  considerably. 

11.  Assisted  in  framing  and  raising  our  frame.  Received  a  letter  from 
W.  Blackburn,^  of  Philadelphia.  Great  Britain  seems  to  be  frowned  upon  in 
her  distant  expeditions. 

12.  Was  applied  to,  to  preach  at  Simsbury.*  Concluded  to  go.  Traded 
considerably.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  the  amount  of  a  due-bill  for  money  paid  for 
my  book-case,  including  interest,  forty-fi.ve  dollars,  and  sixty-three  cents.  Rode 
to  the  south  part  of  the  town  and  attended  the  weekly  conference.  Rode  to 
W^inchester.     Read  Virgil's  ^neid. 

13.  Quite  cold.  People  have  yet  much  cider  to  make.  Rode  to  Goshen. 
At  evening  preached  from  Ps,  cvi:  15,  The  work  of  grace  continues  very 
great  at  Litchfield, 

14.  Returned  to  Winchester.  Wrote  a  long  and  particular  answer  to  the 
call  of  the  society.  My  reasons  I  cannot  communicate,  but  I  hope  I  do  not  do 
wrong. 

15.  Studied  considerably.  Preached  from  Isa.  v:  4  and  Heb.  iv :  9.  At 
evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.  Quite  cold.  I  bear  preaching 
much  better  than  I  have  done. 

16.  I  am  fearful  the  people  here  will  be  much  wounded  at  my  leaving 
them.  Feel  very  disagreeably  at  leaving  them.  Hope  they  may  be  kindly 
kept  of  heaven.     Rode  home. 

17.  Worked  some.  Attended  an  important  trial  in  a  probate  court,  Mr. 
Gould,^  of  Litchfield,  argued  exceedingly  well. 

18.  Extreme    cold.     It   seems   that    Copenhagen*  has    fallen   before    the 


'  Judging  from  Mr.  Robbins's  experience,  *  The  pulpit  of  Simsbury  was  vacant  and 

both  in  New  England  and  on  the  Connecticut  dependent  on  occasional  supplies,  from  1S06 

Reserve,  the  losing  of  horses  in  those  days  to  1809,  when  Rev,  Allen  McLean  was  settled, 

was  a  common  occurrence.  *  J'-idge  James  Gould,  LL.D.,  born  in  Bran- 

^  He  was  carpenter  as  well  as  farmer.  ford,  Ct.,  1770,  graduated  at  Yale,  1791,  died 
Besides,  he  had  helped  cut  and  draw  the  at  Litchfield,  Ct.,  1S38,  He  with  Judge  Tap- 
timber  for  this  building.  ping   Reeve   for  forty  years   conducted   the 

^  We  have  not  been  able  to  determine  cer-  famous  Law  School  of  Litchfield, 

tainly  who  this  W.  Blackburn  was.     He  has  ''  Taken  by  British  fleet,  under  Admiral 

been  several  times  mentioned  in  such  circum-  Gambler  and  Lord  Cathcart,  Sept.  5,  1807. 

stances  as  to  suggest  that  he  was  in  the  book  as  already  mentioned, 
trade. 


340  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1807. 

British  arms,  and  that  our  government  is  Ukely  to  get  into  trouble  with  the 
British.     Their  claims  are  most  ridiculous.' 

ig.  Yesterday  put  on  my  flannels.  Read  newspapers.  Read  Bedford's 
Scripture  Chronology.     It  is  a  very  valuable  work.     Severe  winter  weather. 

20.  Rode  out.  Worked  some.  The  weather  moderates.  Read  Bedford. 
I  am  in  hopes  that  Mr.  Jefferson's  popularity  must  sink.^ 

21.  My  father  rode  to  Winchester  to  preach  tomorrow.  Worked  consider- 
ably.    Read  the  Bible.     Had  some  clothes  made.     4.50. 

22.  Preached  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  i  and  Heb.  iv  :  9.  My  father  returned  from 
Winchester,     They  are  in  a  pretty  critical  situation  there. 

23.  Worked  considerably.  Several  men  came  here  from  Winchester 
requesting  me  most  earnestly  to  take  up  my  answer  for  further  consideration ; 
which,  after  much  hesitation,  I  have  done. 

24.  On  the  19th  wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  of  Marietta.  Set  out 
for  Simsbur}%  Rode  to  Canton.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Hallock.  Had  an  agree- 
able visit.  He  has  lately  returned  from  a  mission  to  Vermont.  The  Legisla- 
ture of  that  State  have  lately  annulled  all  their  laws  for  the  support  of  the 
gospel.^     We  have  almost  ceased  to  be  a  Christian  nation. 

25.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Read  newspapers.  There  is  a  prospect  of  new 
and  bitter  parties  in  Congress.  Had  company.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching 
tomorrow. 

26.  Thanksgiving.  My  obligations  of  gratitude  to  heaven  seem  to  in- 
crease every  year.  Oh  for  a  suitably  feeling  heart.  Preached  from  Isa.  i :  2. 
Had  rather  a  thin  meeting.     People  appear  very  glad  to  see  me  here. 

27.  Visited  a  mourning  family.  Warm  and  rainy.  Read  Saybrook  Plat- 
form.*    Have  a  good  deal  of  company. 

28.  Read  Cambridge  Platform.^  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman. 
Preached  on  the  occasion  from  Luke  xxiii :  28.  Read  the  Bible.  I  live  in  a 
serious,  good  family. 

29.  Preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16  and  Rom.  i:  16.  People  verj-  attentive. 
Very  tired.  My  breast  appears  to  be  weaker  than  in  time  past.  Heard  that 
my  sister  S.  had  a  second  son  night  before  last.' 

30.  Visited.  Wrote.  Am  fearful  that  I  cannot  bear  close  stud}'.  Wrote 
to  my  brother  James. 


'  Their   claim  to  the   right   of    boarding  *  The  Saybrook   Platform  was  enacted  at 

American  merchant  vessels  on  the  high  seas  Saybrook,    Ct,  in   September,    1708.      Here 

and  taking  off  American  subjects.  was   embodied    the   ecclesiastical    laws   and 

^  It  did  not  sink  except  to  rise  again.    Mr.  rules  for  the   government  of  the  Congrega- 

Jefferson,  with  whatever  faults  he  may  have  tional  churches  of  Connecticut, 
had,  is  certainly  one  of  the  shining  names  of  ^  The   Cambridge   Platform  was   enacted 

our  republic.  by  the  Synod  of  1648,  which  met  at  Cam- 

3  That  is  to  say,  she  compelled  no  man  by  bridge.     This  was  designed  to  be  Congrega- 

law  to  pay  religious  taxes,  leaving  the  preach-  tional  law  all  over  New  England,  and  was  until 

ing  of  the  gospel  to  the  voluntary  support  of  the  Saybrook  Platform  was  formed  in  1708. 
men.     Connecticut  herself  came  to  the  same  *  This  was  Philip  Battell,  Esq.,  who  grad- 

conclusion   a  few  years    later,   and    so    did  uated   at   Middlebury   College,  Vt.,  in  1S26, 

Massachusetts.  and  is  now  living  at  Middlebury. 


iSoy.J  AT    HOME   IN    NORFOLK.  34I 

December. 

1.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Warm  for  the  season.  Wrote  notes  of  ser- 
mons.    Read  Boston's'  Fourfold  State.     I  live  in  a  very  good  family. 

2.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  I  need  a  good  deal  of 
exercise.     Walked   out  and  visited. 

3.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  new  meeting-house.^  One  of  the  most  solemn  and  impressive 
scenes  that  I  ever  witnessed.     A  very  great  collection  of  people.     Returned. 

4.  This  State  has  sustained  a  great  loss  in  the  death  of  Judge  Ellsworth.^ 
Rode  and  visited  schools.  They  appear  pretty  forward  though  not  most 
regular.     Wrote. 

5.  It  snowed  considerably.  Studied  and  wrote  all  day.  My  breast  is,  I 
fear,  too  weak  for  study  and  public  speaking. 

6.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  But  few  people  at  meeting.  Preached 
from  Acts  xxviii:  24  and  Gen.  vi :  3.  Had  company.  The  meeting-house 
here  is  a  bad  one  for  speaking. 

7.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Berkshire.  Rode  on  the  Farmington  River 
turnpike.  A  good  road.  Very  windy  and  cold.  Tarried  at  a  tavern  at 
Sandisfield. 

8.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Had  an  agreeable  short  visit  at  Mr.  Goodwin's. 
Rode  to  Lanesborough.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Collins's.'*  Ver)'  good  sleighing. 
Hope  to  learn  at  all  times  to  confide  in  the  righteous  dispositions  of  infinite 
wisdom.     Quite  worried  with  my  ride. 

9.  It  snowed  some.  Afternoon  rode  to  Stockbridge.  Had  an  agreeable 
visit  at  Mr.  Watson's  at  Pittsfield.  Tarried  at  Dr.  West's.  He  is  pretty  well 
for  him. 

10.  Made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Woodbridge's.  Rode  home.  It  rained  most  all 
the  day.  Got  something  wet.  Slept  at  Mr.  Battell's.  My  sister  has  a  young 
son,  born  on  the  28th  ult.     She  is  doing  very  well. 

11.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Have  now  rode  about  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  miles  in  five  days,  the  most  that  I  have  at  once  since  my  return  from  the 
western  country.  I  don't  know  that  I  feel  any  special  inconvenience  from  it. 
The  sleighing  mostly  gone. 

12.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  Very  warm  and  pleasant  for  the  season. 
Read  the  Bible.  Endeavored  to  commit  myself  renewedly  to  the  service  of 
God  and  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

13.  Quite  rainy.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8,  a  subject  I  believe  I 
have  preached  more  than  any  other,  but  it  never  can  grow  old.' 


'  Rev.  Thomas  Boston,  an  eminent  Scotch  Congress,   envoy  extraordinary    to    France, 

divine,    1 676-1 732.     His  Fourfold  State  was  He  was  born  at  Windsor,  Ct.,  April  29,  1745, 

published  in  1720.  graduated    at  the   College  of   New  Jersey, 

-  This  was  the  meeting-house  of  the  First  1766,  died  Nov.  26,  1807. 

or  Centre  Church,  Hartford,  and  it  was  the  *  Rev.    Daniel     Collins,    Congregational 

house  in  which  the  church  now  worships.  minister  at  Lanesborough,  1764-1822. 

3  Oliver  Ellsworth,  LL.D.,  Chief  Justice  ^  "  I   have   fought   a  good  fight,  I   have 

of  the  United  States,  delegate  to  Continental  finished  my  course,"  etc. 


342 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1807. 


14.  Read  Boston's  Fourfold  State.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Re- 
markably warm  and  pleasant.     Had  company. 

15.  Wrote  all  day  on  notes  of  sermons.  It  snowed  considerably.  Found 
a  volume  of  Christian  History,^  a  periodical  paper  published  at  Boston,  1743- 
1744.  I  have  heard  of  it,  but  never  saw  it  before.  I  am  exceedingly  glad 
to  come  across  it. 

16.  Read  the  Christian  History.  It  is  a  very  valuable  work.  Rode  out 
and  visited  schools.  The  inspectors  here  have  established  very  good 
regulations. 

17.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  I  cannot  bear  close  study  as  I  used  to. 
Mat.  xiii :  11^  worried  me  pretty  much,  but  I  hope  I  have  got  the  true  under- 
standing of  it. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  Dined  and  had  a  good  visit  with  Mr. 
Strong.  Very  bad  riding.  The  Evangelical  Magazine,  which  for  a  time  has 
been  discontinued,  is  about  to  be  re-established. 

19.  By  a  late  census  of  the  city  of  New  York,  it  is  stated  that  it  contains 
eighty-three  thousand  five  hundred  and  thirty  inhabitants.  Probably  by  the 
close  of  the  present  century  that  will  be  one  of  the  first  cities  of  the  world.^ 
Wrote  notes  of  sermons.     Read  the  Bible. 

20.  Very  pleasant  weather.  Quite  a  full  meeting.  Preached  from  Rom. 
xiii:  II  and  Ex.  xx :  8.  I  doubt  whether  it  would  not  be  better  for  me  to 
carry  short  notes  into  the  pulpit. 

21.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Many  people  here  have  been  much  out  of 
the  habit  of  attending  meeting.     Read  the  Christia?i  History. 

22.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  breast  is  pretty  weak.  Though 
the  sun  be  in  Capricorn ''  it  is  almost  as  warm  and  pleasant  as  spring.  The 
great  awakening  in  1740  and  1741  ^  very  much  resembled  the  late  great  work 
in  thft"  western  country.     The  former  was  the  greater  work. 

23.  Read  considerably.     I  am  very  fearful  that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  bear 


*  These  volumes  of  Christian  History,  two 
in  number,  were  published  in  Boston,  1744- 
1746,  by  Thomas  Prince,  Jr.,  son  of  the  cele- 
brated pastor  of  the  Old  South  Church.  He 
was  a  graduate  of  Harvard  in  1740,  and  died 
young  in  174S.  These  volumes  contained  the 
accounts  of  the  revivals  of  religion  prevailing 
in  Europe  and  in  this  country  in  1743. 

^  "  For  whosoever  hath,"  etc. 

^  The  century  is  not  yet  ended,  but  taking 
the  population  of  New  York,  Brooklyn,  Jersey 
City,  and  all  the  other  places  which  really 
form  only  one  great  commercial  center,  and 
the  prophecy  is  even  now  fulfilled.  By  the 
census  of  1800  the  city  of  New  York  had 
sixty  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty-nine. 
By  that  of  1810  it  had  ninet3'-si.\  thousand 
three  hundred  and  seventy-three.     The  state- 


ment in  the  diary  for  1807  cannot,  therefore, 
be  far  out  of  the  way.  For  1880  the  popula- 
tion of  New  York  city  was  one  million  two 
hundred  and  six  thousand  two  hundred  and 
ninety-nine,  to  which  the  vast  population 
above  referred  to  is  to  be  added. 

*  The  young  people  of  this  generation  are 
not  used  to  the  style  of  language  represented 
by  this  word.  Capricorn  (caper  and  cornu 
—  goat's  horn)  was  one  of  the  twelve  signs  of 
the  Zodiac,  the  circle  of  the  year.  The  sun 
entered  Capricorn  the  2ist  of  December, 
when  the  days  were  at  the  shortest,  and  it 
entered  Cancer  {the  crab)  in  June,  when  the 
days  were  longest. 

^  This  was  at  the  time  of  Whitefield's  first 
visit  to  New  England,  when,  in  many  places, 
the  additions  to  the  churches  were  very  large. 


1807.]  AT   HOME   IN   NORFOLK.  343 

close  Study ;  perhaps  never.     I  can  hardly  conceive  any  greater  temporal  evil. 
Walked  out  and  visited  families. 

24.  There  are  great  appearances  that  our  nation  will  be  speedily  involved 
in  a  most  destructive  war.  All  through  the  corruption  and  folly  of  our  govern- 
ment.'    Rode  cut  and  visited  schools. 

25.  Devoted  the  day  to  fasting,  reading  the  Bible,  and  prayer.  Endeav- 
ored to  renew  covenant  with  God,  to  dedicate  myself  anew  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  and  to  ask  help  of  God  in  all  my  ways.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Wrote 
a  final  negative  answer  to  the  call  of  Winchester.  I  hope  and  trust  that  in 
that  most  difficult  case  I  have  not  done  wrong.     At  evening  walked  out. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  the  Life  of  Cowper.^  Some  people  here 
are  making  stories  about  my  assiduities  to  a  female,^  which  are  as  groundless 
as  the  salt  mountain. 

27.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  30.  People  very  attentive.  I  think  no  sub- 
ject of  equal  importance  in  the  Christian  system  is  so  poorly  understood  as 
means.'*     Had  company. 

28.  Rode  and  visited  schools.  Some  parts  of  this  town'  are  very  unpol- 
ished and  ignorant.  Sectarianism  in  religion  almost  destroys  society.  They 
have  here  a  very  good  set  of  school  visitors. 

29.  Rode  to  Granby.'  On  account  of  a  storm,  tarried  with  Mr.  Porter' 
through  the  day.  His  society  are  in  a  pretty  disordered  state.  At  night  a 
hard  rain.     Democracy  everywhere  is  opposed  to  the  gospel  ministry.^ 

30.  Rode  to  Westfield.'  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  Mr.  Knapp.'°  Very 
warm  and  pleasant.  This  is  quite  a  pleasant  town.  The  academy"  here 
appears  flourishing. 

31.  Rode  to  Springfield.     The  bridge '^  here,  across  Connecticut  River,  is 


'  The  war  was  delayed  yet  for  some  years,  1794-1832.     He  was  a  native  of  Farmington, 

and  when  it  came,  it  would  not  probably  be  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1788.     He  died  in 

said  now  that  it  was  through  the  corruption  1844. 

and  folly  of  our  government.  ^  All  such  remarks  as  this  must  be  taken 

^  Cowper  died  in  iSoo,  and  William  Hay-  with  some   grains   of  allowance,  because  of 

ley  wrote  his  Life,  which  appeared  in  1S03.  the  strength  of  political  prejudices  then  pre- 

Robert   Southey  wrote  a  much  better   biog-  vailing.     We   have  seen  that  Rev.  Ephraim 

raphy  eight  or  ten  years  later.  Judson,  of  Sheffield,  Mass.,  with  whom  Mr. 

^  This  may  mean  M.  E.  L.,  or  some  other  Robbins  studied  for  a  time,  was  a  Democrat, 

lady.     Though  Mr.  Robbins  never  married,  9  Westfield,   Mass.,   ten   or   fifteen   miles 

he  was  by  no  means   unsusceptible  to  fem-  from  Simsbury. 

inine  charms.  '°  Rev.  Isaac  Knapp.     He  was  a  native  of 

*  The  theological  tendencies,  just  before  Norfolk,  was  graduated  at  Williams  College 
Mr.  Robbins's  day,  had  been  to  resolve  in  1800,  and  was  ordained  and  settled  in 
things  too  much  into  the  power  and  sover-  Westfield,  1803. 

eignty  of  God  and  disparage  human  instru-  "  The  Westfield  Academy  was   incorpo- 

mentality.  rated  in  1793. 

^  He  was  then  in  Simsbury.  '^  Rev.  S.  G.  Buckingham,  D.D.,  of  Spring- 

*  Granby  was  the  town  just  north  of  field,  furnishes  the  following  information  re- 
Simsbury,  and  leading  up  to  the  Massachu-  specting  this  bridge  and  its  successor,  gath- 
setts  line.  ered  from  King's  Handbook  of  Springfield : 

'  Rev.  Isaac  Porter,  pastor  at  Granby,  Ct.,  "  The    first   bridge,  which   Mr.  Robbins 


344 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEINS,    D.D. 


[1807. 


one  of  the  handsomest  structures  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  seen.  It  cost  about 
forty  thousand  dollars.  Very  cheap  if  it  should  prove  durable.  Tarried  at 
Mr.  Howard's.  This  month  has  not  been  so  cold  as  November.  The  ground 
in  general  is  perfectly  bare.  Congress  have  laid  a  general  and  unlimited 
embargo.  They  appear  to  be  perfectly  infatuated.  Thus  has  a  most  merciful 
God  once  more  brought  me  to  the  close  of  the  year. 


speaks  of,  was  opened  Oct.  30,  1805.  It  was 
one  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirty-four 
feet  long,  thirty  feet  wide,  and  forty  feet 
above  low-water  mark.  It  cost  $36,270.  It 
was  uncovered  and  painted  red.  The  bridge 
was  opened  with  imposing  ceremonies  —  a 
procession,  prayer,  sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  Jo- 
seph Lathrop,  of  West  Springfield,  the  ring- 
ing of  bells,  and  firing  of  cannon.     In  1814  it 


showed  signs  of  weakening,  and  the  spring 
freshet  injured  it  so  much  that  it  was  taken 
down  and  a  new  one  built  in  1816.  It  was 
injured  by  the  freshets  of  1818,  but  since  that 
time  it  has  never  suffered  seriously  either  by 
water  or  ice,  and  after  doing  good  service 
for  seventy  years,  seems  likely  to  last  half  a 
century  longer.  This  bridge  was  remarkably 
well  built  and  was  covered." 


1808- 

January. 

I.  The  year  opens  upon  me  with  gloom  and  disappointment.*  Rode  to 
Suffield.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  at  Esq.  Leavitt's.^  Rode  to  Simsbury. 
Quite   cold. 

2,,  Wrote.  Completed  my  former  diary,  and  prepared  this.  Read  Cow- 
per's  Life.     Very  cold. 

3.  Quite  stormy  and  tedious.  Had  very  few  people  at  meeting. 
Preached  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  i  and  Luke  xvi :  15.  At  evening  Capt.  Case/  with 
whom  I  live,  was  taken  sick  with  a  violent  stranguary  complaint,  I  think  I 
never  saw  a  person  apparently  in  so  great  pain.  The  physicians  afforded  him 
some  relief. 

4.  Capt.  Case  is  apparently  in  a  low  ar^d  critical  situation.  He  is  anxious 
to  have  me  with  him  as  much  as  I  can.     Read  Cowper's  Life. 

5.  Am  much  interrupted  in  study  by  company  and  attention  to  Capt. 
Case.  Visited  a  school  of  youths.  People  here  are  much  animated  on  the 
subject  of  schooling.     Visited  families.     Severe  winter  weather. 

6.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Read  Cowper's  Life.  It  snowed 
considerably.  I  believe  my  health  has  not  been  better  since  my  return  from 
the  New  Connecticut.*  The  situation  of  our  country  is  deplorable.  It  ap- 
pears pretty  evidently  that  our  people  have  laid  the  embargo,'  in  obedience  to 
a  dictate  from  France,*     I  fear  that  war  is  inevitable. 

7.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  a  private 
lecture  to  a  full  audience  from  Matt,  xxvii :  43.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

8.  I  am  more  encouraged  that  Capt.  Case  may  get  along.  Read  Cowper. 
It  snowed  considerably.  Am  in  some  measure  incommoded  about  study.  On 
the  4th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Loomis,  of  Winchester,  and  read  the 
martydoms  of  Huss  and  Jerome.'     Wrote  to  M.  E.  L. 

g.  Read.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  It  is  very  good  sleighing.  Am 
considerably  hindered  with  company. 

10.  Extreme  cold.  Pretty  full  meeting.  Preached  from  Rom.  x :  i. 
Capt.  Case  much  poorer  than  he  has  been.  I  think  his  case  very  critical. 
Am  considerably  taken  up  with  him. 


'  Because  of  his  continued  ill  health.   The  business  of  this  country  at  that  time  was  a 

disease  which  he  contracted  in  his  missionary  very  heavy  calamity',  and  it  fell  with  special 

life  at  the  West  was  hard  to  shake  off.  severity  upon  New  England,  because  of  her 

'  This    is   where    he   had   called   several  large  connection  with  the  carrying  trade, 
times  before.  *  This  rumor  was  probably  without  foun- 

3  Capt.  Case.  *  dation,  though  France  was  doubtless  glad  to 

*■  When  he  has  a  good  day  he  brightens  have  it  done, 
up  with  hope.  '  John  Huss  and  Jerome,  of  Prague,  were 

'  The   embargo   laid  upon  the  sea-faring  burned  at  the  stake  in  the  year  1415. 

345 


346  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

1 1.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel.'  Finished  reading  Cowper's  Life.  Wrote 
a  letter  for  Mrs.  Case  to  an  absent  son. 

12.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  Read  Cowper's  Poems.  At  evening  walked 
out  and  visited.     Very  good  sleighing. 

13.  Capt,  Case  appears  evidently  to  be  failing.  Kept  a  school  for  a  little 
time,  the  master  being  necessarily  called  away.  People  here  have  a  good 
many  courts,  though  I  believe  not  so  many  as  in  years  past.  Wrote,  Am 
much  interrupted  in  my  studies  by  company, 

14.  It  snowed  hard  all  day.  Talked  freely  with  Capt.  Case  about  his 
death.  I  think  I  have  never  been  acquainted  with  any  person  who  gave  to 
me  greater  evidence  of  Christian  character.  He  says  he  has  had  ng  real 
doubts  of  his  Christian  standing  in  three  years.  Read  Cowper.  Had  ap- 
pointed to  preach  a  lecture  this  evening,  but  the  storm  prevented  my  going 
out. 

15.  Capt,  Case  appears  to  be  almost  gone.  He  possesses  his  reason 
scarcely  at  all,  and  spoke  but  very  little,  except  to  those  who  attend  on  him, 
and  the  company  which  came  in.     Very  cold  and  blustering. 

16.  Death  entered  our  windows, in  all  its  horrors,  yet  under  the  control  of 
glorious  hope,  and  the  good  man  departed  a  little  before  noon.  I  have  much 
of  the  care  of  all  the  new  scenes  in  the  family.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh.  The 
snow  quite  deep.  At  evening  my  brother  S.  came  here  to  see  me.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Crosley,  .Smithfield,  New  Connecticut.     Very  cold. 

17.  Rode  to  meeting  with  my  brother.  Preached  to  a  full  and  attentive 
congregation  from  Rom.  x  :  20. 

18.  It  rained  hard  all  day.  Very  disagreeable  for  the  funeral ;  yet  there 
were  a  good  many  people.  I  preached  from  John  xxi :  24,  and  gave  his 
Christian  character  pretty  largely.  People  were  much  affected,  and  I  hope  it 
may  be  a  means  of  good.     I  am  much  worried  by  my  fatigues. 

19.  Rode  out  with  my  brother  and  visited.  Cold.  Very  bad  going. 
Took  a  view  of  a   large   distiller)'  lately  set  agoing  here. 

20.  Rode  .out  and  spent  the  day  to  visit  one  school  in  the  northeast  part  of 
the  town.  The  people  there  show  very  manifestly  the  want  of  society  privi- 
leges. The  embargo  places  our  nation  in  a  great  turmoil.  I  hope  it  may  be 
the  means  of  breaking  up  our  weak  rulers. 

21.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James  ^  at  Clinton,' and  one  from 
Mr.  D.  Kellogg,  Skaneateles,  Onondaga,  requesting  me  to  go  there  and 
preach.  I  think  I  have  done  a  pretty  good  share  in  endeavoring  to  organize 
the  new  settlements.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town.  Spent  a  part  of 
the  afternoon  as  a  season  of  praj^er  with  an  afflicted  family.  At  evening 
preached  a  lecture  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

22.  Rode  out,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Read  Cowper's  Foc?ns. 
His  Task  is  very  valuable. 


*  His  brother  Samuel  was  teaching  then  ^  His  brother  James  W.  is   still   on   his 

in   Norfolk,   where   he   remained   tor   many       missionary  trip, 
years,  ^  Clinton,  N.  Y. 


l8o8.]  AT    HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  347 

23.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  Read  the  Bible.  This  house  and  family 
appear  much  more  destitute  deprived  of  their  head  than  I  expected. 

24.  Yesterday  it  rained  hard  all  day,  and  the  night  preceding.  The  river' 
is  risen  very  high.  No  people  could  cross  to  attend  meeting.  Preached  from 
John  vii :  34  and  Heb.  iv  :  9.     The  people  here  do  poorly  about  singing. 

25.  Quite  cold.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Some  people  here  are  pretty 
self-sufficient  and  wise  in  their  own  opinion  about  ministers.  A  considerable 
number  are  sectarians. 

26.  Last  evening  this  family  met  together  and  heard  their  father's  will.  I 
think  it  is  drawn  very  judiciously.  Finished  reading  Cowper's  Poems.  At 
evening   walked   out. 

27.  Rode  with  Mrs.  Case  to  Canton ''  and  back,  to  see  the  judge  of  probate. 
Bad  sleighing.  Warm  and  wet.  Began  to  read  the  Horce  SoUtarice?  Am 
something  taken  up  with  the  business  of  this  family.  They  view  me  an  indif- 
ferent person  among  them. 

28.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  At  evening  rode  out  and  preached  from 
John  vi :  68.     People  quite  attentive.     My  breast  something  sore. 

29.  Wrote  to  Mr.  T.  Crosley,  New  Connecticut,  and  to  Mr.  D.  Kellogg, 
Marcellus.  Read  Horce  Solitarm.  Walked  out.  I  find  this  society  to  be 
stronger  and  better  united  than  I  have  heretofore  supposed, 

30.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Close  study  all  day  sensibly  worries  me. 
Read  the  Bible. 

31.  Went  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh,  though  difficult.  Preached  from  i  Sam. 
XV.  2)?i  and  Luke  xv  :  17.  The  former  was  by  desire.  The  people  here  attend 
meeting  pretty  well,  but  appear  to  be  very  stupid.     Quite  tired. 

February. 

1.  A   very   hard   rain.     Read.      Towards   night   rode    out.      Am   pretty 
feeble.     I  have  been  very  free  from  stomach  sickness  all  winter. 

2.  Wrote.     Read  Hor(z  Solitarice.     Walked  out  and  visited.     I    find   it 
difficult  to  attend  to  all  my  calls  for  visiting. 

3.  I  am  requested  to  assist  in  appraising  the  estate  of  Capt.  Case.     Spent 
the  most  of  the  day  with  the  appraisers.     Rode  out  and  preached  in  the  even- 


*  This   is   the   Farmington    River,  which  and  Titles  of  Jesus   Christ  Occurring  in  the 

from   the   town   of   Farmington  runs  nearly  Old  Testament,  and  Declarative  of  his  Essen - 

north  for  about  twelve  miles,  then  makes  a  tial  Divinity  and  Gracious  Offices  in  the  Rc- 

sharp  turn,  and  runs  in  a  southeasterly  di-  demption  of  Men,  to  which  is  Afixed  a/i  Essay 

rection,  emptying  into  the  Connecticut  River  Chiefly  Historical  upon   the  Doctrine   of  the 

at  Windsor.  Trinity :  In  two  volumes.  This  work  was  writ- 

^  Canton  was  then  a  new  township,  hav-  ten  and  completed  by  Rev.  Ambrose  Searle, 

ing  been  incorporated  in    1806.     It  covered  an   excellent    English    divine,   who   died  in 

the  same  territory  essentially  which  before  181 5.     Several  editions  were  published,  Eng- 

that  time  had  constituted   the  ecclesiastical  lish  and  American.     An  edition  published  in 

parish  of  West  Simsbury.  London  in  1803  was  very  likely  the  one  Mr. 

^  The  full  title  of  this  book  is :  Horce  Soli-  Robbins  was  reading.     This  work  found  a 

taria,  or  Essays  upon  Some  Remarkable  Names  place,  formerly,  in  the  libraries  of  ministers. 


348 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D. 


[1808. 


ing  from  Heb.  i :  2.     Had  a  pretty  full  meeting  of  people  who  do  not  ordi- 
narily attend  public  worship. 

4.  It  rained  considerably.  Got  considerably  wet  with  the  appraisers. 
Find  it  a  pretty  laborious  business.  Mr.  Jefferson's '  influence,  I  fear,  is  so 
uncontrollable  in  the  nation  as  to  be  able  to  designate  the  next  President. 

5.  Finished  the  appraisement  of  Capt.  Case's  estate.  It  amounts  to 
nearly  eight  thousand  dollars.^  His  family  would  have  been  in  a  melancholy 
situation  without  a  will.     Warm. 

6.  The  ground  almost  perfectly  bare.  Wrote  the  inventory  of  this  estate. 
Am  much  fatigued  with  this  business.     My  breast  considerably  weak. 

7.  Preached  from  Rev.  xvii :  14.  I  think  the  people  here  gain  about 
attending  meeting.  Quite  tired.  The  church  here  is  in  something  of  a  de- 
ranged state. 

8.  Visited  a  school  which  is  the  tenth  that  I  have  visited  including  all  in 
the  town.  Wrote.  I  am  fearful  that  preaching  three  times  in  a  week  for 
some  time  past,  has  been  injurious  to  me.     Quite  warm  for  the  season. 

9.  Read  Horce  Solitaria.  Visited  a  grammar  school.  Cold.  We  have 
ver)-  frequent  and  sudden  changes  of  weather. 

10.  Rode  home  in  a  sleigh.  The  sleighing  very  good.  My  parents  are 
quite  smart.  Their  girl  Hannah,  who  has  lived  with  them  for  several  years, 
being  of  age,  left  them  today.^ 

11.  It  seems  that  French  intrigue  has  succeeded  in  her  last  effort  in 
engaging  Russia  in  the  war  against  England."  May  the  Lord  save  the  world 
from  universal  subjugation.  The  slaves  imported  to  South  Carolina  in  four 
years  past,  have  amounted  to  nearly  forty  thousand.^     Visited  at  my  brother  N.'s. 

12.  Returned  to  Simsbur}\  Warm.  The  sleighing  fails  pretty  fast. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  L.  Loomis,  Winchester.  Last  evening  wrote  to  Mr.  Allen, 
Litchfield. 


'  Mr.  Robbins  had  not  3'et  learned  to 
speak,  except  in  a  very  unfriendly  tone,  of 
Mr.  Jefferson  or  any  of  his  works.  But  Mr. 
Robbins  was  entirely  right  in  his  conjectures. 
That  Federal  rule  which  was  broken  in  1800, 
by  the  first  election  of  Mr.  Jefferson  to  the 
Presidency,  is  not  to  be  restored.  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son was  elected  the  second  time  in  1804,  re- 
ceiving one  hundred  and  sixty-two  of  the  one 
hundred  and  seventy-six  electoral  votes  cast. 
And  now  in  this  year,  1808,  Mr.  James  Madi- 
son, representing  the  same  party  with  Mr. 
Jefferson,  is  to  be  elected  by  one  hundred 
and  twenty-two  of  the  one  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-five electoral  votes. 

^  A  very  handsome  property  for  a  resi- 
dent in  a  plain  country  town  at  that  time. 

^  This  binding  out  of  boys  and  girls  to 
serve  till  they  were  of  age  was  very  common 
in   the   old   New  England   days,   and   many 


children  thus  found  good  homes  and  excel- 
lent training  for  the  business  of  life,  though 
some  were  ill-treated  and  abused. 

*  This  bargain  was  completed  by  the 
treaty  of  Tilsit,  which  was  signed  July  7, 
1S07,  and  ratified  July  19.  By  it  Napoleon 
restored  to  the  Prussian  monarchy  one  half 
of  its  territories,  and  Russia  recognized  the 
Confederation  of  the  Rhine,  and  the  eleva- 
tion of  Napoleon's  brothers,  Joseph,  Louis, 
and  Jerome  to  the  thrones  of  Naples,  Hol- 
land, and  Westphalia. 

5  There  was  a  period  when  slavery  seemed 
to  be  naturally  declining  in  this  country. 
But  after  the  invention  of  the  cotton-gin  by 
Eli  Whitney,  in  the  closing  years  of  the  last 
century,  slave  labor  became  more  profitable, 
and  the  slave  interest  became,  for  many 
years,  the  great  disturbing  element  in  our 
American  politics. 


l8o8.]  AT   HOME   IN    NORFOLK.  349 

13.  Began  to  read  the  History  of  Popery.^  People  here  cannot  get  over 
their  fondness  for  litigation.     Read  the  Bible. 

14.  Rainy.  Quite  a  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Isa.  ii :  17.  They  do 
poorly  here  about  singing.  The  young  men  in  the  family  grow  considerably 
fond  of  reading. 

15.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.     Quite  cold.     Read  in  King  Lear. 

16.  The  church  here  is  in  something  of  an  unsettled  state.  Wrote  to  my 
brother  James.  I  feel  fearful  that  his  laborious  task  will  be  too  much  for  his 
health.     Had  company. 

17.  Rode  to  Canton.  The  day  is  observed  here  by  the  church  as  a  fast 
for  the  low  state  of  religion  among  them.  Mr.  Miller^  and  Mr.  Beech  ^ 
preached.  I  assisted  in  the  exercises.  At  evening  preached  at  Suffrage* 
from  Ps.  cvi :   15.     Tarried  with  my  old  acquaintance,  Mr.  Everest. 

18.  Returned  to  Simsbury.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Quite  cold.  The 
emigration  of  the  Portuguese  royal  family  to  Brazil'  is  an  event  singular  in 
history.  It  seems  that  no  power  but  divine  can  now  preserve  Great  Britain, 
which  appears  to  be  the  refuge  of  freedom  and  truth. 

19.  Finished  writing  the  inventory  of  Capt.  Case's  estate,  which  has  cost 
me  considerable  labor.  The  Methodists  make  considerable  exertion  to  get  an 
influence  here. 

20.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  Not  till  now  have  I  finished  writing  notes 
upon  all  the  texts  from  which  I  preached  on  my  mission.*     Read  the  Bible. 

21.  Preached  to  a  very  attentive  audience  on  the  Doctrine  of  Original  Sin 
from  Rom.  xv  :  28.  My  health  has  been  much  better  lately  than  at  any  lime 
since  my  mission.     What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies. 

22.  Rode  over  the  mountain  and  visited  families  in  Wintonbury.^  The 
people  there  are  much  afflicted  with  the  spotted  fever.  Poor  sleighing. 
There  is  considerable  talk  here  about  the  removal  of  their  meeting-house. 

23.  Read  Foiafold  State.  Quite  cold.  It  is  said  that  there  is  a  very  fine 
turn  of  sleighing  in  the  upper  parts  of  the  country,  but  very  little  here. 
Walked  out.     A  number  of   people   unwell. 

24.  Yesterday  morning  a  child  died  in  the  neighborhood  very  suddenly 
with   the    spotted   fever.     Attended   the  funeral.     Rode  to  Granby.     Had  a 


'  This   is   the  work  probably   which   he  *  It  was   according   to  the   habit   of   his 

bought   of   Dr.   West,   of   Stockbridge.  mind  to  keep  this  record  of  his  past  work. 

^  Rev.  William  F.  Miller,  of  Bloomfield,  Many  of  the  sermons  which  he  preached  on 

then  called  Wintonbury.  the  Western  Reserve  were  extemporaneous. 

^  Rev.  James  Beech,  of  Winsted.  We    have   the   texts  of  all   of  them  in  this 

*  The  eastern  part  of  the  town  of  Canton,  diary.     But  now,  with  more  leisure,  he  goes 

where  the  English  settlement  was  first  made,  over  them  all  again,  and  shapes  them  into 

went  by  the  name  of  Suffrage,  not  with  any  larger  fullness. 

reference  to  voting,  but  because  the  first  set-  '  Wintonbury  was  that  part  of  the  ancient 

tiers  suffered  much  in  the  early  days  of  the  town    of    Windsor,    which  now   makes   the 

enterprise.  town  of  Bloomfield.     It  lies  between  Sims- 

s  The  royal  family  of  Portugal  arrived  at  bury   and   the   present   Windsor.     Its  exist- 

Brazil,  March  7,  1808.     In    1815  the   union  ence  as  an  ecclesiastical  parish  dates  back  as 

was  effected  between  Portugal  and  Brazil.  far  as  1738. 


350  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

good  visit.     Returned.     If  the  life  of  Bonaparte  is  continued,  perhaps  none  of 
his  plans  are  too  gigantic  to  be  realized. 

25.  Another  child,  who  yesterday  attended  the  funeral,  of  the  same  family, 
is  dead.'     Visited  the  afflicted  family.     Read  HorcB  Solitarice. 

26.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  child  that  died  yesterday.  Very  cold. 
People  are  much  alarmed  at  the  progress  of  the  disorder.  Several  youths  are 
very  sick  with  it.     Am  much  taken  up. 

27.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Visited  the  sick.  Am  considerably  wor- 
ried with  labor  and  attention  with  the  afflicted. 

28.  Warm.  Preached  from  Heb.  xii :  17  and  Heb.  iii :  5.  People  have 
much  sensibility  on  the  subject  of  the  pestilence  ;  but  I  fear  nothing  more. 
Afternoon  preached  almost  wholly  extempore. 

29.  Visited  a  school.  Visited  families  sick  and  others.  Ver}^  warm  for 
the  season.  The  snow  is  now  mostly  gone.  On  the  12th,  at  evening,  per- 
formed a  marriage. 

March. 

1.  Am  almost  worn  out  with  fatigue.  A  young  man  in  the  house  has  a 
ver}-  bad  hand,  a  kind  of  a  felon.  The  physicians  have  been  fearful  it  would 
prove  mortal.     Visited  an  afflicted  family.     The  man^  died  today.     Read. 

2.  Finished  the  first  volume  of  Horcz  Solitarice.  Wrote.  There  is  but 
little  said  in  town  about  ecclesiastical  or  political  matters.  They  are  much 
more  peaceable  and  uruted  than  they  have  commonly  been. 

3.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  man  who  died  lately.  Spoke  equivalently 
to  preaching.  Afternoon  visited  a  school  which  appears  tolerably.  At  even- 
ing preached  in  an  out  part  of  the  tow-n  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  Am  very  much 
fatigued. 

4.  Visited.  Had  considerable  conversation  with  Episcopalians,  Metho- 
dists, etc.  They  are  quite  ignorant.  Visited  the  sick.  They  appear  to  be 
getting  better.  Ver}^  great  is  God's  mercy  in  arresting  the  progress  of  the 
pestilence. 

5.  My  late  fatigue  has  been  so  severe  that  I  am  able  to  do  but  very  little. 
Read  the  History  of  Popery?     Read  the  Bible. 

6.  Mr.  Stebbins  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman  in  my  stead. 
Preached  from  Hab.  ii :  2  and  Rev.  xvi :  15.  The  people  here  appear 
attentive  at  meeting,  but  very  stupid.     Mourners  are  quite  numerous. 

7.  Rode  to  Farmington,  and  visited  Mr.  Porter.*  Returned.  Bad  riding. 
Visited.  A  man,  excommunicated  by  the  Methodists,  wants  my  advice.  My 
breast  quite  weak. 


I 


•  We  have  here  again  the  breaking  out  of  ident  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  of  Yale  College, 
very  malignant  disease.  was  settled  in  Farmington  in  1806,  and  re- 

^  Not  the  man  first  spoken  of  who  had  mained   sixt\-  years,  till   his   death   in    1862. 

the  felon,  but  the  man  in  the  afflicted  family.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1803.     He  was 

^  The   same   work,  doubtless,   which  we  a  man   of    the    most  solid   and   substantial 

have  before  mentioned.  qualities.     He  was  a  member  of  the  coqjora- 

*  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  father  of  Pres-  tion  of  Yale  College  1S23-1862. 


l8o8.]  AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK.  35 1 

8.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Quite  cold.  At  evening  walked  out.  It 
is  quite  a  trial  to  be  unable  to  study  more  closely  than  I  do. 

9.  Read.  I  have  a  good  many  applications  for  the  performance  of  minis- 
terial duties.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

ID.  Visited  two  schools.  The  schools  here  of  late  have  been  very  much 
neglected,  but  the  visitors  are  now  making  considerable  exertions.  The 
President  has  recommended  raising  an  army.  Our  political  sky  is  verj'  dark 
and  lowering. 

11.  Considerably  unwell.  Can  write  but  little.  Read  the  History  of  Pop- 
ery. Nature  begins  to  appear  like  spring.  This  family  depend  on  me  con- 
siderably for  advice  and  assistance. 

12.  Wrote  notes  of  sermons.  I  fear  I  do  not  advance  much  in  ability  for 
sermonizing.     I  need  health,  humility,  and  grace. 

13.  Preached  from  Isa.  xliii:  13  and  John  i :  9.  I  think  the  Scripture 
requires  us  to  show  that  all  people  have  been  benefited  by  revelation.  Very 
much  worried.  I  fear  I  may  be  unable  to  preach  when  warm  weather  should 
come.     In  the  forenoon  used  short  notes. 

14.  Walked  out.  It  snowed  considerably.  Numbers  of  people  are  sick 
and  complaining.  The  state  of  this  society  appears  to  be  evidently  growing 
better. 

15.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  The  people  appear  to  be  much  gratified  at 
being  visited.     I  think  the  Methodist  interest  here  is  declining. 

16.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  school  very 
well  instructed,  particularly  in  the  catechism.  It  seems  that  our  government 
are  determined  to  drag  us  into  a  war  from  mere  obstinacy  and  partiality  to 
France.' 

17.  Visited  two  schools.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  My  breast 
quite  weak.  I  believe  I  have  performed  rather  too  much  labor  lately  for  my 
strength. 

18.  Read  Boston's  Fourfold  State.  At  evening  walked  out  and  visited. 
The  ground  here  is  considerably  settled. 

19.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  requested  Mr.  Rowland^  to  exchange  with  me. 
He  being  unwell  declines  it.  Returned  to  Simsbury.  It  hurts  my  breast  to 
ride. 

20.  Last  night  a  healthy  man  of  twenty-six  died  of  the  prevailing  fever 
after  a  sickness  of  about  thirty  hours.  He  has  left  a  child,  and  a  widow  a 
little  more  than  seventeen  years  old.  Preached  from  Isa.  v :  3.  Very  rainy. 
Very  much  worried. 

'  The  War  of    181 2,  when  it  came,  was  colleague  with   him   in   1790,  and  continued 

certainly  not  undertaken  from  any  such  mo-  till  1835.     It  was  with  the  latter,  of  course, 

tive.      Whether   just   or   unjust   the    United  that  Mr.  Robbins  sought  an  exchange.     The 

States  felt  pushed  to  it  by  the  haughty  and  father  was   graduated   at  Yale  in  1743,  and 

overbearing  course  of  Great  Britain.  the  son  at  Dartmouth  in   1785.     Rev.  Henry 

^  Rev.  David  S.  Rowland  was  pastor  of  A.  Rowland,    son    of   the    last,  was    gradu- 

the  church  in  Windsor,  Ct.,  1776-1794.     His  ated  at  Yale  in  1823,  and  died  in  Boston  in 

son,  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  was  settled  as  1859. 


352  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

21.  Walked  out  and  visited.  This  society  is  pretty  numerous.  There  are 
about  two  hundred  famiHes,  exclusive  of  those  who  have  certificated.'  Read 
the  History  of  Fopery.  Assisted  in  catching  some  fish  out  of  the  river  with  a 
seine. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back  Am  informed  that  there  is  a  great 
awakening  in  New  Haven,  and  some  hopeful  appearances  in  Hartford.  Saw 
an  account  of  the  launching  of  two  elegant  ships  belonging  to  Mr,  Oilman,^  at 
Marietta.  I  fear  the  embargo  will  ruin  him.^  Gave  a  girl  in  this  family  a 
Bible. 

23.  Read  a  most  valuable  letter  of  Mr.  Pickering/  disclosing  in  an  alarm- 
ing manner  the  state  of  our  public  interests.  I  fear  our  people  are  hope- 
lessly infatuated.  Since  17S3  the  country  has  never  been  in  such  danger  as 
now.^  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town  and  preached 
at  the  conclusion  of  a  school  from  Jer.  xxxii :  39.     A  good  many  hearers. 

24.  Am  almost  worn  out  with  constant  labors.  Rainy.  Worked  making 
paper  window  curtains.     Finished  the  first  volume  of  the  History  of  Fopery. 

25.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school  at  the  eastern  part  of  the  town.  I  have 
spent  ten  days  in  visiting  schools  this  winter.  Our  public  affairs  alarm  all 
thinking  men. 

26.  Read  Fourfold  State.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Rode  to  Wintonbur)'  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Miller.*     The  ground  mostly  settled. 

27.  This  society  considerably  broken.  Preached  from  John  i :  9  and  Heb. 
iv  :  9.     At  evening  returned. 

28.  Am  quite  feeble.  Yesterday  felt  scarcely  able  to  preach.  Can  study 
but  little.  Finished  reading  Boston's  Fourfold  State.  Wrote.  Have  frequent 
solicitations  to  preach  in  different  parts  of  the  town. 

29.  People  began  to  plow  last  week.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  Granby  and 
to  Sufiield.  Am  poorly  able  to  ride.  Read  newspapers.  Our  country  is  in  a 
great  feud,  and  it  appears  to  be  increasing.     Tarried  at  Esq.  Leavitt's. 

30.  The  ground  here  does  not  settle  so  early  as  at  Simsbury.'  Afternoon 
rode  to  Granby*  (Turkey  Hills)  and  preached  from  Num.  x:  29.  There 
appears  to  be  a  considerable  work  of  religion  here.     The  society  is  in  a  very 


'  This  means,  as   before  explained,  sucii  the  Embargo."     It  is  to  this  that  Mr.  Rob- 
families  as  had  signified  their  preference  for  bins  refers. 

other  denominations  than  the  Congregational,  ^  Mr.  Robbins  conveys  the  idea,  by  the 
and  were  allowed  to  "  sign  off,"  as  it  was  general  drift  of  his  diary,  that  all  these 
called,  and  pay  their  taxes  elsewhere,  accord-  troubles  are  due  to  the  Democratic  govern- 
ing to  their  personal  preferences.  ment  under  which  he  was  then  living.     But 

^  This,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  a  part  these  difficulties   would   have   been   present 

of  Mr.  Oilman's  business.  probably  whatever  party  might  have  been  in 

^  The  embargo  ruined  a  great  many  ship-  power, 
owners  at  the  East,  but  there  were  only  a  few  *  Rev.  William  F.  Miller, 

men  at  the  West  who  were  likely  to  be  in-  ^  The  soil   at  Suffield   had   more   of  the 

jured  in  that  way.  clayey  and   adhesive   elements  in  it  than  at 

■*  Timothy   Pickering,  LL.  D.,   of   Salem,  Simsbury. 
Mass.,    United    States   Senator  from    1803-  ^  It  was  the  church  at  East  Granby  that 

iSii,  wrote   a  "Letter  to  Gov.  Sullivan  on  used  to  be  called  Turkey  Hills. 


i8o8.] 


AT    HOME   IN   NORFOLK. 


353 


broken   state.     At  evening  preached  again  to  a  large  and  solemn  audience 
from  Esther  iv  :   i6. 

31.  Last  night  was  quite  sick  with  nervous  affections  in  consequence  of  so 
great  fatigue.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Very  feeble.  The  prevailing  fever  yet 
continues  here  pretty  violently. 

A?RIL. 

1.  Am  so  feeble  as  to  be  almost  wholly  unable  to  do  any  business.  Read 
Baxter's  *  Saints'  Rest.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

2.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Hallock.^  Played  ball  some.'  Read  Baxter.  I  cannot 
but  hope  that  the  madness  of  our  government  will  be  the  means  of  removing 
them  from  their  stations.     Wrote. 

3.  Read  the  Bible.  Preached  from  Ps.  cvi :  15.  The  audience  very 
attentive  and  solemn.  Several  people  here  attend  meeting  who  have  not 
scarcely  at  all  for  years.  Very  tired.  Am  very  fearful  that  I  shall  be 
obliged  in  a  little  time  to  lay  by  preaching. 

4.  Am  unable  to  read  scarcely  at  all.  Worked  on  a  new  road."*  The  peo- 
ple had  a  society  meeting,  said  to  be  the  most  harmonious  one  they  have  had 
for  years.     Some  people  have  taken  up  their  certificates.^     Read  Saints'  Rest. 

5.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Rainy.  The  people  begin  to  suffer  materi- 
ally by  the  embargo.  The  people  here  appear  to  have  full  expectation  of  my 
staying  with  them.  It  is  I  think  not  likely.  Very  still  times  for  the  week 
preceding  Freeman's  Meeting.^ 

6.  Read  Baxter.  Mr.  Hallock  called  on  me  going  to  Turkey  Hills.  Am 
quite  feeble  so  as  to  be  able  to  study  but  little.  Wrote.  We  hear  frequently 
of  new  awakenings.  Dismissed  a  subject  of  daily  attention  which  I  have  had 
in  view  nearly  two  years.' 

7.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  a  singing  lecture  from  Num.  xxiv :  5. 
There  are  a  good  many  singers  here,  but  they  do  not  excel  in  music.  There 
are  almost  three  hundred  families  in  this  town,  about  fifty  of  which  are  east  of 
the  mountain.^ 


'  Richard  Baxter,  born  161 5,  died  1691,  a 
most  voluminous  writer.  In  the  catalogue 
of  his  published  writings,  there  are  not  less 
than  one  hundred  and  sixty-eight  separate 
works,  larger  and  smaller.  The  Saints'  Ever- 
lasting Rest  was  first  published  about  1645, 
or  '6,  and  not  far  from  the  same  time  ap- 
peared his  Call  to  the  Unconverted.  So  pop- 
ular was  this  last-named  work  that  twenty 
thousand  copies  of  it  were  sold  in  one  year, 
and  both  this  and  the  Saints''  Rest  have  been 
in  constant  circulation  ever  since. 

^  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  of  Canton. 

^  Mr.  Robbins's  habit  of  playing  ball, 
when  he  is  not  able  to  do  anything  else, 
would  amuse  the  scientific  and  hard-working 
ball  players  of  this  generation. 


■*  Working  on  new  roads  would  also  now 
be  called  rather  severe  exercise  for  invalids. 

5  That  is,  returned  to  the  parish  from 
which  they  had  signed  off. 

^  This  sentence  implies,  what  was  true 
in  those  days,  that  the  Freeman's  Meetings 
in  April  were  often  the  occasion  of  considei- 
able  excitement  in  Connecticut. 

'  This  looks  like  the  close  of  the  M.  E.  L. 
interest  and  correspondence. 

^  The  mountain  here  is  an  extension 
north  of  what  is  below  called  Talcott  Mount- 
ain. It  is  all  a  part  of  the  Greenstone  Range, 
which  at  the  south  divides  and  ends  off  with 
East  and  West  Rocks  at  New  Haven.  These 
hill-ranges  furnish  along  their  windings  many 
attractive  and  beautiful  landscapes. 


354  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808, 

8.  Read  Baxter.  Constantly  quite  cold  for  the  season.  We  have  not  yet 
had  a  warm  day,  though  the  roads  are  generally  settled.  Rode  out  and 
visited. 

9.  Played  ball  some.  Finished  reading  the  Saints'  Rest.  I  ought  not  to 
have  lived  so  long  without  having  read  it.' 

ID.  Quite  cold.  Preached  from  Matt,  xviii :  3.  Used  short  notes.  The 
congregation  quite  numerous  and  attentive.  Spoke  very  plainly  on  the  great 
Doctrine  of  Regeneration. 

11.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freeman's  Meeting,  which  has  not  been 
done  here  for  some  years.^  In  the  choice  of  the  representatives  the  votes  ex- 
ceeded two  hundred ;  nearly  ninety  were  Federal.  For  Governor,  Federalists 
sixty-nine,  Democratic  forty-four.  Federalism  here  is  gaining.  It  snowed 
some. 

12.  Helped  take  up  and  set  out  a  large  elm  for  a  shade.  Read  HorcB 
Solitaries.  At  night  unwell  with  nervous  affections.  The  young  people  here 
too  much  inclined  to  irregularities. 

13.  Worked  making  a  bed  of  Lombardy  poplars.  I  find  it  necessary  to 
work  some  for  health.'  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Bonaparte  has 
told  us  that  he  considers  us  at  war  with  England.*  I  hope  these  things  will 
unite  all  our  country. 

14.  Worked  in  the  garden.  A  large  committee  of  the  society  came  and 
conversed  with  me  on  the  subject  of  settling  here.^  I  hope  to  be  divinely 
directed.  The  undertaking  will  be  great.  My  brother  S.  came  here.  Favor- 
able accounts  from  the  Freeman's  Meetings. 

15.  This  day  is  the  annual  Fast  through  the  State.  People  attended  meet- 
ing pretty  well.  Preached  from  Ezra  viii :  21.  This  church  has  been  for 
some  time  in  a  very  lax  state,  but  I  conclude  to  administer  the  ordinances  to 
them.     Quite  tired. 

16.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Farmington  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Porter.*  Called 
on  Mr.  S.  Cowles.  I  fear  the  spotted  fever  will  be  permitted  to  prevail 
extensively. 

17.  Ver)-  rainy.  Preached  from  John  i :  9  and  Num.  x:  29.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.     I  speak  very  feebly.     Quite  a  thin  meeting. 

18.  The  river  very  high.  Rode  home.  My  parents  quite  smart.  The 
ground  generally  settled.  The  season  I  believe  is  more  forward  than  last 
year  at  the  first  of  May. 

19.  Rainy.     Read  newspapers.     At  evening  my  brother  James  came  home 


'  This  is  a  handsome  compliment  paid  to  *  France  regarded  the  embargo  and  clos- 

the  book.  ing  our  ports  to  English  ships  as  equivalent 

^  It  was  a  quite  general  custom  then,  both  to  a  declaration  of  war. 

in  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  that  the  *  Mr.    Robbins's   trouble   seems   to    have 

annual  town  meetings  should  be  opened  with  been  as  great  with  parish  committees,  as  that 

prayer.  of  some  young  ladies  who  have  many  suitors, 

^  This  explains  why  he  plays  ball,  helps  and  cannot  find  a  way  to  dismiss  them  with- 

build  new  roads,  and  takes  up  and  sets  out  out  giving  offence, 

trees.  *  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D. 


i8o8.] 


AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK. 


35S 


from  Paris.'     He  has  been  considerably   unwell,  but   is   apparently  getting 
better. 

20.  The  place  lately  belonging  to  Mr.  Ed.  Akins^  was  sold  at  public  ven- 
due.    Federalism  has  gained  considerably  in  the  State  this  spring. 

21.  Worked  setting  out  a  bed  of  Lombardy  poplars.'  Trimmed  trees.  I 
believe  the  season  is  about  a  fortnight  earlier  at  Simsbury  than  here.*     Warm 

22.  Worked  at  my  Lombardies.  My  father  has  frequent  applications  to 
take  students.  1  think  it  best  for  him  to  continue  in  his  long  habituated 
round.  The  state  of  religion  here  at  present  is  pretty  low.  The  serious  peo- 
ple are  quite  stupid. 

23.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Received  of  my  brother  N.  five  dollars  and  thirty 
cents.  Received  a  letter  from  Fannie  Chapman,  New  Connecticut.  Saw 
several  Winchester  people.  They  are  now  destitute  of  preaching.  A  young 
woman  has  died  here  of  the  prevailing  fever  in  my  absence. 

24.  Full  meeting.  Preached  from  2  Cor.  x  :  4  and  Heb.  xi :  13.  A  good 
many  people  in  town  are  sick.  May  the  Lord  interpose  and  stay  the  progress 
of  the  pestilence.     I  think  I  am  stronger  than  I  have  been. 

25.  Worked  setting  a  bed  of  Lombardies.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick. 
Several  are  quite  bad.     Read  the  History  of  Popery. 

26.  Worked  setting  shade  trees.  Rainy.  Mr.  Wood,'  a  candidate,  called 
on  me.  Wrote  to  Mr.  L.  Loomis,*  Winchester,  recommending  Mr.  Wood  to 
them. 

27.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  from  Rom.  xiv :  20 
and  in  the  evening  from  Rom.  xiv:  10.  People  appear  very  attentive  and 
solemn.  There  is  evidently  a  real  work  of  divine  grace  here,  though  not  very 
great.     I  am  very  thankfully  received. 

28.  It  appears  that  the  people  here  must  bring  a  charge  against  Mr. 
Cowles,  their  minister.'  Gave  them  some  advice.  Got  acquainted  with  Dr. 
N.  Dwight.*  Returned  to  Simsbury,  Congress  find  difficulty  in  making  the 
embargo  law  answer  the  purpose. 

29.  Ver)'  warm.     Saw  peach  blossoms   on   the    27th.     On   the    25th   eat 


'  Paris,  New  York. 

'^  Edmund  Akins,  Esq.,  a  lawyer,  who 
died  a  year  or  two  before. 

^  This  was  for  the  raising  of  the  young 
trees. 

*  As  before  stated,  Norfolk  lies  about 
thirteen  hundred  feet  above  the  sea  level. 

5  Rev.  Luke  Wood,  a  graduate  of  Dart- 
mouth College  in  1803.  He  did  not  settle  in 
Winchester,  but  in  the  November  following 
was  settled  at  Waterbur>,  where  he  remained 
till  18 1 7.  He  was  afterwards  settled  at 
Westford,  West  Hartland,  and  Clinton.  He 
was  a  native  of  Somers,  and  died  in  1851,  at 
the  age  of  seventj'-four. 

*  Mr.  Lorrain  Loomis,  of  Winchester. 


''  Rev.  Whitfield  Cowles,  settled  at  East 
Granby  (Turkey  Hills),  1794-180S.  The 
charge  against  him  was  that  he  had  embraced 
the  doctrine  of  the  Universalists.  He  was  a 
native  of  Southington,  Ct.,  and  was  a  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  College  in  1788. 

*  Nathaniel  Dwight,  M.  D.,  born  at  North- 
ampton, Jan.  31,  1770.  There  were  eight 
brothers  and  four  sisters  of  Pres.  Timothy 
Dwight,  D.  D.,  of  Yale  College.  Pres.  Dwight 
was  the  oldest  of  the  family,  and  this  Na- 
thaniel was  one  of  the  j'ounger  brothers.  All 
the  brothers  were  men  of  stately  propor- 
tions and  fine  looking.  Dr.  Nathaniel  lived 
some  years  at  Westfield,  Mass.  He  studied 
for  the  minis^    '. 


356  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8o8. 

asparagus.*  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  from  Luke 
xxii :  19.  Sat  with  a  window  open.  I  presume  I  never  saw  warmer  weather 
in  April. 

30.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Vegetation  is  very  rapid.  My  labors  this 
week  have  been  too  hard.  At  evening  my  brother  James  arrived  here.  Yes- 
terday had  some  further  conversation  with  the  committee  of  the  society. 
Have  consented  to  have  them  give   me   a  call.* 


1.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Matt,  x  :  32.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. This  church  is  small.  They  have  not  had  a  sacrament  before  in  more 
than  a  year  and  half.^  Many  were  much  affected.  Afternoon  my  brother 
preached.  He  speaks  feebly.  I  have  great  fears  that  he  will  not  be  able  to 
pursue  the  work.  Had  the  contribution  for  the  Missionary  Society.  We 
collected  twelve  dollars  and  sixty-three  cents."*  Some  people  here  have  great 
prejudices  upon  the  subject. 

2.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  of  a  long  illness.  Ver)-  warm 
and  dusty.  Afternoon  with  my  brother  attended  a  training.  Read  a  long 
letter  of  John  Quincy  Adams/  designed  as  an  answer  to  Mr.  Pickering's.  He 
seems  to  have  become  a  thorough  Democrat. 

3.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  My  breast  is  pretty  weak.  Find  difficult}' 
in  getting  any  preacher  to  go  this  week  to  Turkey  Hills.  Wrote.  The  peo- 
ple here  had  a  society  meeting  to  give  me  a  call. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  The  roads  very  dry.  The  apple-trees 
generally  in  the  bloom.  A  time  of  almost  universal  suspension  of  business  in 
the  country. 

5.  I  have  expected,  which  now  appears  almost  certain,  that  I  should 
break  with  this  society  on  terms  of  support.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  A 
hard  and  verj^  seasonable  rain. 

6.  Read.  The  prospect  of  fruit  very  good.  Rode  and  visited  families. 
The  people  here  will  be  much  disappointed  with  my  leaving  them,  which  I 
think  I  must  do. 

7.  Worked  considerably.  I  lament  that  Turkey  Hills  could  not  have 
been  visited  this  week,  but  I  was  disappointed  in  every  attempt.     Read  His- 


'  These  were   signs   of   an   early  spring,  *  This   collection   was  small,  but   he   ex- 

though  not  so  remarkable  as  those  of  1775,  plains  that  some  people  there  had  objections 

when   the   battle   of   Lexington  was  fought.  against  taking  any  collection.     This  was  prob- 

The  tradition  is  that  apple-trees  were  in  bios-  ably  the  only  collection  for  any  such  purpose 

som  on  the    19th   of   April,  the  day  of   the  in  the  whole  year. 

"^^^'^-  ^  John  Quincy  Adams  was  in  the  United 

^  This  is  unusual  with  Mr.  Robbins,  but  States  Senate  from  1S03  to  iSoS,  when  he  re- 

the  plan  will  in  some  way  miscarry.     He  is  signed  because  of  this  controversy  with  his 

not  to  be  settled  here.  colleague,  Hon.  Timothy  Pickering,  and  his 

^  Mr.  Samuel  Stebbins,  their  former  min-  disagreement  with  the  Massachusetts  Legis- 

jster,  was  dismissed   in    1S06,  and   probably  lature  on  the  subject  of  the  embargo.     He 

they  had  not  had  the  Lord's  Supper  adminis-  was,  however,  a  man  too  able  and  honest  to 

tered  since  that  time.  be  long  laid  aside  from  the  public  service. 


l8o8.]  AT   HOME   IN    NORFOLK.  357 

tory  of  Fopery.  There  is  most  comfortable  evidence  that  in  every  age  of 
Christianity,  there  have  been  some  true  witnesses  for  Christ. 

8.  Preached  from  Isa.  vi :  9,  10.  The  people  here  appear  to  know  but 
little  about  doctrines.  Quite  cool.  In  the  morning  there  was  frost  in  some 
places.     A  young  woman  in  the  house  considerably  sick  with  a  fever. 

g.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Afternoon  a  large  committee  of  the  society  came 
to  see  me.  The  society  have  given  me  a  call  to  settle  with  them,  nearly  or 
quite  unanimously,  and  offered  a  salary  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-five  dol- 
lars.' I  told  the  committee  I  could  not  take  the  call  into  consideration  on 
those  terms.  The  people  not  knowing  what  ministers  have  at  the  present  time, 
thought  they  were  doing  well.     The  committee  appeared  much  confounded. 

10.  Was  up  a  considerable  part  of  the  last  night  looking  at  the  lunar 
eclipse.^  The  night  was  clear,  and  the  eclipse  according  with  the  calculators. 
Rode  to  Scotland^  and  preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5.  The  people  in  this 
neighborhood  are  almost  entirely  Episcopalians. 

11.  Rode  back.  Visited  the  sick.  Quite  rainy.  Towards  night  my 
parents  arrived  here.  They  are  quite  smart.  I  think  I  am  not  adequate  to 
so  much  labor  as  I  perform.  A  very  good  prospect  for  fruit.  Very  favorable 
accounts  from  New  York  and  Rhode  Island  of  the  revival  of  Federalism.*  I 
hope  our  country  may  yet  be  preserved. 

12.  Rode  with  my  father  to  Hartford,  and  attended  the  election.  Quite 
wet.  But  few  people  to  the  usual  number.  My  father  was  the  oldest  minister 
present.  The  votes  are  much  in  favor  of  Federalism  above  last  year.  Re- 
turned  to  Simsbury.     Dr.  Perkins^  preached   well,  better   than  I  expected. 

13.  My  parents  set  out  for  home.  The  people  here  are  in  a  considerable 
commotion  about  my  reply  to  their  committee.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an 
aged  woman  who  died  of  the  prevailing  fever.  Visited  the  sick.  The  same 
disorder  is  very  distressing  in  the  neighboring  towns.^ 

14.  Visited  some  people  supposed  to  be  poisoned  by  arsenic,  a  man  and 
his  sister.  His  son  is  supposed  to  have  done  it  by  design.  I  hope  they  may 
live,  though  they  are  very  sick.     Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 


'  It  was  customary  in  those  years,  besides  East  Hartford,  which  would  be  a  journey  of 
offering  a  regular  annual  salary,  to  name  a  some  twelve  or  fourteen  miles  from  Sims- 
very  respectable  sum  by  way  of  settlement.  bury.  But  this  is  more  likely  some  locality 
Nothing  is  said  of  that  item  here.  not  very  far  away. 

^  In  the  almanac  for  that  year  this  eclipse  ^  He  holds  on  to  Federalism  with  a  des- 

is  thus  foretold  and  described :  perate    grasp,   but    he    cannot    prevent    its 

"  The  first  (eclipse)  will  be  of  the  moon  gradual  decline.     Federalism   at   the   outset 

May  10,  visible  and  total.  established    some     important    principles    of 

H.       M.  government    very   firmly.      But    there   were 

Beginning  of  the  eclipse,        i         13  other  principles  that  needed  to  be  cared  for 

Beginning  of  total  darkness,  2         13  and  nourished  which  had  been  neglected. 

Middle,                                      2         58  =  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford, 

End  of  total  darkness,             3        44  preached  the  election  sermon  for  180S. 

End  of  the  eclipse,                 4        42 "  *  It   is   a  rare   circumstance   now  in  our 

^  Scotland   here    cannot    mean    Scotland  New   England   towns   and   villages   to   have 

parish  in  the  town  of  Windham.     There  was  such  fatal  diseases  prevail  widely  and  con- 

a  place  called  Scotland  in  the  eastern  part  of  tinuously  as  in  this  case. 


358  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

15.  Preached  from  John  xviil :  37.  I  suspect  some  people  here  feel  a 
coldness  towards  me  in  consequence  of  my  rejecting  their  offers.  Had  com- 
pany.    Some  people  feel  alarmed  about  the  state  of  their  society. 

16.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  sick,  I  hope, 
are  generally  mending.  Cool.  The  season  grows  backward  and  more 
unfavorable. 

17.  Read.  The  ecclesiastical  writers  in  times  past  have  written  with 
unreasonable  acrimony.'     Walked  out  and  visited.     Worked  some. 

18.  Read  considerably.  I  hope  my  health  grows  better.  It  is  said  Massa- 
chusetts have  chosen  a  Federal  legislature.^  The  embargo  produces  great 
distresses  in  many  places.     I  hope  it  may  be  a  means  of  good. 

19.  Mrs.  Case's  son  went  off  to  New  Jersey  to  take  a  school.  Warm. 
Afternoon  rode  to  East  Windsor.^  People  are  still  generally  planting.  The 
season  has  been  quite  unfavorable.  I  don't  know  that  I  get  much  better 
about  riding.     It  hurts  my  breast  sensibly. 

20.  Read  Hunter's  Sacred  Biography.*  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture 
which  had  been  previously  appointed  for  me  from  Num.  x  :  29.  Pretty  full 
meeting".  I  am  requested  to  come  here  to  preach.  I  hardly  know  what  to  do. 
Tarried  with  Dr.  McClure.^ 

21.  This  society  is  pleasant,  but  pretty  small.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Got 
some  new  clothes ;  I  believe  the  dearest  I  have  ever  had.  The  prices  have 
risen  considerably.     Returned  to  Simsbury.     Very  dusty. 

22.  Rainy.  Preached  to  a  few  hearers  from  John  vi :  37,  The  prevailing 
fever  continues  here,  and  in  Canton  is  most  distressing. 

23.  Worked  some.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick.  They  are  generally  con- 
valescing.    I  have  a  great  share  of  ministerial  business. 

24.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Mr.  Knapp.*  of 
Westfield,  called  and  tarried  with  me.  Quite  cool.  I  believe  there  has  been 
a  little  frost  several  mornings  lately. 

25.  A  ver}'  violent  and  long  rain.  Wrote.  My  breast  still  weak,  but  I 
hope  grows  no  worse.  The  prospects  of  the  season  pretty  unfavorable. 
Walked  out.     The  sickness  in  town  I  hope  is  abating. 

26.  Rode  home.  Visited  some  of  the  sick  families  in  Canton.  I  never 
saw  so  sick  a  place.     A  number  have  died,  and  many  who  live  have  been 


'  That  is  very  true,  and  they  continued  to  '  Dr.  David  McClure,  who  was  pastor  at 

do  so  a  long  time  after  this  entry  was  made.  East    Windsor,   1786-1820,  (the   last   twelve 

^  The    Legislature  of   Massachusetts   for  years  as  senior  colleague  pastor)  had   been 

1808  may  have  been  Federalist,  but  the  Re-  previously  settled  1776-1785  at  North  Hamp- 

publican    (or   Democratic)   Governor,    Hon.  ton,  N.  H. 

James    Sullivan,   first   chosen   in    1807,   was  *  Rev.    Isaac   Knapp,  before   spoken   of, 

re-elected   in    i8c8,   and   continued    till    his  native  of  Norfolk,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Williams 

death,  Dec.  10,  1808.  College,  1800,  settled  at  Westfield,  1803-1847, 

^  He  went  to  that  part  of  East   Windsor  for   the   last   eleven   years   senior   colleague 

which  is  now  the  town  of  South  Windsor.  pastor,  associated  with  Rev.  Emerson  Davis, 

4  T/ie    Sacred  Biography  was  written   by  D.  D.     The  pastorate  of  Dr.  Davis  was  from 

Rev.  Henry  Hunter,  a  Scotch  divine.  June,  1836,  to  his  death,  1866. 


l8o8.]  AT   HOME    IN    NORFOLK,  359 

brought  very  low.     Attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer  at  home  which  is 
regularly  maintained. 

27.  Quite  warm.  Read.  My  father  has  a  very  good  piece  of  grain  where 
he  manured  with  green  buckwheat.'  My  brother  S.  I  think  makes  a  very 
good  farmer. 

28.  A  severe  rain.  Rode  as  far  as  Canton  in  the  stage,  and  walked  from 
there  to  Simsbury.^  The  ground  is  remarkably  wet.  A  very  unfavorable 
time  for  the  prevailing  epidemic.  It  seems  to  be  extending  in  its  ravages. 
Received  of  my  brother  N.  ten  dollars. 

29.  Preached  from  Luke  xii:  20  and  Luke  vii :  23,  Baptized  two  children. 
Felt  disagreeably  about  it.  In  one  case  the  parents  do  not  come  to  the  com- 
munion.^    Afternoon  used  short  notes.     Talked  considerably  with  the  family. 

30.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and  tried  to  get  Mr.  Miller  to 
go  to  Turkey  Hills  this  week,  but  he  declines.  Heard  from  Boston  that  they 
have  a  clear  Federal  majority  in  both  branches  of  their  legislature."  I  con- 
sider it  a  most  merciful  interposition  of  Divine  Providence.  In  New  York 
Assembly  the  Democratic  majority  is  small.'  I  hope  the  folly  and  madness  of 
our  government  may  do  much  good. 

31.  Read  the  History  of  Popery.  Our  wet  weather  continues  in  a  lamenta- 
ble manner.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  have  to  do  so  much  ministerial 
business  that  I  can  study  but  little. 

June. 

1.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  Very  cool.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  and 
evening  from  Acts  xxviii :  24  and  Luke  xv:  17.  People  appear  quite  attent- 
ive, but  I  fear  the  work  is  declining.  There  is  a  prospect  of  an  important 
ecclesiastical  trial  here.* 

2.  We  were  last  night  very  apprehensive  of  a  frost,  but  I  believe  there 
was  none.  Returned  to  Simsbury.  Visited  the  sick.  Much  worried.  I  fear 
the  sickness  increases  among  us. 

3.  Finished  reading  the  History  of  Popery.  It  contains  many  valuable 
facts.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Canton  and  to  Farmington.  In  Canton  the 
sickness  abates.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Gridley's,' 

'  The  buckwheat  was  ploughed  in,  prob-  D.  Tompkins  was  Republican  (Democratic) 

ably  the   previous   fall.      The   same   use   is  Governor,   holding   the   office  by  re-election 

often  made  of  green  clover.  from  1807  to  1817,  when  he  was  elected  Vice- 

^  From  Canton  to  Simsbury  four  or  five  President  of  the  United  States,  and  held  this 

miles.  office  eight  years,  1817-1825. 

3  After  the  long  experience  among  the  *  That  of  Rev.  Whitfield  Cowles,  before 
churches  of  New  England  of  baptizing  on  spoken  of.  Mr.  Robbins  seems,  from  several 
the  half-way  covenant  principle,  multitudes  entries,  to  have  had  a  kind  of  care  and  re- 
ef children  whose  parents  could  not,  by  the  sponsibility  about  this  church  at  Turkey 
rule,  partake  at  the  communion  table,  this  Hills  (East  Granby),  as  well  as  of  that  at 
feeling  of  Mr.  Robbins  shows  the  sharp  re-  Simsbury. 

action  from  this  old  custom,  which  was  then  ='  Mr.  Elijah  Gridley  probably.     A  son  of 

going  on.  his,  named  Elriathan,  was  graduated  at  Yale 

'■  This  confirms  the  report  which  he  had  College  in  1819,  and  became  a  foreign  mis- 

before  heard.  sionary.     He   died   at  Cesarea,  Cappadocia, 

5  In  New  York,  at  that  time,  Hon.  Daniel  Nov.  3,  1827. 


360  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBHINS,    D.D.  [l8o8- 

4.  Mr.  Gridley,  his  wife,  daughter,  and  a  hired  girl  are  sick  with  the  pre- 
vailing fever,  but  hopefully  convalescing.  Returned  to  Simsbury.  My 
brother  Frank  came  and  tarried  here  last  night  and  has  returned.  Very 
warm.  The  sickness  here  increases  in  an  alarming  manner.  A  child  died 
last  night.     Attended  the  funeral. 

5.  Several  persons  are  very  sick,  and  new  instances  frequently  occur. 
Preached  from  2  Tim.  iii :  9  and  Rev.  xxii :  20.  Baptized  a  child  that  died 
yesterday.'     Almost  worn  out  with  fatigue.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage. 

6.  Excessive  hot.  Yesterday  took  off  my  flannels.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  a  man  who  died  yesterday.  Visited  the  sick.  The  society  had  a  meeting, 
and  requested  me  to  continue  with  them  for  the  present  and  voted  to  open 
subscriptions  to  raise  the  salary  offered  me.  I  must  however  leave  them  for 
the  present. 

7.  So  warm  last  night  I  could  scarcely  sleep  at  all.  Mr.  Townsend,  of 
New  Durham,"  called  on  me.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman 
who  died  yesterday,  and  of  a  small  child ;  making  five  funerals  in  four  days. 
The  people  are  much  alarmed.  Very  much  fatigued.  It  rained,  and  the  heat 
moderates. 

8.  Rode  to  Wintonbury,  and  sat  with  the  association.^  They  licensed 
two  candidates.'*     The  meeting  not  very  full.     Returned. 

9.  This  day  is  observed  here  as  a  fast  and  day  of  prayer  in  consequence 
of  the  sore  sickness.  The  meetings  very  full.  Mr.  Stebbins  ^  preached  in  the 
forenoon  and  Mr.  Porter,  of  Granby,  in  the  afternoon.  May  the  Lord  be 
entreated  of.  Visited  the  sick.  I  hope  they  are  all  convalescing.  At  night 
my  brother  and  sister  Battell  and  their  children^  came  here  and  tarried. 

10.  The  cooler  weather  appears  much  more  advantageous  to  the  sick. 
The  people  appear  much  concerned  at  my  leaving  them.  Afternoon  quite 
unwell  and  unable  to  ride  as  I  had  designed.  Am  something  fearful  of  a  turn 
of  fever. 

XI.  Am  considerably  better  than  I  was  yesterday.  Rode  to  East  Windsor. 
Quite  warm  and  dusty.  At  West  Hartford  saw  my  classmate  J.  Belden/  a 
minister  in  Maine.     Have  some  trouble  in  getting  a  supply  for  Simsbury. 


'  The  child  died  very  soon  after  being  ston.  Mr.  Col  ton  was  a  native  of  West 
baptized.  It  was  then  and  is  now  a  super-  Hartford,  and  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1804. 
stition  with  some  persons  that  baptism  Gilbert  R.  Livingston,  D.  D.,  Union  College, 
in  the  case  of  young  infants  about  to  die  1S05,  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  at  Will- 
will  secure  their  salvation.  But  the  right  iams  College  in  1829,  and  died  in  1834,  aged 
of  baptism  was  not  instituted  primarily  with  forty-eight.  He  was  a  Presbyterian  clergy- 
reference  to  little  children  that  were  to  die  in  man,  and  died  in  Philadelphia, 
infancy,  but  for  those  who  were  to  grow  up  *  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins,  who  was  dis- 
and  live  amid  the  temptations  of  an  evil  missed  from  the  Simsbuiy  church  in  1806, 
world.  and   Rev.   Isaac   Porter,   pastor  at  Granby, 

^  New  Durham  is  in  Hudson  CountV;  N.  J.  1794-1S32. 

^  This  was  the  Hartford  North  Associa-  *  They  had  then  two  children,  Joseph,  be- 

tion.  tween  two  and  three  years  old,  and  Philip, 

*  The  two  candidates  licensed  were  Rev.  about  seven  months  old. 

Chester  Colton  and  Rev.  Gilbert  R.  Living-  ''  Rev.  Jonathan  Belden,  a  native  of  Weth- 


l8oS.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  361 

12.  Quite  rainy.  Preached  from  Acts  vii :  34  and  Rom.  i :  16.  This  so- 
ciety very  compact. 

13.  I  have  an  agreeable  place  to  live.  I  was  in  great  need  of  rest  from 
my  fatigues  at  Simsbury.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  and  Sims- 
bury.     The   Massachusetts  Legislature   I   hope   are   doing  good. 

14.  The  people  here  are  making  exertions  to  raise  the  salary  offered  to 
me.  Visited  the  sick.  I  hope  the  sickness  is  abating.  Rode  to  New  Hart- 
ford. Met  with  the  association.'  Mr.  Jerome''  is  absent  on  a  visit  in  the 
western  country,  and  we  are  accommodated  at  one  of  his  neighbors.  Consid- 
erable associational  business.^ 

15.  Received  of  my  father  ten  dollars.  Rode  to  Canton.  Attended  a 
meeting  for  prayer  on  account  of  the  sickness.  The  meeting  was  thin.  Fif- 
teen have  died  of  the  epidemic  in  about  three  weeks,  mostly  grown  persons. 
Rode  to  Simsbury. 

17.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  People  are  something 
apprehensive  that  the  prevailing  epidemic  may  spread  through  the  country. 

18.  Quite  rainy.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Began  to  read  Hutchin- 
son's* History  of  Massachusetts. 

19.  Preached  from  Acts  xxviii :  24  and  Luke  xv :  17.  Dr.  McClure^  does 
not  attend  meeting  very  constantly.  At  evening  attended  a  small  conference. 
Very  cool. 

20.  Read  Hutchinson.  Afternoon  rode  to  Stafford,^  found  my  sister  and 
her  little  ones  at  the  spring.  She  thinks  she  has  found  benefit  from  the 
waters. 

21.  There  is  considerable  company  here,  and  quite  respectable.  The 
spring  is  small,  but  I  suspect  pretty  powerful. 

22.  Left   Stafford  with   my  sister.     Very  warm.     Rode    to    Northington.' 


ersfield,  Ct.,  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1796,  and  valuable  work.     But  he  so  incurred  the. 

and  was  first  settled  in    1800   at   Winthrop,  hatred  of  the  people  of  Massachusetts  that 

Me.,  where  he  remained  five  years.     Where  he  was  forced  to  take  refuge   in  England  in, 

else  in  Maine  he  may  have  been  settled  we  1774. 

have   not  discovered,  but  he  died  at  Hallo-  ^  Dr.  McClure  was  a  native  of  Brookfield,. 

well  in  1S44,  at  the  age  of  seventy.  Mass.,  born  in  1749.     He  was  consequently 

'  This  was  the  Litchfield  North  Associa-  at  this  time  about  fifty-nine  years  old,  and  in 

tion.  a  somewhat  broken  state  of  health,  and  his 

-  Rev.  Amasa  Jerome,  a  graduate  of  Will-  voice  had  failed  so  that  it  was  difficult  for 

iams   College   in    1798,  was   settled  at  New  him    to    preach.     He   was  for  twenty-three 

Hartford  in  1802,  and  remained  till  1813.  years  one  of  the  trustees  of  Dartmouth  Col- 

'  At  this  meeting  Francis  King  and  Ho-  lege, 
ratio  Waldo  were  examined  for  license.  ^  Stafford,  Ct.,  in  the  early  years  of  the 

*  Thomas  Hutchinson,  royal  Governor  of  present   century,  was  the  Saratoga   of   New 

Massachusetts,  1 769-1 774.     He  was  a  native  England.     Thither  resorted  the  wealth   and 

of  this  country,  his  father,  of  the  same  name,  fashion   not   only  from    the    New   England 

being  a  distinguished   merchajit   of   Boston.  States,  but  from   all   parts  of   the   country. 

Gov.  Hutchinson  was  graduated  at  Harvard  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Battell  were  doubtless  on  their 

College  in   1727.     His  History  of  Masmchii-  way  to  .Stafford  when  they  spent  the  night  at 

setts,  in   two  volumes,  the  one  published  in  Simsbury. 
1767,  and  the  other  in    1769,  is  a  scholarly  '  Northington,  now  Avon. 


362  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

She  has  a  pretty  hard  task  with  her  children.     The  sickness  in  this  quarter  is 
hopefully  abating. 

23.  Extremely  warm.  Afternoon  a  hard  rain.  At  evening  arrived  at 
home.  A  very  fine  season  for  vegetation.  The  crop  of  grass  perhaps  was 
never  better. 

24.  Rode  to  Colebrook.  The  Free  Masons  held  their  celebration.  There 
was  a  large  collection  of  people.  Mr.  Turner,'  of  New  Marlborough,  preached. 
After  dining  late  rode  to  Simsbury.     Received  of  my  brother  N.  twenty  dollars. 

25.  Am  quite  feeble  with  fatigue  and  hot  weather.  Paid  a  tailor  in  Hart- 
ford ten  dollars.  Assisted  in  looking  for  the  body  of  a  child  drowned  at 
Hartford.  They  are  raising  a  new  bridge^  at  Simsbury.  Rode  to  East 
Windsor. 

26.  Very  hot.  Preached  from  Isa.  v :  3  and  Ex.  xx  :  8.  Quite  a  full  and 
attentive  meeting.     Almost  overcome  with  the  heat. 

27.  Extreme  hot.  Rode  out.  Saw  a  fat  ox  here,  estimated  to  weigh  more 
than  twenty  cwt.     Read  Hutchinson's  History.     Walked  out.     Traded. 

28.  Visited.  People  treat  me  with  much  attention.  The  thermometer  was 
at  eighty-seven  before  noon.     Wrote. 

29.  Read.  Political  parties  discover  considerable  anxiety  about  the 
approaching  Presidential  election.  The  result  is  perfectly  incalculable.^ 
Never  more  so.     Had  a  gown  made.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

30.  Read  Hutchinson.  Am  quite  feeble  with  the  severe  pressure  of  heat. 
Afternoon  we  had  a  tornado.'*  It  was  very  sudden  and  short,  but  very  hard. 
Many  trees  of  all  kinds  are  torn  down,  and  many  buildings  injured.  I  think 
I  never  saw  so  great  effects  of  wind. 

July. 

1.  I  think  the  heat  does  not  abate  at  all  since  the  storm.  Read.  After- 
noon preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  i  Cor.  xi :  30.'  There  appear  to 
be  a  few  humble  serious  people  here. 

2.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  We  hear  constantly  of  the  further  effects 
and  ravages  of  the  late  blow.     Worked  a  little  at  hay.     Went  into  the  water. 

3.  The  weather  moderates.  Dr.  McClure  administered  the  sacrament.  I 
assisted.  The  communicants  are  but  few.  Preached  from  Matt,  xiv  :  32  and 
Gen.  vii:  16.     People  quite  attentive.     At  evening  attended  a  small  prayer- 


'  Rev.    Nathaniel   Turner,   several   times  *  Sudden  wind-gusts,  hail-storms,  and  vio- 

already  mentioned,  a  native  of  Norfolk,  and  lent  thunder-showers,  are  more  marked,  per- 

graduate  of  Williams  College.  haps,  along  the  valley,  than  in  the  more  hilly 

^  Over  the  Farmington  River.  regions  of  Connecticut. 

^  The  drift  of  that  year,  180S,  was,  in  fact,  *  "  For   this   cause   many   are   weak   and 

so  decidedly  Republican  rather  than  Federal,  sickly  among  you  and  many  sleep."     A  text 

that,  as  already  stated,  James    Madison  re-  like  this  might  not  seem  complimentary  to 

ceived  one  hundred   and   twenty-two  of   the  those  Christian  people  among  whom  he  had 

whole  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  electoral  just  come  to  labor,  but  it  shows  a  spirit  of 

votes.     But  it  might  not  have  been  easy  to  boldness  and  faithfulness   in   the   preacher, 

see  this  in  June,  several  months  before  the  which  would  be  likely  to  win  the  approba- 

election.  tion  of  serious  people. 


•] 


PREACHING  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


563 


meeting.     The   people  here  wish  me   to  continue  with  them.     It  is  probable 
that  I  cannot. 

4.  Rode  to  North  Bolton.'  Tarried  at  Col.  King's.^  The  ravages  of  the 
hurricane  were  very  great  here,  and  appear  to  have  been  very  extensive.  But 
very  little  figure,  today,  in  this  vicinity,  except  by  the  Democrats  at  Hartford.' 

5.  Rode  to  Ellington."  Visited  Mr.  Brockway.'  He  is  building  a  house  ;  I 
suspect  as  expensive  as  has  been  built  by  any  minister  in  the  State  for  some  vears. 
Eat  cherries.     Ellington  is  a  verj^  flourishing  town.     Returned  to  East  Windsor- 

6.  Cool.  Wrote.  Read  Hutchinson.  Rode  out.  The  meadows  on  the 
river  here  are  very  large. 

7.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  people  here,  particularly  the  family  in  which 
I  have  lived,  appear  to  feel  my  absence  very  sensibly.  The  prevailing  sick- 
ness was  very  bad  here  last  week ;  many  new  cases,  but  none  died.  Visited. 
Mr.  Waldo  *  has  preached  here  the  last  two  Sabbaths. 

8.  Visited  the  sick.  Afternoon  the  society  had  a  meeting.  Their  sub- 
scriptions amount  to  nearly  seventy  dollars  annually.  But  they  concluded  to 
neglect  them,  and  voted  me  a  salary  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The 
committee  informed  me  of  their  doings,  and  I  promised  to  give  them  a  speedy 
answer.  I  cannot  hesitate  about  my  answer,  yet  I  am  much  tried  upon  the 
subject,  because  I  have  pretty  strong  expectations  that  I  should  continue 
here.^  Still  I  should  feel  that  I  was  undertaking  a  great  and  unpleasant  task 
to  settle  here,  and  in  that  view  I  feel  much  relieved. 

9.  Pretty  poor.  I  slept  very  little  last  night.  The  thought  of  parting 
with  many  friends  here,  who  were  very  anxious  upon  the  subject,  is  pretty 
trj'ing.''  Their  best  people  are  much  discouraged  in  the  event  of  my  leaving 
them.  A  hard  rain.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Windsor.*  Began  to  read  Faber ' 
on  the  prophecies ;  a  new  and  very  valuable  work. 


"  North  Bolton  parish,  Ct.,  was  in  this 
very  year  (1808),  changed  into  the  town  of 
Vernon. 

-  Col.  Oliver  King.  The  pleasant  farm- 
house where  he  used  to  live,  and  the  hand- 
some farm  that  stretched  around  it,  are  in 
full  view  as  one  passes  on  the  Hartford  and 
Providence  Railroad,  near  the  Vernon  depot. 

^  That  is,  there  was  little  attention  paid 
to  the  day  (July  4),  except  by  the  Democrats 
at  Hartford,  which  ought  not  to  be  construed 
against  the  Hartford  Democrats. 

■*  Ellington  was  eight  or  nine  miles  north- 
east from  where  Mr.  Robbins  was  staying, 
though  it  was  formerly  a  part  of  the  town  of 
East  Windsor. 

'  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway,  son  of  Rev. 
Thomas  Brockway,  of  Columbia  (anciently 
Lebanon  Crank).  Rev.  Mr.  Brockway  was 
minister  at  Ellington  just  fifty  years,  1799- 
1849.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1797,  and 
was  a  classmate  of  President  Jeremiah  Day. 


*  Mr.  Horatio  Waldo,  who  was  graduated 
at  Williams  College  in  1S04,  afterwards  set- 
tled at  Griswold,  Ct. 

^  He  means,  if  we  understand  these  words 
rightly,  that  if  he  should  once  be  setrled 
here  it  would  be  for  life,  according  to  the 
general  custom  of  those  days. 

^  In  going  direct  from  Simsbury  to  East 
Windsor,  he  would  cross  the  Connecticut 
River  by  the  ferry,  known  as  the  Scantic 
Ferry  plying  between  Windsor  and  the  mouth 
of  the  Scantic  River. 

9  Rev.  George  Stanley  Faber  (son  of  Rev. 
Thomas  Faber),  born  in  1773.  He  was  edu- 
cated at  University  College,  O.xford,  where  he 
achieved  success  as  a  brilliant  scholar.  He 
was  appointed  Bampton  Lecturer  in  1801, 
when  he  was  only  twenty-eight  years  old.  He 
became  the  author  of  some  forty  different 
volumes,  among  the  most  noted  of  which  was 
his  work  on  the  prophecies,  which  was  widely 
distributed. 


364  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

10.  Preached  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  Quite  wet;  yet  people  attend  meeting 
oretty  well.  I  believe  the  people  here  are  generally  gratified  with  my  leaving 
Simsbury.* 

11.  I  think  my  strength  for  preaching  evidently  increases.  The  people 
are  anxious  to  begin  their  harv^est  which  appears  very  promising,  but  the 
weather  is  quite  wet.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Ceremonious  visits  are  some- 
thing common  here.^ 

12.  Read  Faber  on  the  prophecies.  Afternoon  set  out  for  home.  Rode 
to  Simsbury.     The  sick  people  here  are  generally  getting  better.     Very  hot. 

13.  In  the  morning  about  daybreak  we  had  a  shower  and  severe  thunder. 
A  barn  in  the  neighborhood  was  burnt  with  the  lightning.  Very  hot.  After- 
noon rode  to  Colebrook.     Tarried  at  my  brother  Ammi's. 

14.  Rode  home.  People  here  generally  in  the  first  of  their  haying.  There 
is  something  of  the  spotted  fever  here. 

15.  Worked  some  in  hay.  The  weather  favorable  for  the  business.  A 
ver}'  great  crop  of  grass.  Wrote  a  negative  answer  to  the  call  of  Simsbur)'. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Ely,  and  Mrs.  Case,  of  Simsbur\'.  At  evening  my  cousin,  P. 
Hammatt,^  arrived  here.     She  left  Boston  yesterday  morning. 

16.  The  heat  extreme.  Trimmed  the  poplars  which  I  set  out  in  the  spring. 
They  do  very  well.     Wrote.     Too  hot  for  people  to  work. 

17.  Preached  for  my  father  from  John  i:  9  and  Ps.  cvi :  15.  My  father 
much  gratified  with  my  spending  the  Sabbath  with  him.  Rather  thin  meeting. 
There  are  a  few  cases  of  the  prevailing  epidemic  in  town.  I  am  much 
stronger  than  last  summer. 

18.  I  hope  there  is  some  prospect  of  their  getting  into  a  settled  state  at 
Winchester.  Worked  at  hay.  Cooler.  Heard  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  R.,  at 
Marietta.     I  think  he  does  great  good  there. 

19.  Visited  Esq.  Stevens.''  He  is  quite  sick,  and  not  likely  to  live,  I  fear. 
Worked  at  hay.     My  parents,  I  think,  are  as  well  as  they  were  ten  years  ago. 

20.  Worked  considerably.  Our  embargo  appears  to  have  very  little  effect 
upon  British  possessions.  It  is  doubtless  an  advantage  to  that  nation.  Gen. 
Skinner,'  treasurer  of  Massachusetts,  as  we  expected,  appears  to  be  a  great 
defaulter.     My  father  has  a  fine  crop  of  grain. 

21.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.*     The  furthest  I  have  rode  in  a  day,  on  horse- 

'  Because  the  way  was  thus  opened  for  cilia  Hammatt,  visiting  at  the  Norfolk  par- 
calling   him  to   East   Windsor.  sonage.     Hammatt  and  Hammond  are  inter- 

^  The    towns    of    Windsor    (from    which  changeable  names. 
East    Windsor    was   taken),    Hartford,   and  *  Nathaniel  Stevens,  Esq.,  one  of  the  lead- 

Wethersfield,  were    the  oldest  towns  in  the  ing  men  of  Norfolk. 

State  of   Connecticut.     It  was  according  to  '  xhis  can  be  no  other  than  our  old  ac- 

the  general  law  of  human  society  that  people  quaintance  whom  we  met  at  Williamstown  in 

should  be  somewhat  more  formal  and  cere-  1796,  Hon.  Thompson  J.  Skinner,  soon  after 

monial  than  in  the  newer  towns  on  the  hills  elected  Member  of  Congress.     We  are  sorry 

where  Mr.  Robbins  was  born  and  brought  up.  to  find  him  here  in  the  roll   of  a  defaulter. 

^  Abraham  Hammatt  in  1744,  married  He  died  in  the  year  following  this  in  Boston. 
Priscilla  Le  Baron,  the  youngest  own  sister  *  From  Norfolk  to  East  Windsor  was  a 

of  Elizabeth  Le  Baron,  Mr.  Robbins's  mother.  journey  of  about  thirty-five  miles,  the  first 

Hence   the  cousin   from  Boston,  Miss  Pris-  part  of  the  way  quite  hilly. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  365 

back,  for   more   than  two   years.     I  cannot  be  sufficiently  thankful  that  my 
health  is  in  such  a  measure  restored.     Roads  quite  dry. 

22.  Read  Faber  on  the  prophecies.  Rainy.  At  evening  Mr.  Bassett,"  of 
Hebron,  called  to  see  me.     He  has  a  rough,  difficult  people. 

23.  Quite  rainy.  A  very  unfavorable  season  for  business  and  for  health. 
A  great  deal  of  heat  and  wet.  It  is  feared  that  an  abundant  harvest  will  be 
much  injured. 

24.  Preached  from  John  i  :  9  and  Ps.  cvi :  15.  Quite  a  full  meeting.  The 
most  of  the  people  here  are  in  covenant  with  the  church,  and  have  baptism  for 
their  children.     Wet  and  very  warm. 

25.  Read  Faber.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  prospect  of  fruit  is  pretty 
poor.  I  think  people  here  are  pretty  ignorant  on  the  subject  of  religion. 
The  present  generation  have  not  seen  an  awakening.^ 

26.  Walked  out  and  visited  at  several  places.  I  find  I  cannot  bear  very 
close  study ;  it  affects  my  old  complaint  in  my  breast.  The  most  of  the 
people  here  possess  their  property  by  inheritance. 

27.  Read  Faber.  He  supposes  the  seven  vials  will  be  poured  out  upon 
the  Roman  Empire.^  I  hope  that  may  be  true.  Read  newspapers.  A  won- 
derful revolution  has  taken  place  in  Spain.  Bonaparte  has  compelled  the 
King  to  resign  his  crown,  and  holds  him  and  his  sons  prisoners.''  We  witness 
such  changes  that  we  almost  cease  to  wonder.     Worked  some  at  hay. 

28.  I  hear  that  the  fever  at  the  west  of  us  is  abating.  Crossed  the  river 
and  returned  in  a  skiff  alone.'  Finished  reading  Faber.  It  is  a  very  valuable 
work.  The  people  feel  the  pressure  of  the  embargo  more  and  more.  Law- 
suits multiply  exceedingly.  But  I  fear  nothing  can  restore  our  national 
wisdom  or  character. 

29.  Wrote.  Quite  rainy.  The  powers  of  the  season  are  most  melancholy. 
Read  Hutchinson's  Massachusetts .^     Walked  out  and  visited. 

30.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  at  Marietta.  It 
is  much  feared  that  the  spotted  fever  may  be  permitted  to  make  more  exten- 
sive ravages.  I  think  Democracy  evidently  grows  desperate.''  May  the  God 
of  our  fathers  remember  us  in  mercy. 


'  Rev.  Amos  Bassett,  D.  D.  sion  of  Ferdinand  VII,  Napoleon  compelled 

^  This  church  at  East  Windsor  (now  South  him  to  resign,  and  placed  his  brother,  Joseph 

Windsor)  is  the  church  where  Rev.  Timothy  Bonaparte   in  his  stead,  who  remained  only 

Edwards   was   settled  for   sixty-three   years,  from  July  12  to  July  29,  1S08,  but  was  after- 

and  where    Jonathan    Edwards    was    born.  wards  restored. 

From    1735   to    1745,  this  with   other  valley  ^  j^  [jjg  summer  season,  when  the  water 

towns  passed  through  the  Great  Awakening.  of  the  Connecticut  River  is  apt  to  be  low,  it 

^  The  Roman  Empire  that  was  then  and  is  a  very  easy  thing  to  row  across  the  river  in 

jtffw  can  be  no  other  than  the  Roman  Catho-  a  skiff. 

lie  Church.     In  every  other  organized  form  ^  Gov.  Thomas   Hutchinson's   History  of 

that  empire  has  perished.  Massachusetts  has  already  been  noticed. 

*  In   1S08  Charles  IV  of  Spain  resigned  '  Democracy  had  certainly  grown  strong 

the   throne   in  favor  of   his   son   Ferdinand  in  the  land,  and  was  destined  to  remain  so 

VII.     Charles  had  occupied  the  throne  since  for  some  years  to  come.     But  the  great  evils 

17SS.     Almost   immediately  after  the  acces-  anticipated  in  consequence  did  not  come. 


366  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

31.  Preached  from  Rom.  x:  i.'  The  subject  appeared  to  be  new  and 
very  hiteresting.  At  evening  attended  a  small  conference.  My  health  is 
very  good. 

August. 

1.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  rode  to  Mrs.  Ellsworth's,^  at  Windsor.  Mr. 
Ellsworth  has  left  many  valuable  curiosities.  Returned.  People  in  the  midst 
of  haying,  being  put  back  by  the  wet  weather. 

2.  Read  the  Bible.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  people  here  are  gen- 
erally less  industrious  than  those  who  live  on  hard  and  poorer  lands. 

3.  Read  Hutchinson's  History.  Afternoon  worked  some  at  hay.  Very 
warm.  I  believe  I  have  not  been  so  healthy  since  my  mission.  Oh  for 
a  deeper  sense  of  my  obligations. 

4.  The  heat  is  extreme  —  almost  insupportable.  Finished  reading  Hutch- 
inson. It  is  a  pretty  valuable  histor)'.  Visited.  There  appear  to  be  some 
quite  serious  people  here.  There  seems  to  be  a  prospect  of  violent  internal 
commotions  in  Spain. 

5.  Read  the  Spectator?  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  first  people 
here  treat  me  with  much  respect. 

6.  Cool.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Went  into  the  water. 
Eat  green  corn. 

7.  Preached  from  Luke  vii :  23  and  Amos  vi :  i.  Several  of  the  hearers 
appeared  solemn.  It  seems  as  if  the  way  was  prepared,  if  it  may  please  God 
to  work,  for  a  good  revival  of  religion  here.     Had  company. 

8.  Rode  out  and  visited.  \\T0te  to  my  parents.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Simsbury.  It  seems  the  most  of  the  people  here  were  disappointed  and  much 
chagrined  at  my  answer  to  the  society.  They  have  said  some  things  about  my 
conduct  wholly  unjust  and  ver}-  ungenerous.  But  I  don't  know  that  I  could 
reasonably  have  expected  otherwise.  I  feel  for  them,  for  their  situation 
as  to  ecclesiastical  matters  apparently  is  almost  deplorable. 

9.  Trimmed  trees  which  I  set  in  the  spring.  Visited.  I  think  I  have  a 
good  many  friends  here.  At  evening  preached  in  the  school-house  to  a  pretty 
large  and  affected  audience  from  Ps.  clxxxvii :  i.  Took  a  note  of  the  com- 
mittee for  what  is  due  to  me  (including  twelve  dollars  to  be  paid  to  Mr. 
Waldo),  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars.  They  have  paid  me  but  five 
dollars.     I  preached  here  twenty-eight  weeks.     I  have  sensible  feelings  for  the 


'  "  Brethren,  my  heart's  desire  and  prayer  and  Springfield  Railroad,  about  two  miles 
to  God  for  Israel  is,  that  they  might  be  north  of  the  centre  of  Windsor,  Mr.  Ells- 
saved."  worth's  house  is  still  seen,  in  good  preserva- 

^  Widow  of  Hon.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  Chief-  tion,  standing  a  few  rods  east  of  the  railroad. 

Justice  of  the  United  States.     Mr.  Ellsworth  It  contains  the  same  curiosities  which  were 

was  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  the  nation  there  when  Mr.  Ellsworth  died,  seventy-seven 

from  1777  when  he  was  elected  a  member  of  years  ago. 

the  Continental  Congress  until  his  death  in  ^  Addison's  Spectator,  which  has  been  one 

1807.     As  one  passes  north  from  Hartford  to  of  the  English  classics  for  more  than  one  hun- 

Springfield  on   the   New   Haven,    Hartford,  dred  and  fifty  years. 


iSoS.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  367 

good  people  here.'  The  prevailing  fever  has  generally  ceased  here,  but  still 
prevails  in  Farminglon,  though  hopefully  abating.  Sectarians  are  making 
considerable  exertions  here. 

10.  Visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Windsor.  Warm.  The  last  week 
this  people  have  had  a  remarkably  fine  time  for  business.  A  small  prospect 
of  cider. 

11.  There  is  some  prospect  of  a  great  revolution  in  Spain.  May  the  God 
of  heaven  succeed  their  exertions  against  the  tyrant  of  the  world. ^  Ver\' 
warm.  Wrote.  The  revolving  year  has  again  brought  about  my  birthday.' 
I  have  no  longer  the  right  to  plead  youth  and  inexperience  as  an  apology  for 
folly. 

12.  Read  the  Spectator.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  from  John  xvi :  13. 
A  very  good  number  attended.  I  am  a  little  encouraged  to  hope  it  may 
please  the  Most  High  to  do  something  for  this  people. 

13.  Read,  A  man  in  the  neighborhood  very  sick.  I  believe  his  disorder  is 
the  gout  seated  on  the  kidneys.  Afternoon  rode  to  Windsor  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Rowland.*     Visited  at  Esq.  Selden's.     Eat  watermelon. 

14.  Preached  from  Ps.  cvi :  15  and  Num.  x:  29.  Something  rainy.  Quite 
a  thin  meeting.  The  meeting-house  here  is  quite  large  and  inelegant.^  At 
evening  returned. 

15.  Visited  families  all  day.  I  think  the  prospects  of  this  societ}'  grow 
more  encouraging,  though  they  are  still  doubtful  and  have  been  almost 
desperate. 

16.  I  am  much  gratified  with  the  prospect  of  Mr.  Hall's  continuing  here 
some  time  in  his  school.''  Read  the  Spectator.  Walked  out  and  visited 
families.     Quite  cool.     Read  the  Apocrypha. 

17.  Wrote.     It  is  a  trial  to  me  that  I  am  unable  to  perform  more  close 


'  The  two   entries   which  Rev.  Mr.  Rob-  ^  This   is   the   same  house   in  which  the 

bins   makes   here,   as   well  as  what  he  says  Congregational  church  of  Windsor  worships 

elsewhere,  show  how  kind  and  forgiving  he  today ;  only  the  outside  of  the  house  has  in 

was,  and  how  much  it  troubled  him  to  dis-  the  meantime  been  considerably  changed,  and 

appoint  the  people  where  he  preached.     Not-  in  the  inside  has  been  made  over  by  taking 

withstanding  all  the  trial  which  the  Simsbury  out   the   square   pews   and  substituting   the 

people  went  through  in  this  matter  they  soon  modern  slips.     With  these  changes  it  is  still 

found  a  good,  faithful,  and  able  pastor  who  a  good  specimen  of  a  New  England  country 

remained  with  them  more  than  fifty  years,  to  meeting-house.     It  is  on  the  high  bank  just 

his  death.     This  was  Rev.  Allen  McLean.  north    of  the    Farmington    River,    with   the 

^  The    battle    of    Vimiera,   between    the  ancient  and  well-kept  burying  yard  behind  it. 

Spaniards  and  the  French   occurred  during  *  Mr.  John  Hall,  son  of  Mr.  John  Hall,  a 

this   month   of   August,    1808   in  which   the  merchant  of  East  Windsor,  was  graduated  at 

French   were   defeated.  Yale  College  in  1802,  was  tutor  there  1804- 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  was  now  thirty-one  1807,  and  from  iSoS  to  1829  made  his  home 

years  old.  in    East  Windsor,  leading   a    scholarly  life, 

*■  Rev.  Henry   A.  Rowland,  who  in   1790  teaching   a  select   school,  etc.     In    1829  he 

had  been  settled  as  colleague  with  his  father,  founded  the  celebrated  school  at  Ellington, 

Rev.  David  S.  Rowland.     The  father  died  in  which,  for  many  years,  used  to  send  to  Yale 

1794,  and  since  that  time  the  son  had  been  College   among   its  best  prepared  students, 

sole  pastor.  He  died  in  1847. 


368 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1808. 


Study.     Rode    out    and   visited.      It  is  said  that  there   was  some  frost  this 
morning. 

18.  The  revolution  in  Spain  lias  given  the  most  sudden  and  greatest 
change  to  the  political  world  of  any  event  which  has  taken  place  for  years.' 
May  the  Lord  of  heaven  give  success  to  their  exertions.  I  think  (ireat 
Britain  never  stood  on  such  high  ground  since  her  national  existence  as  at 
present.  Visited  families  all  day.  The  people  appear  much  gratified  in 
being  visited. 

19.  The  Spirit  of  God  appears  to  be  at  work  in  some  degree  in  all 
the  neighboring  places.  The  Lord  grant  that  this  may  not  be  wholly  passed 
over.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  from  Gen.  xix :  17.  People  attend  very 
well.     Visited. 

20.  Read  the  Apocrypha  and  the  6/>^(;/^/^r.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  We 
have  now  had  three  weeks  of  dry  weather  and  very  favorable  for  business.  We 
hear  almost  daily  new  and  very  interesting  intelligence  of  the  events  in  Spain. 

21.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  30.  I  think  the  people  here  are  but  poorly 
acquainted  with  many  of  the  most  important  Scripture  doctrines.  Had  com- 
pany. There  are  about  one  hundred  and  seventy  families  ^  in  this  society. 
More  than  I  supposed. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  The  roads  extremely  dusty.  Dined  with 
Mr.  Tudor.^  Read  newspapers.  The  Democrats  are  evidently  displeased 
with  the  revolution  in  Spain.     I  fear  they  love  tyranny." 

23.  Read  the  Guardian^  The  events  in  Spain  seem  like  a  reanimation  of 
the  political  world  which  has  long  been  gasping  under  French  oppression. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Scantick^  and  preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Bartlett'  from  Ps. 
cxxxvii :   i.     There  is  some  seriousness  there.     Returned. 


*  The  diary  here  seems  to  have  reference 
to  events  which  took  place  back  in  May, 
when  there  was  a  great  rising,  and  the 
French  were  checked  in  their  plans.  But 
events  moved  rapidly,  and  Spain  had  quite  a 
chequered  history  during  the  remaining 
months  of  the  year  1808.  On  the  20th  of 
July,  180S,  the  Spaniards  defeated  the  French 
in  the  battle  of  Baylen. 

^  One  hundred  and  seventy  families,  reck- 
oning five  to  a  family,  would  give  eight  hun- 
hundred  and  fifty  persons,  men,  women,  and 
children,  to  be  under  the  pastoral  watch  and 
care  of  the  minister.  But  the  family  of  that 
generation  was  apt  to  be  more  than  five, 
rather  than  less. 

^  Elihu  Tudor,  M.  D.,  son  of  Rev.  Samuel 
Tudor,  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1750,  lived 
seventy-six  years  after  his  graduation,  dying 
in  1826,  at  the  age  of  ninety  three.  The 
Tudor  mentioned  in  tlie  text  was  probably 
of  his  kindred. 

■*  Is  not  this  a  somewhat  hasty  induction  .'' 


'  The  Guardian  was  a  periodical  of  a 
similar  st3de  and  character  with  Addison's 
Spectator.  It  was  originated  by  Sir  Richard 
Steele  in  17 13.  Steele  had  been  one  of  the 
leading  writers  in  the  Spectator.  At  the  end 
of  the  7th  volume  of  the  Spectator  it  was 
understood  that  the  work  would  stop,  but  it 
was  afterwards  renewed  and  extended  to 
twelve  volumes.  The  Guardian  reached  one 
hundred  and  seventy-five  numbers,  and  was 
published  in  three  volumes. 

^  The  Scantic  church  in  East  Windsor 
was  about  five  or  six  miles  north  of  the  First 
Church,  where  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  was  preach- 
ing. This  Scantic  parish  originated  in  1754, 
while  the  first  parish  dated  from  1694,  when 
Rev.  Timothy  Edwards  began  his  labors 
there,  though  the  church  was  not  formally 
organized  until  169S. 

^  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  a  native  of  Leba- 
non, Ct.,  graduated  at  Yale  in  1800,  settled 
over  the  North  or  Scantic  parish  in  East 
Windsor  in  1804. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  369 

24.  Read,  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  The  schools  here  have  not  been 
under  the  best  regulations.     Quite  warm.     Visited. 

25.  Very  warm.  Rev.  Mr.  Hillyer,'  of  New  Jersey,  called  on  me.  Read 
the  Belgian  Traveller^  The  modern  French  character  and  conduct  increases 
in  atrocity  in  proportion  to  its  examination.     People  begin  to  sow. 

26.  The  drought  begins  to  be  very  seriously  felt.  Wrote.  Afternoon 
preached  a  lecture  from  John  xiv :  6.  It  seems  that  we  need  nothing  here 
but  grace.     Is  it  not  I  that  am  the  means  of  preventing  its  communication. 

27.  Finished  the  Belgian  Traveller.  May  heaven  save  us  from  the  domi- 
nation of  French  tyranny.     Went  into  the  water. 

28.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  Rom.  iii :  3  and  Ps. 
cxxxvii:  i.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  I  think  the  prospects  of 
this  society  grow  more  favorable. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  The  roads  very  dusty.  Rode  out  and 
visited.     Was  invited  to  go  and  preach  a  lecture  at  Wethersfield. 

30.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  The  consociation  met  here  to  hear  charges 
against  Rev.  Mr.  Cowles.^  He  used  every  exertion  and  quibble  to  evade  the 
trial.  The  hearing  has  been  very  disagreeable ;  they  did  not  begin  upon  the 
charges.     In  the  evening  rode  to  Simsbury. 

31.  Rode  to  Wethersfield."*  I  think  I  never  experienced  so  severe  a  dust. 
In  the  afternoon  a  Mr.  Foster,' from  Little  Cambridge,*  preached.  I  preached 
in  the  evening  to  a  numerous  audience  from  Num.  x :  29. 

The  epidemic,  which  has  prevailed  in  Farmington  and  the  neighboring 
towns  for  nearly  half  a  year,  seems  now  to  have  generally  subsided.  Great 
numbers  have  been  sick,  but  the  proportional  mortality,  for  the  severity  of  the 
disease,  very  small.  I  believe  not  exceeding  one  tenth.  More  than  twice 
that  number  have  been  viewed  by  friends  as  almost  desperate,  where  the 
subjects  have  survived. 

September. 

I .  Quite  warm.  I  think  the  new  meeting-house '  in  Hartford  will  be  the 
best  in  New  England.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  At  Hartford  got  a  new  pair 
of  boots.     The  Spanish  news  excites  great  attention. 


*  Rev.    Asa    Hillyer,  D.  D.,  a  prominent  ^  Rev.  John  Foster,  D.  D.,  was  the  first 

Presbyterian  minister,  settled  at  Orange,  N.  J.,  minister   of   Brighton,  then  known  as  Little 

1S01-1833.     He   was   a   native  of   Sheffield,  Cambridge.     He   was  a   native   of   Warren, 

Mass.,  where  Mr.  Robbins  taught  school  and  Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Dartmouth  in  1783,  and 

studied  theology    for    a   time.     Mr.   Hillyer  was    pastor  at    Brighton,    1784-1S27.      The 

was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1786,  and  died  in  church  at  Brighton  was  organized  in  1783. 
1S40.  *  Brighton,    five    miles   west   of    the   old 

^  The   Belgian    Traveller,    being   a    Tottr  town  of  Boston,  Mass.,  formerly  called  Little 

through  Holland,  France,  and  Switzerland  in  Cambridge,  was  by  the  recent   extension  of 

1804-5,  Middletown,  1807.  the  city  made  a  part  of  Boston. 

^  Rev.  Whitfield  Cowles,  of  East  Granby  '  This   is   the   house    already  spoken   of 

(formerly    Turkey   Hills),   and   his   troubles  which  was  dedicated  on  the  3d  of  Dec,  1807. 

with  his  church  have  already  been  noticed.  It  is  the  present  meeting-house  of  the  First 

■♦  Wethersfield  is  about  four  miles  south  Congregational  Church  of  Hartford,  and  has 

of  Hartford,  on  the  west   side  of  the  Con-  had  a  notable  history  both  in  its  own  and  in 

necticut  River.  its  outside  relations. 


37©  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

2.  Wrote,  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  from  John  xiv :  14.  I  believe 
that  promise  is  designed  for  every  period  of  the  church.     Visited. 

3.  Quite  warm.  The  drought  is  severe.  Saw  the  wife  '  and  daughter^  of 
President  Wheelock,  Mr.  Woodward,"  of  Norwich,  Vt.,  called  on  me.  The 
standing  of  ministers  there  is  ver)'  precarious.     Wrote.     Read  Apocr\'pha. 

4.  Preached  from  Heb.  xii :  17  and  Rom.  xiv :  10.  Quite  warm.  Had 
a  ver)^  refreshing  shower.  The  drought  had  become  very  severe.  At  evening 
set  out  for  Willianistown.     Crossed  the  river.     Tarried  at  Mrs.  Ellsworth's.* 

5.  Rode  to  Becket.  More  than  forty  miles.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Higley's 
where  I  formerly  lived.'  Much  fatigued  and  oppressed  with  the  heat.  This 
society  is  pretty  united  and  prosperous.  Berkshire  County  is  more  elevated 
above  the  Connecticut  River  than  I  had  supposed. 

6.  Rode  to  Lanesborough.  Was  hindered  the  most  of  the  afternoon  at 
Pittsfield  by  rain.  The  rain  is  a  great  blessing.  This  county,  particularly 
Pittsfield,  in  a  great  political  fever.  I  believe  Democracy  is  at  no  place  more 
obstinate.  It  seems  the  election  in  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island  has 
terminated  in  favor  of  Federalism.^     Laus  Deo.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

7.  Received  of  my  father  ten  dollars.  In  the  morning  very  early  rode  to 
Williamstown.  Attended  the  Commencement.  The  exercises  as  to  composi- 
tion i^retty  good.  My  brother  Frank  ^  appeared  very  well  in  a  Greek  oration. 
My  father  and  brother  and  sister  Battell  here.  The  collection  of  company 
pretty  great.     At  evening  attended  a  sermon. 

8.  Assisted  my  brother  in  preparing  to  leave  town.  Rode  in  company 
with  him  to  Pittsfield.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Watson's.  There  is  a  very  little  fruit 
this  season  generally. 

9.  Rode  through  Lenox ;  dined  at  Mr.  Goodwin's.^  To  Chester ;  tarried 
at  a  tavern.  The  Democrats  of  Massachusetts  appear  to  love  tyranny.  I 
believe  the  present  season  to  be  one  of  the  most  productive  known  for  many 
years. 

10.  Rode  to  Westfield.  My  brother  has  engaged  to  take  charge  of  the 
academy  here.  I  think  it  a  good  chance  for  him.  Rode  to  East  Windsor. 
My  brother  accompanied  me.     Very  tired  with  my  journey. 


*  This  was  the  second  wife,  and  then  the  tioned,    graduated    at    Dartmouth    College, 

widow  of  President  Eleazar  Wheelock,  D.  D.  was  pastor  at  Norwich,  Vt.,  1804-1S20. 
Her  maiden  name  was  Mary  Erinsmade,  and  '*  Mrs.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  whose  house  has 

she  was  a  native  of  New  Milford,  Ct.  been  already  described. 

^  Mary,  daughter  of  Pres.  Wheelock,  mar-  '  During   the   few  months  when   he   was 

ried  Prof.  Bezaleel  Woodward,  the  first  Dart-  supplying  the  pulpit  in  Becket. 
mouth  professor  of  mathematics.     This  was  ^  Gov.  John  Langdon  was  in  office  by  re- 

probably  the   daughter  mentioned   here,   as  election  from  1805  to  1S09.     His  sympathies 

her  son  is  also  here.     Dr.  David  McClure,  of  were  with   the   Federalists.     James  P'enner, 

East  Windsor,  was  one  of  the  old  pupils  of  LL.  D.,  was  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  from 

Dr.  Wheelock.     Hence  the  occasion  of  this  1S07  to  181 1. 
visit.  ^  Francis   Le   Baron   Robbins.      He  was 

^  Rev.  James  Wheelock  Woodward,  one  the  youngest  of  the  family, 
of  three  sons  of  Prof.  Woodward  just  men-  "  Joseph  Goodwin,  his  cousin. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


Z7^ 


11.  Mr.  Woodward,  of  Norwich,  Vt.,  preached  for  me  all  day.  In  the 
forenoon  rode  to  Wapping'  and  preached  for  Mr,  Hall,^  who  is  somethin:^ 
unwell.  At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  preached  for  Mr.  Yates.^ 
There  is  considerable  of  an  awakening  there.  Mr.  Yates  quite  unwell. 
Returned. 

12.  Preached  yesterday  at  Wapping  from  Ps.  cvi :  15  and  at  East  Hartford 
from  Luke  xv :  17.  My  brother  Frank  left  me  to  go  to  VVestfield.  Cool. 
Wrote.  Attended  the  training  of  a  military  company.  They  appear  remark- 
ably well. 

13.  Rode  to  New  Haven  to  attend  the  Commencement.  I  don't  know 
that  I  ever  traveled  a  road  preferable  to  the  turnpike  from  Hartford  to 
New  Haven.*     At  evening  heard  speaking  for  premiums.     Quite  tired. 

14.  The  exercises  of  the  day  pretty  good,  but  very  long.  I  think  I  have 
never  seen  so  great  a  throng  of  people  on  a  similar  occasion.  People 
appeared  very  much  fatigued.  Dr.  Dwight  did  not  perform  quite  as  -well  as 
usual.     At  evening  Mr.  Tyler,^  of  Preston,  preached  the  Concio  ad  cleriun. 

15.  In  the  morning  heard  Dr.  Mason,^  of  New  York,  .preach,  I  think,  as 
good  a  sermon  as  I  ever  heard.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  P.  B.  K. 
Society.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Berlin.  The  heat  very  severe.  At  Berlin  my 
horse  fell  with  me  by  which  I  was  much  hurt.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

16.  Am  scarcely  able  to  ride  on  account  of  my  hurt  last  evening.  Rode  to 
East  Windsor.  Afternoon  preached  a  lecture  from  Matt,  ix :  9.  Read  news- 
papers. 

17.  Am  very  much  fatigued  with  my  late  toil.  Tlie  ground  exceedingly 
dr)-.     Began  to  read  the  work  of  Dr.  Lardner/ 

j8.  Preached  from  Rev.  17  :  14.  A  number  of  strangers  in  town.  Very 
warm.     Had  company.     My  lameness  grows  better. 

19.     Rode  to  Scantic  and  attended  Freeman's  Meeting.^      Prayed  at  the 


'  Two  or  three  miles  east  from  the  place  *"  Dr.   John   Mitchell    Mason,   one  of  the 

where    Mr.    Robbins   was  preaching,  but   in  most  eminent  divines  in  this  country  during 

the   same   town.     This   was   then   merely   a  the  early  years  of  this  century.     He  was  son 

preaching  place.     A  Congregational   church  of  Dr.  John  Mason,  a  native  of  Scotland,  and 

was  not  organized  there  until  1S30.  an  eminent  minister  in  New  York,  1761-1792 

*  This  was  probably  Mr.  John  Hall,  who  The   son   succeeded  him,  and  continued  till 
has  been  already  mentioned.    Though  he  was  1829,  when  he  died. 

never  ordained  as   a  minister,  he  was  very  ''  ISTathaniel    Lardner,    D.  D.,    1684-1768. 

likely  taking  charge  of  the  religious  service  He  was  a  Presbyterian  by  his  education,  and 

at  Wapping.  was,  in   his  generation,  a  very  learned  and 

^  Rev.    Andrew   Yates,  D.  D.,  a  man   of  prominent  divine.  Among  the  more  important 

considerable  note,  pastor  at  East  Hartford,  of  his  works  are  Credibility  of  the  Gospel  His- 

1801-1813,    afterwards    professor    at    Union  tory\  The  Testimonies  of  the  Ancient  yews  and 

College.  Pagans  in  Favor  of  Christianity,  and  a  History 

*  That  road  passed  through  Berlin,  Meri-  of  Heretics. 

den,  and   the  western  part   of   WalHngford,  *  The  town  of  East  Windsor  was  not  far 

distance  thirty-six  miles.  ,  from  eleven  miles  long  from  north  to  south, 

'  Rev.  Lemuel   Tyler,  pastor  at  Preston,  and  the  town-meetings  were  held  alternately 

17S9-1808,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1780,  and  a  at  the  meeting-houses  of  the  First  Parish  and 

native  of  North  Branford,  Ct.  the  North  (or  Scantic)  parish. 


372 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1808. 


opening  of  the  meeting.  The  votes  here  are :  Federalists,  two  hundred  and 
twenty-six;  Democrats,  sixty-two;  about  the  same  as  heretofore.  I  hope 
Democracy  is  declining  in  the  State. 

20.  Looked  over  and  balanced  my  expenses  for  a  year  past.  Walked  out 
and  visited.     At  night  a  very  hard  rain.     It  is  very  refreshing  to  the  ground. 

21.  Read  Dr.  Lardner.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Religious  matters  here 
have  been  at  loose  ends,  but  1  hope  there  are  some  good  people. 

22.  Rode  to  Ellington.  Preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Brockway,  from  Ps. 
cvi :   15.     A  good  many  people  here  are  sick.     At  evening  returned. 

23.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Polly  Humphrey,'  Simsbur^-.  Preached  a  lecture 
from  John  vi :  48.  Yesterday  we  had  a  very  hard  frost.  The  first  we  have 
had.     Read  Lardner. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  The  Freeman's  Meeting  has  issued  most 
favorably.  I  hope  Democracy  in  this  State  has  got  its  death  wound.^  The 
general. government  are  evidently  alarmed.  Wrote.  A  Mr.  Whiting,^  a  can- 
didate for  Massachusetts,  called  on  me  and  concluded  to  tarry  over  the 
Sabbath. 

25.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  exchanged  with  Mr.  Yates.  Preached 
from  Gen.  vii :  16  and  Ps.  cvi:  15.  Quite  rainy.  The  work  of  grace  here 
appears  to  be  very  genuine  and  pretty  great.  Afternoon  Mr.  Whiting 
preached  at  East  Windsor  and  Mr.  Yates  returned.     Quite  tired. 

26.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.''  Quite  cold.  Afternoon  set  out  for  home. 
Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  ecclesiastical  matters  here  are  in  a  deplorable  state. 
I  fear  they  will  not  soon  be  united. 

27.  Rode  to  Colebrook.  Very  cold  for  the  season.  There  were  some 
flying  flakes  of  snow.  Met  with  the  association.'  Mr.  Perry  ^  preached. 
They  licensed  one  candidate.'  I  believe  this  association  is  as  respectable  as 
any  other  in  the  State. 

28.  The  association  had  considerable  business.  Rode  home  with  my 
father  and  Uncle  Starr.^  My  cousin  John  Le  Baron  ^  here.  My  mother  better 
than  she  has  been,  though  feeble. 


'  Michael  Humphrey  was  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Windsor.  Simsbury  was  anciently 
a  part  of  the  township  of  Windsor,  and  the 
Humphrey  families  belonged  especially  to  that 
part  of  the  town. 

^  That  hope  proved  vain. 

^  Rev.  Francis  L.  Whiting,  a  native  of 
Littleton,  Mass.,  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth 
College  in  1S05.  In  1S09,  he  was  settled  in 
Fryeburg,  Me.,  where  he  remained  till  1S17. 
He  then  went  to  New  York  State,  and  be- 
came a  Presbyterian  minister.  He  died  at 
Big  Flatts,  Oct.  15,  1863,  aged  eighty-six 
years. 

'' That  is,  from  East  Hartford,  where  he 
had  exchanged  with  Dr.  Yates. 

^  The  Litchfield  North  Association, 


^  Rev.  David  L.  Perry,  of  Sharon,  pastor 
there  from  1804  to  his  death  in  1835.  He 
was  a  graduate  of  Williams  College  in  1798, 
and  tutor  there. 

'  The  candidate  examined  and  licensed 
was  Rev.  Daniel  Haskell,  a  well-known  pas- 
tor and  writer,  and  President,  1821-1824,  of 
Vermont  University. 

^  He  means  his  father's  house  in  Norfolk. 

9  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  had  more  than  one 
cousin  John  Le  Baron,  but  the  one  here  re- 
ferred to,  without  mucli  doubt,  was  John 
Allen  Le  Baron,  son  of  Rev.  Lemuel  Le 
Baron,  ^of  Mattapoisett  (Rochester,  Mass.) 
This  John  was  born  in  1782,  and  the  year  be- 
fore (1807),  had  been  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Martha  Phillips. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  373 

29.  Rainy.  Afternoon  set  out  for  East  Windsor.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  A 
great  part  of  the  way  in  the  evening.  Received  from  my  brother  N. 
ten  dollars,  and  from  my  brother  A.  twenty  dollars.  People  are  moving  some 
to  new  settlements,  but  I  believe  not  so  much  as  in  years  past. 

30.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  Am  very  much  fatigued.  Afternoon  preached 
a  lecture  from  Matt,  xx  :  14,     Visited. 

October. 

1.  Read  Dr.  Lardner.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  There  has  been  very  little 
sickness  here  since  I  have  been  here. 

2.  Preached  from  Isa.  Ixiii :  i  and  Rev.  xvi :  15.  There  is  certainly  a 
more  favorable  appearance  upon  the  congregation  here  than  when  I  came. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

3.  Visited  a  family  which  set  out  to  move  to  the  Holland  Purchase.' 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Went  on  the  new  steeple,  one  hundred  and  seventy  feet 
high.^  Paid  a  merchant  tailor,  $14.50.  Paid  a  shoemaker,  $8.00.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference  in  East  Hartford.     Returned. 

4.  Had  company.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  am  under  a  kind  of 
necessity  of  spending  considerable  time  in  visiting. 

5.  Read  Lardner.  His  learning  and  laborious  research  are  astonishing. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  Every  paper  brings  accounts  of  the  Spanish  suc- 
cesses against  the  French.'     May  heaven  be  their  helper. 

6.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Lardner.'  The  people  here  appear  to  feel  an 
anxiety  about  my  staying  with  them.  But  there  have  been  such  diversions 
among  them  heretofore,  that  they  are  fearful  about  making  much  movement 
upon  the  subject, 

7.  I  am  considerably  interrupted  about  study.  Afternoon  preached  a 
lecture  from  John  iv  :  15.  Visited.  I  must  not  preach  without  study  and 
preparation. 

8.  Quite  cold.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  to  Hartford  and  back.  Had  some 
clothes  made. 

9.  Had  short  notes  in  preaching.  Preached  from  Rom.  v :  18.  Avery 
full  meeting,  and  people  very  attentive.  At  evening  attended  the  church  con- 
ference.    Quite  tired. 

10.  Walked  out.  Visited.  Afternoon  attended  a  little  while  at  a  training. 
I  think  the  people  here  are  remarkably  orderly  and  free  from  open  vice. 
Read  Lardner. 

11.  Wrote.  Rode  to  East  Hartford.  Visited  at  Dr.  Bidwell's.'*  Returned. 
Many  people  here  have  generally  neglected  attending  public  worship  for 
years. 


■  The  Holland  Purchase  was  a  large  tract  ^  These  accounts  were  probably  only  con- 

of  land  in  Western  New  York,  purchased  by  tinuations   of  the   account   of  the   battle  of 

the    Holland  Land  Company,  surveyed  and  Vimiera,  which  was  fought   on   the   21st  of 

made  ready  for  land  sales,  just  at  the  close  August,  when  the  French  were  defeated, 
of  last  century.  *  Epaphras  Bidwell,  M.D.,  chosen  deacon 

*  Spire    of    the    First   (Centre)   Church,  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  East  Hart- 
Hartford,  ford  in  1810. 


374  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

12.  Rainy.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  Spanish  successes  appear  as 
remarkable  as  any  of  the  French. 

13.  Read  Lardner.  Had  company.  I  fear  the  people  here  are  not 
sufficiently  anxious  about  the  settlement  of  a  minister. 

14.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Warm.  A  very  remarkable  scarcity  of 
cider.'  Afternoon  preached  from  Job  8:13.  I  cannot  but  hope  some  tender- 
ness a^spears  on  some  minds. 

15.  Finished  the  first  volume  of  Lardner.  I  have  my  doubts  whether  a 
great  deal  of  critical  learning  makes  Christianity  more  satisfactory.^  Received 
a  letter  from  Beers  &  Howe,^  New  Haven. 

16.  Preached  from  John  vi :  68  and  Rom.  xx :  15.  Administered  the 
sacrament  in  Mr.  McClure's  absence.  Many  spectators  attended  and  were 
quite  solemn.     Quite  tired.     The  church  here  is  very  small. 

17.  Spent  the  day  partly  in  Mr.  Hall's  school.  People  here  I  think  love 
to  talk  about  eternal  things. 

18.  Attended  the  school.  Visited  families.  Quite  cold.  The  elections  in 
all  the  large  cities  are  carried  by  the  influence  of  foreigners.'*  And  I  think 
our  approaching  Presidential  election  vv'ill  be  decided  by  the  same  means. 

19.  Am  considerably  taken  up  v^^ith  the  school.  At  evening  preached  in 
the  north  part  of  the  society  from  i   Peter  i :   12.     Full  meeting. 

20-  Have  a  bad  cold.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  My 
brother  Samuel  came  here  to  see  me.  Rode  out  with  him.  Spent  a  little 
time  in  the  school.     Mr.  Hall  returned. 

21.  My  brother  went  off  for  home.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Knapp/  Westfield,  and 
Mr.  N.  Johnson,  Hartford.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Afternoon  preached 
from  Obadiah  xvii.     Am  quite  unwell  with  my  cold.     Visited. 

22.  Read  the  Apocr^'pha.  Rainy.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  It  seems 
the  elections  in  different  States  have  not  issued  so  favorably  as  was  hoped. 

23.  Preached  from  John  1:12,  13.  The  proof  of  adoption  by  grace  seems 
to  remove  from  our  world  all  the  gloom  which  follows  as  the  consequence  of 
sin.     At  evening  attended  the  church  conference. 

24.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  There  have  been  a  few  Methodist 
families  here  several  years.  They  are  not  increasing.  The  people  here  gen- 
erally are  pretty  poorly  indoctrinated. 

25.  Visited  thirteen  houses.  Quite  cool.  Many  of  the  people  here  dis- 
cover considerable  anxiety  about  my  staying  with  them.  I  think  family  visits 
are  veiy  important.     But  I  want  more  wisdom,  grace,  and  confidence. 

26.  Read  the  history  of  Maccabees.*     Rode  to  Windsor.     The  river  very 

^  A  perfectly  natural   remark   for  a  min-  •*  Foreigners    were   very  scarce    then    as 

ister  to  make  in  iSoS,  when  all  families  laid  compared  with  the  present  day. 
up  their  stock  of  cider  as  innocently  as  they  ^  Rev.    Isaac    Knapp,    before   mentioned, 

did  their  supply  of  potatoes.  native  of  Norfolk. 

^  This  is  a  somewhat  unexpected  remark,  *  The  two  books  of  the  Maccabees  in  the 
considering  the  time  when  it  was  made.  Apocrypha.  These  books  set  forth  the  war- 
Such  queries  are  much  more  natural  in  this  like  exploits  and  patriotic  services  of  Judas 
generation  than  in  those  of  former  times.  Maccabceus  and    his   four  brothers,  sons  of 

^  Beers   &    Howe,    booksellers    of    New  Matthias,  covering   an    important   period  in 

Haven.  ancient  history. 


i8o8.] 


PREACHING    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


375 


rough.  Tarried  at  Mrs.  Ellsworth's.  On  the  19th  visited  a  woman  in  Scan- 
tick  one  hundred  years  old.'  She  is  healthy  and  retains  her  mental  powers 
well. 

27.  Returned.  Visited  an  aged  woman  not  likely  to  live.  There  is  a 
prospect  of  a  most  sanguinary  war  in  Spain.  I  fear  that  our  government  wish 
success  to  the  tyrant.  Democracy  in  Connecticut  appears  to  be  rapidly 
declining. 

28.  In  the  morning  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow.  The  first  we  have 
had.  Afternoon  preached  our  weekly  lecture  from  2  Kings  iv :  6.  Visited. 
Very  cold. 

29.  Rode  to  Westfield  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Knapp.  Dined  at  Esq. 
Leavitt's,  Suffield.  Found  my  brother  Frank. ^  At  evening  my  brother  James 
arrived  here ;  he  came  to  see  Frank  and  me.  He  has  just  finished  his  school 
at  Clinton.^ 

30.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Ps.  cvi :  15.  James  preached  in  the 
afternoon,  and  I  again  in  the  evening  from  Luke  xv  :  17.  This  congregation 
is  not  quite  as  large  as  I  expected. 

31.  I  think  Frank  is  doing  very  well  here.  Rode  with  my  brother  James 
to  East  Windsor.  Mr.  Bartlett  preached  here  yesterday  in  consequence  of 
exchanges  made  by  Mr.  Knapp."  James's  health  is  much  better  than  it  was 
last  spring,  but  I  fear  his  voice  is  too  feeble  for  a  preacher. 

November. 

1.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Simsbury.  Quite  tired  with  my  late  riding 
and  labor.     I  meet  with  much  kindness  at  Mrs.  Case's. 

2.  My  brother  went  home.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  The  consociation 
are  here  on  the  trial  of  Mr.  Cowles.  He  defends  with  great  obstinacy.  The 
evidence  appears  very  bad  against  him.^ 

3.  It  seems  that  the  Legislature  of  Vermont*  are  after  all  Democratic. 


*  Nelson  S.  Osborn,  Esq.,  who  is  well 
acquainted  with  the  local  history  of  East 
Windsor,  in  answer  to  a  note  of  inquiry 
respecting  this  woman,  writes  as  follows : 

"  I  called  on  D.  W.  Bartlett,  to  get  the 
date  of  her  death  from  his  father's  (Rev. 
Shubael  Bartlett)  record  of  deaths  in  his 
parish,  and  found  the  following  record  : 

Widow  Sarah  Ellsworth  died  May  2Sth, 
1810,  aged  loi  years. 

The  tradition  in  regard  to  the  present 
bell  of  our  meeting-house  is,  that  the  first 
time  it  was  tolled,  it  was  for  Mrs.  Ellsworth, 
and  struck  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  one, 
the  oldest  person  for  whom  it  has  ever  been 
tolled." 

^  He  was  teaching  there. 

3  Clinton,  N.  Y. 


*  A  triple  exchange  ;  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  at 
Westfield,  Rev.  Mr.  Knapp,  of  Westfield,  at 
East  Windsor,  north  parish,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Bartlett,  of  the  north  parish,  at  the  south 
parish.  East  Windsor. 

5  The  charges  against  Rev.  Whitfield 
Cowles  were  of  two  kinds,  change  of  doc- 
trinal views,  and  faults  of  general  character. 
He  had  been  fourteen  years  in  the  ministry 
here  at  East  Granby  (Turkey  Hills). 

*  Vermont  in  1808  elected  again  Isaac 
Tichenor,  LL.D.  He  had  been  Governor  of 
Vermont  from  1797  to  1807,  when  for  some 
reason  he  was  dropped  for  a  single  year,  and 
Israel  Smith  was  chosen.  But  in  1S08  the 
State  returned  to  Mr.  Tichenor,  who  had  seen 
much  public  service,  national  as  well  as 
State. 


376  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

Sat   with    the    consociation.      The    hearing    is   very   laborious.      Afternoon 
returned  to  East  Windsor.     Warm  for  the  season. 

4.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner.  Afternoon  preached. from  John  xvi :  13.  Had 
company. 

5.  Read  Lardner.  I  do  something  in  instructing  the  children  in  the 
family.' 

6.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  Gen.  vi :  3  and  Isa.  x.xviii : 
17.  I  think  the  people  here  appear  to  be  pleased  with  weighty  truths.  At 
evening  attended  church  conference.  This  church  is  small,  and  I  think  in 
some  rather  singular  practices.     But  I  think  they  are  pretty  well  united. 

7.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James,  and  to  the  committee  of  Columbia,"  who 
called  here  last  week  when  I  was  gone  to  get  me  to  go  there  to  preach.  Rode 
to  Hartford  and  back.  Visited.  The  consociation  at  Granby  dismissed  Mr. 
Cowles  and  suspended  him  from  the  work  of  the  ministry.  I  think  their 
decision  very  judicious.  The  first  church  in  Hartford  have  never  altered  their 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Covenant  since  its  first  establishment.  The  Assembly 
have  made  a  grant  for  a  bridge  at  Hartford.' 

8.  Read  Lardner.  Afternoon  rode  to  Scantick  and  preached  from  Job 
viii :  13.  Returned.  Visited.  My  prospects  here  appear  to  be  ver}'  uncertain. 
The  people  suppose  if  I  do  not  stay  with  them  it  is  tiot  likely  that  they 
can  get  any  one  in  whom  they  can  be  united.     Warm  for  the  season. 

9.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Attended  the  public  ceremonies  of  opening  the  new 
bridge  across  the  Connecticut  River.*  It  is  a  handsome  structure,  nine  hun- 
dred "and  fifty  feet  long,  cost  twenty-three  thousand  dollars ;  and  I  think 
appears  likely  to  be  durable.  Returned.  Our  sailors  suffer  extreme  abuse 
from  the  French.^  I  think  Mr.  Jefferson  is  sinking  to  the  lowest  grades  of 
contempt.* 

10.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  People 
here  are  generally  getting  wood. 

11.  Read.  Afternoon  preached  from  Isa.  xliii :  13.  I  think  our  lectures 
grow  more  thin.  I  believe  I  shall  have  no  more  in  this  way.  Visited.  I  have 
some  business  in  instructing  in  a  family. 


'  Though  the  fact  has  not  been  definitely  ^  Formerly    parish    of    Lebanon    Crank, 

stated   in   the  diary,  we   know  from  outside  where     Dr.     Wheelock     had     his      Indian 

information,    that    Rev.    Mr.   Robbins    was  School. 

living  in  the  family  of  Major  Abiel  Wolcott,  ^  It  will   be   remembered  that  not  very 

whose  wife  was  Ursula  Tudor,  daughter  of  long  before  a  bridge  was  carried  away  with 

Samuel  Tudor.    They  were  married  in  1 791,  the  flood. 

and  had  five  children,  the  oldest  of  whom  ■•  The  bridge  here  spoken  of  was  an  open 
was  fourteen  years  old,  and  the  youngest  one,  which  stood  about  ten  years.  It  was 
four  years.  The  second  child  was  Ursula,  carried  away  in  the  great  flood  of  1818, 
from  her  mother,  and  she  was  twelve  years  March  2.  The  bridge  which  was  built  to 
old.  Major  Wolcott  was  one  of  the  chief  replace  this  is  the  covered  bridge  now  stand- 
men  in  the  place  for  character  and  wealth.  ing. 

There  was  a  little  group  of  bright  and  happy  ^  And  still  greater  from  the  English, 

children,  such  as  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins,  with  his  ^  The  author   of  this   diarj'  had   not  yet 

large  experience   as   a  teacher,  would  take  learned  to  speak   of  Mr.  Jefferson    except 

pleasure  in  instructing.  with  words  of  disgust  or  sharp  rebuke. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  377 

12.  Read  Lardner.  It  would  seem  that  I  ought  to  find  more  time  for 
reading  and  study  than  I  do.     Yesterday  finished  reading  the  Apocrypha. 

13.  Quite  rainy.  We  have  been  remarkably  favored  with  pleasant  Sab- 
baths for  some  months.  Preached  from  Isa.  ii :  17.  At  evening  walked  out. 
There  is  a  pause  and  a  general  anxiety  about  Spanish  news. 

14.  Set  out  for  home.  Rode  in  a  carriage  with  Maj.  Wolcott's'  daughter. 
In  the  evening  arrived  home.  My  mamma  quite  feeble.  I  feel  considerably 
anxious  about  her. 

15.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  My  brother  James  set  out  last  week  for 
the  eastward,  expecting  to  go  to  Fair  Haven.  Cousin  Priscilla  Hammatt^ 
remains  here. 

16.  My  father  has  not  so  many  scholars  as  usual.  It  is  a  fact  rather 
singular  that  the  two  houses  of  the  Connecticut  Legislature  have  probably  at 
present  time  the  two  best  chairmen  that  could  be  found  in  the  United  States. 
Read  the  President's  Message.^  He  says  his  administration  will  have  paid 
more  than  thirty-three  millions  principal  of  national  debt. 

17.  The  snow  thaws  considerably,  but  the  ground  remains  covered.  Paid 
for  old  magazines  $2.50.  Visited  at  brother  N.'s."  I  fear  that  our  country  is 
so  infatuated  and  the  industry  of  wicked  men  so  great  that  nothing  will  bring 
them  to  a  discovery  of  their  true  interests.  There  has  lately  been  a  consider- 
able commotion  at  Williams  College.' 

18.  Paid  a  tailor  $1.56.  Set  out  for  East  Windsor.  Saw  very  little  snow 
below  Winsted.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  society  prospects  here  are  pretty 
unfavorable.     I  feel  for  them. 

19.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  There  has  been  no  snow  here 
this  week.     Considerably  unwell  with  bilious  affections. 

20.  Rainy  and  wet.  Last  Sabbath  read  the  proclamation  for  Thanks- 
giving. Preached  from  Gen.  xii  :  3.  I  think  infant  baptism  cannot  be  well 
supported  only  on  the  ground  of  positive  promises. 

21.  Wrote.  Warm.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  have  some  fears  that  my 
missionary  business  and  long  ill-health  have  in  some  measure  disqualified  me 
for  close  study. 

22.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving,  on  Ps.  Ixix :  ;^^.  I  have  good 
accommodations  for  study.  The  stlte  of  our  country  appears  to  grow  more 
hopeless. 

23.  Finished  my  Thanksgiving  sermon.  Walked  out.  The  schools  here 
are  under  pretty  poor  regulations.     They  have  been  pretty  much  neglected. 

24.  •  It  is  unusual  to  have  such  pleasant  weather  at  Thanksgiving.  Preached 
from  Ps.  Ixix:  33.  I  believe  I  have  not  preached  with  a  written  sermon 
before  since  the  ordination  at  Marietta.     I  have  the  greatest  cause  of  thanks- 


'  Major  Abiel  Wolcott,  just  before  men-  *  His  brother  Nathaniel,  it  will  be  remem- 

tioned.  bered,  was  living  in  Norfolk. 

^  Mentioned    before.      She   was   born   in  '  They  were  a  little  rough   there   in   the 

1775,  and  was  now  thirty-three  years  old.  first  years,  as  we  have  seen,  but  in  general 

^  The  last  message  of  President  Jefferson  it   has   been  a   college   known  for   its   good 

at  the  end  of  his  second  term.  order. 


378  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

giving,  particularly  that  my  health,  which  has  long  been  poor,  is  almost  per- 
fectly restored.'     Had  a  full  meeting. 

25.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  traveling  and  visiting.  Read  Lardner.  Walked 
out.     Cold.     The  young  people  here  are  pretty  orderly. 

26.  Very  cold.  The  ground  quite  frozen.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back. 
The  river  very  high.  Read  the  Biule.  I  bear  common  riding  without  much 
difficulty. 

27.  Preached  from  Matt,  xviii :  3,  Quite  a  full  meeting.  I  am  in  hopes 
the  people  here  love  to  hear  v/eighty  truths.     Had  company. 

28.  In  the  morning  some  snow.  Read  Lardner.  Some  of  his  disquisitions 
are  rather  interesting.     Origen^  was  a  man  of  great  industry  and  learning. 

29.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  The  snow  goes  off.  People  appear  to  be 
much  discouraged  about  our  public  affairs.  The  issue  of  the  late  elections 
have  increased  the  perverseness  of  the  government.^ 

30.  Remarkably  warm  and  pleasant.  My  brother  James  came  here  return- 
ing home  from  a  journey  to  the  eastward.  He  is  feeble,  and  I  am  very  appre- 
hensive that  he  will  be  unable  to  pursue  the  work  of  the  ministry.  At  evening 
preached  at  a  private  house  from  Heb.  i :  2.  It  hurt  me  much  more  than 
preaching  in  the  meeting-house.*      Finished  the  second  volume  of  Lardner. 

December. 

1.  A  fat  ox  was  drove  from  here  this  morning,  fatted  by  Capt.  Bissell,^  of 
this  town,  for  Boston.  He  is  seven  years  old ;  has  been  fed  with  meal  three 
years,  and  has  eat  about  three  hundred  bushels  of  corn.  He  measures  round 
the  girth  nine  feet  and  two  inches.  He  is  undoubtedly  the  best  ox  ever  fatted 
in  America.  Rode  to  Wethersfield.  Parted  with  James  at  Hartford.  Expected 
to  have  preached  by  previous  request  at  Wethersfield,  but  mistook  the  day.^ 
I  should  have  come  yesterday.  Rode  to  Simsbur}'.  The  people  here  owe  me 
for  nearly  all  my  services. 

2.  I  am  again  disappointed  here  about  pay.  The  embargo  is  the  plea, 
and  yet  many  will  be  Democrats.  There  is  considerable  commotion  about 
the  draft  of  the  militia  which  is  now  making.'  Returned  to  East  Windsor. 
There  have  been  no  arrivals  in  the  country  from  Europe  for  several  weeks. 

*  When  Mr.  Robbins  has  a  particularly  y  •*  Many  a  minister  can   testify  the   same, 

good  day  as  to  health,  he  takes  such  hopeful  Speaking  in  the  close  and  confined  air  of  a 

views  that   he   forgets,  apparently,  the   dis-  crowded  private  dwelling-house,  especially  in 

couraging   lines  which  he   had   penned  just  the  winter  season,  is  a  trying  and  often  a  very 

before.  dangerous  experience. 

2  Origen   is   introduced    here    as    having  *  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  of    East  Windsor 

been  suggested  from  something  he  had  just  Hill. 

read   in   Lardner.     Origen,   born   about   the  *  This  was  Thursday  and  his  appointment 

year  1S6,  was  one  of  the  very  greatest  of  the  was  for  Wednesday.     It  seems  to  have  been 

early  Christian  fathers.     His  father  was  mar-  a  custom  in  those  days  to  arrange  for  these 

tyred,  leaving  his  mother  with  her  little  flock  special  preaching  services  during  the  week, 

of  children  in  extreme  poverty.      From  this  We  have   had   numerous   instances  of  it  in 

condition  Origen  rose  to  be  one  of  the  great  the  course  of  the  previous  diary, 

men  of  the  race.  ^  This  was  not  a  draft  for  immediate  use, 

^  Making  it  certain  that  James   Madison  but  to  put  matters  more  upon  a  war  footing, 

would  be  the  successor  of  Thomas  Jefferson.  in  reference  to  exegencies  that  might  arise. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  370 

3.  Rainy.  Read  the  Bible.  Spent  the  day  in  a  private  manner.  I  have 
now  two  or  three  subjects  lying  with  great  weight  on  my  mind.  My  hope  and 
help  is  in  God.     Wrote  on  a  separate  paper. 

4.  Last  night  a  very  severe  storm.  Preached  from  Rev.  iii :  lo.  At 
evening  attended  the  church  conference.  The  church-members  here  have 
been  very  little  used  to  praying  in  public. 

5.  Old  Mrs.  Bissell '  died  suddenly  this  morning.  Rode  to  Windsor  and 
back.     The  water  very  high.     Very  bad  crossing.     Visited.     Quite  cold. 

6.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Preached  at  Wapping  from  Num.  x :  29.  An 
old  blind  man  at  whose  house  I  preached  said  he  had  not  heard  a  sermon 
before  in  four  years.     Read  Lardner. 

7.  Read.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Bissell.  The  family 
are  much  impressed.  Severe  cold.  It  is  a  custom  here  to  say  nothing  at 
a  funeral,  at  the  grave.^ 

8.  We  have  no  snow,  but  the  ground  is  severely  frozen.  Yesterday  put 
on  my  flannel.  The  society  here  had  their  annual  meeting.  They  are  in 
pretty  strong  parties  and  nearly  equal ;  principally  political.  The  committee 
requested  me  to  tarry  with  them  a  little  longer  as  I  have  done.  I  feel 
reluctant  at  continuing  longer  in  this  way,  but  concluded  to  stay  for  the 
present.     They  are  in  hopes  the  present  ferment  will  subside. 

9.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  to  M.  D.  E.^  There  seems  to  be  very  little 
prospect  of  our  having  snow.  My  strength  for  study  I  think  evidently 
increases. 

10.  Warmer.  Read  Lardner.  The  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,*  Second  of 
Peter,'  Second  and  Third  of  John,*  and  Jude^  were  not  generally  received  by 
the  Latin  church  as  canonical,  during  the  third  century.     Read  the  Bible. 

11.  Preached  from  Rom.  X :  20.     The  people  here  are   not  used  to  such 


'  Old    Mrs.    Bissell   was   the    mother   of  was  agreed  upon  the  canonical  authority  of 

Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  of  whom  we  have  just  this  Epistle." — Smithes  Bible  Dictionary. 
spoken.      Her    husband's    name    was    also  '  There  were  doubts   about  the  Second! 

Aaron,  but  he  had  been  dead  for  some  years.  Epistle   of   Peter   in   the  first  centuries.     It 

She  was  between  seventy  and  eighty  at  her  was  admitted  into  the  canon  at  the  Council 

death.     Her  name  before  marriage  was  Dor-  of  Hippo,  A.  D.  393. 
othy,  daughter  of  Samuel  Stoughton.  ^  The    early   Christian  fathers,   Eusebius 

'^  The  language  here  is  a  little  confusing.  and  Origen,  doubted  whether  the  Second  and 

He  means  that  in  funeral  services   here  no  Third  Epistles,  ascribed  to  John,  were  written 

remarks  are  made  at  the  grave.  by   him,   while    others    like    Dionysius   andi 

^  This  is   a  new  correspondent.     We  do  Alexander,  of  Alexandria,  accepted  them  as 

not    know   as    yet   to  whom    these    initials  from  the  pen  of  John.     By  the  fifth  century 

belong.  they  were  generally  received  as  canonical. 

■*  Clement  in  the  first  century  was  wont  to  ^  Although   the   canonicity  of    the   Epis- 

refer   to   this   Epistle  to  the  Hebrews  more  tie  of  Jude  was  early  questioned,  it  was  on 

frequently  than  to  any  other,  and  referred  to  peculiar  grounds.     There  was  not  any  doubt 

it  as  canonical.  of  its  being  the  genuine  work  of  its  reputed 

"  Such  doubts  were  confined  to  the  Latin  author,  but   whether  it   was   of  sacred   and 

Church  from  the  middle  of  the  second  to  the  divine   authority.     But  gradually  this   doubt 

close  of  the  fourth  century.     All  the  rest  of  was  removed,  and  the  Epistle  took  its  place 

orthodox   Christendom  from   the   beginning  among  the  sacred  writings. 


380  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1808. 

preaching,  but  they  are  quite  attentive  and  I  hope  it  may  do  good.     Afternoon 
quite  rainy. 

12.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  have 
visited  nearly  all  the  families  in  this  society. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  I  have  some  trouble  with  my  watch. 
Had  a  very  bad  time  crossing  the  ferry.'  Visited.  Our  government  appears 
determined  to  enforce  the  embargo  by  mere  dint  of  despotic  power.  I  hope 
their  rage  may  be  the  means  of  good.     Visited. 

14.  Very  cold.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  in  the 
academy^  from  Luke  v  :  17. 

15.  We  continue  to  hear  favorable  news  from  Spain.'  But  Bonaparte 
appears  to  be  making  his  greatest  exertions  to  subdue  them.  I  believe  our 
nation  suffers  more  than  if  we  were  in  a  state  of  war.  Read  Lardner. 
Extreme  cold, 

16.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  Marietta.  Walked  out 
and  visited  families. 

17.  Warm.  We  have  sudden  and  great  changes  of  weather.  Read  Lard- 
ner. It  is  painful  to  see  so  valuable  a  writer  so  unwilling  to  acknowledge  the 
divinity  of  the  Saviour.* 

18.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  He  is  quite  unwell  with 
his  old  complaints.  I  am  much  concerned  about  him.  Preached  from  i  Cor. 
ii :  4,  5  and  Matt,  vii :  26,  27.  On  the  latter  used  notes  which  I  wrote  last 
evening.  I  don't  know  that  I  have  ever  seen  the  congregation  here  so  much 
affected.     At  night  a  hard  rain. 

19.  Quite  warm.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  This  society  is  in 
a  critical  state,  but  the  best  people  take  more  encouragement  than  they  have 
done. 

20.  Visited.  Finished  the  third  volume  of  Lardner.^  Rode  to  Windsor 
and  returned.  Pretty  good  crossing.  The  most  of  last  week  the  ferry  was 
impassable.     Stayed  out.^ 

21.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.     I  hope  some  people  here  are  something 


*  There  was  no  bridge  then.  "*  As  before  stated,  Dr.  Nathaniel  Lardner 
^  This  academy  was  at  East  Windsor  was  brought  up  among  Presbj'terians,  and 
Hill,  about  two  miles  north  of  the  Congrega-  though  his  writings  tended  to  confirm  and 
tional  meeting-house.  establish  the  truth  of  Scripture,  yet  he,  with 
3  There  had  not  been  time  to  hear  on  this  some  of  his  associates,  on  the  question  of 
side  the  water,  of  the  important  events  which  Christ's  divinity,  became  Unitarian, 
had  transpired  in  Spain  during  this  very  ^  Different  editions  of  Lardner's  works 
month  of  December,  1808.  On  the  second  were  published  —  one  of  ten  volumes  and 
day  of  the  month  Madrid  was  taken  by  the  one  of  eleven  volumes,  while  there  were  still 
French,  and  Joseph  Bonaparte  restored  to  other  editions.  We  know  not  the  edition 
the  throne  from  which  he  had  been  forced  which  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  was  reading,  but  Dr. 
to  withdraw  July  29th  of  the  same  year.  On  Lardner  was  a  very  volumious  writer, 
the  fourth  of  December  Napoleon  entered  ^  We  understand  that  he  lodged  out  with 
Madrid,  and  on  Dec.  5  the  royal  family  of  some  family,  and  did  not  return  to  his  board- 
Spain  were  imprisoned  in  the  palace  of  ing-place.  This  was  often  his  practice  after- 
Chambery  in  Savoy.  wards  in  East  Windsor. 


l8o8.]  PREACHING   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  381 

thoughtful.      There    appears   reason   to   conclude   that   our   government    are 
designing  to  destroy  the  State  governments.' 

22.  On  the  night  of  the  19th  we  had  some  pretty  hard  thunder.  We  had 
some  today.  Read  Lardner.  A  little  snow.  Rainy.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

23.  Quite  warm  and  wet.  The  frost  nearly  out  of  the  ground.  At  evening 
preached  at  the  south  end  of  the  town  from  Matt,  xvi :  24.  Have  been  some- 
thing troubled  of  late  with  my  complaints  at  my  breast. 

24.  Read  Lardner.  At  evening  wrote  notes  for  preaching.  I  am  a  little 
fearful  of  being  too  negligent  in  preparing  for  preaching. 

25.  Very  cold.  Preached  from  i  Peter  i :  10.  Said  a  little  in  reference 
to  the  Christmas  Day.^  At  evening  visited  the  singing-school.^  For  their 
period  of  instruction  they  perform  very  well. 

26.  It  snowed  all  day.  We  have  had  none  of  any  consequence  before. 
Walked  out.  Dined  at  a  Christmas  dinner.  Read  in  Lardner  the  History 
and  the  Testi7no7iies  of  Eiisebius.''  I  believe  he  is  the  most  valuable  of  all  the 
ancient  fathers. 

27.  Sleighs  move  very  thick.  Visited  a  school  of  seventy  scholars.^  Very 
well  instructed.     At  evening  attended  a  small  conference. 

28.  Spent  a  part  of  the  day  in  Mr.  Hall's  school.*  Visited  a  school  of 
sixty-five  scholars.'  Appears  very  well.  Visited.  Read  newspapers.  Con- 
gress do  very  little  beside  make  speeches. 

29.  Read  Lardner.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  preached  for 
Mr.  Yates  from  Matt,  xxvi :  46.  Returned.  Rode  in  a  sleigh.  It  snowed  all 
day.  The  work  of  grace  seems  to  continue  at  East  Hartford.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother  N.  A  prospect  that  Mr.  Huntington,'  of  Litchfield, 
will  be  dismissed. 

30.  Read.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Luke  xxii :  19. 
Visited. 

31.  Very  fine  sleighing.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  My 
breast  something  sore.  It  is  now  almost  midnight.  The  God  of  the  night 
has  preserved  me  this  year.  I  have  received  innumerable  blessings  at  his 
hands.  It  has  been  a  prosperous  year.  I  have  preached  I  believe  twice 
every  Sabbath.  The  Lord  forgive  my  sins  and  ingratitude  and  make  me  to 
spend  the  remainder  of  my  days  in  humility  and  penitence.  Father,  glorify 
thy  name. 


'  The    general    tendency  of   Democratic  '  The  winter  singing-schools  in  the  old 

rule  in  this  country  has  been  supposed  to  be  country  parishes  were   institutions  in  which 

that  of  lodging  undue  power  in  the  States  —  the  young  people  delighted, 
the    promotion    of    the    doctrine    of     State  *  Eusebius  Pamphili,  A.  D.  270-340. 

Rights  —  while  Federal  rule  looked  rather  to  ^  This  was  one  of  the  public  schools, 

the  consolidation   of    power  in  the   central  *  This,  as  we    have    said,  was  a  select 

government.  school. 

^  It  was  something  for  a  Congregational  ^  Another  of  the  public  schools, 

minister  of  that  day  and  generation  even  to  *  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  who  was  settled 

notice  Christmas  Day.  in  Litchfield  in  1798. 


isoe. 

January. 

1.  Through  the  exceeding  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord  I  am  now  per- 
mitted to  begin  my  fourteenth  diary.'  Last  evening  finished  my  last  diary, 
and  at  midnight  wrote  some  reflections.  Preached  from  Jude  xxi  and  Luke 
xvi:  5.  Cold.  Administered  the  ordinance  of  the  supper.  Mr,  McClure 
declined  doing  it.^  Had,  I  believe,  the  fullest  meeting  there  has  been  since  I 
have  been  here.  A  good  many  people  in  from  Wapping.  At  evening  at- 
tended our  church  conference. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  The  schools  here  have  been 
much   neglected.     I    think    the    society  prospects   here    are    more  favorable. 

3.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  He  is  hopefully  recovering. 
Very  cold.  There  have  been  but  seven  deaths  in  this  place  the  last  year.^ 
At  evening  attended  a  conference  ;  very  full, 

4.  Finished  the  fourth  volume  of  Lardner.  Read  the  poem  Calvary.*' 
They  are  about  calling  a  society  meeting  here  with  reference  to  my  settling 
with  them.  Bonaparte's  wrath  appears  to  be  terrible.  He  seems  to  defy 
heaven  and  earth.^ 

5.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  in  a  sleigh  to  Hartford.  Crossed  the  river  on 
foot  on  the  ice.  It  is  the  first  day  that  the  ice  has  been  passed.*  Returned. 
At  evening  my  brother  J.  and  Mr.  Battell  came  and  tarried  with  me.  James 
gets  better  pretty  fast. 

6.  My  brothers  went  off.  Received  of  my  father  twenty  dollars.  (20.00.) 
Extreme  cold.  Read  the  Spanish  exposition  of  the  vile  machinations  of  Bona- 
parte,    Had  company. 

7.  Read  Calvary.  Prepared  this  Almanack.^  This  has  been  a  week  of 
excellent  sleighing.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     Read  the  Bible. 

8.  Preached  from  Matt,  vi :  10.     Meeting  very  full  and  attentive.     Very 


'  The   fourteenth  year   of  the   diary.     It  ard  Cumberland,  of  England.     He  was  born 

was  begun  January  i,  1796.  at   Cambridge,  England,   in    1732,   and  was 

^  Dr.  McClure  was  the  real  pastor  of  the  educated  at  the  Cambridge  University.     He 

church,   while    Rev.  Mr.  Robbins   was  only  wrote  much,  and  some  of  his  writings  are  not 

supplying  the  pulpit  with  some  prospect  of  without  merit.     But  his  epic  poem,  like  most 

being  settled  as  colleague  with  Dr.  McClure.  epic  poems,  was  a  great  failure.     He  died  in 

But   Dr.   McClure,   as   already   said,  was  in  181 1. 
failing  health,  and  his  voice  was  very  weak.  ^  Since  the  last  entry,  touching  Napoleon 

^  This  is  certainly  a  remarkable  record,  if  Bonaparte,  the  December  news  has  arrived 

there  were,  as   has   before  been  stated,  one  from  Spain. 

hundred  and  seventy  families  in  the  parish.  *  The  Connecticut  River  at  Hartford  usu 

The  deaths,  in  that  case,  were  less  than  one  ally  closes  some  weeks  earlier  than  this, 
per  cent,  "  Inserted  the  blank  leaves  for  the  diary 

*  This  was  an  epic  poem  written  by  Rich-  as  he  did  each  year  in  January, 

383 


384  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

cold.     Am    a   little    troubled   with   weakness   of    the    stomach.     At   evening 
walked  out. 

9.     Read.     Rode  out  and  visited.     There  has  been  a  few  families  of  Bap- 
tists here  for  a  number  of  years.     They  have  no  meeting  nearer  than  Hartford. 

10.  Rode  in  a  sleigh  to  Windsor  and  back.  Crossed  the  river  on  the  ice. 
I  hope  that  all  my  trials  may  make  me  humble,  and  that  God  will  ever  dispose 
of  me  according  to  his  holy  wisdom  and  mercy.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    People  appear  much  disposed  to  hear. 

11.  Read  Lardner.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  Good  sleighing. 
Bought  the  Echo}  Paid  a  tailor  and  shoemaker,  $6.80.  Congress  act  like 
tyrants. 

12.  Read  Lardner.  Visited  a  school,  about  forty  scholars,  tolerably  well 
instructed.  The  society  had  a  meeting,  and  gave  me  a  call  to  settle  with 
them.  Eleven  voted  in  opposition.  They  profess  no  opposition  to  me,  but 
that  they  think  it  is  not  best  at  the  present  time  to  settle  any  one.  I  believe 
it  is  the  consequence  of  their  old  divisions.  It  is  thought  that  if  the  question 
was  to  hire  me  for  a  year,  the  vote  would  be  unanimous.  They  voted  five 
hundred  dollars  salary  during  my  continuance  in  the  ministerial  service.  I 
suppose  it  would  have  been  more  had  it  not  been  for  the  embarrassments  of 
the  times.     The  committee  called  on  me.     I  hope  for  divine  direction. 

13.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Extreme  cold.  The  thermometer  at  twenty 
below  zero.^  Had  considerable  conversation  with  a  man  who  is  a  professed 
Universalist. 

14.  Several  persons  here  of  small  property  have  given  in  certificates.^ 
Read  the   Bible.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

15.  It  snowed  all  day,  and  I  believe  the  coldest  storm  I  ever  knew.  Few 
people  at  meeting.     The  storm  very  severe.     Preached  from  2  Cor.  x :  4. 

16.  Very  cold,  and  but  little  stirring.  The  snow  fell  about  a  foot  deep. 
Read  the  Echo.  Had  company.  The  country  appears  to  be  considerably 
alarmed  about  public  transactions. 

17.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  people  appear  to  be  considerably  anxious 
about  my  staying  with  them.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

18.  Extreme  cold.  I  believe  the  severest  we  have  had.  Read  Lardner. 
At  evening  walked  out  and  visited.  All  the  people  appear  to  wish  me  to 
consider  them  individually  my  friends. 

19.  It  rained  considerably,  but  not  sufficiently  to  thaw  through  the  snow. 
Read  very  steadily.     A  great  drought  of  news  from  Europe. 

20.  Warmer.  Rode  over  the  river  in  a  sleigh  and  returned.  Good  cross- 
ing.    The  snow  I  believe  more  than  a  foot  deep. 

21.  Finished  the  fifth  volume  of  Lardner,  which  concludes  the  credibility. 


'  The  Echo  and   Other  Poems   was    the  twenty  degrees  below  zero  in  the  river  towns 

title  of  a  little   volume   published   in  New  of  Connecticut. 
York,  8vo,    1807.  ^  That  is,  signed  off  from  paying  taxes  for 

^  It  does  not  probably  happen  as  often  as  the  use  of  the  Congregational  society, 
once  in  ten  years,  that  the  thermometer  goes  "*  Credibility  of  the  Gospel  History.     This 


1809.]  PREACHING   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  385 

I  think  the  most  valuable  literary  work  I  have  ever  read.     My  breast  complains 
some.     It  does  not  admit  of  my  studying  so  closely  as  I  could  wish.     Wrote. 

22.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Preached  from  i  Kings  xxii :  28. 
Have  something  of  my  old  stomachic  affections.  People  appear  to  love  to 
attend  meeting.     At  evening  walked  out. 

23.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  The  misfortunes  of  the  people  here 
make  some  of  them  very  jealous  of  ministers.'  The  better  part  of  them  are  in 
difficulty  to  know  what  to  do. 

24.  Very  cold.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  a  lecture  from  Isa.  v:  3. 
The  snow  pretty  deep,  and  a  very  bad  crust  on  it.  The  people  at  Wapping 
show  the  want  of  gospel  privileges.  The  best  people  here  are  very  anxious  to 
have  me  stay  with  them. 

25.  Read.  Had  company.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  returned.  Very  good 
crossing.  Visited.  The  people  at  Windsor  are  dull  with  regard  to  divine 
things. 

26.  Read  Lardner.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  Extreme  cold.  At 
evening  performed  a  marriage.  Poor  people  in  this  quarter  suffer  considerably 
for  the  want  of  wood.^     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 

27.  Read.  Am  considerably  taken  up  in  instructing  the  children  in  the 
house.     Afternoon  rode  to  Scantic  and  made  a  visit. 

28.  Read  Lardner.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  F.^  at  Westfield. 
I  believe  for  several  winters  we  have  not  had  such  a  turn  of  steady  cold 
weather  and  good  sleighing.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

29.  Preached  from  Ps.  xcvii :  i.  Had  a  full  and  attentive  meeting.  At 
evening  attended  church  conference.  At  evening  my  niece  Eliza*  came  here 
from  home. 

30.  A  very  severe  snow-storm  all  day.  At  evening  rode  out  and  performed 
a  marriage.     The  snow  quite  deep. 

31.  Worked  shoveling  paths.  My  niece  Eliza  went  off.  Towards  evening 
set  out  in  a  sleigh  for  home.  The  path  very  poor.  Extreme  cold.  Rode  to 
Simsbury.     The  snow  very  deep  here. 

On  the  30th  received  of  this  society  thirty  dollars. 


work  originally  appeared  from  1730  to  1757,  there  was  a  long  contest  on   certain  points 

in   fifteen   smaller  volumes.     In   the  edition  between    Mr.  Edwards  and   his  people,  and 

which  Rev.  Mr.  Robbing  read,  it  made  five  matters  had  not  gone  smoothly  in  connection 

volumes  in  the  ten  or  eleven  volumes  com-  with  Dr.  McClure. 

prising  his  works  at  large.  "  They  had  no  large   stock   laid  up,  and 

'  This  remark   has   special   reference   to  the  deep  snow  and  crust  made  it  hard  to  go 

difficulties    connected    with    ministers    pre-  into  the  forests  after  it. 

viously  settled.      Though    it  was  now  one  ^  Francis  Le  Baron,  teaching  at  Westfield, 

hundred  and  fifteen  years  since  the  regular  where  he  remained  for  some  years, 

preaching  of  the  gospel  on  the  east  side  of  *  His   niece   Eliza   was   Eliza   Lawrence, 

the  river  in  Windsor  began,  they  had,  as  yet,  daughter  of   Elizabeth  (Robbins)  Lawrence, 

had  but  three  ministers.     Rev.  Timothy  Ed-  She  was  afterwards  twice  married.     Her  first 

wards  was  there  from  1694  to  1758,  Rev.  Jo-  husband   was    Henry  Olmsted,  and  her  sec- 

seph  Perry  from  175s  to  1783,  and  Dr.  David  ond.   Dr.  Timothy  J.  Gridley,  of   Amherst, 

McClure   had  been  there   from    17S6.     But  Mass. 


386  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSofJ. 

Fbbruary. 

1.  Rode  early.  The  morning  very  frosty.  Rode  to  Winchester.'  At- 
tended the  ordination  of  Mr.  Marsh.''  There  was  a  great  collection  of  people. 
The  people  here  are  well  united,  and  appear  very  happy  in  their  prospects.  I 
feel  rejoiced  for  them.  I  think  Divine  Providence  has  provided  the  right  man 
for  them.^     Rode  home  with  my  father.     My  mother  is  quite  feeble. 

2.  I  think  the  snow  is  deeper  here  than  at  Windsor.  My  parents  appear 
inclined  to  have  me  comply  with  my  call.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Great 
quantities  of  rye  have  been  brought  from  New  York  State  into  this  State.  My 
father's  salaries  are  very  much  in  arrears. 

3.  Set  out  on  my  return.  The  snow  is  so  deep  that  it  is  very  bad  passing 
sleighs.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  people  here  have  given  Mr.  McLean*  a 
call. 

4.  Extreme  cold.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  At  evening  rode  to  Windsor 
to  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.     The  bye  roads  are  very  much  filled. 

5.  A  very  severe  snow-storm  all  day.  Very  few  at  meeting.  Preached 
from  I  Kings  xxii :  28.  At  evening  returned  with  difficulty.  Tarried  at 
Capt.  Bissell's.^  The  people  here  manifest  much  anxiety  about  my  continuing 
with  them. 

6.  But  little  stirring.  Read  Foster's  Essays.^  Am  considerably  taken  up 
with  the  instructing  in  the  family. 

7.  Read.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  to  attend  the  association.^  The  asso- 
ciation quite  thin.^  At  evening  preached  from  Isa.  xxviii:  17.  There  is  a 
pretty  great  religious  revival  in  this  place. 

8.  Very  severe  weather.  Afternoon  returned.  The  snow  is  thought  to 
be  three  feet  deep,  and  remarkably  solid.  I  think  I  never  saw  so  great  a 
weight  upon  the  ground.  The  members  of  Congress  get  very  warm  in  de- 
bates.    The  majority'  appear  to  be  very  much  chagrined. 

9.  Excessive  cold.  Mr.  Prudden,"  of  Enfield,  called  and  dined  with  me. 
Began  to  write  a  dialogue  for  my  brother's  pupils  at  Westfield." 

10.     My  eyes  are  pretty  weak.     Read  Lardner.     Am  in  considerable  diffi- 


'  From  Simsbury  to  Winchester  about  '  Tiie  Hartford  North  Association,  hold- 
fifteen   miles.  ing   its   meeting   with   Dr.  Nathan   Perkins, 

*  Rev.  Frederick  Marsh,  one  of  the  four  then  in  the  thirty-seventh  year  of  his  ministry 
young  men,  already  spoken  of,  who  were  at  West  Hartford,  and  destined  to  remain 
licensed  by  the  Litchfield  North  Association,  there  twenty-eight  years  more,  making  in  all 
Sept.  30,  1S06,  at  its  meeting  at  Salisbury.  a  ministry  of  more  than  seventy-five  years. 

^  Rev.    Mr.    Robbins,  it   will   be   remem-  ^  Because  of  the  bad  traveling,  it  may  be 

bered,  preached  here  for  some  time,  and  was  supposed, 

asked  to  settle,  but  declined.  '  The  Democratic  majority. 

*  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  a  native  of  Vernon,  '°  Rev.  Nehemiah  Prudden,  a  native  of 
Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1S05.  Milford,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1775,  was 

5  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  East  Windsor  Hill.  pastor  at  Enfield  from  17S2  to  his  death  in 

*>  Essays,   by   Rev.   John    Foster,   Baptist  181 5. 

minister  at  Frome,  Somersetshire,  England.  "  His  youngest  brother,  Francis  Le  Baron, 

He  was  born  in  1770,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  was,  it  will  be  remembered,  teaching  a  school 

was  reading  his  celebrated  essays  very  soon  at  Westfield,  Mass.,  the  Westfield  Academy, 

after  they  first  appeared.  which  was  incorporated  in  1793. 


1809.]  PREACHING   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  387 

culty  to  determine  what  to  do  with  my  call  here.     The  terms  are  inadequate/ 
other  circumstances  are  agreeable. 

11.  Read.  Had  some  addition  last  night  to  our  body  of  snow.  Afternoon 
attended  a  funeral  of  an  infant.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     Read  the  Bible. 

12.  The  coldest  day  we  have  had.  Preached  from  Hos.  xii :  2.  People 
here  attend  meeting  pretty  well  in  unfavorable  weather.  At  evening  attended 
the  church  conference.  I  think  these  conferences  appear  to  be  profitable  to 
the  members. 

13.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  The  weather  much  moderated.  I  have 
hope  there  have  been  some  instances  of  a  work  of  grace  since  I  have  been 
here.     The  spotted  fever  prevails  alarmingly  in  neighboring  places. 

14.  Wrote  an  address  to  the  society.  I  hesitate  about  accepting  their  call 
only  on  account  of  their  terms.  It  snowed  all  day.  The  thermometer  in  this 
town,  on  the  12th  at  sunrise,  was  at  eighteen  below  zero.  On  the  19th  at 
seventeen  below.^ 

15.  Our  public  men  are  in  a  great  perplexity.  Corruption  appears  from 
every  quarter.     Rode  out.     Difficult  passing  sleighs. 

16.  Read  Lardner.  The  society  had  a  meeting  and  did  nothing.  A  great 
degree  of  apathy  seems  to  possess  them.  I  know  not  what  to  do.  If  I  leave 
them  their  prospects  will  apparently  be  very  deplorable. 

17.  Read  Lardner.  He  appears  not  to  have  ideas  similar  to  ours  of 
regeneration.  Wrote  on  a  dialogue  for  my  brother  Frank's  school.^  My  eyes 
considerably  weak. 

18.  Wrote.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  It  rained  some  and  thawed  all 
day.     The  first  thaw  of  any  consequence  we  have  had  since  Christmas. 

19.  Cold  and  very  blustering.  The  going  exceeding  bad.  In  the  fore- 
noon had  no  meeting.  Afternoon  preached  from  2  Tim.  iii :  9.  Read  the 
Bible.     Read  the  Echo.*' 

20.  Wrote  on  my  dialogue.  Walked  out  and  visited.  An  elm  shade  tree 
was  cut  down  near  here  with  only  sixty  grains,^  nearly  three  and  one  half  feet 
in  diameter. 

21.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  dialogue.  I  think  it  is  not  so  good  as  I 
have  written.  The  church  had  a  meeting,  and  gave  me  a  call  to  be  their 
pastor  unanimously.  I  feel  in  real  difficulty.  I  hope  for  the  holy  guidance  of 
heaven. 


'  The    salary   offered,   as   appears    by   a  was  late  in  setting  in,  but  remarkably  ener- 

previous    entry,   was    five   hundred   dollars.  getic  after  it  started. 

This  was  a  good  salary  for  a  New  England  ^  His  brother  does  not  seem  to  have  the 

country  parish  in   that   day.     The  salary  of  same  aptitude  with  himself  for  writing  dia- 

Rev.   Mr.    Bartlett,  in   the   north   parish   of  logues. 

East  Windsor,  was  not  more  than  four  hun-  *  The    Echo    and    Other    Poems,    before 

dred   and   fifty  dollars   a  year  at  that  time.  mentioned. 

But  Mr.  Bartlett  had  a  settlement,  as  it  was  *  We    understand   him   to  mean  the  suc- 

called,  at  the  beginning  of  his  ministry.  cessive   layers   showing   yearly  growths ;   in 

^  He  has  before  reported  the  thermometer  other  words,  that  the  tree  had  obtained  this 

at  twenty  degrees  below  zero.     That  winter  large  size  in  sixty  years. 


388  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

2  2.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  think  the  people  here  do  not  intend 
to  do  any  more  for  me  at  present.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank. 

23.  The  Federal  votes  for  President  are  only  forty-seven.'  The  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State  met  today  at  Hartford  for  an  extra  session,  on  account  of 
the  extraordinary  situation  of  the  country.     Read  Lardner. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  many  respectable  acquaintances.  At  evening 
the  society  committee  came  to  see  me.  They  encourage  me  that  I  shall  be 
provided  with  my  wood,  and  in  a  favorable  change  of  time  the  salary  shall  be 
raised.     On  these  conditions  I  don't  know  but  I  ought  to  accept  of  their  call. 

25.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  The  sleighing  still  re- 
mains very  good.     Read  the  Bible. 

26.  Preached  from  Acts  xviii :  lo.  Had  a  full  and  attentive  meeting. 
Had  an  addition  of  about  forty  new  singers.^  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

27.  Walked  out.  Read  Lardner.  Attended  a  church  meeting.  A  member 
was  excommunicated.  At  night  my  brother  N.  and  Mr.  McKean,  from  Nor- 
folk, came  here  and  tarried.  They  appear  to  be  much  pleased  with  this 
place. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  In  the  forenoon  sat  in  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives. Had  a  seat  near  the  speaker.  The  speakers  hardly  equaled  my 
expectation.  A  great  number  of  spectators.  The  resolutions  before  the 
House  are  in  direct  opposition  to  the  United  States  laws,  and  excite  great 
solicitude.^  Bought  cloth  for  a  cloak,  four  yards  for  $23:00.''  Bought  books  at 
a  great  discount,  to  the  amount  of  nine  dollars.     It  thaws  considerably. 

March. 

1.  Finished  the  sixth  volume  of  Lardner.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  returned. 
Crossed  on  the  ice,  though  it  was  mostly  covered  with  water.  It  thaws  very 
much.  Bad  riding.  It  is  said  that  seven  persons  died,  yesterday  and  last 
night,  at  Hartford  of  the  spotted  fever.  We  have  much  more  favorable  news 
from  Spain,*  and  yet  hope  that  it  may  please  God  to  appear  for  their 
deliverance. 

2.  Wrote  an  affirmative  answer  to  the  call  of  the  society,  and  sent  it  to 
the  meeting.     The  meeting  voted  to  accept  it,  and  adjourned.     The  church 


'  In  the  electoral  college  in  1809,  James  ^  Matters  were  getting  in  readiness  for  the 

Madison,    Republican  (or  Democratic)    can-  Hartford  Convention,  which  met  a  few  years 

didate,  received  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  later. 

votes,  George  Clinton,  Republican,  six  votes,  ■*  Nice   cloths  were   far  more  costly  then 

and  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  Federalist,  than  now.     But  Mr.  Robbins  was  particularly 

fortv-seven ;  in  all  one  hundred  and  seventy-  choice  in  all  his  dress  purchases, 
five.  *  I'l    looking    back    into   the    history   of 

^  These   new  singers  came  in,  doubtless,  Spain,  during  those  passing  months  of  1809, 

from  the  singing-school  which  had  been   in  we  do  not  find  much  of  an  encouraging  na- 

progress  during  the  fall  and  winter.     These  ture.     Some  years    later,    when   Wellington 

singing-schools,  which  were  paid  for  by  the  made  his  peninsula  campaign  at  the  head  of 

parishes,  were  kept  especially  for  the  replen-  the  British  army,  things  took  on  a  different 

ishing  of  the  church  choirs.  aspect. 


iSoQ.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  389 

unanimously  renewed  their  call.'     Read  Lardner.     There  appear  to  be  a  few 
people  here  who  wish  for  no  minister. 

3.  It  thaws  considerably.  Read  Foster's  Essays.  They  are  very  valu- 
able. Walked  out  and  visited.  The  Assembly  have  closed  their  extra 
session."     Received   the   proclamation   for   the    Fast. 

4.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Rainy.  We 
have  now  completed  twenty  years  of  our  Federal  government.  It  has  been  on 
the  whole  very  prosperous,  though  for  the  last  eight  years  it  has  been  adminis- 
tered without  talents  or  virtue.^ 

5.  Preached  from  i  Pet,  iv :  7.  Afternoon  addressed  the  youth.  They 
appeared  afifected  and  solemn,  but  I  fear  there  is  less  of  real  impression  here 
than  there  was  last  fall. 

6.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited.  I  think  the  people  here  man- 
ifest as  much  respect  and  esteem  for  me  as  I  could  reasonably  expect.  The 
epidemic  continues  very  prevalent  in  Hartford.     It  snowed  some. 

7.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  Lardner.  We  have  had  several  imper- 
fect accounts  of  a  late  great  battle  in  Spain,  with  the  defeat  of  the  French.  I 
feel  anxious,  and  hope  it  is  true.  Our  help  against  the  tyrant  must  be  from 
God  alone. 

8.  My  breast  quite  weak.  Read  Lardner.  At  evening  walked  out.  A 
man  in  the  neighborhood  much  afiflicted  with  the  gout. 

9.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Got  my  new  cloak.  The  cloth 
cost  $23.00,  and  the  making  and  other  things  $6.00,  making  $29.00.  Pretty 
good  sleighing.  Good  crossing.  Read  President  Madison's  inaugural  speech. 
It  is  a  tolerable  good  one.*  Congress  have  passed  a  law  to  raise  the  embargo, 
and  interdict  trade  with  Great  Britain  and  France.  The  last  session  has  been 
the  most  contradictory,  absurd,  and  contemptible  that  our  country  has  ever 
seen.     Quite  cool. 

10.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner.  Am  unfortunately  taken  up  in  instruction  in 
the  family.     Had  company. 

11.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  My  missionary  Bible  begins  in  some 
measure    to   fail'     Walked   out.     Mrs.    McClure^   quite   unwell.     Read. 

12.  Preached  from  Luke  iv :  27  and  Heb.  xii :  24.  The  last  a  very 
valuable  subject.  A  full  meeting.  Much  worried.  At  evening  had  a  full 
conference. 


*  Congregational  usage  requires  that  the  ^  He  means  that  the  Bible  he  used  in  his 
call  must  come  separately  both  from  the  three  years'  missionary  tour  on  the  Connecti- 
church,  and  from  the  society  or  parish.  cut  Reserve,  begins  to  show  signs  of  wearing 

^  The  Connecticut  Assembly.  out. 

^  That  is  a  very  sweeping  accusation,  es-  ^  Mrs.  Hannah  McClure,  wife  of  Rev. 
pecially  when  we  consider  that  so  large  a  David  McClure,  D.  D.,  was  the  young- 
part  of  the  whole  American  people  have  est  daughter  of  Rev.  Benjamin  Pomeroy, 
come  to  approve  the  measures  of  that  same  D.  D.,  of  Hebron,  Ct.  Her  mother,  Mrs. 
government.  Pomeroy,  was  Abigail    Wheelock,  sister  of 

*  It  is  pleasant  to  have  even  a  mild  ap-  Dr.  Eleazar  Wheelock,  President  of  Dart- 
probation  of  the  new  President.  mouth  College. 


39©  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

13.  Quite  cold.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  I  think  my  visits  here 
have  done  good.  I  think  they  are  the  means  of  bringing  the  people  to 
meeting. 

14.  Finished  the  seventh  volume  of  Lardner.  His  heathen  testimonies 
are  exceeding  valuable.     Very  cold.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

15.  Read  Foster's  £ssa}'s.  I  think  thousands  of  poor  Frenchmen  have 
found  their  graves  in  Spain.  The  news  is  still  doubtful,  though  encouraging. 
The  decisive  conduct  of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  has  evidently  had  a 
great  and  salutary  influence  on  the  late  measures  of  the  government. 

16.  Wrote  my  answer  to  the  church,  and  delivered  it  to  them.  They  and 
the  society  appointed  committees  for  installation.  I  hope  the  God  of  all 
mercy  may  assist  and  direct  us.  Mr.  McClure  appears  to  feel  disagree- 
ably.' Yesterday  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  back,  and  visited.  It  was  very 
stormy. 

17.  Read  Goldsmith's  J?ome.^  Wrote.  The  snow  thaws  considerably. 
Rode  out.  Many  people  feel  anxious  about  the  issue  of  the  society  matters 
here. 

18.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Read  Goldsmith's  Rome.  Towards  even- 
ing rode  to  East  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates.  Bad  riding.  A  great 
deal  of  water  in  the  roads. 

19.  Mr.  Yates  went  to  East  Windsor.  Rainy.  People  came  to  meeting  in 
sleighs,  which  is  the  thirteenth  Sabbath  that  they  have  done  this  in  succession. 
Perhaps  so  long  a  turn  of  good  sleighing  is  not  remembered.^  Thin  meeting. 
Preached  from  Num.  x:  29  and  Heb.  xii :  24.  Returned.  At  evening  the 
committees  of  the  church  and  society  called  on  me.  They  propose  to  have 
my  installation  on  the  third  of  May.  They  appear  sufficiently  engaged. 
Received    a   letter  from    brother    Frank. 

20.  With  Mr.  McClure  made  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  churches.* 
Rode  out  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant.  Pleasant  spring 
weather.  The  snow  thaws  pretty  fast,  though  I  think  I  never  saw  any  appear 
to  go  with  such  reluctance.     Wrote  to  my  parents. 

21.  Wrote.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  Heb.  iii :  i.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     Very  bad  going.     My  breast  weaker  than  it  has  been  for  some  time. 

22.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Prudden,*  of  Enfield,  and  to  my  brother  Frank.     Rode 


'  There  seems   to   have  been   something  heart.      His   History    of  Rome  was  written 

not  altogether  agreeable  between  Rev.  Mr.  about  1760. 

Robbins  and  Dr.  McClure,  from  the  moment  ^  It  is  not  many  winters  since  that  there 

that  Mr.  Robbins  commenced  his  labors  there.  were  sixteen  weeks  of  continual  sleighing  in 

^  Qo\A%xvi\i\^%  History  of  Rome  \iQ\x\d.  wot  the   northern   parts    of    Massachusetts,    but 

be  regarded  as  one  of  the  works  illustrating  doubtless  it  is  a  very  rare  circumstance   to 

his  peculiar  genius  as  a  writer.     It  was  rather  have    even    thirteen    continuous    weeks    of 

one  of  those  perfunctory  works,  executed  to  sleighing  in  the    vicinity  of    Hartford,   Ct. 

earn   some  money.     His   Vicar  of  Wakefield,  *  It  is  pleasant   to   notice   that  Dr.  Mc- 

his  Deserted   Village,  his   Animated  Nature,  Clure   counseled   and   assisted   in  making  a 

and  his  History  of  England,  bore  more  dis-  draft  for  a  letter  missive,  calling  the  council, 

tinctly  the  impress  of  his  rare  intellect  and  ^  Rgy,  Nehemiah  Prudden. 


1809.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  3gi 

out.     The  ice  in  the  river  against  us  here  went  out,  though  it  remains  above, 
1  think  the  society  matters  here  grow  more  quiet. 

23.  Yesterday  received  of  this  society  sixteen  dollars.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  back.  Crossed  in  a  boat.'  At  evening  assisted  the  committees  of  the 
church  and  society  in  signing  the  letters  missive  for  my  installation.  They 
are  elegantly  executed.  Very  bad  riding.  Paid  a  merchant  $11.00  for  part 
of  my  cloak. 

24.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Heb.  iii  :  i.  President  Madison  has  made 
eight  important  appointments,  of  which  but  one  is  this  side  of  the  Susque- 
hannah.     Walked  out. 

25.  It  is  now  three  months  since  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow.  It 
has  been  perfectly  covered  ever  since,  excepting  that  in  the  course  of  this 
week  perhaps  a  quarter  of  it  has  become  visible.  It  has  been  good  sleighing 
without  interruption  the  whole  time.  Quite  cold.  Last  night  it  froze  quite 
hard.  There  is  very  little  deep  frost  in  the  ground.^  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote 
to  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,     Finished  reading  Foster's  Essays.     A  valuable  work. 

26.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  Luke  xiii :  24.  Afternoon 
with  a  written  sermon  from  Heb.  iii:  i.  My  breast  very  feeble.  At  evening 
attended  the  church  conference.  No  sleighs  at  meeting.  Some  people  here 
pretend  to  wish  me  to  preach  with  notes. 

27.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote,  Began  to 
write  a  sermon  on  Dan.  iv :  27, 

28.  Severe  winter  weather.  Afternoon  went  to  Windsor  and  returned. 
Crossed  the  river  on  foot  on  the  ice.^  It  is  very  thick  and  sound.  Wrote, 
The    papers  are  full  of  doubtful   and  contradictory  rumors  from   Spain. 

29.  Wrote  on  my  sermons  all  day.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  S., 
and  one  from  Col,  White,  of  Danbury,     Walked  out. 

30.  Finished  my  sermons  for  the  Fast.  Wrote  to  Col.  White,  Danbur^^ 
Mrs.  McClure  very  sick.  My  breast  quite  weak.  I  think  I  find  benefit  by 
standing  to  write. 

31.  This  day  is  the  Fast  in  this  State.  Preached  from  Dan.  iv :  27, 
Afternoon  my  sermon  was  wholly  unwritten,*  It  cost  me  considerable  labor. 
.Full  meeting.  Much  worried.  The  ground  is  still  considerably  covered  with 
snow.     For  near  a  fortnight  it  has  been  very  cold  for  the  season. 

April. 

I.     Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.     Quite  warm  and  the  snow  goes  very  fast. 
We  have  had  very  little  rain  for  the  month  past.     The  ground  is  dry  for  the 


*  It  is  now  the  23d  of  March,  and  the  ice  ground  when  this  snow  first  began  to  fall,  is 

has  just  gone  from  that  part  of  the  river  run-  all  eaten  out  by  the  internal  w^armth  of  the 

ning   by    Windsor    and    Hartford,   and    the  earth. 

towns  below,  while  it  yet  remains  fast  in  the  ^  The  ice  had  formed  again, 

regions  above.  ■*  He   preached   two   regular  sermons   on 

2  Such  a  deep  and  compact  mass  of  snow  Fast  day,  as  on  the  Sabbath,  It  may  be  no- 
acts  like  a  warm  blanket  covering  the  ground,  ticed  that  so  long  ago  as  1809,  the  State  Fast 
and  whatever  frost   may  have  been   in  the  in  Connecticut  was  on  Good  Friday. 


392 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[1809. 


season.  It  seems  that  the  English  have  taken  the  island  of  Martinique,'  after 
an  obstinate  siege.  It  is  probable  that  there  has  been  very  severe  fighting  in 
Spain,  and  accounts  still  favor  the  patriots  and  British.  May  the  God 
of  heaven  be  their  protector.  There  is  very  severe  electioneering  in 
Massachusetts.^ 

2.  Preached  from  Rom.  viii :  29  and  Esther  iv  :  16.  Spoke  pretty  feebly. 
At  evening  had  company.  The  Democrats  in  the  State  are  making  a  violent 
struggle  to  regain  their  measure  of  lost  influence. 

3.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  The  road  generally  dry  till  I  got  to  New  Hartford. 
Snow  to  be  seen  all  the  way.  Here  there  is  yet  considerable.  My  parents 
pretty  smart. 

4.  Very  bad  going.  There  has  been  a  little  of  the  spotted  fever  here 
lately.  My  Aunt  Starr  quite  feeble.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  James  appears 
to  be  doing  pretty  well  at  college.^  Cousin  Sam  P.*  is  very  useful  at  Marietta, 
and  the  vicinity. 

5.  Wrote.  My  library  has  got  considerably  damaged.  My  brother  N.  is 
considerably  successful  in  the  business  of  Spanish  sheep.* 

6.  Last  evening  wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  His  wife  is  very  unwell. 
Read  newspapers.     Quite  rainy,  and  very  muddy  going. 

7.  Set  out  for  East  Windsor.  The  snow  appears  in  spots,  but  mostly 
gone.     Rode  to   Simsbur}\     This  society  in   a  bad  situation. 

8.  Received  of  this  society  thirty  dollars.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  The 
waters  very  high.  Had  to  ferry  in  the  meadows.*  Much  fatigued  with  my 
journey.  My  breast  quite  feeble.  I  believe  it  is  a  species  of  rheumatism. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  Yesterday  received  from  my 
cousin  Sam.  P.  a  copy  of  the  constitution  of  the   INIuskingum  Association.^ 

9.  Preached  my  written  sermon  on  the  Doctrine  of  the  Resurrection  from 
Acts  xxvi :  8.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 


'  One  of  the  West  India  Islands,  taken 
possession  of  and  settled  by  the  French  in 
1635.  It  was  taken  from  the  French  by  the 
British  in  1762,  and  restored  the  following 
year  when  peace  was  concluded  between  the 
two  nations.  It  was  taken  again  by  the  Eng- 
lish in  1794,  and  restored  at  the  peace  of 
Amiens  h\  1802.  It  was  taken  the  third 
time,  as  indicated  by  the  diary,  Feb.  23,  1S09, 
and  restored  in  18 15. 

^  In  December,  1S08,  James  Sullivan,  Gov- 
ernor of  Massachusetts,  died.  In  1809,  Chris- 
topher Gore,  LL.  D.,  who  had  been  Governor 
of  Massachusetts  under  the  Constitution  in 
1780,  was  again  elected  to  this  office  and  held 
it  only  a  single  year.  He  was  a  man  largely 
employed  in  the  public  service,  State  and 
national,  at  home  and  abroad. 

^  His  brother,  James  ^Yatson,  had  been 
tutor   at   Williams   College,    1S04-1S06,  and 


then  left  with  the  view  of  preparing  for  the 
ministry,  and  following  that  profession.  But 
his  health  had  been  poor,  and  his  voice 
feeble,  and  in  1809  he  was  again  elected 
tutor  at  Williams. 

*  Rev.  Samuel  Prince  Robbins,  whose  or- 
dination sermon  he  preached  at  Marietta, 
Ohio,    in    1S06. 

5  Norfolk,  Ct.,  is  one  of  the  towns,  where, 
for  a  hundred  years,  considerable  interest 
has  been  taken  in  bringing  in  from  the  old 
world  improved  breeds  of  horses,  cattle  and 
sheep,  and  this  interest  has  been  due  in  no 
small  degree  to  the  first  minister  of  the 
town,  Rev.  A.  R.  Robbins,  and  his  descend- 
ants. 

^  The  waters  were  so  high  that  they  had 
overflowed  the  meadow  lands. 

'  So  named  from  the  Muskingum  River, 
which  empties  into  the  Ohio  at  Marietta. 


[809.] 


PREACHING    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


393 


10.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  Freeman's  Meeting.'  The  votes  here  for 
Governor  were,  Federalist  two  hundred  and  thirteen,  Democratic  nmety-two.^ 
More  of  the  latter  than  have  ever  been  here  before.  At  evening  performed  a 
marriage. 

11.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner.  The  accounts  from  Freemen's  Meetings  in 
neighboring  places  are  quite  favorable.  Some  persons  in  this  society  are 
trying  to  make  trouble.  My  hope  is  in  that  God  who  has  always  helped 
me. 

12.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Lardner.  The  English  and  French  armies  in 
Spain  have  had  a  severe  battle,  and  the  honor  of  victory  is  with  the  former.^ 
I  am  very  fearful,  though  not  hopeless,  that  God  will  permit  Spain  to  be 
subdued. 

13.  Rode  to  Enfield'*  and  returned.  Very  bad  riding.  The  waters  rise 
about  three  inches  an  hour.  Very  cold  and  wet.  Read.  On  the  nth  wrote 
to  my  brother  James.     On  the  8th  people  began  a  little  to  plow. 

14.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  The  waters  cover  the  most  of  the 
meadows,  and  make  a  fine  appearance.  The  want  of  religious  family  instruc- 
tion is  very  visible  here. 

15.  Read.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Some  people  here  considerably 
affected  with   an   influenza. 

16.  The  season  is  quite  cold  and  backward.  Grass  has  started  but  very 
little.  Preached  from  Heb.  vi  :  4,  5,  6.  I  find  myself  in  some  difficulty  with 
that  passage,*  though  I  am  satisfied  that  the  Christian  character  is  there 
described.  Episcopacy*  is  making  some  exertions  in  this  quarter.  Had 
company. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  to  Windsor.  Had  to  ferry  across  the  meadows. 
Wrote  to  my  father.     Warm  spring  weather.     Tarried  at  Mrs.  Ellsworth's.' 


*  In  Connecticut  the  April  town-meeting 
was  called  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  It  should 
be  Freefneu,  rather  than  Free;«««. 

^  What  was  then  East  Windsor  is  now 
divided  into  East  Windsor  and  South  Wind- 
sor. In  the  Presidential  election  this  fall 
(1884),  the  town  of  East  Windsor  gave  two 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  votes  for  Blaine, 
two  hundred  and  eighty-eight  for  Cleveland, 
and  nine  scattering.  The  town  of  South 
Windsor  gave  one  hundred  and  eighty-six 
for  Blaine,  two  hundred  and  fourteen  for 
Cleveland,  and  sixteen  scattering ;  exactly 
one  thousand  in  place  of  the  three  hundred 
and  five  votes  given  in  1809,  and  with  a  plu- 
rality of  twenty-nine  for  Cleveland. 

^  This  refers,  without  doubt,  to  the  re- 
markable battle  fought  at  Corunna  on  the 
1 6th  of  January,  1S09,  between  the  English 
under  Sir  John  Moore  and  the  French.  The 
numbers  of  the  English  were  greatly  inferior 


to  those  of  the  French,  and  they  were  sorely 
pressed  on  every  side.  They  were  weary 
with  a  long  retreat,  hoping  to  reach  the  cover 
of  the  English  ships.  But  they  were  over- 
taken and  compelled  to  fight  or  surrender. 
They  fought  and  routed  the  French  army 
under  Marshal  Soult,  but  Sir  John  Moore 
was  killed. 

■*  Enfield  was  about  twelve  miles  north 
from  where  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  lived. 

'  "  For  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 
were  once  enlightened,"  etc.,  a  passage  which 
has  drawn  close  attention  from  almost  all 
students  of  the  Bible. 

*  An  Episcopal  church  was  established  at 
Warehouse  Point  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  town  of  East  Windsor,  early  in  the  pres- 
ent century.  The  impression  of  the  writer  is 
that  no  Episcopal  church  was  ever  organized 
in  the  town  until  then. 

'  Mrs.  Oliver  Ellsworth. 


394  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  \}^°9' 

1 8.  Rode  lo  Enfield.  My  brother  Frank  came  here.'  He  tarried  at  East 
Windsor  last  night.  I  think  he  does  very  well  at  Westfield.  Rode  to  East 
Windsor.     Very  warm.    The  waters  fall  considerably.    Have  a  worrisome  horse. 

19.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner.  Walked  out.  The  late  Freemen's  Meetings 
have  issued  very  favorably.  There  are  fewer  Democratic  representatives  than 
have  been  for  several  years. 

20.  The  opposition  that  is  making  to  my  settlement  here,'  though  it  does 
not  alter  my  judgment  of  the  propriety  of  my  conduct,  tries  my  feelings  I 
think  beyond  any  scene  I  have  ever  gone  through.  I  hope  it  may  make  me 
truly  humble.     At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford.     Am  considerably  unwell. 

21.  Returned.  The  spring  advances  considerably.  Read  Lardner. 
Walked  out.  The  good  people  here  feel  very  anxious  about  their  society 
matters.     The  people   generally  are   gardening. 

22.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Ellington^  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Brockway. 
Rainy.  Got  something  wet.  Vegetation  is  about  as  forward  here  as  at  East 
Windsor.     The  first  flowers  appear  in  the  garden. 

23.  I  suspect  the  regular  congregation  here  is  not  as  large  as  in  East 
Windsor.  Preached  from  Acts  xviii:  10  and  Luke  xv :  17.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference  with  Mr.  Brockway ;  very  full.  There  is  a  great  dispo- 
sition here  to  attend  meetings.     I  hope  it  may  issue  in  good. 

24.  Returned.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  I  am  much  concerned 
about  Aunt  Starr.  Wrote  to  my  father  and  sister  Battell.  The  President  has 
issued  a  proclamation  declaring  our  commercial  intercourse  to  be  opened  with 
Great  Britain  after  the  loth  of  June. 

25.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Williams,*  of  Tolland,  and  to  Col.  King,^  of  Vernon. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  Received  a  hat  from  Danbur^'  which  cost  nine 
dollars.  Paid  a  hatter  in  Hartford  seven  dollars  for  a  hat  for  my  father.  His 
price  is  eight,  and  he  abates  one  for  clergymen.  I  expect  my  father  to  pay 
me.  Mine  is  one  of  the  best  kind.  The  neighboring  ministers  appear  ver)' 
anxious  for  my  settlement  here.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Johnson,^  a  law- 
yer in  Hartford,  inclosing  certain  objections  to  my  settlement  here. 

26.  Wrote  on  an  address  to  be  made  to  the  ecclesiastical  council  expected 
here  by  the  committee.'     Walked  out  and  visited.     Very  cold  for  the  season. 


'  This  was   the   town  where  his   brother  was  Congregational   pastor  there  from  1799 

Frank  (Francis  Le  Baron)  had  his  life-long  to  1849,  j"st  fifty  years. 

ministry  of  thirty-four  years ;   but  that  min-  *  Rev.  Nathan  Williams,  who  was  pastor 

istry   did   not   begin   yet   for   several   years.  at  Tolland  forty  years  in   the  last   century, 

What  it  was  that  took  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  to  and  twenty-nine  in  the  present,  in  all  sixty- 

Enfield  twice  within  a  few  days,  the  last  time  nine,  1760-1S29. 
to  meet  his  brother  there,  we  do  not  know.  ^  q^]^  Oliver  King,  already  mentioned. 

^  This  opposition  was  confined  to  a  few,  '■  One  or  two  men  that  opposed  Mr.  Rob- 
but  was  quite  sharp  and  unpleasant.  bins  were  men  of  wealth  and  of  strong  preju- 

3  Ellington  was  anciently  a  part  of  East  dices.     It  is  likely  that  this  Mr.  Johnson  was 

Windsor.     It  is  a  very  fair  and  sunny  town,  employed  by  them. 

and  like  the  eastern  part  of  the  present  '  f  j^e  address  was  to  be  presented  by  the 
town  of  East  Windsor,  its  underlying  rock  committee,  and  Mr.  Robbins,  at  their  re- 
is   red  sandstone.     Rev.  Diodate  Brockway  quest,  was  aiding  them  by  his  pen. 


iSog.]  PREACHING    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


395 


27.  Finished  the  address.  Vegetation  advances  very  little.  Rode  out. 
There  appears  to  be  a  general  scarcity  of  grain.  There  is  a  prospect  of  a  new 
European  war  commencing  between  France  and  Austria.* 

28.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xxi :  11,  12.  Wrote  notes  for  preach- 
ing. Had  company.  People  here  feel  very  anxious  about  the  approaching 
installation.     Very  cold. 

29.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  and  back.  The  water  falls.  It 
has  been  high  much  longer  than  usual.  Almost  four  weeks.  Got  a  new  suit 
of  clothes.  The  cost  $34.91  ;  the  dearest  suit  I  have  ever  had.  At  evening 
my  father  and  mother  arrived  here  safely  from  home.  Aunt  Starr  continues 
quite  low. 

30.  My  father  preached.  I  think  his  memory  and  power  of  expression,  as 
well  as  his  voice,  sensibly  fail.^  Very  full  meeting.  Visited  Mr.  McClure. 
He  tries  to  be  polite,  but  evidently  feels  very  disagreeably. 

May. 

1.  Rode  out  with  my  father  and  visited  at  several  places.  My  parents 
are  treated  with  much  respect.  Mr.  McClure  went  out  of  town.  I  suppose 
he  has  gone  on  purpose  to  be  absent  at  the  installation.  The  military  com- 
pany here  is  very  handsome.  At  evening  Mr.  A.  Gaylord^came  here  from 
Norfolk  and  tarried.     He  is  my  father's  delegate. 

2.  I  feel  a  great  burden  on  my  mind,  but  endeavored  to  commit  all  to  the 
divine  disposal,  and  I  think  I  am  glad  that  Jesus  reigns.  I  am  much  unwell 
with  my  peculiar  anxieties  and  labor.  At  evening  my  brothers  A.,  N.,  and 
Francis  here. 

3.  Received  the  solemn  pastoral  charge  of  this  people.  A  burden  which 
I  never  felt  before.  My  father  preached  very  well.  The  audience  were  very 
attentive  and  solemn.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  who  was  here  $30.00.  Very  much 
fatigued.  The  council  met  yesterday  abovit  noon.  Dr.  Perkins*  moderator, 
Mr.  Flint  scribe.'  The  exercises  were  very  well  performed.  Mr.  Flint  made 
the  introductory  prayer.  My  father  preached  from  John  xxi:  15,  16,  17. 
Mr.  Miller*  made  the  installation  prayer.  Dr.  Perkins  gave  the  charge,  IVIr. 
Rowland^  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  Mr.  Bartlett^  made  the  concluding 
prayer. 


'  That  war  had  already  begun,  but  there  ^  This  was  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord,  a  young 

had   not  been  time,  as  yet,  to  hear  the  de-  man  who  was  graduated  at  Williams  College 

tails.    Between   April   20  and  May  4,  1S09,  five  years  before,  and  had  been   appointed 

there  were  four  battles  between  the  French  home    missionary    for    Vermont    and    New 

and  Austiians,  in  all  of  which  the  Austrians  York. 

were    beaten.      These    were    the    battle    of  ■♦  Nathan  Perkins,  D.  D.,  of  West  Hart- 

Abensburg  in  Bavaria,  April  20,  the  battle  ford. 

of  Landshut,  in  Silesia,  April  21,  the  battle  ^  Abel  Flint,  D.  D.,  of  Hartford, 

of  Eckmiihl  in  Bavaria,  April  22,  in  which  ^  Rev.  William  F.  Miller,  of  Bloomfield. 

the  French  under  Daroust  routed  the  Aus-  ^  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor, 

trians,  and  the  battle  of  Ebersburg,  May  4.  ^  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  north  parish, 

^  His  father  had  then  been  in  the  ministry  East  Windsor,  who  was  pastor  there  from 

at  Norfolk  about  forty-eight  years.  1S04  to  1854. 


3^6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

4.  In  the  morning  my  brothers  A.  and  N.  went  off.  Afternoon  my 
parents  and  Frank  went  off.  Am  quite  unable  to  do  any  business.  It  rained 
some.  It  had  got  to  be  very  dry  and  dusty.  My  parents  have  borne  the 
fatigues  of  their  journey  and  visit  very  well. 

5.  Wrote  on  a  sermon.  Find  my  nerves  pretty  weak.  I  fear  that  poor 
Spain  is  subdued ;  and  I  more  fear  that  all  the  east  of  Europe  is  now  to  be 
given  to  the  great  despot.     May  the  Lord  help. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xxi :  ii,  12.  Mr.  McClure  appears  to  be 
well  pleased  in  not  being  dismissed. 

7.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  John  xviii :  37.  .Afternoon  the  written 
sermon  finished  yesterday.  The  audience  were  much  affected  and  very  sol- 
emn. The  congregation  appears  different  to  me  from  what  I  have  ever  seen 
before.  Oh  for  grace,  wisdom,  and  assistance.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

8.  On  the  5th  sowed  a  bed  of  asparagus.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Read  Lardner.  Remarkably  cold  for  the  season.  At  night  Mr.  Austin,'  of 
Worcester,  tarried  with  me. 

9.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Saw  some  cherry-tree  blossoms  beginning  to 
appear.  I  think  that  there  is  a  prospect  that  society  matters  here  will  become 
quiet. 

10.  Read  Lardner.  Rode  to  Hartford.  I  think  in  future  when  I  mention 
going  to  Hartford  I  shall  not  put  down  the  return,  unless  I  do  not  return  the 
same  day.  Saw  the  Governor  come  in.  I  think  not  so  many  people  in  as 
usual.  Forded  the  low  places  in  the  meadows ;  pretty  deep.  People  gen- 
erally wear  great  coats. 

11.  Saw  a  few  cherr}'-tree  blossoms,  but  on  the  apple-trees  none  appearing. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  A  number  of  people  formed 
themselves  into  a  Bible  society.  Mr.  Elliott,^  the  appointed  preacher,  was 
unable  to  perform.  Mr.  Nott^  preached  well.  Gov.  Trumbull*  had  a  greater 
number  of  votes  than  ever  before.  The  militar}'  parade  very  elegant  and 
expert.  A  pretty  large  collection  of  clerg}\  My  friends  generally  express  a 
pleasure  at  my  settlement  in  the  ministr}-. 

12.  Finished  the  eighth  volume  of  Lardner.  Walked  out.  Worked  some 
in  the  garden.     My  breast  pretty  weak. 

13.  Read  Goldsmith's  Rome.  Wrote.  Vegetation  has  advanced  very 
little    in    a   fortnight. 

14.  Preached  from  John  vi :  44.     Afternoon  a  written  sermon  from  Acts 


'  Rev.    Samuel    Austin,    D.  D.,  born    in  ^  Samuel  Nott,  D.  D.,  of  Franklin,  pastor 

New  Haven,  Ct,  Oct.  7,  1760,  died  at  Glas-  there  1782-1S52. 

tonbury,  Ct.,  Dec.  4,  1830.     For  many  years  *  This    was    the    second   Gov.   Jonathan 

he  was  pastor  of  the    First  Congregational  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut.     The  first  was  the 

Church  of  "Worcester,  and  from  1815  to  1821  Jonathan  Trumbull    of   Revolutionary  mem- 

was  President  of  the  University  of  Vermont.  ory,  Colonial  Governor,  i76c>-i7S3.     The  sec- 

^  Rev.  John  Eliot,  of  Madison.     Mr.  Rob-  ond   had  been    elected  year   by  year   since 

bins  used   too  many  letters  in  spelling  this  1798,  but  was  to  die  before  the  expiration  of 


name. 


1809. 


1809.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  397 

viii :  8.     A  few  people  here  do  not  come  to  meeting,  who  have  attended  con- 
siderably since  I  have  been  here. 

15.  Last  evening  visited  an  aged  woman,  apparently  near  her  end.  Rode 
to  Norfolk.  The  first  time  in  my  life  that  I  could  not  call  it  properly  going 
home.'  On  Talcott  Mountain,  the  west  side,  saw  two  apple-trees  which  had 
blossoms.  Farther  west  saw  two  others.  The  first  I  have  seen  this  year. 
Very  tired.  I  think  my  parents  were  benefited  by  their  late  journey,  ^ly 
brother  James  is  at  home,  and  pretty  well. 

16.  Vegetation  is,  I  suspect  here,  about  a  week  backward  of  Windsor. 
Walked  out.     In  the  morning  considerable  irost.     Worked  at  my  library. 

17.  Sold  my  book-case  to  Mr.  Mills ^  for  forty  dollars.  It  was  too  high  to 
go_  into  Mr.  Wolcott's  house.  Rode  with  my  brother  N.  to  Canaan,  trying  to 
buy  a  horse.  I  find  it  very  difiicult.  There  is  a  scurrilous  piece  in  Babcock's^ 
paper  about  my  installation.     I  think  it  will  do  me  no  injury. 

18.  Worked  packing  up  my  things  for  removal.  It  is  a  trying  scene  to 
leave  that  good  father's  house,  which  has  been  an  excellent  home  for  me  all 
my  days.  Eat  asparagus.  I  have  been  fortunate  with  my  books.  My  brother 
James  is  still  undecided  whether  to  give  up  all  expectation  of  preaching  or 
not.  I  think  if  he  should,  he  may  probably  have  pretty  good  health.  Mr. 
Lee,  of  Colebrook,  here.* 

19.  Finished  packing  my  things.  The  17th  was  quite  warm.  It  still  con- 
tinues the  same.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Dined  at  my  brother  Ammi's,  He  is 
building  a  house.  Political  accounts  from  several  States  are  very  favorable. 
The  society  prospects  here  are  pretty  poor. 

20.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  spotted  fever  prevails  considerably  in 
Farmington,  and  pretty  bad  in  Berlin.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  East  Windsor. 
A  funeral  was  attended  here  this  afternoon  of  an  elderly  woman  who  has  been 
some  time  in  a  decline.     Visited  the  family  and  two  sick  persons. 

21.  Quite  fatigued  with  my  journey.  A  child  that  I  visited  \-esterdav  died 
last  night.  Preached  from  Luke  xii :  20  and  Heb.  iv  :  9.  Something  wet. 
The  ground  is  in  much  want  of  rain.  A  full  bloom  on  the  apple-trees.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  tired. 

22.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  the  child  who  died  j-ester- 
day.     A  hard  shower.     Read  Goldsmith's  Rome. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Quite  cool.  Wrote  to  my  brother  N.  Drew  a 
plan  for  a  desk  and  a  book-case.^ 

24.  Finished  Goldsmith.  A  very  valuable  compendium.  Visited  sixteen 
families.     People  still  generally  engaged  in  planting. 


'  He  means  that  he  is  now  installed  and  was  probably  the   man   to  whom   the  book 

settled  in  the  ministry,  and  his  home  is  prop-  case  was  sold. 
erly  at  East  Windsor.  ^  Maj.    Elisha    Babcock     published     the 

^  There  were  several   men   of   the   name  American    Meratry  thirty-seven   years.     He 

Mills   in   Norfolk.     Mr.  Michael    Mills   had  died  at   Hartford   in    1821. 
long  been  a  prominent  man  in  the  town,  and  *  Rev.  Chauncey  Lee,  D.  D. 

was  at  that  time  nearly  eight}'  years  of  age.  '  To  take  the  place  of  the  book-case  sold, 

Michael  F.  Mills  was  tlien  in  middle  life,  and  and  to  fit  the  hight  of  Mr.  Wolcott's  rooms. 


398  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBIN-S,    D.D.  [1809. 

25.  Read  Ossi3.n' s^  Poepis.  Very  cool  for  the  season.  There  is  another 
piece  in  Babcock's  paper  of  this  week  in  reference  to  me  ;  very  contemptible. 
My  breast  a  little  troublesome. 

26.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  hope  my  visits  may  be  useful.  Some 
people  here  complain  that  Mr.  McClure  is  not  dismissed. 

27.  Read  Ossian.  Wrote.  Remarkably  cold.  This  morning  there  was 
some  frost.  Afternoon  rode  to  Scantic  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Bartlett.^ 
Visited. 

28.  Mr.  Bartlett  went  down  to  my  society.^  Preached  from  John  xviii :  37 
and  Heb.  xii :  24.  Something  rainy.  I  presume  there  are  not  so  many  people 
attend  here  in  unpleasant  weather  as  in  the  other  society.  At  evening 
returned.     More   feeble   than   usual. 

29.  Finished  Ossian.  Remarkably  cold.  Rode  out,  I  fear  that  there 
will  be  some  certificating''  here,  though  I  don't  think  on  my  account. 

30.  Read  a  book,  lent  to  me,  on  Universalism,  and  made  some  notes. 
Wrote  to  I.  Thomas,*  Worcester.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Have  many  acquaint- 
ances in  the  Assembly.  Purchased  a  new  gold  watch,  which  I  have  had  some 
time  on  trial.  The  price  is  sixty  dollars.  The  watchmakers  took  my  old 
repeater  for  thirty,  and  I  gave  my  note  for  thirty  more.^  Sent  to  Danbury  for 
my  hat. 

31.  Warmer.  May  as  well  as  April  has  been  remarkably  cold.  Walked 
and  visited  all  day.  Got  something  wet.  I  think  I  find  some  evidence  here 
that  my  preaching  has  had  divine  blessing. 

June. 

1.  Began  a  sermon  on  Heb.  x:  31.     Worked  considerably  in  the  garden 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Very  cool.     Society  matters  here  are  pretty  quiet. 

2.  Spent  the  day  in  visiting.  Called  on  twenty  families.^  I  think  there 
is  a  permanent  breach  in  the  organization  of  the  political  parties  in  our 
country.     I  hope  it  may  be  producti\e  of  good. 

3.  Wrote.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Heb.  x:  31.  Worked  in  the  garden. 
My  eyes  are  something  weak.     Read  the  Bible. 


'  The  real   Ossian    is  an  ancient  Gaelic  ways.     He  was  the  founder  in  1812  of  the 

bard,  who  is  supposed  to  have  lived  as  far  American  Antiquarian  Society  at  Worcester, 

back  as  the  third   century  of  the    Christian  Mass.      After   having   been    some  years   in 

era.     But  the  modern  Ossian  is  Mr.  James  business   at    Newburyport   and    Boston,    in 

Macpherson,  of  Scotland,  born  in  1738,  and  1775  he  removed  to  Worcester,  and  for  many 

dying   in    1796.     The   epic   poem   of  Fingal  years  continued  his  active  life  there,  aided  by 

was  published  in  1762,  and  the  epic  of  Ze-  his  son,  Isaiah  Thomas,  Jr.     They  published 

mora  in   1763.      His   works   caused  an   im-  the   New   England   Almanack  for  forty-two 

mense  activity  among  the  critics.  years. 

^  He  rode  up  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  at  Scantic  *  The  cash  principle  seems  to  have  been 

on  Saturday  afternoon,  about  five  miles.  almost  unknown  in  those  days. 

3  Rev.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  down  to  the  '  He  says  that  he  spent  the  day  in  visit- 
south   parish   on    Sunday   morning.  ing,  and  these  twenty  calls  covered  probably 

*  Signing  off.  forenoon,  afternoon,  and  evening,  with  dinner 

5  Isaiah  Thomas,  LL.  D.,  author  and  jour-  and  supper  where  he  happened  to  be  at  the 

nalist,  and  a  man    distinguished    in    many  time  of  these  meals. 


1809.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


399 


4.  Finished  reading  the  Bible  in  course,  which  I  began  .*  Preached 
irom  Isa.  liv :  10  and  the  sermon  just  written,^  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.     I  hope  my  afternoon  sermon  had  some  effect. 

5.  Read  Washington's  Official  Letters?  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wallced 
Jut.     Am  trying  to  sell  my  horse. 

6.  Rode  to  Farmington.  Became  a  member  of  the  association/  The 
spotted  fever  still  prevails  here  in  some  measure.     Tarried  at  Esq.  Mix's.^ 

7.  The  association  licensed  a  promising  young  man,^  and  did  consider- 
able other  business.  They  had  a  fire  in  the  room  the  most  of  the  time. 
Within  a  year  past  there  have  been  nearly  four  hundred  members  added  to 
the  churches  in  this  association.  The  next  winter  association  is  appointed  at 
Mr.  Rowland's/  and  next  summer  at  Mr.  Gaylord's.^     Rode  to  Simsbury. 

8.  Am  unable  to  get  any  of  my  dues  from  this  society.  Remarkably  cold 
for  June.  The  prospect  for  grain  very  poor.  Rode  home.  A  prospect  of 
Mr.  McLean'  being  settled  at  Simsbury.     Very  tired.     Read  newspaper. 

9.  Wrote.  Made  a  small  fire  in  my  chamber.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  my  father.     Read  Washington's  Letters.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

10.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Afternoon,  with  the  church  committee,  exam- 
ined five  persons  to  be  united  with  this  church.  They  appear  very  well.  '  I 
hope  for  some  degree  of  thankfulness. 

11.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  a  written  sermon  from  Jude  xi 
and  from  Ezek.  ix :  4.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  to  a 
full  and  attentive  meeting  from  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  Propounded  the  persons 
yesterday  examined  to  the  church.     Am  less  fatigued  than  I  feared. 

12.  Very  warm.  The  first  summer  day  we  have  had.  Visited.  Corn 
very   backward.     People   beginning   to   hoe. 

13.  Put  on  summer  clothes.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  think  the 
prospect  of  the  addition  to  our  church  has  a  good  effect  upon  several  people. 
I  find  several  people  seriously  thoughtful,  and  am  frequently  in  much  difficulty 
concerning  jDroper  advice  to  be  given.     O  for  wisdom  and  direction. 


'  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  left  that  space  to  be  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Anna  (Goodwin)  Mix, 

filled  after  he  had  turned  to  his  memoran-  of   West  Hartford.     He  was   born  in  1755, 

dum,  and  forgot  it.     It  was  a  rare  thing  with  was   graduated   at   Yale   College,  1775,  was 

him  to  make  any  such  mistake.     He  was  a  town   clerk   of   Farmington,   1791-1823,  was 

model  of  order  and  exactness.  judge  of  probate,  1810-1820,  was  representa- 

^  That  is,  the  sermon  finished  the  day  be-  five  to  the  General  Court  nearly  all  the  time 

fore  on  Heb.  x:  31.  from    1795    ^^   1821.    Julius   Gay,   Esq.,   of 

^  This  was  a  work  in  two  volumes,  i2mo,  Farmington,  in  answer  to  a  note  of  inquiry, 

published  in   Boston    in    1796.      All    these  gives   above   facts,  and   adds,  "He  wrote   a 

letters  are,  of  course,  included  in  the  larger  bold,   clerkly   hand,   the   admiration    of    all 

works  by  Marshall,  Sparks,  and  others,  since  readers  of  the  records." 
published.  ^  This   was   Nathaniel   G.  Huntington,  a 

•*  The  Hartford  North  Association.  native  of  Rocky  Hill,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 

*  Mention  has  once  before,  at  least,  been  in  iSo6. 
made  of  Esq.  Mix  with  whom  Mr.  Robbins  ^  At  Windsor, 

sometimes  stopped  in  his  visits  to  Farming-  ^  At  West  Hartland. 

ton.     His  name  was  John  Mix,  and  he  was  a  9  Rev.  Allen  McLean.  1 


400  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

14.  Some  certificates  have  been  lately  given  in  by  men  of  property.  I 
hope  God  will  preserve  and  defend  us.  I  trust  the  serious  people  feel  and 
pray.  Spent  the  day  in  visiting  and  generally  serious  conversation.  1  ind 
such  constant  visiting  fatiguing. 

15.  A  hard  and  very  refreshing  shower.  The  season  this  week  very 
favorable.  A  great  many  bricks  made  here.  I  have  tarried  two  nights  at 
Capt.  Bissell's.*  Read  newspapers.  We  have  now  the  official  account  of  the 
declaration  of  war  by  Austria  against  France.  On  the  event  the  liberties  of 
Europe  seem  to  be  suspended.     May  the  God  of  heaven  help. 

16.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wrote.  In  four  days  past  I  have  visited 
fifty-five  families.^  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  N.,  and  one 
from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.     Walked  out. 

17.  Wrote.  Read  Washington's  Letters.  Rode  to  Windsor  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Rowland.^     Left  an  order  to  warn  a  church  meeting." 

18.  A  very  rainy  day.  Preached  from  Acts  xviii :  10  and  Rom.  i:  16. 
Very  thin  meeting.  I  think  there  is  a  greater  appearance  of  irreligion  here 
than  on  our  side  of  the  river.     Returned. 

19.  Finished  reading  Washington's  Letters.  I  hope  the  work  may  be  con- 
tinued to  the  close  of  the  war.  Quite  warm.  Walked  out.  I  think  there  is 
no  present  prospect  of  setting  up  any  separate  meeting  in  this  society.^ 

20.  Worked  in  the  garden.  A  very  fine  season  for  vegetation.  Read 
Lardner.  Afternoon  attended  a  church  meeting.  The  church  feel  in  some 
difficulty  with  regard  to  Mr.  McClure's  connection  with  them,  but  are  well 
united. 

21.  Rode  very  early  to  Hartford.  Took  the  stage  and  rode  home.  Aunt 
Starr  continues  to  decline.  My  father  has  but  two  scholars.  People  here 
generally  in  their  first  hoeing. 

22.  A  hard  rain  all  day.  My  father  has  sold  a  small  piece  of  land  in  his 
home  pasture  for  a  tannery.  Received  a  valuable  horse  which  my  brother  has 
lately  bought  for  me  for  eighty  dollars.  He  is  seven  years  old.  I  hope  he 
may  be  useful.  Attended  the  weekly  concert  of  prayer.  The  people  here  are 
ploughing  the  public  green.     Traded  considerably. 

23.  My  father  gave  me  grandfather  Robbins's*  preaching  Bible.  I  esteem 
it  a  very  valuable  present.  Very  much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  My  horse  is 
a  pretty  hard  trotter.  Rode  to  East  Windsor,  I  think  the  newspaper  scrib- 
bling about  my  settlement  here  will  be  no  injury  to  my  character.  Very 
tired. 


'  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell's,  at  East  Windsor  ing  that  he  was  giving  himself  earnestly  and 

Hill.     This  was  a  large  and  hospitable  home,  systematically  to  calling  on  the  people, 
overlooking  the  broad  Connecticut  meadows,  ^  ji^y   Henry  A.  Rowland, 

and  as  it  was  two  or  three  miles  north  of  his  "  That  is,  to  have  a  church  meeting  called, 

own  home    (boarding   place),  when   making  s  From  the  opposition  made  he  had  feared 

calls  in  that  part  of  his  parish  it  was  conven-  that   something   of   this   kind   might  be   at- 

ient  for  him,  bachelor  as  he  was,  to  tarry  over  tempted, 
night.  *  Rev.   Philemon   Robbins,   of  Branford, 

^  This  confirms  the  previous  note,  show-  1733-1781. 


1809.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  4OI 

24.  Very  hot.  Much  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner. 
Rode  out.     My  horse  trots  very  hard. 

(23.     Received  of  my  father  ten  dollars.) 

25.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  a  written  sermon  from  Phil,  ii :  12,  13. 
Afternoon  from  Jer.  1:5.  Received  five  persons  into  the  church.  Baptized 
a  child.  We  had  a  solemn  and  I  hope  a  useful  meeting.  Much  oppressed 
with  the  heat. 

26.  Read  Lardner.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  got  my  books  and  papers 
which  had  been  sent  me  by  my  father.  The  Hartford  bridge  progresses  rap- 
idly. It  is  feared  that  Bonaparte  is  destroying  Austria.'  People  beginning  a 
little  to  mow. 

27.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  in  the  church  records.  They  have  been  kept 
very  well  by  Mr.  McClure,  but  when  he  came  here  there  were  none  but  a  few 
fugitive  pieces.     Walked  out. 

28.  Wrote  in  the  records.  Excessive  hot.  People  fear  that  the  grain  is 
beginning  to  blast.  The  Spanish  cause  appears  to  be  reviving.  The  Usurper 
cannot  attend  to  two  great  objects  at  once.^ 

29.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  think  there  is  more  talk  about  religion 
here  than  there  has  been.  If  it  may  please  God  to  send  his  Holy  Spirit  I 
should  hope  we  might  see  good  here.  Heard  that  my  good  Aunt  Starr  is  not 
likely  to  live  but  a  little  time.  May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  her  immortal 
spirit.     A  very  hard  thunder-shower. 

30.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Mr.  Bingham,^  late  of  Vermont,  now  preach- 
ing at  Wapping,  made  me  a  visit.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Afternoon 
preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Hab.  ii :  3.  Attended  a  church  meeting. 
The  church  feel  embarrassed  with  their  connection  with  Mr,  McClure.  Eat 
green  peas. 

July. 

1.  Read  Lardner,  Received  from  Hartford  a  new  desk  and  book-case 
just  made  for  me.  I  think  it  will  be  very  convenient.  It  cost  ^43.00.'* 
Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     Had  company.     Cool  for  the  season. 

2.  Preached  from  i  Pet.  i:  18,  19  and  Amos  iv:  11,  Administered  the 
sacrament.  People  appeared  very  solemn.  A  large  part  of  the  congregation 
tarried  as  spectators.  I  can't  but  hope  that  God  may  appear  for  us.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

3.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  on  the  genealogy  of  the  Wolcott  family.^ 
Visited   a   school.     They   are   well   instructed. 

4.  Read.     Worked  in  the  garden.     Afternoon  rode  to  Vernon,     Tarried 


'  The   French   army   took   possession   of  *  He   sold  his  former  book-case  to   Mr, 

Vienna,  May  13th  of    this  year,   1809.  Mills,  of  Norfolk,  for  forty  dollars. 

^  Spain  and  Austria.  *  The  American  founder   of  this   family 

^  Rev.    Silas    L.    Bingham,    a    native    of  vi^as    Henry   Wolcott,   who    came  with'  the 

Hebron,  Ct,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1790,  had  Dorchester   company  in    1630,   stopping    at 

been  settled  at  New  Haven,  Vt.,  from  1804  Dorchester  till  1635-6,  and  then  removing  to 

to  1808.  Windsor,  Ct. 


402  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSoj. 

at  Col.  King's.'     His  son  is  preaching   in  Vermont.     The   prospect   of   the 
harvest  is  much  more  encouraging  than  it  has  been. 

5.  Returned.     Visited  at  Wapping.     People  generally  beginning  haying 
Our  European  news  appears  more  favorable. 

6.  Wrote  on  the  VVolcott  genealogy.  It  is  a  laborious  work.  People 
have  an  unfavorable  season  for  haying.  Walked  out.  Mr.  McClure  seems  to 
be  unwilling  to  be  dismissed  any  further  than  he  is  at  present. 

7.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  at  our  stated  lecture  from 
Rev.  XV :  8.  Many  persons  appeared  much  affected.  Cool  for  the  season. 
Visited. 

8.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  I  find  it  difficult  to  determine  what  kind 
of  subjects  are  most  apt  to  strike  stupid  consciences. 

9.  Very  warm.  Yesterday  finished  writing  on  the  church  records.  I 
have  had  a  good  deal  of  that  to  do.^  Preached  from  Ps.  cxviii :  22  and  Zeph. 
i:  12.  I  am  more  and  more  convinced  that  my  own  exertions  will  not  move 
one  sinner.     Walked  out. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Extreme  warm.  Read  Lardner.  Walked  out. 
My  new  desk  and  book-case  are  very  convenient.  Bought  half  a  ream  of 
writing  paper.     Bonaparte  seems  to  be  successful,  but  wiih  hard  fighting. 

11.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  back.  Received  of  O.  Phelps  for  the  society 
there  twenty-eight  dollars.  Took  a  new  note  of  one  hundred  and  thirteen 
dollars.     Bought  a  set  of  Shakespeare  for  twelve  dollars.     Very  tired. 

12.  Quite  rainy.  Looking  over  and  filing  my  letters.  An  unfavorable 
season  for  business.  Read.  It  is  much  to  be  feared  that  all  Europe,  except 
Great  Britain  and  Russia,  will  in  a  little  time  be  reduced  to  one  great 
despotism. 

13.  Quite  unwell  with  bilious  complaints.  Looking  over  and  arranging  my 
pamphlets.^     Rode  out  and  visited. 

14.  Read  Lardner,  Wrote  short  notes  and  preached  from  Ps.  liii :  6, 
Rainy.  A  very  unfavorable  season  for  haying.  The  people  attend  our 
lectures  very  well.  I  think  I  can  preach  better  with  short  notes  than  with 
none,  and  much  easier."* 


'  Col.  Oliver  King.      His   son,    Salmon  did  the  same  thing.    Mr.  Robbins  has  given 

King,  who  has  been  several  times  mentioned,  Dr.  McClure  credit  for  keeping  the  records 

was   a   classmate   of   Mr.   Robbins   at   Yale  in  good  shapfc  at   East  Windsor  during  his 

College,  graduating  in  1796.     He  was  settled,  active  ministry,  but  before  his  time,  during 

as  stated  some  time   before,  at   Manchester  the  long  ministries  of  Mr.  Edwards  and  Mr. 

(formerly  called  Orford)  from  iSoo  to  1808,  Perry,   the    records    were    badly   neglected. 

but  was  now,  according  to  the  diary,  preach-  That   was  rather  the  general    condition   of 

ing  in  Vermont.  things  in  New  "England  in  those  earlier  days, 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  might  well  make  that  ^  j^e^,_  jyj^,  Robbins  took  special  care  to 

remark.     It  will  be  remembered  in  the  first  collect  and  save  valuable  pamphlets  as  well 

place    where    he    supplied    the    pulpit    any  as  bound  volumes. 

length  of  time,  Marlborough,  Ct.,  he  worked  *  The  memory  was  not  so  much  burdened 

long  to  bring  up  and  set  in  order  the  church  and  the  mind  left  freer  to  do  its  appropriate 

records.     And  in  other  places  afterwards  he  work. 


1809.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


403 


15.  Finished  the  ninth  volume  of  Lardner,  There  seem  to  be  some 
grounds  for  hope  that  Austria  may  yet  be  able  to  resist  the  mighty  torrent 
rolling  upon  her.'     May  the  Lord  help  if  it  please  him.     Wrote. 

16.  Began  to  read  the  Bible  in  course.  Had  a  full  meeting.  Preached 
from  Acts  xvii :  3  and  a  written  sermon  on  Zech.  ix :  12.  At  evening  at- 
tended the  conference.  Several  certificates  have  been  given  in  here  the  week 
past.  It  seems  to  proceed  from  political  prejudice,  and  a  spirit  of  opposition 
to  one  another. 

17.  On  the  1 2th  wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Wrote.  Afternoon  a  very 
hard  rain.     Wrote  on  the  Wolcott  genealogy.^     Quite  cool. 

18.  Finished  the  Wolcott  genealogy.  It  contains  more  than  three 
hundred  and  fifty  words.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Mr. 
Bingham^  is  now  preaching  there. 

19.  Read  Newton  "*  on  the  Prophecies.  Walked  out  and  visited.  It  is  a 
very  melancholy  season.     Constantly  wet  and  rainy. 

20.  Had  some  alterations  made  to  my  book-case.  Rode  to  Windsor  and 
returned.  The  river  has  risen  considerably  in  the  meadows.  The  anniversary 
of  my  ordination.^  Six  3'ears  I  have  labored  in  the  vineyard,  but  desire  to  be 
humbled  for  my  unfaithfulness. 

21.  It  seems  Bonaparte  is  permitted  to  go  on  in  Austria  with  uninter- 
rupted success.*     Read  Lardner.     Afternoon  preached  from  Ps.  xliii :  5. 

22.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  hope  there  are 
some  instances  of  considerable  thoughtfulness  here.  Yesterday  and  today  are 
favorable  weather  after  nine  days  of  wet.  Rode  to  Simsbury  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  McLean.^ 

23.  Warm.  I  believe  the  fullest  meeting  I  have  ever  seen  here.  They 
have  improved  much  in  singing.  I  think  Mr.  McLean  will  get  along  here, 
though  several  are  certificating.^  Preached  from  Ps.  cxviii :  22  and  Zeph.  i : 
12.     Towards  nisfht  attended  a  small  conference. 


'  May  21  and  22  (1809)  at  the  battles  of 
Aspern  and  Essling  the  French  armies  were 
beaten  by  the  Austrians.  Of  these  actions 
perhaps  Mr.  Robbins  had  heard.  But  at  the 
battle  of  Wagram,  fought  on  the  fifth  and 
sixth  of  July,  about  which  Mr.  Robbins  had 
not  yet  heard,  the  Austrians  were  defeated. 

^  That  genealogy,  which  so  far  as  we 
know  was  never  published,  probably  brought 
the  descendants  of  Henry  Wolcott,  of  Wind- 
sor, down  to  the  early  years  of  the  present 
century.  The  members  of  the  family  at  that 
time  were  chiefly  within  the  towns  of  Wind- 
sor and  East  Windsor.  Oliver  Wolcott, 
afterwards  Governor,  had  removed  to  Litch- 
field, Ct,  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century, 
and  so  had  made  there  a  new  starting-point 
for  the  Wolcott  name.  The  emigrating 
period   had  also  arrived  and  the  process  of 


scattering  had  begun.  But  the  genealogy 
of  this  family  at  that  time  could  be  com- 
passed with  comparative  ease.  The  main 
part  of  the  family  was  near  at  hand. 

^  Rev.  Silas  L.  Bingham,  before  noticed. 

"*  Rev.  Thomas  Newton,  Bishop  of  Bristol, 
England,  1704-17S2. 

*  His  ordination  at  Norfolk  six  years  before, 
for  his  missionary  work  in  New  Connecticut. 

^  Mr.  Robbins  could  not  yet  have  heard 
of  the  victory  of  the  French  at  the  battle  of 
Wagram,  a  village  near  Vienna,  fought  on 
the  fifth  and  sixth  of  this  passing  month  of 
July.  Yet  he  writes  as  if  he  had  heard  some 
such  news. 

'  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  who  is  preaching 
at  Simsbun,'  as  a  candidate. 

*  To  avoid  paying  taxes  for  religious  pur- 
poses. 


404  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

24.  Spent  the  day  in  visiting.  People  appear  sufficiently  friendly.  All 
are  engaged  in  harvest.  I  fear  the  late  news  from  England  will  have  a  bad 
effect  upon  political  parties  here.     Paid  a  merchant  $3.60. 

25.  Rode  to  Warren.  My  Uncle  Starr  appears  better  under  his  affliction 
than  I  feared.  I  hope  he  has  divine  support.  My  good  aunt  died  the  7th 
instant.  At  noon  preached  for  Mr.  Mills  at  Torringford  at  a  funeral  from 
Zeph.  i:  12.  Quite  warm.  People  in  this  county  are  in  the  beginning  of 
their  haying.     At  Litchfield  visited  Mr.  Allen. 

26.  Visited  aunt's  grave.  Read.  Showery.  Worked  some  at  hay. 
Visited  at  Mr.  Talmadge's.  He  has  a  very  agreeable  family.  We  have  the 
agreeable  news  that  Bonaparte  has  sustained  a  defeat  in  Germany.  I  suspect 
the  battle  was  one  of  the  most  terrible  of  modern  times.  And  I  think  he  has 
never  been  in  so  critical  a  situation  since  he  became  a  conqueror.'  The  Most 
High  seems  to  interpose  when  human  means  are  weak.  We  have  many  times 
calculated  that  his  enemies  were  able  to  destroy  him.  Now  it  was  generally 
thought  he  must  surely  fall.     Good  is  Jehovah. 

27.  Rode  from  Warren  to  East  Windsor,  about  forty-seven  miles.^  In  the 
middle  of  the  day  very  warm.  Rode  some  without  my  coat.  At  Litchfield 
called  on  Mr.  Wolcott.^  He  is  much  pleased  with  the  family  piece  ^  I  have 
lately  made  of  their  family.  There  is  considerable  anxiety  about  the  sickness 
of  our  good  Governor.^     Very  tired. 

28.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  one  from  my  brother  Frank, 
and  one  from  Mr.  Silliman,  East  Hartford.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  and 
preached  our  weekly  lecture  from  i  Pet.  iv :  17.  Attended  a  church  meeting. 
The  church  are  in  difficulty  with  regard  to  Mr.  McClure.  He  is  not  willing 
to  be  dismissed.     I  fear  it  may  be  injurious  to  the  society. 

29.  Read  the  Bible.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 
Went  into  the  water.  People  here  have  generally  got  in  their  harvest  this 
week.     It  is  not  so  great  as  some  years,  but  pretty  good. 

30.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  26  and  Luke  xix  :  41.  At  evening  our  con- 
ference was  much  fuller  than  common.  After  meeting  a  Baptist  preached  in 
the  meeting-house.^  He  had  but  few  hearers.  I  believe  sectarians  are  about 
making  an  effort  here,  but  I  hope  God  will  protect  us.     Baptized  a  child. 


'  The     European     news     seems     to    get  pared  as  a  piece  to  be  copied  and  hung  on 

strangely  out  of  place.     It  would   certainly  the  wall. 

seem  that  this  had   reference  to  the  battles  s  The  second  Governor  Jonathan  Trum- 

of  Aspern  and  Essling,  May  21  and  22,  really  bull,  of  Lebanon.     He  was  born  in  Lebanon, 

one  great  battle,  in  which  Napoleon  was  sorely  Ct,  1740,  and  was  now  sixty-nine  years  old. 

defeated  with  the  loss  of  some  thirty  thou-  He  was   made  Governor   in    1798,  and   had 

sand  men.     This  was  two  months  before.  been  since  continued  in  office.     But  he  was 

^  A    long  horseback  journey  for  a  warm  now  drawing  very  near  the  end  of  his  earthly 

summer  day.  course. 

3  The  second  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.D.     His  ^  They  were  generous  enough  to  let  him 

father  died   in  1797,  while  Governor  of   the  have  the  use  of  the  house,  which  was  kind 

State.     The  son  is  also  to  be  Governor.     He  and  liberal  in  an  age  when  sectarians,  as  Mr. 

held  the  office  from  1818-1827.  Robbins  calls  such  people,  had  not  yet  grown 

■*  This  genealogy  of  the  family  was  pre-  strong. 


iSog.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  405 

31.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Quite  dusty.  There  is  reason  to  fear  that  Bona- 
parte will  be  able  to  collect  greater  forces  than  his  enemies  can  possibly 
equal.'  Purchased  Faber's^  second  work,  a  View  of  the  Prophecies.  Afternoon 
visited  a  school. 

August. 

1.  A  very  fine  season  for  haying.  Read  Lardner.  Afternoon  visited  a 
school.  The  summer  schools  here  are  not  sufficiently  attended  to.  There 
are  some  persons  here  laboring  under  much  gloom  and  anxiety  about  their 
spiritual  interests.  Visited.  Put  my  horse  in  a  carriage  for  the  first  time. 
He  goes  very  well. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  two  schools.  At  the  time  of  my  instal- 
lation here  there  were  in  this  society  one  hundred  and  seventy-eight  families, 
besides  six  or  eight  of  blacks.  Above  the  meeting-house  there  were  ninety- 
five,  below  eighty-three.^  Of  these  eighteen  professed  to  belong  to  some  other 
religious  denomination.  Since  my  installation  I  have  visited  all  the  families. 
The  most  of  them  I  had  visited  at  the  middle  of  June.  I  hope  to  be  able  to 
visit  them  all  at  least  once  in  a  year.  Received  a  letter  from  S.  P.  Robbins, 
of  Marietta,  and  an  ordination  sermon  lately  preached  by  him  in  that  country. 
On  very  many  accounts  a  very  acceptable  present. 

3.  My  horse  is  very  much  disordered.  I  believe  it  is  a  suppression  of 
urine.  I  am  quite  fearful  of  the  issue.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
Frank.     Wrote.     Worked  some  at  hay. 

4.  Quite  warm.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  Read  Lardner.  His 
sermons  are  pretty  poor.  His  Arminian  notions  in  some  instances  drive  him 
to  great  straits  and  to  make  dreadful  work  with  the  Scriptures.  I  never  had 
so  striking  an  impression  of  the  inextricable  difficulties  of  those  sentiments. 
Wrote  notes  and  preached  my  lecture  from  Matt,  xi :  28.  Mr.  Bingham  now 
preaching  at  Wapping  came  and  tarried  with  me. 

5.  Read.  Very  warm.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  Our  association  are 
supplying  this  afflicted  society  this  summer.*  There  seems  still  to  be  great 
hopes  that  Bonaparte  is  effectually  embarrassed.'  This  week  and  the  most  of 
the  last  has  been  a  very  fine  time  for  haying. 


■  Now  apparently  he  is  beginning  to  hear  Mr.  Robbins  to  speak  of  the  famih'es  above 

of  Napoleon's  gigantic  preparations  for  the  and  bdm'  the  meeting-house, 
battle  of  Wagram.  *  Afflicted  because  of  the  dismission  and 

^  Rev.  George  Stanley  Faber,  1773-1854,  deposition   from   the   ministry  of   their   late 

an  extensive  and  well-known  writer.  pastor,  Rev.  Whitfield  Cowles.     As  when  a 

3  Tlie  population  of  East  Windsor  at  that  minister  dies  it  has  long  been  a  New  Eng- 

time  was  found  chiefly  along  the  one  great  land  custom  for  each  minister  of  the  associa- 

thoroughfare,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  tion  to  give  a  Sabbath  for  the  benefit  of  his 

leading  from  East   Hartford  to  Springfield.  family,  so  it  was  done  here  for  the  benefit  of 

This  road  was  early  designated  as  The  Street.  the  church. 

It  runs  a  little  way  back  from  the  meadows  '  It  evidently  did  not  amount  to  much  to 

on  the  second  bank  of  the  river,  out  of  the  speculate    about    Napoleon.      His  downfall 

way  of  all  floods,  but  near  the  rich  meadow  was  coming  by-and-by,  but  the  end  was  not 

lands.     Hence  it  was  altogether  natural  for  yet. 


4o6  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

6.  Preached  from  Zeph.  i:  12  and  Luke  xix  :  41.'  The  Baptists  are 
making  very  great  exertions  here,  and  have  got  a  considerable  number  of  the 
people.  They  are  encouraged  by  Cowles.^  At  five  o'clock  preached  a  third 
sermon  from  Heb.  iv :  9  at  Newgate.'  It  was  one  of  the  most  affecting 
scenes  I  ever  saw.  There  are  about  fifty  prisoners,  very  dirty  and  very 
heavily  ironed.     They  behaved  well.     Had  a  large  audience.     Quite  tired. 

7.  This  society  is  in  a  very  deplorable  state.  They  have  been  long  chas- 
tened. I  hope  it  may  be  sufficient.  The  warmest  turn  we  have  had  this  year. 
Rode  home.  The  harvest  generally  has  come  in  I  believe  pretty  light.  Vi.s- 
ited  a  sick  woman.  Read.  A  Baptist  preacher  had  a  meeting  in  our  meeting- 
house yesterday  at  five  o'clock.     There  was  no  other  meeting  in  it. 

8.  It  is  said  that  our  good  Governor,''  after  an  illness  of  some  weeks  with 
a  tedious  dropsy,  was  yesterday  called  to  the  eternal  world.  He  never  had  a 
stronger  standing  in  the  affections  of  the  people  than  now.  He  never  had  so 
many  votes  as  at  the  last  election  ;  and  the  events  of  his  administration  the 
last  winter  are  the  most  honorable  traits  in  his  public  life.  I  hope  he  has 
gone  to  partake  of  the  rest  of  the  people  of  God.  Wrote  to  my  cousin 
S.  P.  R.  at  Marietta. 

9.  Began  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xi :  5.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of 
old  Mrs.  Sadd,^  who  died  yesterday.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
James.     He  appears  to  be  calculating  to  go  into  trade. 

10.  Wrote.  Remarkably  cool  for  the  season.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Vis- 
ited. Saw  the  works  at  Hartford  for  the  bridge.  On  Tuesday  evening 
several  young  people  very  unexpectedly  invited  me  to  attend  with  them  for  a 
conference.  They  have  had  one  or  two  meetings  without  my  knowledge. 
God  grant  that  it  may  be  the  beginning  of  a  glorious  work  of  grace.  I 
attended  with  them,  and  appointed  another  meeting  at  their  desire. 

11.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Afternoon  wrote  notes  and  preached  from 
Acts  ix :  II.  Our  lecture  was  more  solemn  than  usual.  Something  rainy. 
Having  obtained  help  of  the  Lord,  I  have  completed  another  year  of  my  life. 
In  the  course  of  the  year  I  have  been  allowed  to  preach  steadily,  my  health, 
on  the  whole,  I  think  has  mended,  and  I  have  been  agreeably  settled  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry. 

12.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Matt,  xi :  5.  Something  worried  with  such 
close  study.  Read  newspaper.  The  battle  of  Essling^was  undoubtedly  the 
most  sanguinary  of  the  present  age,  particularly  for  the  French.  Gave  a  black 
man  a  Testament. 


*  It  will  be  remembered  that  Mr.  Robbins  wild    and    rough   district    of    the    town    of 

is  now  at  East  Granby.  Granby,   Ct,  sixteen  miles   northwest  from 

-  Rev.  Whitfield  Cowles,  just  noticed.  Hartford. 

^  Newgate  was  the  old  and  half-barbarous  •*  Governor  Jonathan   Trumbull   died   on 

State   Prison  for  Connecticut  in   the  early  the   seventh  of  August,  1809.     He  and  his 

years    of    the    present    century,  before   the  father  were  choice  and  rare  men,  greatly  hon- 

present  prison  at  Wethersfield  was  built.     It  ored  and  beloved  in  their  generations, 

was  in  a  mine,  which,  since  it  ceased  to  be  ^  Mrs.  Sadd  was  widow  Mary  Sadd. 

a  prison,  was,  in   1830,  organized  into  the  *  Reference  has  been  made  to  this  battle 

Phenix  Mining  Company.     It  was  in  a  very  two  or  three  times. 


[809.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


407 


13.  Preached  all  day,  the  written  sermon  finished  yesterday.  At  evening 
our  conference  was  very  full.  There  certainly  appears  to  be  an  unusual  dispo- 
sition to  attend  meetings.  I  believe  several  are  specially  thoughtful.  May 
the  Lord  work  for  his  own  glory.     Baptized  a  child. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  I  think  there  has  been  a  silent  working 
of  seriousness  on  the  minds  of  several  persons  here  a  good  while.  At  evening 
attended  the  young  people's  conference.     Our  help  can  be  from  God  only. 

15.  Wrote.  Visited.  People  begin  to  talk  about  the  appearance  of 
things  among  us  and  I  hope  some  pray.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Yates.' 

16.  Rode  early  to  Simsbury.  Attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  McLean.* 
There  was  a  large  collection  of  ministers.  Things  appear  hoioeful.  I  trust 
their  society  will  not  be  much  diminished.  Returned.  Heard  a  gentleman 
from  Charleston,  S.  C,  preach  at  Hartford  in  the  evening.  He  appeared 
well,  but  not  skilled  in  divinity.     Got  home  late. 

17.  Rainy.  The  newspapers  are  dressed  in  mourning  for  Gov.  Trumbull. 
Wrote  to  my  brother  James,  and  Messrs.  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven.  Rode 
out  and  visited.  Conversed  with  some  persons  about  making  a  profession  of 
religion.     A  hard  rain. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  our  lecture  from  Matt,  xii :  15.  Assisted 
the  church  committee  in  examining  four  women  for  communion.  Three  of 
them  appear  very  well.  I  think  Mr.  McClure's  ministry  here  was  not  without 
a  blessing.^  At  evening  attended  a  young  people's  conference.  It  was  full 
and  solemn. 

19.  Visited.  Am  much  fatigued  with  constant  labor.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching.  At  evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here.  He  thinks  of  tarrying 
at  Westfield  another  year,"* 

20.  Preached  from  John  viii:  24  and  a  written  sermon  on  Jer.  viii :  20.  I 
am  apt  to  preach  too  long.  The  congregation  appears  solemn  and  tender. 
At  evening  attended  a  very  full  conference.  My  brother  made  one  prayer 
and  performed  very  well.  Much  fatigued.  Propounded  four  women  for 
communion. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  brother.  Very  warm.  He  returned  to 
Westfield.     Visited. 

22.  Attempted  to  write  a  dialogue  for  my  brother's  academic  exhibition. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  People  that  have  certificated  seem  to  be  gratified  by 
having  me  call  on  them.     At  evening  attended  young  people's  conference. 

23.  Finished  Frank's  dialogue.^  Visited  a  small  school.  Read  Lardner. 
Read  newspaper.     Europe   is  in  awful   suspense  on   the   event   of   a  great 


'  Rev.  Andrew  Yates,  D.D.,  of  East  Hart-  of  the   two   men  were  not  so  agreeable   at 

ford.  the  first  as  they  ought  to  have  been,  but  they 

^  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  native  of  Vernon,  improved  as  time   passed   on,  and,   on  the 

Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1805,  pastor  at  Sims-  whole,  were  friendly, 

bury  from  1809  to  his  death  in  1861  —  fifty-  *  Teaching  in  the  Westfield  Academy. 

two  years.     A  calm,  able,  well-balanced  man.  '  A  short  dialogue,  probabl}-,  though  Rev. 

^  It  is  pleasant  to   hear  words   of  com-  Mr.  Robbins  by  previous  practice   had  ac- 

mendation  for  Dr.  McClure.    The  relations  quired  a  facility  in  this  kind  of  writing. 


4o8 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1809. 


battle.     Never  was  more  at  stake.'     A  man  has  lately  died  in  England  in  his 
fortieth  year  who  weighed  seven  hundred  and  thirty-nine  pounds.^ 

24.  Read.  Making  a  copy  of  the  Wolcott  family  piece.  At  evening  four 
young  men  came  to  converse  with  me  on  their  religious  concerns.  They 
appear  quite  impressed.     May  the  Lord  help  and  save. 

25.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  our  lecture  from  Ps.  xcv :  7,  8.  At  evening 
attended  the  young  people's  conference.  Mr.  Skinner,^  a  candidate,  attended 
with  me.     There  appears  to  be  a  solicitude  on  the  minds  of  many. 

26.  Yesterday  received  a  valuable  leaf  chair,  as  a  present  from  Mr.  E. 
Williams,'*  a  certificate  man.  Wrote.  Afternoon  set  out  for  Hartford  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Church.'  Rainy.  Night  coming  on,  I  tarried  in  a  small 
private  house  in  the  western  part  of  Granby.  It  was  much  like  being  a  mis- 
sionary.* I  had  no  idea  that  the  western  part  of  Granby  was  so  rough  and 
hilly. 

27.  Rode  three  miles  to  Hartland.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvi:  26  and 
Matt,  xi :  5.  After  an  intermission  of  half  an  hour,  by  request,  preached 
again  from  Acts  ix :  11.  This  society  is  in  a  very  bad  situation.  There  are 
difficulties  between  individuals  and  Mr.  Church,  and  he  has  lost  the  most  of 
his  influence.  The  meeting  was  pretty  disorderly.  There  is  a  prospect  of  a 
call  of  the  consociation  here  on  their  difficulties.     Had  company. 

28.  Rode  to  my  father's.  There  is  some  prospect  of  their  finishing  the 
turnpike  across  those  hills.  I  hope  they  may,  but  doubt  whether  it  can  be 
supported.  My  parents  quite  well.  James  is  expecting  to  go  into  trade  at 
Lenox.'' 

29.  My  nursery  of  poplars  has  done  very  well  this  season.  Saw  Dea.  S. 
Mills,^  from  New  Connecticut.     My  father  is  very  faithful  in  visiting  schools. 

30.  My  father's  scholar,  Lansing,'  went  off.  He  has  now  none.  My 
brother  N.  has  a  son  since  I  was  at  home.     His  wife  is  very  feeble.     Dined  at 


'  All  this  has  reference  doubtless  to  the 
battle  of  Wagram,  which  was  fought  in  July, 
of  which  the  result  had  not  yet  reached  the 
writer  of  the  diary. 

^  This  was  no  other  than  Daniel  Lambert, 
of  whom  all  middle-aged  and  elderly  people 
have  often  heard.  He  was  born  in  the  year 
1769,  and  died  June  21,  1809,  at  Stamford, 
England,  in  his  fortieth  year.  He  died  sud- 
denly, and  was  found  dead  in  his  bed.  The 
last  time  he  was  weighed  his  weight  was 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-nine  pounds.  But 
this  was  some  time  before  his  death,  and  as 
he  continued  to  increase  in  size,  it  was  esti- 
mated that  he  weighed  about  eight  hundred 
pounds  at  his  death. 

'  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,  a  native  of  East 
Granby,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  in  1804, 
afterwards  pastor  at  New  Britain,  Ct.,  from 
i8l0  to  his  death  in  1825. 


*  Ebenezer  Williams. 

'  Rev.  Aaron  Church,  pastor  at  Hartland, 
1773-1815. 

'■  It  revived  the  memories  of  his  life  on 
the  Western  Reserve. 

^  On  account  of  his  voice  and  the  general 
state  of  his  health,  he  has  been  obliged  to 
give  up  preaching,  and  devote  himself  to 
active  business.  He  became  a  man  of  large 
influence  at  Leno.x  as  we  shall  see.  He  had 
served  three  years  as  tutor  at  Williams  Col- 
lege with  great  acceptance. 

^  Samuel  Mills,  who  went  from  Norfolk 
to  New  Connecticut  a  few  years  before. 

9  A  son  probably  of  Hon.  John  Lansing, 
of  Albany,  who  after  holding  many  minor 
public  offices  was  made  judge  of  the  New 
York  Supreme  Court,  and  in  1798  Chief- 
Justice.  He  was  Chancellor  of  the  State 
from  iSoi  to  1814. 


1809.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  409 

Mr.  Battell's.  Had  very  fresh  green  peas.  There  are  reports  of  a  great 
battle  in  favor  of  the  Austrians.'  The  world  was  never  more  solicitous  con- 
cerning the  events  of  a  campaign,  and  never  with  greater  reason.  Our  hope 
is  in  God.     My  father  feels  some  anxiety  about  the  disposal  of  his  property. 

31.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  We  have  had  probably  the  coolest  summer 
for  many  years.  There  has  not  been  but  a  very  few,  perhaps  five  or 
six  hot  days.  The  English  harvest  was  very  light,  and  the  prospect  of  the 
corn  still  poorer.  Of  apples  the  crop  will  be  but  middling.  Heaven  seems  to 
frown.  May  its  frowns  bring  us  to  repentance.  Warm.  Received  a  letter 
from  the  church,  calling  us  to  a  consociational  council  at  Hartland.'  Gener- 
ally people  are  but  just  beginning  to  have  green  corn.^ 

September. 

1.  Quite  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from 
2  Pet.  ii :  4.  Attended  the  young  people's  conference.  It  was  full,  but  I 
fear  the  impressions  are  not  very  deep.     Tarried  out. 

2.  Visited.  Several  women  are  serious  whose  husbands  are  obstinate  and 
stupid.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  I  have  so  much  other  business  I  can 
study  but  little. 

3.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  13  and  Luke  xvi :  25.  At  evening  our  con- 
ference was  very  full.  Considerably  affected.  Received  an  anonymous  letter 
requesting  me  to  deliver  a  sermon  particularly  to  youth.  Had  a  similar  one 
on  the  I  St  requesting  an  explanation  of  certain  passages  of  Scripture  in  a 
conference.     They  both  appeared  to  be  friendly. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Company  is  very  dangerous  for  persons  under 
serious  impressions.  Attended  a  little  while  at  a  training.  Very  little  pro- 
faneness  in  this  place.     Visited. 

5.  Made  a  copy  of  Wolcott's  genealogy  for  Mr.  Wolcott,*  of  Litchfield. 
.Attended  our  conference.     Quite  solemn.     The   attention   to   serious  things 

becomes  more  extensive. 

6.  Visited  all  day.  It  is  easy  to  introduce  religious  conversation,  and  it 
seems  to  be  agreeable  in  most  of  the  families.  Quite  cool.  In  the  morning 
there  was  some  frost. 

7.  A  gentleman  from  Switzerland  called  on  me  soliciting  charity  for  the 
town  of  Tari,'  destroyed  by  an  earthquake.  He  has  collected  in  our  country 
in  ten  months  eleven  thousand  dollars.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Very 
tired. 


■  They  begin  to  get  broken  news  of  the  that  name,  afterwards  Governor.     His  father 

battle  of  Wagram,  but  the  victory  at  first  is  of  the   same  name   died  while   in   office  as 

thought  to  be  on  the  side  of  the  Austrians.  Governor  in  1797. 

^  Because  of  the  differences  between  Rev.  ^  We  have  not  been  able  to  find  any  his- 

Mr.    Church   and   his   people,   already  men-  torical  references   to  this  place,  and  to  the 

^.tioned.  fact  of  its  destruction  by  an  earthquake.     It 

^  This  was  the  last  day  of  August,  and  it  was   probably   some  town  of  comparatively 

indicates  a  very  late  summer,  if  people  were  small  size,  somewhere  on  the  southern  slopes 

only  beginning  to  have  green  corn.  of  the  Alps  looking  towards  Italy.     The  suc- 

4  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.  D.,  the  second   of  cess  of  the  man  was  remarkable. 


4IO 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1809. 


8.  Last  Sabbath  received  four  women  into  the  church,  one  of  them  aged 
seventy-four.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from  Matt,  iii :  3.  At  evening 
attended   the    conference.     Rode    to    Hartford. 

9.  Am  much  worried  with  constant  labor.  Read  Faber.'  His  calcula- 
tions favor  the  successes  of  the  French  tyrant."^  Conversed  with  some  of  the 
young  men  who  are  serious.  I  have  hope  for  two.  What  shall  I  render  to 
the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies. 

10.  Preached  my  written  sermon  from  Eccles.  xii :  i.  At  evening  had  a 
full  and  attentive  conference.  I  hope  God  will  carry  me  through  my  constant 
labors. 

11.  Visited.  Wrote.  Read  Faber  on  the /V^//^^:?^^.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.  There  is  some  danger  of  cavilling  questions  being  asked. 
Quite  warm.  Have  several  watermelons  of  my  own  raising,  but  it  is  a  very 
poor  season  for  them,^ 

12.  Rode  to  New  Haven  to  attend  the  Commencement.  Very  dry  and 
dusty.     At  evening  heard  the  speaking  for  premiums.     Rode  alone  all  day. 

13.  Considerably  fewer  people  than  common.  But  a  few  from  out  of  the 
State.  The  performances  rather  indifferent.  The  President  wore  a  round 
hat.  At  evening  Mr.  Ely,'*  of  Lebanon,  preached  the  Concio.  Agreed  with 
Mr.  Howe  ^  for  the  Universal  History!' 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Strong  stopped  me  that  I  could  not  go  home. 
This  morning  there  was  a  frost  generally,  so  as  probably  to  stop  vegetation. 
There  has  been  another  great  battle  near  Vienna,^  I  fear  to  the  advantage  of 
the  French.  Democrats  among  us  wish  for  their  success.^  The  crops  gener- 
ally are  poor. 

15.  Rode  home.  Things  considerably  killed  by  the  frost  yesterday 
morning.'  Wrote  a  little  and  preached  from  Matt,  xxiv :  31.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.     Quite  tired  with  so  much  fatigue. 

16.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Canton  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Hallock.'" 
Found  that  he  had  sent   to  me  to  put  off  the  exchange,  and  had  to  return. 


'  Rev.  George  Stanley  Faber,  on  the 
Prophecies. 

^  Writers  are  not  so  certain  about  under- 
standing the  exact  meaning  of  the  prophe- 
cies as  they  used  to  be. 

'  The  sandy  soil  on  the  uplands,  a  little 
way  back  from  the  Connecticut  River,  is  very 
favorable  for  watermelons. 

*  Rev.  Zebulon  Ely,  father  of  Dr.  Ezra 
Stiles  Ely,  of  Philadelphia.  Rev.  Zebulon 
Ely  was  pastor  at  Lebanon  from  1782  to  his 
death  in  1824.  He  was  successor  to  Dr. 
Solomon  Williams,  who  was  pastor  at  Leba- 
non from  1722  to  his  death  in  1776. 

5  Mr.  Hezekiah  Howe  of  the  old  firm, 
Isaac  Beers  &  Hezekiah  Howe,  booksellers. 

*  There  was  an  edition  of  this  work,  in- 


cluding the  ancient  and  modern  historj',  which 
was  published  in  London  in  1783,  consisting 
of  fifty-nine  volumes  octavo.  This  may  have 
been  the  edition  which  Mr.  Robbins  bought. 

'  We  suspect  that  this  is  still  the  same 
battle  of  Wagram  that  has  been  on  the 
docket  for  a  month  or  two. 

^  Undoubtedly  the  sentiment  of  the  mod- 
ern world  is  more  on  the  side  of  Napoleon 
than  on  that  of  the  European  monarchs  who 
fought  against  him,  though  in  many  things 
he  is  to  be  strongly  condemned.  The  results 
of  his  life  are  better  than  his  motives. 

9  A  very  late  summer  and  an  early  frost 
make  a  bad  combination. 

'°  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  pastor  at  Can- 
ton, 1785-1S26. 


1809.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


411 


Rode  to  Simsbury.'     At  Canton  conversed  considerably  with  a  young  woman 
in  a  state  of  peculiar  misfortunes. 

17.  Rode  early  through  Windsor  home.^  Received  the  letter  which  Mr. 
Hallock  had  sent.  Preached  a  written  sermon  from  Luke  xxiii :  39,  43  and 
from  Rev.  xxii :  20.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Had  read  that 
excellent  celebrated  sermon  entitled  the   Star  in  the  East.^ 

18.  We  have  an  account  of  an  armistice  between  France  and  Austria. 
Probably  the  latter  must  submit.  Attended  the  Freemen's  Meeting  at  Scan- 
tic.'*  The  meeting  quite  thin.  I  believe  there  has  not  been  so  little  stir  on  a 
similar  occasion  in  this  State  for  several  years.  The  highest  votes  for  nomi- 
nation were,  Federalist,  one  hundred  sixty-three,  Democratic  forty-eight.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  It  seems  that  God  in  his  good  providence  is 
wonderfully  preparing  the  way  for  the  introduction  of  the  gospel  in  Asia. 

19.  Remarkably  dry  and  cool.  The  crop  of  corn  is  very  light  indeed. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Read  Faber.     Wrote. 

20.  Wrote.  Endeavoring  to  make  out  a  preaching  account  ever  since  I 
have  been  licensed.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  society,^  and  saw 
the  military  gathering.  All  the  regiments  of  the  first  brigade,  five  of  infantry 
with  their  artillery,  and  one  of  cavalry,  were  collected  and  inspected.  Treated 
politely  by  the  officers.     Saw  many  acquaintances. 

21.  My  brother  J.,  Mr.  Battell,  and  Sally  came  here.  The  brigade 
embodied  and  were  received  by  the  Major-General.  They  performed  remark- 
ably well.  There  were  about  three  thousand  men  under  arms,  and  supposed 
to  be  at  least  three  times  that  number  of  spectators.*  The  weather  very  tine. 
The  dust  very  troublesome.  I  saw  no  instance  of  misconduct,  fighting,  or 
intemperance.  There  were  very  few  females.  The  place  was  excellent. 
Dined   with   the   officers.     No   accident   took   place. 

22.  My  brother  and  sister  went  off.  Wrote  a  little  and  preached  our 
stated  lecture  from  Matt,  xiii :  25.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

23.  Read  Faber.     Wrote  to  Mr.  P.  B.  Gleason,  of  Hartford.     Remarkably 


\ 


'  He  came  back  Saturday  night  as  far  as 
Simsbury.  Rather  a  hard  experience.  It 
was  about  eighteen  miles  from  East  Windsor 
to  Canton. 

^  His  journey  Sunday  morning  about 
twelve  miles. 

^  Claudius  Buchanan  was  a  Scotchman 
from  plain  and  humble  life,  born  in  1766, 
who  was  carried  through  Cambridge  Univer- 
sity by  that  eminent  philanthropist,  Mr.  John 
Thornton.  He  had  been  brought  to  Mr. 
Thornton's  notice  by  Rev.  John  Newton. 
After  a  distinguished  career  in  the  Univer- 
sity, he  was  ordained  in  1795,  and  went  to 
India  as  chaplain  of  the  East  India  Company. 
He  stands  among  the  very  foremost  in  intro- 


ducing the  gospel  into  India.  Returning 
home  in  1808,  he  preached  his  famous  ser- 
mon entitled  Star  in  the  East,  which  was 
soon  published,  as  was  also  his  book  entitled 
Christian  Researches  in  Asia,  and  these  two 
works  had  a  wonderful  effect  in  arousing 
public  attention  to  the  subject  of  missions  in 
India. 

■*  This  was  the  year  to  have  the  April 
town-meeting  at  the  North  Parish  meeting- 
house. 

^  This  great  military  display  was  probably 
at  East  Windsor  Hill. 

*  An  unusually  large  gathering.  It  was 
in  the  old  and  most  thickly  settled  part  of 
the  State. 


412  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

dry  and  dusty.     Read  the  Bible.     It  is  feared  that  Austria  will  be  compelled 
to  make  an  ignominious  peace. 

24.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  by  exchange  with  Mr.  Bingham,  from 
Zeph.  i:  12  and  Luke  xvi:  25.  Mr.  B.  is  now  going  to  leave  them;  believe 
he  has  done  good  there.  They  are  in  a  bad  situation.  Returned  and 
attended  our  conference.  Quite  cool.  On  the  21st  received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Hallock.' 

25.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited.  I  fear  the  thoughtfulness  of 
the   people   here    is   declining.     I    think    our   society    matters   appear   more 

favorably. 

26.  Rode  early  with  Dea.  Loomis,^  my  delegate  to  Hartland  to  attend  the 
Consociation,  called  there  on  the  subject  of  their  difficulties.  The  Conso. 
spent  the  afternoon  hearing  witnesses.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Jones's,  an  acquaint- 
ance.    There  are  twenty-five  members  of  the  Conso.  present.^ 

27.  Spent  the  day  hearing  witnesses,  and  occasional  debates  of  lawyers. 
There  were  two  on  each  side.     Quite  fatiguing. 

28.  We  were  employed  all  day  hearing  witnesses.  There  is  much  evi- 
dence that  Mr.  Church  has  never  been  very  favorable  to  conferences.  At 
evening  Mr.  Flint"  preached.     This  society  are  all  involved  in  the  two  parties. 

29.  After  hearing  a  little  testimony  in  the  morning,  the  lawyers  argued  the 
cause.  Four  of  them  spoke  six  hours  and  a  half ;  after  which  the  Conso.  were 
by  themselves.     We  sat  today  nearly  twelve  hours.     Very  tired. 

30.  We  were  not  perfectly  agreed  on  some  articles,  but  voted  the  result 
unanimously.  In  the  result  Mr.  Church  was  solemnly  reproved.  The  com- 
plainant and  others  were  censured.  Mr.  Church  offered  the  society  if  they 
would  settle  a  minister  within  three  years,  he  would  relinquish  all  claims.  I 
hope  they  may  now  live  in  peace.  I  took  minutes  of  all  the  testimony. 
Returned   home.     Very   tired.     Very   warm   and   dusty. 

October. 

1.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvii:  4  and  Heb,  ii :  3.  Administered  the  sac- 
rament. The  assembly  appeared  very  solemn.  At  evening  had  a  very  full 
conference.  W'rote  the  notes  of  both  of  my  sermons.  One  in  the  morning, 
and  the  other  at  noon.^  I  believe  I  never  did  more  in  one  day.  I  hope  to 
be  thankful  for  so  much  strength.  Remarkably  warm.  We  have  had  but  few 
so  warm  days  this  year.     Wore  a  thin  dress. 

2.  The  heat  and  dust  very  oppressive.  Visited  a  sick  man,  a  stranger. 
An  account  of  the  late  training  here  which  I  wrote  is  published.  Read  news- 
papers. The  sick  man  whom  I  visited  in  the  morning  died.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 


'  Probably  with  reference  to  the  attempted  '  That  is,  pastors  and  delegates, 

exchange  which  failed.  *  Rev.  Abel  Flint,  D.  D.,  of  Hartford. 

^  Amasa  Loomis,  Jr.     His  father  of   the  ^  jhe   average   sermon   of  that  day  was 

same  name  had  been  deacon,  and  upon  his  doubtless  the  result  of  less  labor  than  the 

death,  in  1793,  the   son  was  chosen  to  the  sermons  now  preached.     But  Mr.  Robbins 

ofifice  in  his  stead.    The  son  had  now  been  did  not,  probably,  prepare  sermons  generally 

in  office  sixteen  years.  in  so  rapid  a  manner  as  here  indicated. 


1809.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  4x3 

3.  Finished  reading  Faber.  Perhaps  it  is  rather  fanciful,  but  it  cer- 
tainly is  a  very  valuable  work.  Received  of  this  society,  $42.37.  Sent  to  my 
brother  James  the  money  he  advanced  for  the  purchase  of  my  horse,  $42.00. 
Rode  to  Hartford.     Wrote  to  my  brother  James. 

4.  Had  company.  Received  a  letter  from  Frank.  Am  disappointed 
about  attending  his  exhibition.  I  was  informed  it  was  next  week.  He  wrote 
to  let  me  know  it  was  this  week,  but  the  letter  came  too  late.  Visited  a 
school.     Very  well  instructed  in  the  catechism.' 

5.  Something  wet,  but  little  rain.  The  ground  exceedingly  dry.  Very 
warm.  My  brother  James  called  and  breakfasted  here.  Rode  to  Windsor 
and  returned.  The  river  very  low.  On  the  3d  attended  the  funeral  of  the 
stranger  who  died  on  Monday.  He  was  a  native  of  Italy.  The  people  have 
showed  much  respect  on  the  occasion. 

6.  Mr.  S.  Wolcott  ^  quite  sick.  I  feel  much  concerned  about  him.  My 
brother  Frank  had  exhibited  this  week  my  play  Columbus  and  a  dialogue  I 
lately  wrote  for  him.  Wrote  a  little,  and  preached  from  Acts  iv  :  12.  Look- 
ing over  my  accounts.  I  have  had  pretty  great  expense  the  year  past.  At 
evening  a  hard  and  very  refreshmg  shower.  I  don't  know  that  I  ever  saw  the 
ground  drier.  We  have  had  no  rain  of  any  consequence  since  August  26th. 
Visited. 

7.  Visited.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Prudden.^  It  has 
been  I  believe  the  warmest  week  we  have  had  this  year.  Yesterday  the  heat 
was  very  oppressive. 

g.  Returned.  Read.  Had  company.  The  crop  of  corn  is  like  to  be 
much  better  than  was  feared. 

10.  Excessive  hot.  Went  into  the  water.  Began  a  sermon  on  Acts  xx  : 
26,  27.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Baptized  a  child. 

11.  Wrote.  Rode  out.  Had  company.  After  all  fears  the  people  here 
have  a  pretty  good  crop  of  corn.     Visited. 

12.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Rode  to  Hartford.  At  evening  married  a 
couple  of  blacks  who  belong  here  in  the  house.''  There  seems  to  be  little 
hope  that  the  tyrant  of  Europe  can  be  resisted,  on  account  of  his  immense 
numbers.     He  is  in  the  hands  of  a  holy  God. 


'  As  in  other  schools,  already  mentioned,  From  the  house  where  Mr.  Robbins  boarded 

both  in  New  England  and  in  Ohio,  the  As-  the  ride  to  Enfield  was  twelve   or  thirteen 

sembly's   Shorter  Catechism   in  those  years  miles,  and  he  took  that  ride  a  great  many 

had  its  fixed  place  in  the  system  of  instruc-  times  during  the  nineteen  years  he  spent  at 

tion.  East  Windsor. 

-  Mr.    Samuel    Wolcott,   son    of    Gideon  *  Slavery   existed    in   Massachusetts    not 

Wolcott,  was  born  April  4,  1751.     He  mar-  by    law,    but    with     no    special     legislation 

ried  Dec.  29,   1774,  Miss  Jerusha  Wolcott,  against  it,  until  after  the  Revolutionary  War. 

and  died  June  7th,  1813.  The  slaves  were  comparatively  few  in  number, 

3  Rev.   Nehemiah   Prudden   had   already  and  were  generally  treated  with  kindness.    By 

been  in  the  ministry  at  Enfield  twenty-seven  the  Bill  of  Rights  passed  in  Massachusetts 

years.     He  remained  there  till  his  death  in  in  1783   slavery  was   summarily  ended.      In 

1S15,  when,  as  already  stated,  Mr.  Robbins's  Connecticut,  the  same  year,  all    importation 

brother,  Francis  Le  Baron,  succeeded  him.  of  slaves  was  by  law  forbidden,  and  provis- 


414  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

13.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  preached  our  lecture  from  Mai,  iii : 
16.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Our  meetings  are  not  so  full  as 
they  have  been. 

14.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Acts  xx :  26,  27.  Visited  Capt.  Bissell,'  badly 
hurt,  having  broke  his  shoulder  and  arm  by  a  fall  from  his  horse.  Warm. 
Have  some  hope  that  Austria  may  yet  make  one  more  effort  against  the 
tyrant.     Read  the  Bible. 

15.  Preached  all  day  my  written  sermon  finished  yesterday.  At  evening 
attended  our  conference.  Ver)'  tired.  I  believe  I  deliver  slower  in  preach- 
ing with  a  written  sermon  than  without. 

16.  Rode  with  Harold  Wolcott^  of  this  family  to  Norfolk.  Quite  cool. 
Mr.  Everett/  of  Wareham,  at  my  father's.  I  think  my  mother  is  better  in 
health  than  she  was  ten  years  ago.  There  are  and  have  been  of  late  consider- 
able revivals  of  religion  at  the  eastern  part  of  Massachusetts. 

17.  My  brother  James  now  at  home  is  expecting  soon  to  commence  busi- 
ness in  trade  at  Lenox.  The  crops  of  grain  in  this  quarter  are  remarkabl)' 
poor  this  year.     There  is  already  a  considerable  scarcity. 

18.  Saw  Josiah  Battell"  from  New  Connecticut.  My  brother  N.  was 
offered  three  hundred  dollars  for  a  last  year's  Spanish  ewe  lamb.  The  demand 
for  those  sheep  is  astonishing.^ 

19.  Received  of  my  brother  E.  ten  dollars.  Returned  to  East  Windsor.  My 
horse  very  good  in  a  carriage.     On  the  i6th  was  appointed  a  school  visitor  here. 

20.  Wrote.  Made  a  fire  in  my  chamber.  Preached  our  lecture  from  Luke 
x:  21.  Some  members  of  the  church  here  know  very  little  about  doctrines. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I  think  the  inclination  for  attending 
meetings  appears  to  abate.     Read. 

21.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Deut.  xviii :  19.  Mr.  Everett,^  of  Wareham,  called 
on  me.     My  breast  something  feeble. 


ion  was  made  for  the  gradual  extinction  of  ^  Rev.  Noble  Everett,  Congregational  pas- 
slavery  among  all  persons  of  slave  birth.  tor  at  Wareham,  Mass.,  from  1782  to  his 
By  this  provision  slavery  lingered  on  in  a  death  in  1819,  was  a  native  of  Woodbury, 
dying  condition  in  Connecticut.  There  were  Ct.,  and  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in 
quite  a  number  of  slaves  in  Windsor  and  the  year  1775.  Wareham  was  not  far  from 
East  Windsor,  especially  among  the  Wol-  that  church  in  Rochester,  Mass.,  where  Rev. 
cott  families  in  the  last  century.  But  the  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  Mr.  Robbins's  uncle,  was 
couple  married  in  Mr.  Wolcott's  house  were  settled. 

servants  probably,  that  remained  year  after  ■♦  Josiah   Buckingham   Battell,  whom   we 

year   in   their   place,   but    not    then    slaves.  first  met  in   Torrington,   Ct.     Afterward,  it 

Their  names  were  Walter  and  Sylvia.  will  be  remembered  that  we  met  him  on  the 

'  Capt.   Aaron   Bissell,  at  East  Windsor  Connecticut  Reserve,  at  or  near  Austinburg. 

Hill.  s  We  have  had  hints  before  that  Nathan- 

^  It  will  be  noticed  that  Mr.  Robbins  says  iel    Robbins,  of   Norfolk,  was   interested  in 

of  this  Harold  Wolcott,  "  of  this  family."     If  introducing  from  Europe  improved  breeds  of 

so  he  must,  we  think,  have  been  one  of  the  stock. 

colored  servants.     Mr.   Abiel    Wolcott   had  '"  He  is  now  on  his  return  to  his  people, 

no  child  of  that  name,  and  we  cannot  dis-  He  has  probably  been  making  part  of  his  visit 

cover  that  he   belonged   to  any  of   the   re-  to  Connecticut  in  his  native  town  of  Wood- 

lated  Wolcott  families.  bury. 


1809.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR, 


415 


22.  Wrotes  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  Luke  xxii :  31,  32  and 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  People  attend  meeting  very  well.  We 
have  some  from  Wapping.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I 
generally  have  a  sermon  read.  Very  tired.  It  is  hard  for  me  to  attend  a 
conference  Sabbath  evening. 

23.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  I  believe  the  people  complain  of  me 
for  not  visiting  more  than  they  would  if  I  did  less.  The  affairs  in  Europe 
appear  very  discouraging.     Democracy  in  this  State  appears  hopeless. 

24.  On  the  i8th  wrote  to  Mr.  L.  Looniis,'  Winchester.  Wrote.  After- 
noon walked  out  and  visited.  Read  Lardner.  I  am  much  troubled  with 
inattention  in  reading. 

25.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Some  vevf  stupid  people  here  of  late 
have  been  thinking  more  of  serious  things  than  for  years,  or  ever.  But  I  fear 
we  have  no  special  mark  of  grace.  I  think  sectarianism  does  not  increase 
among  us.     Tarried  out. 

26.  Spent  the  day  in  visiting.  We  have  very  steady  pleasant  weather,  and 
cold  frosty  nights.  The  account  of  our  great  training,  which  I  wrote,  is 
published  in  the  Philadelphia  paper.     Pretty  tired. 

27.  Read  Lardner.  Preached  our  lecture  from  Rev.  ii :  10.  Pretty  full 
and  attentive.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  The  crop  of  corn  is 
short  but  better  than  was  expected. 

28.  Wrote.  My  parochial  duties  occupy  a  great  portion  of  my  time.  At 
night  a  violent  rain, 

29.  Preached  from  Rom.  vii:  9.  At  evening  the  conference  was  quite 
full.  Very  warm  and  pleasant.  There  are  now  but  few  people  who  do  not 
come  to  meeting,  at  least  occasionally. 

30.  Wrote.  Quite  rainy.  Afternoon  rode  to  Simsbury.  They  make  a 
good  deal  of  cider  here.^     Mrs.   Case   and  her  family^  do  very  well. 

3 1 .  Visited.  Engaged  a  school-master  for  one  of  our  districts.  Returned. 
A  prospect  that  Mr.  Yates*  will  leave  his  people.     The  leaves  falling. 

November. 

1.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Moulthrop,^  East  Haven.  Visited.  At  evening  rode  to 
Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.^  The  people  there  sensibly  manifest  a 
want  of  society  privileges.^ 

2.  Read   the    Bible.     Wrote,  making   out   my   preaching   account.     For 


'  Mr.  Lorrain  Loomis,  before  mentioned.  *  The  parties  married  were  Simeon  Sadd, 

'■'  That  is,  at  Simsbury.     But  they  made  of  Scantic  parish,  and  Rachel  Rockwell,  of 

cider  almost  everywhere  in  those  days,  when-  Wapping. 

ever  they  had  apples,  which  they  could  use  ^  The  mass  of  the  population,  especially 

for  the  purpose.  in  that  southern  part  of  the  town,  was  along 

^  With  whom  he  boarded.  the  broad  street  near  the  meadow  lands.     The 

*  Rev.  Andrew  Yates,  D.  D.     He  did  not  farm  houses  bordering  upon  this  ancient  road 

leave  East  Hartford  till  some  years  later.  stand  near  together,  some  of  them  very  old. 

5  The  artist  who  took  his  picture  several  The   centre   of   Wapping  was  three  or  four 

years  before.  miles  east  from  the  street. 


4l6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

nearly  five  years  that  I  was  a  candidate  I  was  under  pay  but  about  two  thirds 
of  the  time.     Visited. 

3.  Read.  Preached  our  lecture  in  *he  afternoon  from  Ps.  cxxiv :  8.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  Am  considerably  troubled  with  weakness  in 
my  eyes.     I  hope  to  be  exempted  from  so  great  a  calamity,  but  have  my  fears. 

4.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Lardner.  His  sermons  are  pretty  poor.'  The 
danger  of  impenitence   is  very  seldom  suggested. 

5.  Quite  cold.  Preached  from  Rom.  xi :  18  and  Lev.  xxv :  10.  I  think 
the  Jubilee  is  an  easy  and  profitable  subject.^  At  evening  attended  a  confer- 
ence. I  think  public  speaking  affects  my  eyes.  The  conferences  are  still 
well  attended,  though  there  does  not  appear  that  general  attention  that  did  a 
few  weeks  ago. 

6.  Wrote  to  Harvey  Case,^  of  Simsbury.  Read  newspapers.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Got  a  new  surtout.  Cost  $19.50.  The  Spanish  cause  seems  to 
be  desponding. 

7.  Examined  a  school-master.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ben.  Wolcott,*  Wapping. 
Finished  the  tenth  volume  of  Lardner.  Examined  and  approved  another 
school-master.     Wrote.     Visited. 

8.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  There  was  some  party  spirit  in  our 
assembly  about  the  choice  of  a  Governor.^  A  valuable  family  here  about 
moving  to  New  York.     Quite  cold. 

9.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  from  Acts  xxvi :  29.  At  evening  walked  out  and 
visited.  I  think  I  cannot  write  so  fast  as  I  have  at  some  times  in  years  past. 
People  have  made  a  great  quantity  of  cider. 

10.  Wrote.  Preached  our  lecture,  with  little  preparation,  from  Neh.  ii :  3. 
Attended  the  conference.  The  little  attention  to  religion  among  us  seems  to 
excite  the  malice  of  opposition.     I  hope  God  will  be  our  protector. 

11.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Acts  xxvi:  29.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Dixon,*  lawyer, 
Enfield.  My  eyes  are  considerably  weak.  I  can  do  but  little  in  the  evening. 
We  have  a  great  dearth  of  foreign  news. 

12.  Preached  the  written  sermon  finished  yesterday.  It  appeared  to  be 
weighty,  and  the  people  were  solemn.  How  many  of  us  are  no  more  than 
almost  Christians.  Oh  that  God  would  give  us  the  instance  of  his  grace. 
Quite  cold.  Attended  the  conference.  The  serious  people  here  have 
improved   considerably   in   talking   in   conferences   since    I    came   here. 


'  In  an  evangelical  point  of  view,  he  fore,  and  Hon.  John  Treaclwell,  of  Farming- 
means,  ton,  was  chosen  to  fill  his  place.     Mr.  Tread- 

*  "  And  ye  shall  hallow  the  fiftieth  year,  well,  for  some  reason,  though  a  man  of  very 
and  proclaim  liberty  throughout  all  the  land  high  character  and  standing,  was  not  alto- 
unto  all  the  inhabitants  thereof,"  etc.  gether  popular  with  the  people,  and  in  iSii, 

*  Perhaps  a  son  of  Capt.  Case  in  whose  Roger  Griswold,  of  Lyme,  was  chosen  to 
family  he  lived.  take  his  place.     The  Connecticut  governors 

*  Mr.  Benjamin  Wolcott,  son  of  Simon  back  in  those  days  were  usually  continued  in 
Wolcott,  was  born  March  26,  1768.  office  several  years. 

5  We  do  not  know  exactly  what  form  this  *  Afterwards  Judge  William  Di.xon,  and 

contention   took.     Gov.  Jonathan   Trumbull  father  of  Hon.  James  Dixon,  United  States 

died,  it  will  be  remembered,  the  August  be-  Senator. 


1809.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


417 


13.  Read  Newton's  Dissertations.'-  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  I  have  a 
box  of  books  at  Hartford  which  have  been  negligently  kept  there  five  or  six 
weeks.     A  hard  rain. 

14.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Some  people  here  that  appeared  in 
opposition  to  my  settlement  appear  mortified  and  angry,  and  I  think  will  do 
me  injury  if  they  can.  I  hope  the  God  of  heaven  will  protect  and  defend  us. 
I  think  there  is  still  some  encouragement  of  seriousness  among  us.  In  the 
morning  the  ground  almost  covered  with  frozen  rain. 

15.  We  have  very  cold  winds,  probably  proceeding  from  northern  snows. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  in  the  meeting-house  from  Rom.  i : 
16.  Some  prospect  of  an  addition  to  our  church  from  this  part  of  the  society. 
Visited. 

16.  Yesterday  had  a  new  bureau  brought  to  me,  made  at  Hartford,  cost 
$17.00.  Received  also  the  Universal  History,  bought  for  me  at  New  York  by 
Mr.  Howe,  of  New  Haven;  sixty  volumes  cost  $135.00.^  I  believe,  except 
two  or  three  copies  in  folio,  there  is  not  another  set  in  this  State.  Read. 
Rode  to  East  Hartford  (the  Mills  ^)  and  preached  from  Acts  ix :  11.  Re- 
turned. Visited.  The  people  at  East  Hartford  are  considerably  reconciled 
to  Mr.  Yates  leaving  them.*     Set  up  my  History.     It  makes  a  fine  appearance. 

17.  Wrote  to  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  our 
lecture  from  John  xvii :  17.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  One  or 
two  more  of  our  young  men  I  hope  have  got  religion.  The  small  work  of 
God  among  us  is  mostly  with  the  male  sex.  Walked  out.  I  can  never  be 
sufficiently  thankful  that  God  has,  in  a  small  degree,  as  I  hope,  blessed  my 
ministry  in  this  place. 

18.  Read  Newton's  Dissertations.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Last  night 
it  snowed  some  ;  the  first  we  have  had.  Our  government  seem  determined  to 
break  with  England ;  but  I  think  they  cannot  bring  the  people  to  it. 

19.  Preached  from  John  iv:  24.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
At  the  Sabbath  evening  conference  I  generally  have  a  sermon  read.  We  are 
now  reading  Dr.  Backus's  on  Regeneration.     Quite  tired. 

20.  Read  Newton's  Dissertations.  I  think  Faber  the  preferable  writer. 
It  snowed  some.  Walked  out.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  reckoning  with  his 
blacks.' 


'  Bishop  Thomas  Newton,  1704-1782.  His  leave.     He  remained  till  1813,  and  then  went 

Dissertations  on   the  Prophecies,  which  were  to  fill  a  professorship  in  Union  College, 

finished  in  1758.  '  In   a   previous   note   mention  has  been 

2  We  have  spoken  of  this  work  in  a  pre-  made  of  the  institution  of  slavery  in  Connec- 

vious  note  as  consisting  of  fifty-nine  volumes.  ticut,  and  how  it  lingered  on,  in  the  case  of 

But  volumes  were  added  to  it  from  time  to  individuals,  by  the  very  nature  of  the  provis- 

time,  and  the  set  belonging  to  the  library  of  ions   made   for   its   extinction.     But   in   this 

the  Boston  Athenaeum  is  composed  of  sixty-  case  where  Mr.  Robbins  is  called  in  to  a^isist 

five  volumes.  Mr.  Walcott  in  casting  up  accounts,  the  lan- 

^  The  part  of  East  Hartford  now  known  guage  shows  that  these  were  hired  servants, 

as  Burnside.  and  not  slaves.     Under  a  slave  system  ihere 

*  As  before  stated,  Dr.  Yates  did  not  then  is  no  occasion  for  such  reckoning. 


4i8 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1809. 


21.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  It  snowed 
moderately  all  day.     I  fear  we  are  going  to  have  winter. 

22.  Read  Newton.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  returned.  Received  a  letter 
from  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven.  It  was  missent  to  Windsor,  and  has  lain 
in  that  office  more  than  six  weeks.'  Visited.  The  country  is  in  consider- 
able agitation  on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Jackson's  dismission."^  Quite  cold.  Not 
snow  enough  for  sleighing.     At  evening  the  ice  made  a  little  in  the  river. 

23.  Severe  winter  weather.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  It  is  a 
work  of   considerable   labor.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

24.  A  severe  snow-storm  all  day.  I  believe  I  never  knew  one  more  so  in 
November.  Wrote.  Read  Lardner.  We  had  no  lecture,  or  conference,  on 
account  of  the  storm.  I  believe  we  shall  have  no  more  lectures  this  season. 
I  intended  to  continue  them  till  the  Thanksgiving.  The  first  was  June  31st, 
and  I  have  omitted  but  one,  which  was  the  week  that  I  was  at  Hartland. 
They  have  been   well  attended,  and  I  hope  blessed  of  God. 

25.  The  snow  is  nearly  a  foot  deep.  People  move  in  sleighs.  On  the 
8th  received  a  circular  letter  to  the  clergy  of  the  State  from  Charles  Sherman,^ 
of  New  Haven.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  My  labors  on  my  mission 
were  very  great.     Read  the  Bible.     I  think  my  eyes  are  some  better. 

26.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  my  written  sermon  on  Jer.  viii :  22.  Went 
partly  through  with  the  subject,  and  expected  to  finish  in  the  afternoon. 
When  I  went  to  meeting  in  the  afternoon  I  took  my  Bible  instead  of  my  book 
with  my  sermon.  I  did  not  discover  my  mistake  till  the  singers  were  singing 
the  last  verse  of  the  second  singing.  I  was  very  much  embarrassed,  and 
preached  immediately  from  Rev.  xxii :  20,  first  clause.  I  never  preached  with 
such  embarrassment,"  and  I  believe  I  did  pretty  poorly.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.     Good  sleighing. 


'  Some  improvement  in  post  office  ar- 
rangements since  that  day. 

^  This  Mr.  Jackson  was  F.  J.  Jackson, 
English  minister  or  agent  representing  the 
English  government  at  Washington.  The 
relations  of  the  two  governments  were  very 
delicate  at  that  time.  They  were  almost  in 
a  state  of  war  then,  as  they  were  actually 
so  three  years  later.  Mr.  Jackson  so  con- 
ducted his  cause  that  he  irritated  rather  than 
quieted  the  public  mind,  and  on  the  8th  of 
November,  1809,  Hon.  Robert  Smith,  then 
Secretary  of  State,  wrote  him  a  letter  con- 
taining these  words  :  "  Finding  that  in  your 
reply  of  the  4th  inst.,  you  have  used  a  lan- 
guage which  cannot  be  understood,  but  as 
reiterating  and  even  aggravating  the  same 
gross  insinuation,  it  only  remains  in  order  to 
preclude  opportunities  which  are  thus  abused, 
to  inform  you  that  no  farther  communication 
will  be  received  from  you,  and  the  necessity 


of  this  determination  will,  without  delay,  be 
made  known  to  your  government."  Where- 
upon Mr.  Jackson  removed  with  his  retinue 
from  Washington,  and  took  up  his  residence 
at  New  York. 

^  Charles  Sherman  was  a  grandson  of  the 
famous  Roger  Sherman.  He  was  a  leading 
man  religiously.  He  afterwards  removed  from 
New  Haven  to  Suffield,  Ct.  What  was  the 
nature  or  design  of  his  circular  letter  to  the 
clergy  we  have  not  been  able  to  discover. 

*  There  are  preachers,  who  by  reason  of 
ready  extemporaneous  power  and  great  self- 
possession  might  meet  an  exigency  like  this 
with  composure.  But  most  ministers  would 
have  been  even  more  embarrassed  than  was 
Mr.  Robbins.  When  he  made  the  discov- 
er)', there  was  no  help  for  him.  The  house 
where  Mr.  Robbins  boarded,  and  where  his 
sermon  was  lying,  was  a  mile  away  from  the 
church. 


l8o9-]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


419 


27.  Began  a  sermon  for  thanksgiving  on  Ps.  cxxvi :  i.  Afternoon  in- 
structed Mr.  Tudor's'  school.  It  thaws  considerably.  The  river  is  frozen 
over.  It  shut  on  the  night  of  the  24th.  Yesterday  foot  people  crossed  on  the 
ice.     Read  Lardner. 

28.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  I  cannot  write  so  fast  as  I  have  sometimes. 
Quite  wet  and  very  bad  going.     Old  Mrs.  Tudor ^  very  unwell. 

29.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxvi :  i.  At  evening  walked  out.  I 
asked  Mr.  McClure  to  assist  in  the  exercises  tomorrow ;  he  declined.  The  ice 
broke  upon  the  river. 

30.  This  day  is  the  Thanksgiving.  May  we  be  humbled  for  our  ingrati- 
tude, and  be  sensible  of  our  many  obligations.  Preached  from  Ps.  cxxvi:  i. 
We  have  here  no  company  but  our  own  family.^  At  evening  walked  out. 
Had  a  pretty  full  meeting. 

December. 

1 .  Rode  out.  Very  bad  riding.  Began  to  read  my  Utiiversal  History.  I 
think  it  doubtful  whether  I  ever  read  it  all  '*;  if  I  do,  I  do  not  expect  to  do  it 
quicker  than  one  volume  a  month,  which  will  take  five  years.  At  night  a  very 
hard  rain. 

2.  Rode  to  Somers.  Bad  riding.  The  snow  remains  considerably,  Mr. 
Strong^  has  a  very  good  house. 

3.  Mr.  Strong  supplied  my  pulpit  by  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates.* 
Preached  from  Zeph.  i:  12  and  Num.  x:  29.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference and  preached  from  Gen.  vii :  16.  There  has  been  considerable 
awakening  here  within  a  year  past.     Tarried  with  Mrs.  Backus.' 

4.  Returned.  Called  on  Mr.  Brockway^  at  Ellington.  At  evening  ex- 
amined a  school-master.     This  town  has  great  changes. 

5.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.  Read.  At  evening  walked  out  and 
visited.     Very   warm   for   the   season.     Wrote. 

6.  Read  Lardner.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  Old  Mrs.  Tudor 
quite  feeble.  I  can  read  but  little  by  candle-light.  On  the  29th  ult.  we  had 
news  of  peace  between  France  and  Austria.^     It  will  probably  be  fatal  to  the 


'  Probably  Mr.  Oliver  Tudor,  son  of  Mr.  ready  reference  rather  than  for   continuous 

Samuel    Tudor,  and  brother  of   Mrs.  Abiel  reading. 
Wolcott,  his  landlady.  ^  Rev_   William   L.  Strong   has   been   al- 

'  The   old  Mrs.  Tudor,  here  spoken   of,  ready  noticed   in   two   or  three  places.     He 

was    Mrs.  Samuel  Tudor,  mother    of   Mrs.  succeeded  Dr.  Charles  Backus,  and  was  pas- 

Abiel    Wolcott.      Her    maiden    name    was  tor  at  Somers  from   1805  to  1829.     He  was 

Naomi  Diggens.     She  and  her  husband  lived  father  of  Dr.  Edward  Strong,  late  pastor  at 

near  Mr.  Wolcott's.  West  Roxbury,  Mass.,  and  of  Hon.  William 

^  The  family   of   Mr.   Abiel    Wolcott   at  Strong,  of  Philadelphia,  one  of  the  judges  of 
that  time  consisted  of  himself  and  wife,  with  United  States  Supreme  Court, 
their  four  children,  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins,  and  a  ^  This  was  a  triple  exchange, 
number  of  colored  servants.     There  had  been  ^  Widow  of  Dr.  Charles  Backus, 
five  children   born  into  the  family,  but  one,  ^  Rev.  Diodate   Brockway,  pastor  at   El- 
William,  died  in  infancy.  lington,  Ct,   1797-1849. 

*  To  a  scholar  very  many  books  are  for  9  This  peace  was  made  Oct.  24,  1809. 


420  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 

latter  power.     How  far  infinite  wisdom  will  suffer  the  tyrant  to  proceed  we 
leave  with  God. 

7.  The  snow  which  we  apprehended  some  days  would  remain  is  all  gone. 
Quite  warm.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

8.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  received  of  the  society  com- 
mittee an  order  of  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  dollars  for  my  preaching 
previous  to  my  installation.  The  committee  feel  encouraged  with  the  pros- 
pects of  the  society.     At  evening  attended  a  good  conference. 

9.  Read  Lardner.  Much  of  his  reasoning  upon  the  subject  of  the  Trinity 
is  weak,  and  his  tracts  are  of  little  value.  Very  rainy.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

10.  From  Friday  evening  it  rained  about  forty  hours  without  the  least 
known  intermission.  Ver)'  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Matt,  ix :  22  and 
Ps.  cxlvii :  43.  On  account  of  the  weather  had  no  conference.  I  think  our 
government  have  treated  the  British  minister '  very  injuriously. 

11.  Read  Lardner.  The  society  had  their  annual  meeting.  It  was  very 
harmonious.  Several  certificates  have  been  given  in.  It  does  not  appear  to 
arise  from  any  dislike  to  me,  but  from  old  parties  and  opposition  to  one  an- 
other's influence.  I  believe  about  one  fifth  of  the  list  has  gone  off  within  a 
year  past.     I  do  not  think  I  have  a  personal  enemy  among  them. 

12.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  visited  ^Ir.  Yates.  He  will  probably  leave 
there  soon.^  I  fear  he  is  doing  wrong.  Our  society  voted  yesterday  that  they 
wish  to  have  Mr.  McClure  dismissed.     Visited.     Very  pleasant  weather. 

13.  Visited  two  schools.  Mr.  McClure  attended  with  me.^  Rainy.  Read 
Lardner.  I  think  our  government  are  likely  to  act  as  bad  or  worse  than  ever. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

14.  Read  the  Universal  History.  It  is  very  valuable  for  a  reference. 
Wrote.  On  the  8th  paid  by  way  of  Mr.  Wolcott  for  a  bridle,  $5.00.  Had 
company. 

15.  Put  on  my  flannel.  Visited  two  schools.  They  are  not  very  forward, 
but  doing  well.  My  eyes  remain  quite  weak.  Attended  a  conference.  Read 
at  it  Dr.  Hopkins's  Life.''     I  think  it  very  suitable,  particularly  the  notes. 

16.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  vii :  17.  A  woman  here  has  lately  lost  a  son 
at  sea.  My  weakness  of  eyes  is  a  very  great  calamity.  Very  moderate  open 
weather. 

17.  Preached  written  sermons  on  John  vii:  17  and  Jer.  viii :  22.  The 
former  part  of  the  last  one  I  delivered  Nov.  26th.  Had  a  very  full  conference. 
So  much  labor  on  the  Sabbath  is  almost  too  hard  for  me. 

18.  Read  Lardner.     Visited  a  child  dangerously  sick.     Visited   families. 


'  This   English  minister  was  F.  J.  Jack-  going  away.     But  he  was  persuaded  to  stay 

son,  mentioned  in  a  previous  note.     Mr.  Rob-  some  years  longer. 

bins  was  not  apt,  as  yet,  to  like  what  was  ^  -j-hig  seems  to  show  that  the  two  pastors 

done  by  a  Democratic  government.  were  on  passably  friendly  terms,  though  not 

*  From  the  frequent  references  to  the  prob-  very  near  and  intimate  in  their  relations, 

able  retirement  of  Dr.  Yates  from  East  Hart-  *  Life  of  Dr.   Samuel   Hopkins,   by   Dr 

ford,  it  is   evident  that   he   had  a  plan   for  Stephen  West,  published  in  1805. 


1809.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR, 


421 


Late  at  evening  went  to  see  the  sick  child  again,  and  found  he  had  died  a  few 
minutes  before  I  came.  I  hope  it  may  make  a  useful  impression  on  the 
family. 

19.  Finished  the  eleventh  and  last  volume  of  Lardner's  works.  I  have 
been  long  reading  them,  but  they  are  very  valuable.  But  they  ought  to  be 
read  only  by  such  as  have  good  sentiments  established.  Visited.  I  make  no 
distinction  in  visiting  on  account  of  certificates.' 

20.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  child  that  died  on  the  i8th.  Went  into 
the  meeting-house.  The  most  of  the  certificate  people  attended.  The  family 
appear  much  affected.  May  the  Lord  follow  the  affliction  with  his  blessing. 
The  peace  is  more  favorable  for  Austria  than  was  expected.^  Rode  to  Wap- 
ping  and  performed  a  marriage. 

21.  Read  the  Universal  History.  Visited  families.  Rode  to  Wapping 
and  married  a  couple.^  Quite  pleasant  weather.  The  ground  is  as  bare  as  in 
summer. 

22.  Rainy,  Wrote.  Read  the  Universal  History.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Old  Mr.  Tudor  very  unwell.     The  ground  hard  frozen. 

23.  Quite  cold.  Finished  my  preaching  account  to  the  time  of  my  coming 
to  this  place.  It  has  cost  me  considerable  labor,  but  I  am  glad  I  have  done 
it.*     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

24.  Preached  from  Num.  xxi :  4.  Very  cold.  Received  two  young  women 
into  the  church.  People  appeared  affected  with  the  occasion.  Had  a  full 
conference. 

25.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Wapping,  visited  two  schools,  and  performed  a 
marriage.*  The  schools  are  rather  backward,  and  contain  about  thirty 
scholars   each.     Tarried   at   Wapping. 

26.  Visited  a  school  about  as  large  and  rather  more  forward  than  those  I 
visited  yesterday.  There  are  about  an  hundred  families  and  three  schools  in 
Wapping.  Returned.  At  evening  saw  Rev.  Mr.  Barker,  of  Middleborough.^ 
The  people  here  are  in  some  commotion  about  seating  the  meeting-house. 
Warm  and  wet. 

27.  Yesterday  a  Baptist  preached  in  the  meeting-house.  The  same  thing 
has  been  done  several  times  in  the  course  of  the  year.^  But  few  people  I  be- 
lieve attended.     A  hard  snow-storm.     Read   Universal  History.     I  hope  our 


'  Mr.  Robbins  had  the  good  sense  to  see  a  complete  record,  showing  the  places  where 

that  the  best  way  to  heal  such  ditiliculties  as  he  had  preached,  texts,  money  received,  etc. 
these  was  to  treat  them  gently,  and  not  irri-  '  Marriages  were  becoming  frequent  out 

tate  men  by  much  talking.  at   Wapping.      This   time   Mr.  Oliver   Dart 

^  By  this  treaty  of  peace,  the  city  of  Vi-  and  Alice  Collins  were  united  in  marriage, 

enna,  which  had  been  held  by  France,  was  making  the  third  within  a  week, 
restored  to  Austria.  *  Rev.  Joseph  Barker,  a  native  of  Bran- 

^  He  united  in  marriage  Mr.  John  Stough-  ford,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1771,  and  pas- 
ton,  Jr.,  and  Hepzibah  Sadd.  tor  at  the  old  church  in  Middleborough,  Mass., 

*  Mr.  Robbins  has  several  times  spoken  1781-1815. 
of  this  work  of  bringing  up  his  preaching  '  It  was  charitable  to  let  the  Baptists  thus 
account.     With   his  love  of  exactness   and  have  the  use  of  the  Congregational  meeting- 
order,  he  could  not  rest  content  until  he  had  house. 


422 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1809. 


government  will  not  be  able  to  draw  Congress  into  a  war  with  Britain,  which 
they  evidently  wish. 

28.  Read  Universal  History.  It  is  a  work  of  very  great  labor.  People 
move  considerably  in  sleighs. 

29.  Rode  to  Scantic  and  back  in  a  sleigh.  Tolerably  good  sleighing.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  There  does  not  appear  so  much  engagedness 
about  these  things  as  there  has  been. 

30.  Finished  the  first  volume  of  the  Universal  History.  Very  cold.  Rode 
to  Scantick '  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Bartlett. 

31.  Preached  a  written  sermon  from  Acts  xxvi :  4.  Something  rainy.  At 
evening  returned.  Had  no  conference.  Thus  in  the  good  providence  of  God 
I  am  allowed  to  close  another  year.  It  has  been  perhaps  as  happy  a  year  to 
me  as  any  other.  I  have  enjoyed  comfortable  health,  and  it  has,  on  the  whole, 
constantly  increased.  I  believe  I  have  preached  every  Sabbath  but  one,  in 
which  my  father  preached  for  me.  I  have  been  agreeably  settled  in  the  min- 
istry. Yea,  and  I  believe,  thanks  to  God,  I  have  seen  a  little  success  of  my 
labors.     I  have  not  been  called  to  mourning. 


'  Scantic,  as  will   have   been   noticed,  is  into  the  Connecticut  River,  near  East  Wind- 

the  common  name  for  the  Second  or  North  sor  Hill.     Mr.  Robbins  spells  the  words  in 

ecclesiastical   parish  in   East   Windsor.     It  different  ways :  Skantick,  Scantick,  Skantic, 

takes  its  name  from  the  little  river  running  Scantic.     It  is  an  Indian  word,  but  the  last 

through  that  part  of  the  town,  and  emptying  form  is  the  one  now  more  commonly  used. 


1810- 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  to  pay  some  attention  to  objects  naturally  suggested  by 
the  day.  Read  Universal  History.  At  evening  rode  with  Mrs.  Wolcott, 
and  made  a  short  visit  to  Mr.  Yates."  He  showed  me  his  call  which  he  has 
lately  received  from  New  York.  The  vote  was  unanimous,  the  offer  ^2,000 
salary  and  expense  of  removing.  As  the  Council  last  week  advised  him  to 
stay  here,  he  concludes  to  stay.^     Very  good  sleighing. 

2.  Read.  Walked  out.  Wrote  to  my  father.  The  New  Year's  Mirror  is 
not  very  smart. 

3.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Warm.  The  snow  goes  pretty  fast. 
Read  a  very  excellent  speech  of  Mr.  Dana  ^  on  the  subject  of  the  foolish  reso- 
lutions of  Congress  respecting  the  British  Minister. 

4.  Read.  My  eyes  are  much  better  than  they  have  been.  Began  to 
write  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xlix:   15. 

5.  Finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a 
sacramental  lecture  on  i  Cor.  x :  4.  My  brother  Frank  came  here  from  West- 
field  and  tarried.     He  appears  to  be  worn  with  much  labor  in  his  school. 

6.  My  brother  went  home.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rev.  xxii:  2.  Consider- 
ably worried  with  close  study.     But  my  breast  is  pretty  well. 

7.  There  have  been  but  six  deaths  in  this  society  the  j^ear  past." 
Preached  written  sermons  from  Isa.  Ixix  :  15  and  Rev.  xxii :  2.  Administered 
the  sacrament.  Many  spectators  stay.  Under  the  preaching,  particularly  in 
the  forenoon,  people  were  much  affected.  Remarkably  warm  for  the  season. 
The  ground  bare  and  very  wet.  At  evening  had  a  conference.  I  think  the 
Universalist  that  preached  here  lately  will  do  no  hurt.     He  is  a  poor  chap.^ 

8.  Visited.  Visited  a  school  on  Long  Hill.^  I  believe  they  have  never 
had  one  there  before.     It  has  near  thirty  scholars.     Read. 

9.  Wrote.     Rode  to  Hartford.     Crossed  on  the  new  bridge.'     It  is  nearly 

'  As  Mr.  Wolcott's  house  was  a  mile  south  was  United  States  Senator  from  1810  to  1821. 

of  the  centre  of  South  Windsor,  it  was  only  He  was  a  prominent  Federalist,  and  would 

three  or  four  miles  down  to  East   Hartford  be  a  man  such  as   Mr.  Robbins  would  nat- 

Street  where  Dr.  Yates  lived.  urally  like.     He  ably  represented   the   New 

^  This  explains  the  ground  of  the  expecta-  England  ideas  of  that  time, 
tion   that   Mr.  Yates  was  about  to  leave  his  "*  This,  like  the   record   the   year   before, 

people.     Certainly  it  would  appear  that  there  would  indicate  a  remarkable  degree  of  health 

must  have  been  some  self-denial  on  his  part  in  his  parish. 

in  accepting  the  suggestion  of   the  Council.  '  An  emphatic  and  laconic  opinion. 

The  offer,  for  those  days,  was  a  flattering  one.  *  This   place  was   in   the  eastern  part  of 

^  Hon.  Samuel  Whittlesey  Dana,  son  of  the  town. 
Rev.  James  Dana,  of  New  Haven.     He  was  '  This   bridge  was  carried  away  in  1818, 

a  graduate  of  Yale   College  in  1775,  was  a  and  the  one  built  to  replace  it  is  the  one  now 

member  of  Congress  from  1796  to  1810,  and  in  use. 

423 


424 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[181O. 


completed.     It  is    indeed  a  magnificent    structure.     I  think   it   will    be  very 
useful. 

10.  Walked  and  visited.  Remarkably  warm  and  wet.  They  have  just 
been  seating  the  meeting-house  here.  Three  or  four  families  appear  to  be 
dissatisfied  ;  but  in  general  it  is  quite  acceptable.'  Tarried  out.  The  Presi- 
dent Mias  recommended  the  raising  an  army  of  twenty  thousand  men.  It  is 
sheer  nonsense.^ 

11.  Visited.  Very  muddy  going.  Have  bought  me  a  snuff-box,  and  think 
of  going  into  the  business  of  taking  snuff.*  It  is  recommended  for  my 
catarrhal  complaint.     Wrote  to  J.  W.* 

12  It  snowed  some.  Read  the  Universal  History,  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.     My  conferences  are  considerably  fatiguing. 

13.  Finished  the  second  volume  of  my  Utiiversal  History.  Wrote  notes 
for  preaching.  Visited  a  young  man  who  I  fear  is  going  into  a  con- 
sumption. 

14.  Wrote.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  17.  I  think  an  entertaining  and 
useful  subject.^  Attended  our  conference.  We  have  read  Dr.  Backus's 
Sermons  through.' 

15.  Examined  a  girl  for  keeping  school.  Read.  Afternoon,  rode  to 
Windsor  and  returned.  Very  muddy.  The  river  as  clear*  as  in  summer. 
Visited. 

16.  Read  the  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  certifi- 
cated people  here  I  think  have  very  little  notion  of  following  any  other 
religious  denomination. 

17.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  kept  Mr.  Tudor's  school'  About  fifty  scholars. 
Had  company.     Very  warm,  and  the  ground  very  wet. 

18.  Rode  to  Simsbur}'.  From  Hartford  westward  I  think  I  never  saw  it 
so  muddy.     At  evening  Mr.  King,*°  a  candidate,  came  here. 

19.  Received  of  Capt.  O.  Phelps"  twenty  dollars.  Am  much  disappointed 
in  not  getting  more.  Last  night  the  weather  changed  suddenly,  and  it  is  now 
most  severe  cold  and  very  windy.  Rode  home.  I  don't  know  that  I  ever  saw 
a  more  tedious  day.     I  think  I  never  saw  so  few  people  in  the  streets  at 


'  Seating  the  meeting-house  has  always 
been  a  delicate  piece  of  business.  Human 
nature  continues  much  the  same  from  gen- 
eration to  generation. 

*  The  President  was  James  Madison  in 
his  first  term. 

'  New  England  opposed  the  contest  which 
was  then  coming  on,  but  it  is  hard  now  to  see 
how  we  could  with  dignity  have  avoided  the 
War  of  18 1 2. 

♦  Better  to  stop  that  before  he  begins. 

5  Probably  his  brother  James  Watson. 

6  "By  faith  Noah  "etc. 

'  That  is,  they  have  been  reading  them  in 
these  conference  meetings. 


^  Clear  of  ice. 

9  Mr.  Oliver  Tudor's,  probably,  as  before 
suggested. 

'°  Barnabas  King,  D.D.,  a  graduate  of 
Williams  College  in  1804.  He  was  a  native 
of  New  Marlboro',  Mass.,  and  fitted  for  col- 
lege with  Rev.  Jacob  Catlin,  of  that  town, 
and  afterwards  studied  theology  with  the 
same.  He  was  settled  in  Rockaway,  N.  J., 
where  he  remained  fifty-five  years,  dying  in 
1862  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  He  received 
his  degree  of  D.  D.  from  his  Alma  Mater. 

"  Capt.  Oliver  Phelps,  of  Simsbury.  The 
name  Phelps  was  one  of  the  original  names  of 
Windsor,  of  which  Simsbury  was  a  part. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  425 

Hartford.  Not  a  team  to  be  seen.  I  was  very  cold.  Traded.  $2.58.  Read 
Shakespeare. 

20.  Tremendous  cold.  No  person  scarcely  goes  out.  Wrote  notes  for  preach- 
ing.    I  fear  the  sudden  and  great  change  of  weather  will  be  very  injurious. 

21.  Yesterday  and  last  night  Mr.  VVolcott  rode  home  from  Washington,' 
near  sixty  miles.  It  was  very  presumptuous.  Preached  from  Isa.  xlii :  16. 
Meetings  very  short.  I  believe  as  cold  as  yesterday.  Received  a  letter  from 
cousin  S.  P.  Robbins. 

22.  The  weather  moderates  a  little.  People  suppose  they  have  never 
known  a  colder  turn.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
My  eyes  are  much  better  than  they  have  been. 

23.  The  river,  which  was  perfectly  clear  last  Thursday,  shut  over  on  Friday 
night,  and  is  now  in  the  best  condition  for  crossing.  People  crossed  on  Satur- 
day.    The  ground  is  wholly  bare. 

24.  It  snowed  some.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  our  Academic 
school.^  It  is  quite  small,  but  appears  pretty  well.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  sister  S.^  The  late  cold  and  wind  was  very  severe  there.'*  Began  a 
sermon  on  Matt,  viii:  24.     Paid  a  tailor  $3.34. 

25.  Read  the  Universal  History.  The  late  turn  of  cold  weather  seems  to 
have  been  very  extensive  and  very  severe.     Have  something  of  a  cold. 

26.  Wrote.  Considerably  interrupted  by  company.  Rode  out  to  attend  a 
conference,  but  had  none  on  account  of  the  weather.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  Battell.  Received  of  Mr.  Tudor  for  the  society  twenty-three 
dollars.     At  night  it  snowed. 

27.  Wrote  twelve  pages.  As  I  write  and  deliver  now,  eight  pages  will 
make  a  sermon  of  half  an  hour.^  Finished  my  sermon  on  Matt,  viii :  34. 
People  move  considerably  in  sleighs. 

,^^8.  Preached  the  written  sermon  finished  yesterday.  Quite  cold.  The 
Universalist  fellow  *  preached  here  last  evening,  and  attended  meeting  in  the 
forenoon.     I  think  he  is  despised.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

29.  Extreme  cold.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.  Walked  out.  Had 
an  interview  with  ^ 

30.  Almost  as  cold  as  ten  days  ago ;  very  severe.  Rode  in  a  sleigh  to 
Windsor  and  returned.  Poor  sleighing.  The  ice  in  the  river  very  strong. 
Visited  some  blacks.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Howe,^  of  New  Haven,  and  sent  him  for 
my  Universal  History.,  $30.00. 

31.  Read  Universal  History.  The  weather  moderates  a  little.  Walked 
out  and  visited.     Read  Ossian's  Poems? 


'  Washington,  Ct.,  southern  part  of  Litch-  of  a  minister,  even  though  he  might  be  of  a 

field  County.  denomination  which  the  writer  of  this  diary 

^  At  East  Windsor  Hill.  strongly  disliked. 

3  Mrs.  Sarah  Battell.  ^  This  place  is  blank  in  the  diary. 

"•  At  Norfolk,  Ct.  ^  Hezekiah  Howe,  bookseller,  before  men- 

^  This,  by  ministers   generally,  would  be  tioned. 
considered  rapid  sermon-writing.  '  Otherwise  James  Macpherson's,  of  Scot- 

^  Not  a  very  respectful  way  of  speaking  land,  as  has  been  before  explained. 


426  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEINS,    D.D.  [181O. 

February. 

1.  Read,  Had  company.  People  move  some  in  sleighs,  but  more  on 
wheels.     Walked  out. 

2.  Finished  the  third  volume  of  the  Universal  History}  Very  cold.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  Have  read  the  most  of  Dr.  Hopkins'  Life  in 
the  conferences.^     I  think  it  very  useful.     Read  Newton  on  the  Prophecies. 

3.  Read  Newton.  Had  company.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  I  fre- 
quently find  it  hard  to  suit  myself  with  subjects  for  preaching. 

4.  Preached  from  Luke  xix :  42.  Quite  cold.  Very  little  sleighing.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Pretty  thin. 

5.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  (Orford)  ^  and  visited  Mr.  King"  and  Mr. 
Olcott.^  King  is  pretty  gloomy,  and  knows  not  what  to  do.  Returned.  Bad 
riding. 

6.  Rode  to  Windsor  to  attend  Association.  The  meeting  was  pretty  full. 
Mr.  Whitfield  Cowles^  applied,  with  a  sort  of  a  confession,  for  a  restoration. 
The  confession  was  judged  insufficient. 

7.  The  Association  licensed  two  candidates.^  One  of  them,  Esq.  Perkins, 
of  West  Hartford.  Mr.  Church^  introduced  the  Hartland  matters  which 
detained  us  till  evening. 

8.  Rode  home.  Very  good  sleighing  on  the  river,  and  none  other.  It  is 
said  that  there  is  a  good  path  on  the  ice  from  Springfield  to  Saybrook.' 
Warm.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  black  man.'°  Received  an  excellent 
letter  from  Mr.  Waldo,  of  this  place,  now  at  Pomfret. 

9.  Finished  reading  Newton's  Dissertations  on  the  Prophecies.     I  think  it  is 


'  He  was   reading   the  Universal  History  ^  The  two  candidates  were   Nathan  Per- 

about  as  rapidly  as  he  intended.     When  he  kins,  Jr.,  son  o£  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West 

first    purchased    the  work    he    thought    he  Hartford,  and  John  Bartlett,  Jr.,  son  of  Mr. 

should  read  one  volume  a  month.     He  has  John  Bartlett,  of  Lebanon,  Ct.,  and  brother 

already  finished    three   volumes.      This,   as  of  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  the  North  Parish, 

may  be  remembered,  was   a  work   of  sixty  East  Windsor.     Mr.  Perkins  was  graduated 

volumes,  of  which  eighteen  were  of  Ancient  at  Yale  in  1795,  and  first  gave  himself  to  the 

Histor}',  and  fortj--two  of  Modern.  profession  of  law,  and   turned  from  this  to 

^  Dr.  Stephen  West's  Life  of  Dr.  Samuel  the  ministry.     Mr.  Bartlett  was  graduated  at 

Hopkins,  which  he  had  been  reading  in  their  1807,  and  afterwards  settled  in  Wintonbury 

conference-meetings.  parish,    Windsor,    and    in    Avon    (formerly 

^  Now  the  town  of  Manchester,  Ct.  Northington). 

*  Rev.  Salmon    King,   before   mentioned,  ^  Rev.  Aaron  Church,  who  had  been  pas- 

who  had  been  dismissed  from  the  church  in  tor  at  Hartland  since  1773.     Precisely  what 

Orford  (Manchester)  two  years   before,  but  the  matters  were  which   he   brought  to  the 

was  not  yet  settled  elsewhere,  and  seems  to  notice  of  the  Association,  we  do  not  know, 

be  at  home  yet  in  Manchester.  '  If  that  was  a  fact,  it  shows  the  intensity 

^  Rev.   Allen   Olcott,  a    native    of    East  of  the  cold  which  had  been  prevailing,  for, 

Hartford,  who  had  formerly  been  settled  in  over  the  Enfield  Falls,  where  the  river  runs 

Farmington,  but  was  now  supplying  the  pul-  rapidly,  it  is  not  easy  so  to  compact  the  ice 

pit  in  Manchester,  though  never  settled  there.  as  to  make  a  pathway  for  horses  and  sleighs. 

Hewasgraduatedat  Yalein  176S,  andwasnow  '°  This   was   Peter,  a  colored  man,  aged 

in  years.     He  died  the  following  year,  181 1.  eighty,  who  in  the  centuiy  before  had  proba- 

''  Who   had    been  dismissed   from    East  bly  been  a  slave,  belonging  to  some  one  of 

Granby.  the  East  Windsor  families. 


[8io.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


427 


not  so  valuable  a  work  as  Faber's.'    Began  to  read   Jews'  Letters  to   Voltaire^ 
At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Very  cold. 

10.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wethersfield.  We  have  many  accounts  of 
the  disastrous  effects  of  the  late  extreme  cold.  Very  bad  and  rough  riding. 
The  river  has  not  been  known  to  be  so  universally  frozen,  with  so  few 
openings. 

11.  Dr.  Marsh'  is  quite  unwell  with  an  influenza.  His  son"  now  preaches 
for  him,  and  supplies  my  pulpit  today  by  exchange.  Preached  a  written 
sermon  on  John  vii :  17.  Afternoon  preached  with  short  notes  from  Heb.  xi : 
17.  At  evening  preached  again  without  notes  from  Luke  xv :  17.  Meetings 
quite  full  and  attentive. 

12.  Returned.  Weather  very  pleasant.  The  country  very  extensively 
destitute  of  snow.  Visited  sick  persons.  Yesterday  there  was  a  sudden 
explosion  in  the  river  near  the  upper  part  of  this  town;  the  ice  broke  and 
was  cast  each  way,  leaving  an  opening  near  half  a  mile  in  length  and 
several  rods  in  breadth.     It  is  an  unknown  phenomenon.* 

13.  Read  jfeivs''  Letter's.  They  are  a  learned  and  very  valuable  work.  At 
evening  walked  out  and  visited.  The  business  of  seating  the  meeting-house 
has  passed  off  very  quietly. 

14.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  ISIostly  certificate  people.  There  is  a 
hopeful  beginning  of  a  special  work  of  grace  at  Springfield.  God  can  bring 
water  from  the  dr}^'est  ground. 

15.  Read  yews'  Letters.  Afternoon  began  a  sermon  on  i  Peter  iv :  18. 
I  think  we  shall  not  go  through  this  year  with  so  few  deaths  in  this  place  as 
last  year.  On  the  3rd  sent  a  request  to  Mr.  Francis  King,^  of  Vernon,  to 
preach  for  me  Sabbath  after  next ;  and  received  an  answer  of  compliance. 

16.  Wrote  all  day.  Received  a  polite  letter  from  Mr.  Frederick  Wolcott,' 
of  Litchfield,  with  a  present  of  a  copy  of  Elegant  Extracts  in  Verse^  in  consid- 
eration of  the  Wolcott  family  piece  which  I  sent  him  last  fall. 


'  George  Stanley  Faber,  already  noticed. 

^  The  full  title  of  this  book  (two  volumes 
in  one)  is  Letters  of  Certain  Jews  to  Monsieicr 
Voltaire,  cojitaining  an  Apology  for  their  own 
people,  and  for  the  Old  Testament.  Trans- 
lated by  Rev.  Philip  Lebaner,  Philadelphia, 

1795- 

^  John  Marsh,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Wethers- 
field, 1774-1821. 

*  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  D.  D.,  graduated  at  Yale 
College  in  1804,  and  well  known  in  all  his 
later  life  for  his  distinguished  services  in  the 
temperance  cause. 

^  This  must  have  happened  near  the  foot 
of  Enfield  Falls,  in  the  vicinity  of  Warehouse 
Point,  and  may  have  been  connected  with 
the  action  of  frost  where  the  water  was  not 
very  deep.  The  cold,  it  will  be  remembered, 
had  been  severe  almost  bej'ond  the  memory 


of  man,  and  in  the  shallow  waters  over  the 
falls,  the  ice  may  have  formed  to  such  a 
depth,  as  to  impede  the  flow,  and  cause 
a  great  pressure  from  the  waters  above. 

*  Francis  King  was  son  of  Col.  Oliver 
King,  of  Vernon,  and  younger  brother  of 
Rev.  Salmon  King,  a  classmate  of  Mr.  Rob- 
bins  at  Yale.  He  was  graduated  at 
Yale  in  1804,  and  licensed  to  preach  by  the 
Litchfield  North  Association,  June  14,  1808, 
but  for  some  reason  did  not  follow  the  pro- 
fession of  the  ministry. 

^  Mr.  Frederick  Wolcott,  of  Litchfield, 
Ct.,  was  son  of  the  first  Gov.  Oliver  Wolcott, 
and  brother  of  the  second  Governor  of  the 
same  name.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale, 
1786. 

^  This  was  a  work  in  two  vols.,  octavo, 
published  in  London  in  1801. 


428  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROEBINS,    D.D.  [1810. 

17.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Peter  iv :  iS.  This  week  has  been  remark- 
ably dr)-  and  pleasant.  The  boys  play  ball.  Excellent  going  for  carriages. 
Sleighing  on  the  river,  and  there  only.  Bonaparte  is  evidently  extending  his 
designs  to  this  country.* 

18.  Preached  my  written  sermon  on  i  Peter  iv  :  i8.  Rainy  and  quite  thin 
meeting.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Young  Albert  Wolcott 
appears  near  his  grave."    With  a  consumption.     Very  tired. 

19.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Towards  night  and  at  evening  a 
very  hard  rain.  I  am  disappointed  about  getting  money  at  Simsbury.^  Paid 
for  Catechisms  which  I  give  away,  $3.00.  Paid  my  annual  contribution  to  the 
Bible  Societ}',  $3.00.     Received  of  Maj.  Wolcott  for  the  society,  $23.00. 

20.  In  the  morning  the  river  was  broken  up  and  the  ice  ran  with  great 
violence.  Warm.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Very  bad  riding.  My  parents  quite 
well.     My  brother  Ammi  appears  to  be  in  very  good  circumstances. 

2  1.  Cold.  A  young  man  died  here  yesterday  of  the  spotted  fever.  My 
father  keeps  no  scholars."  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  There  seems  to  be  some 
agitation  in  this  county  about  the  choice  of  governor.^ 

22.  Reckoned  with  Mr.  Battell.  Very  rough  going.  My  brother  S. 
engaged  in  his  school.*  My  brother  N.  quite  prosperous  in  his  business  of 
Spanish  sheep.     I  fear  this  town  is  not  gaining  in  property  or  character. 

23.  My  father  has  been  new-drafting  his  will.  I  think  it  is  pretty  judi- 
cious.' Packed  some  large  folios  to  send  to  East  Windsor.  My  sister  S.^ 
quite  unwell. 

24.  In  my  settlement  with  Mr.  Battell  paid  him  $40.00,  which  he  paid  for 
me  for  the  horse  I  bought  in  1807.  In  my  settlement  with  Mr.  Battell  and 
brother  N.  paid  them  $40.00  in  addition  to  other  $40.00  which  I  paid  for  my 
horse  last  summer.  In  my  settlement  with  Mr.  Battell  paid  him  a  merchant's 
bill  of  $31.75.  Reckoned  with  my  brother  N.  Received  of  him  in  notes 
against  other  people,  $53.86.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  on  account  in  advance 
$19.11.  Received  of  my  father  yesterday,  and  paid  for  a  pair  of  saddle-bags, 
$5.00. 

25.  Preached  for  my  father  in  the  forenoon  a  written  sermon  on  John  vii : 
17.  Afternoon  on  Heb.  xi :  17.  Quite  full  meeting.  At  evening  a  few 
neighbors  came  in  for  a  season  of  prayer.     The  ground  perfectly  bare. 

26.  Remarkably  warm.     Rode   to  Winchester,     Preached  a  lecture  pre- 

'  This  was  a  common  idea,  back  in  Napo-  his  ministry  at  Norfolk,  and  had  received  in 

Icon's  day,  among  the  people  of  this  country,  times   past   nearly  two  hundred   pupils  into 

but  if  the  Emperor  ever  had  any  such  thought  his  family. 

he   never  found  time  to  attend  to  it.     That  ^  Hon.  John   Treadwell,  of   Farmington, 

is  one  of  the  advantages  of  having  an  ocean  was  then  Governor,  and  was  reelected  in  the 

between  us  and  the  Old  World.  following  April. 

^  He  died,  as  will  be  seen,  in  the  follow-  *  His  brother  Samuel,  as  may  be  remem- 

ing  month.  bered,  is  teaching  now  in  Norfolk. 

'  The  people  were  still  owing  him  for  his  '  This  implies  that  he  had  made  the  sub- 
services  two  years  before.  Everywhere  then  stance  of  his  will  known  to  his  children,  or, 
it  was  hard  to  get  money.  at  least  to  his  son  Thomas. 

*  He  was  now  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  ^  Mrs.  Joseph  Battell. 


tSio.] 


PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


429 


viously  appointed  from  Lev.  xxv :  10.  Quite  a  full  meeting.  The  prospects 
of  this  society  appear  verj^  favorable.  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect.  Received  of 
this  society  for  all  demands,  $55.00.'  I  gave  in  the  interest  for  more  than  two 
years.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Marsh's.^  He  is  very  useful  here,  and  living  very 
well. 

27.  Cold  and  very  bad  riding.  Visited  several  families.  Rode  to  Norfolk. 
I  think  a  holy  God  is  about  to  do  good  things  for  Winchester. 

28.  Surveyed  a  small  piece  of  land.  Had  some  tailor-work  done.  Assisted 
in  settling  a  disagreeable  affair  in  church.  I  hope  it  has  happily  succeeded. 
There  is  a  good  deal  of  discipline  in  this  church. 

March. 

1.  Left  home  and  rode  to  Simsbur}-.  My  father  and  his  church  observe 
this  day  as  a  church  fast.  Received  of  my  brother  Ammi,  $42.50.  Very 
pleasant  weather.     The  ground  thaws  in  many  places. 

2.  I  get  nothing  here  of  my  dues.  I  think  the  prospect  of  this  society  is 
favorable.  Rode  home.  I  have  not  been  absent  from  here  so  long  at  one 
time  since  I  first  came  to  reside  in  the  town.  Visited  sick  people.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Moulthrop,  East 
Haven,  and  one  from  my  brother  James.  The  ice  in  the  river  broke  on  the 
2 1  St  ult. 

3.  Visited.  A  very  strong,  healthy  man  was  hurt  on  his  head  in  Novem- 
ber, and  appears  now  in  a  very  dangerous  state.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Yates.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

4.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  John  i :  29  and  Acts  xiii : 
27.  During  the  week  past  the  women  here,  wholly  without  my  knowledge, 
have  placed  a  good  new  cushion  on  the  desk,  and  an  excellent  folio  Bible  in 
the  pulpit.  This  testimony  of  their  sentiments  is  peculiarly  gratifying.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Very  pleasant  weather. 

5.  Visited  the  sick.  Saw  the  operation  of  cupping.  .  A  hard  rain.  Read 
yews'  Letters.  It  appears  that  the  British  powers  have  taken  Guadaloupe.^ 
The  French  are  like  to  be  driven  entirely  from  America. 

6.  Finished  reading  Jeios'  Letters.  It  is  a  very  valuable  work.  Wrote 
to  Beers  &  Howe,*  New  Haven,  and  sent  them  a  bank-bill  of  $50.00.  Rode 
out  and  visited.     Quite  cold. 

7.  Rode  to  Windsor  with  Mr.  Yates.     Five  ministers'  of  the  vicinity  met 


'  This  money  was  for  the  supply  of  the 
pulpit  three  years  before. 

^  Rev.  Frederick  Marsh,  settled  in  1S09, 
and  continuing  in  the  ministry  at  Winchester 
until  1851,  and  a  resident  there  many  years 
afterwards. 

^  1  he  Island  of  Guadaloupe  had  been 
once  or  twice  before  taken  from  the  French 
by  England  and  restored.  This  time  it  was 
given  to  Sweden  in  order  to  draw  her  into 
the  alliance  against  the  French.     But  it  was 


again  given  back  to  France  at  the  peace  of 
1S14. 

*  The  firm  of  Isaac  Beers  &  Hezekiah 
Howe,  of  New  Haven.  Mr.  Robbins  became 
acquainted  with  them  probably  when  he  was 
in  Yale  College,  and  now  employs  them  as 
his  agent  in  buying  books  for  his  library. 

^  These  were.  Rev.  Andrew  Yates,  D.  D  , 
Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  Rev.  Thomas  Rob- 
bins,  D.D.,  Rev.  Prince  Hawes,  and  Rev. 
Shubael  Bartlett. 


43° 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l( 


and  organized  a  circular  ministers'  meeting.    I  hope  it  may  be  useful.    Tarried 
at  Capt.  Ellsworth's.'     Verj-  bad  going. 

8.  Returned.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  The  most  of  the  crossing  is 
still  at  the  ferry.*  Paid  a  cabinet-maker  $15.00.  My  desk  and  book-case 
cost  $43.00  My  bureau  cost  $17.00.  Paid  a  watch-maker  $5.75.  Traded, 
etc.     $2.94.     Visited. 

9.  Rainy.  Visited  the  sick.  Reckoned  my  pecuniary  accounts.  The 
weather  and  going  were  such  that  I  omitted  the  evening  conference.  Read 
Universal  History. 

10.  Began  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  v  :  20.  Wrote  all  day.  Interrupted  by 
company.  Mr.  Yates  called  on  me.  I  think  there  is  a  prospect  of  his  form- 
ing a  connection  at  Windsor.  Yesterday  got  a  new  chair,  made  high  for 
writing  at  my  bureau-table.     Cost  $5.00. 

11.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday  on  2  Cor.  v:  20. 
I  believe  I  never  wrote  so  much  in  so  short  a  time.  I  had  done  half  of  it 
when  I  lighted  a  candle  last  evening.  At  evening  had  Dr.  Griffin's  Dedica- 
tion Sermon  read  at  conference.' 

12.  Visited.     It  snowed  considerably.     Wrote.     Read. 

13.  With  the  school  visitors  visited  and  catechised  two  schools.  Made  the 
children  some  presents  of  small  books.  Read  Universal  History.  The  snow 
goes  off. 

14.  Rode  to  Westfield  to  see  my  brother  Frank.  He  has  had  an  ill  turn, 
but  is  now  pretty  well.     Dined  at  Esq.  Leavitt's,  Suffield.     Very  bad  riding. 

15.  Went  into  my  brother's  school.  It  is  large  and  respectable.  He  has 
a  valuable  man  for  an  assistant.  Returned  home.  Cold  and  very  bad  riding. 
Crossed  the  Enfield  bridge.  Electioneering  goes  pretty  high  in  Massa- 
chusetts.'' 

16.  Read.  Very  cold.  Afternoon  visited  a  small  school.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  At  evening  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  arrived  here 
from  Marietta.^  He  is  performing  the  long  journey  for  a  visit  to  his  friends 
in  New  England. 

17.  My  cousin,  notwithstanding  his  great  labors  in  the  western  countr}% 


'  Captain,  or  Major  Martin  Ellsworth  (for  Edward  Dorr  Griffin,  at  the  dedication  of  the 

he  was  known  by  both  titles)  was  one  of  the  Park   Street  Church,  Boston,  Jan.  10,  1810. 

four  sons  of  Oliver  Ellsworth,  United  States  He  was  at  that  time  Professor  of   Rhetoric 

Chief  Justice,  etc.     One  of  his  brothers  was  in  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  but  in  the 

William    W.   Ellsworth,  Governor   of  Con-  year  following  he  became  the  pastor  of  Park 

necticut,   and   another  was    Henry   L.   Ells-  Street  Church,  which   office   he   held    1811- 

worth,  who  after   holding  some  government  181 5.      In   his   day  hardly   any   man   in  the 

offices,  became  an  agent  in  the  buying  and  land  was  regarded  as  his  superior  in  pulpit 

selling  of  government  lands.     He  left  a  large  power. 

legacy  to   Yale   College.     Both  of   the   last  *  Christopher  Gore   had   served  for   one 

named  were  graduates  of  Yale.  year  as  Governor,  but  in  1810  Elbridge  Gerry 

^  The  bridge  was  nearly  finished,  but  as  was  chosen  in  his  place, 

men  were  still  at  work  upon  it,  the  ferry  was  *  Mr.  Robbins  had  not   seen   his   cousin 

deemed  more  convenient.  since  he  preached  his  ordination  sermon  at 

'  This  was  the  sermon  preached  by  Dr.  Marietta,  in  January,  1806. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  43 1 

appears  very  little  altered  in  four  years.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
James.  Assisted  the  church  committee  in  examining  two  elderly  persons  for 
communion. 

18.  My  cousin  preached  for  me  and  exceeding  well.  He  is  a  serious  and 
useful  preacher.  At  evening  we  attended  a  singing-meeting.  Our  singing  is 
deservedly  admired. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  visited  in  my  own  society  with  my  cousin. 
Made  him  some  presents. 

20.  In  the  morning  my  cousin  set  off  for  Plymouth.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
visited  two  schools.  They  have  done  well  the  present  season.  Tarried  at 
Wapping.     The  people  here  are  in  great  want  of  religious  instruction. 

21.  Visited  two  schools.  The  other  visitors  are  pretty  faithful  in  the 
business.  Very  muddy  and  bad  riding.  Pretty  tired.  Our  leading  national 
characters  appear  to  be  exceedingly  attached  to  the  French  government.  I 
hope  God  will  be  our  holy  preserver. 

22.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Several  persons  here  are  sick. 
The  roads  dry  considerably.     Read. 

23.  In  the  morning  was  called  to  see  a  young  man  apparently  near  death 
with  a  consumption.'  Walked  out  and  visited  families.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.  Late  at  night  visited  the  young  man  again.  He  appears  not 
to  have  been  aware  of  his  danger  till  last  night. 

24.  In  the  morning  the  young  man  I  visited  yesterday  died.  Visited  a  man 
sick  with  a  fever.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     I  find  but  little  time  for  reading. 

25.  Preached  from  Ex.  xiv :  15  and  Deut.  xxxii :  29.  Very  pleasant. 
Meeting  quite  full  and  attentive.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Have 
the  Village  Sermons  read  in  the  conferences.     Very  tired. 

26.  It  snowed  hard  the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote.  My  parochial  duties 
occupy  the  most  of  my  time. 

27.  Wrote  a  review  of  Dr.  Griffin's  Dedication  Ser?non.^  Afternoon 
attended  the  funeral  of  Albert  Wolcott.  It  was  a  very  solemn  and  affecting 
occasion.  A  great  collection  of  people.  Heard  Mr.  AtwelP  the  Baptist  at 
Enfield  preach  in  the  meeting-house.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

28.  Read.  Mr.  Atwell  called  on  me.  He  appears  very  desirous  of  getting 
a  footing  here.  Sectarians  and  opposers  of  all  kinds  encourage  him.  I  hope 
God  will  be  our  protector.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Battell  with  the  very  grateful  information  that  Sally  ^  has  a  daughter  and 
is  quite  smart.     I  hope  they  may  never  be  unmindful  of  their  mercies. 


'  This  was  Albert  Wolcott,  whose  pioba-  this  time,  seems  not  to  have  been  a  man  of 

ble   death   was   mentioned   a  month  before.  collegiate  education. 

He  was  son  of  Albert  Wolcott,  grandson  of  *  Mrs.  Sarah  Battell.     This  was  her  third 

Erastus  Wolcott,  and  great-grandson  of  the  child   and  first   daughter,    and    was    named 

colonial  Governor,  Roger  Wolcott.  Sarah.     She  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  Joseph 

2  Probably  for  publication.  Eldridge,  D.  U.,  for  forty-three  years  pastor 

3  Rev.  George  Atwell.  A  small  Baptist  at  Norfolk.  He  died  in  1S75,  ^""^1  she  in 
church  had  been  gathered  in  Enfield  as  early  1878.  The  children  of  Dr.  Eldridge  still  re- 
as  1764.     Rev.  Mr.  Atwell,  the  pastor  of  it  at  side  at  Norfolk. 


432 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O. 


29.  Wrote  to  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven.  Visited  a  man  verj'  sick. 
Visited  and  catechised  two  schools  consisting  of  about  sixty  scholars '  each. 
It  snowed  some.  Very  bad  going.  Some  of  our  schools  are  taught  the 
Cft-techism  very  poorly. 

30.  Began  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iii :  lo.  Afternoon  wrote  notes  and  preached 
a  sacramental  lecture  from  2  Cor.  v  :  14.  Visited  the  sick.  Very  cold  for  the 
season.     Received  of  Mr.  Tudor  for  the  society,  $2.35. 

31.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxv :  21.  I  have  exceedingly  good  con- 
veniences for  writing.  I  don't  know  that  I  can  write  any  faster  than  I  could 
years  ago. 

April. 

1.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Eph.  iii:  10.  Preached  that  and  the  one 
written  yesterday.  I  believe  I  have  seldom  written  a  better  one  than  this 
latter.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Quite  uncomfortable.  Administered 
the  sacrament.  Received  two  women  for  communion.  Had  a  thin  but 
attentive  meeting.^ 

2.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Westfield.  The  riding  very  bad.  This  day  is  the 
election  of  Governor,  etc.,  in  this  State. ^  There  has  been  a  great  deal  of 
electioneering.  My  brother  Frank  has  too  much  labor  for  his  health.  At 
evening  preached  in  the  hall  of  the  academy  from  Matt,  xxv :  21. 

3.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  examination  of  the  academy.  They 
performed  very  well.  Afternoon  attended  the  exhibition.  Sat  on  the  stage 
with  the  trustees.  The  exhibition  was  very  acceptable.  At  evening  rode  to 
Sufifield.  On  the  way  preached  at  Feeding  Hills  at  conference  for  old  Mr. 
Griswold*  from  Matt,  xxv  :  21.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

4.  Rode  home.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers' 
meeting.^  Read  my  review  of  Dr.  Griffin's  sermon,  which  was  much  approved 
by  the  meeting.  Returned.  Visited  a  man  apparently  near  dying.  Very 
tired. 

5.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  I  think  there  is  reason  to  hope  that 
we  are  not  wholly  forgotten  of  divine  grace.  Received  the  payment  of  a  note 
which  I  received  last  summer  for  my  horse,  which  has  been  sued,  though  not 
in  my  name,  $46.58.  Of  this  sum  I  set  $42.00  against  an  equal  sum  which  I 
paid  for  my  present  horse.  The  weather  begins  to  appear  like  spring.  Last 
evening  received  a  letter  from  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven. 

6.  A  worthy  man*  in  the  society,  about  fifty-five  years,  died   last   night 


*  The  district  schools  in  those  years  were  the  man  to  whom  reference  is  made.  He 
large,  because  the  families  of  children  in  the  was  not  settled  at  Feeding  Hills,  but  only 
district  were  large.  supplying. 

*  During  the  year  1810  he  received  eight  *  This  was  the  first  meeting  of  the  circular 
persons  into  the  church,  four  of  each  sex.  Ministers'  Association  of  five. 

*  Massachusetts.  «>  Mr.  Sylvanus  Filley.     The  name  Filley 

*  There  was  a  Rev.  Sylvanus  Griswold  was  among  the  early  names  of  Old  Windsor, 
who  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1757,  and  who  Mr.  William  Filley  married  there  in  1642, 
was  then  fifty-three  years  out  of  college,  but  and  his  descendants  were  numerous  both  in 
as  he  lived  till  1819,  he  was  without  doubt  Windsor  and  East  Windsor. 


[8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


433 


after  a  short  illness.  Rode  to  Harford.  Paid  a  cabinet-maker  $20.00.  Paid 
for  books,  miscellaneous  classics,  $15.00.  Paid  for  a  certificate  for  the  right 
of  crossing  the  bridge  for  a  year,  $2.00.'  Mr.  Clark,  from  Norfolk,  called  on 
me.     At  evening  attended  a  conference  very  full.     Wrote. 

7.  Quite  spring  weather.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching.  I  am  fearful  Mr.  Weir,  a  young  gentleman  from  Boston,  with  a 
consumption,  at  Mr.  McClure's,^  will  not  live  long. 

8.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  from  Zech.  viii :  2  and  Luke 
xxi :  34.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Filley.  I  believe  I  have  never  seen 
so  full  a  meeting  here  on  the  Sabbath.  At  evening  rainy.  Had  a  thin 
conference. 

9.  It  appears  the  people  in  Massachusetts  are  again  to  have  the  trial  of 
a  Democratic  Governor.'  The  anger  of  heaven  is  very  manifest  toward  us 
in  the  infatuation  of  the  people.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freeman's 
meeting.  Votes  for  Gov.  Treadwell,  131;  Spalding,  90;  Griswold,  64.*  Vis- 
ited.    I  did  not  vote.     Sat  out  about  dusk  and  rode  to  Simsbury.     Quite  cold. 

10.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Good  riding  to  Winstead ;  from  thence  to  Norfolk 
very  bad.  Considerable  snow  here.  My  brothers  James  and  Frank  at  home. 
My  parents  quite  well.  My  brother  N.  has  lately  sold  fourteen  sheep  for  two 
hundred  and  forty  dollars. 

11.  Our  family  were  all  together.  I  believe  we  have  not  been  before 
for  fifteen  years  or  more.  My  two  parents  and  their  eight  children  and  Mr. 
Battell,  and  no  other  persons,  dined  together.  How  great  is  God's  goodness 
towards  us.  There  has  not  been  a  death  in  the  family  since  September, 
1777.^     Sally  is  quite  smart,  though  her  child  is  but  twenty-three  days  old. 

'  Mr.  Robbins'  journeys  to  Hartford  were  Total,  285.     The  population  of  the  town  of 

frequent.      He  usually  went   on   horseback.  East  Windsor  in  1810  was  3,081.     But  there 

Two  dollars  for  the  year  seems  a  moderate  were   at  that   time   property   restrictions   in 

price.  Connecticut  on  voting,  so  that  the  number  of 

^  Dr.  McClure   was   of   a  Boston  family,  voters  was   considerably  less   than    on   our 

and  this  young  man  of  the  name  of  Weir,  present    basis.      The    population    of    East 

from  Boston,  was  probably  of   the  circle  of  Windsor    then    by    present    system     would 

his  kindred  or  acquaintance.  indicate   about  six    hundred   voters.      Gov. 

^  This  Democratic  Governor  was  no  other  John  Treadwell  was  the  regular  Federal 
than  Elbridge  Gerry,  who  was  one  of  the  candidate.  Roger  Griswold  was  also  a  Fed- 
Committee  of  Public  Safety  in  the  Revolu-  eralist,  and  the  vote  for  him  was  by  way  of 
tionary  War,  was  a  member  of  the  Conven-  Federalist  dissent  from  Governor  Treadwell. 
tion  framing  the  Constitution  of  the  United  Mr.  Asa  Spalding  was  a  Democratic  lawyer, 
States,  was  sent  by  President  John  Adams  in  native  of  Canterbury,  Ct.,  but  then  living  in 
1797,  in  company  with  John  Marshall  and  Norwich,  Ct.,  in  the  house  formerly  occupied 
Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  as  Commis-  by  Gov.  Samuel  Huntington,  a  man  of  wealth 
sioner  to  France,  and  in  1S13  he  was  elected  and  ability,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale. 
Vice-President  of  the  United  States.  It  ^  Of  the  thirteen  children  of  Rev.  Ammi 
would  not  seem  that  the  anger  of  heaven  Ruhamah  and  Elizabeth  Robbins,  five  died 
need  burn  very  fiercely  because  of  the  elec-  in  early  life.  The  last  of  these  five  was 
tion  of  a  man  with  such  a  history.  Francis  Le  Baron,  who  died  in  1777.     Rev. 

*  The  vote  of  East  Windsor  for  Governor  Francis    Le    Baron,    the    life-long   minister 

in  1810,  stood,  for  John  Treadwell,  131 ;  Mr.  of    Enfield,    was    a    second    child    of    this 

Asa  Spalding,  90 ;  Mr.  Roger  Griswold,  64.  name. 


434 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1810. 


P'ive  of  us  are  professors  of  religion.     Oh  that  we  might  be  Christians  indeed, 
and  that  none  of  us  may  fail  of  the  grace  of  life. 

12.  There  are  valuable  tan-works  erected  near  my  father's.  It  has  been 
a  good  season  for  maple  sugar.  Rode  with  James  and  Frank  to  Ammi's  and 
dined.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  ground  dries  very  fast.  People  beginning 
to  plow. 

13.  Received  of  Capt.  O.  Phelps/  on  a  note,  $65.00.  Sent  my  brother 
James,  $50.00.  Paid  a  cabinet-maker,  $15.00.  Rode  home.  It  is  feared  that 
Gov.  Treadwell  will  not  be  elected  by  the  people.^  The  river  rises  consider- 
ably. Yesterday  quite  warm.  Read  Universal  History.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference. 

14.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Oilman,  Marietta.  Read  Universal  History.  The  ground 
very  dry.     Vegetation  advances  \^xv  little. 

15.  Read  the  Bible.  Preached  my  written  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  17.  At 
evening  attended  our  conference.  Received  a  letter  from  Beers  &  Howe, 
New  Haven. 

16.  Wrote  letters  to  my  Uncle  Starr,  my  sister  Battell,  and  brother  Samuel. 
Visited.  People  begin  to  catch  shad.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick 
woman. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Had  to  ferr)-  in  the  meadows,  but  the  water  is 
very  low  for  a  spring  fliood.  Quite  warm.  People  beginning  to  garden. 
Wrote.     Began  a  sermon  for  the  fast  on  Luke  v :  34,  35. 

iS.  Wrote.  Afternoon  walked  out  and  visited.  Very  warm  and  dusty. 
Vegetation  advances  very  little  for  want  of  wet. 

19.  WVote  the  most  of  the  day.  Visited.  Some  people  are  sick.  There 
is  like  to  be  no  election  for  Governor  by  the  Freemen. 

20.  This  day  is  Fast  through  this  State. ^  Finished  and  preached  my 
sermon  on  Luke  v:  34,  35.  Meeting  well  attended.  People  appeared  sol- 
emn. Quite  warm.  I  wore  no  outside  coat.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    Ver}'  tired.     My  labor  has  been  almost  too  hard. 

21.  Read  Elegant  Extracts.*  Afternoon  rode  to  Glastonbury  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Hawes.'  Visited  a  sick  man  in  Orford.^  Mr.  Hawes  agreeably  situ- 
ated here. 


'  Capt.  Oliver  Phelps,  treasurer  of  the 
parish  of  Simsbury,  gave  Mr.  Robbins  a  note 
for  the  sum  due.  This  payment  is  on  that 
note.  , 

^  As  has  already  been  noticed,  there  was 
a  division  among  the  Federalists,  so  that 
there  were  two  candidates  of  the  Federal 
party,  Gov.  Treadwell  and  Roger  Griswold. 
Asa  Spalding,  of  Norwich,  was  the  Demo- 
cratic candidate,  without  the  slightest  chance 
of  election,  but  as  it  required  a  majority  to 
elect,  the  fear  was  that  there  would  be,  with 
this  triple  arrangement,  no  choice  by  the 
people. 


^  As  before  remarked,  the  yearly  fast  in 
Connecticut  was  appointed  of  old  on  Good 
Friday.  This  year  it  was  nearly  as  late  as 
it  could  be.  Easter  is  a  movable  feast  day 
and  may  range  from  March  21  to  April  25. 
Good  Friday  being  the  Friday  before  Easter, 
may  occur  as  late  as  April  23. 

*  The  work  presented  him  by  Mr.  Freder- 
ick Wolcott,  of  Litchfield. 

5  Rev.  Prince  Hawes,  a  native  of  Warren, 
Ct.,  graduated  at  Williams  College,  1S05, 
pastor  of  Glastonbury,   1S07-1S20. 

*  He  went  by  way  of  Orford,  then  the  east 
part  of  East  Hartford,  now  Manchester,  Ct. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  435 

2  2.  Mr.  Hawes  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  a  written  sermon  on 
Matt,  xxv:  21  and  from  Num.  x :  29.  I  think  this  congregation  is  not  so 
large  as  mine.     Remarkably  warm  and  dusty.     At  evening  returned.' 

23.  It  appears  that  our  Jeffersonian  administration  have  made  a  prodigal 
waste  of  public  money.^  Rode  to  Scantic  and  visited  Mr.  Bartlett.  The  dust 
very  oppressive.     People  generally  are  gardening.     Planted  some  peas. 

24.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Sowed  some  asparagus  seed.  The  asparagus 
bed  which  I  made  last  year  does  very  well.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  minister's 
meeting.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Yesterday  saw  blows  on  the  daffos.^ 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  some  books.  Am  trying  to  trace  the 
origin  of  idolatry.*  It  is  a  wojk  of  much  labor.  Sat  in  my  chamber  without 
any  fire. 

26.  It  rained  some,  the  first  we  have  had  for  a  long  time.  Walked  out 
and  visited.  Flagg,^  the  Universalist  preacher  here,  I  trust  he  will  do  no 
injury.     Eat  asparagus.     The  blossoms  appear  on  the  peach-trees. 

27.  Wrote  on  the  authenticity  of  the  book  of  Genesis  for  the  minister's 
meeting.  I  got  great  help  from  Bedford's  Scriptural  Chronology  and  my 
Universal  History.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Pretty  thin. 

28.  Wrote.  This  subject  to  which  I  am  now  attending  requires  much 
labor.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wier.*  He  is  quite  feeble. 
Towards  evening  cousin  Sam.  P.  called  here  on  his  return  from  the  eastward/ 
and  went  to  Hartford  to  preach  tomorrow  for  Mr.  Strong.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

29.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Acts  iii :  21.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wap- 
ping and  preached  in  the  meeting-house  from  Rom.  xiii :  ii.  After  meeting 
went  with  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  church,  and  a  number  of  others, 
to  Mr.  Elias  Skinner's  and  received  Ruby  Newcome  ^  as  a  member  of  the 
church,  and  administered  the  sacrament.  The  woman  has  a  cancer,  and  will 
not  probably  live  but  a  little  time.  She  was  unable  to  attend  at  the  meeting- 
house, as  was  expected  when  the  meeting  was  appointed.     Quite  rainy. 


'  About   ten   miles  from   Glastonbury  to  that  idolatry  came  by  degeneracy  from  this 

the  South  Parish  in  East  Windsor.  primitive  worship.     It  would  seem  that  Mr. 

^  The  Jeffersonian  administrations  lasted  Robbins   must   have   had   this   idea,  else   it 

from  iSoi  to  1809,  during  which  time  (1803)  would  be  useless  for  him  to  try  and  find  the 

the  Louisiana  Purchase  was  made.     Though  historical  origin  of  idolatry, 

the  manner  of  this   purchase  was   regarded  '  Rev.  Mr.  Flagg,  the  Universalist  minister, 

as    somewhat   questionable,   never    did    the  was  not  probably  the  pastor  of  a  local  church 

United  States  acquire  such  a  vast  property  anywhere,  but  was  here  and  there  as  open- 

at  a  small  price.     Already  we  have  millions  ings  offered,  or  could  be  made.     He  was  not 

of  population  upon  this  purchased  territory,  a  man  of  college  education, 

with   room   for   many,  many  millions   more.  *  Mr.    Weir   was    the    young    man   from 

In  money  value  today  this  property  is  worth  Boston,  visiting  at  Rev.  Dr.  McClure's. 

many  hundred  times  what  it  cost.  ^  He  had  been  to  his  native  town  of  Plym- 

^  Daffodils.  outh,  and  had  spent  some  weeks  in  visiting 

*  There  are  many  who  think  that  in  the  his  kindred  there,  and  in  that  vicinity, 

early  patriarchal  age  of  the  world  the  religion  ^  This   family   name   is   more    commonly 

of  the  true  God  everywhere  prevailed,  and  spelled  Newcomb. 


436  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O. 

30.     Wrote.     A  very  fine  season  for  vegetation.     Worked  in  the  garden. 
Walked  out. 

May. 

1.  Finished  my  piece  on  the  authenticity  of  Genesis.  My  nerves  appear 
to  be  affected,  I  think  with  close  study.  The  best  part  of  all  ancient  learning 
is  evidently  derived  from  the  Israelites. 

2.  Our  circular  minister's  meeting  was  held  here.  None  but  Mr.  Yates 
and  Mr.  Hawes  attended.  Mr.  Yates  preached.'  Very  warm.  I  read  my 
piece  on  the  authenticity  of  Genesis.  They  went  away  before  night.  At 
evening  walked    out. 

3.  This  is  the  anniversar)-  of  my  installation.  I  have  great  reason  to 
mourn  for  my  stupidity  and  unfaithfulness;  but  I  still  hope  that  God  has 
made  my  ministry,  for  the  year  past,  the  ineans  of  good  to  some  souls.  How 
great  is  his  grace.  Walked  out  and  visited  families  all  day.  At  night  a  hard 
rain.     The  apples-trees  are  blown. 

4.  Read  Universal  History.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Our 
conferences  are  not  so  full  as  they  have  been.  I  fear  they  are  in  some 
degree  made  the  occasion  of  young  persons  accompanying.''  I  think  of  laying 
them  aside.  How  is  the  Bridegroom  departed  from  us.  Oh  that  we  might 
mourn  and  pray. 

5.  Read  Universal  History,  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Moses  and  the 
prophets  fully  taught  the  great  essentials  of  salvation. 

6.  Wrote  an  introduction  and  remarks,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon 
from  I  Cor.  viii :  5,  6,  delivering  principally  the  account  I  have  lately  written 
of  the  Origin  of  Idolatry,  in  mv  piece  on  the  authenticity  of  Genesis.^  After- 
noon preached  from  Luke  xvi :  31.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  This 
morning  there  was  considerable  frost. 

7.  In  the  morning  the  frost  was  pretty  hard.  The  peaches  are  probably 
destroyed.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wier.  Received  ten  Bibles  from  the 
Bible  Society  to  distribute."*  Attended  a  little  while  at  a  training.  Read  a 
review  of  the  new  version  of  the  New  Testament.^  It  is  designed  to  aid  the 
Socinian  doctrine,  but  contains  abundantly  sulTicient  to  establish  the  divinity 
of  Christ.     Gave  Fanny  Wolcott*  a  Bible  elegantly  bound. 

8.  The  frost  quite  hard.     It  is  much  feared  the  apples  will  be  injured,  as 


'  Though   this   was  a  ministers'  meeting  many),  but  to  us  there  is  but  one  God,  the 

with  only  three  ministers  in  attendance,  yet  Father,"  etc. 

they  had  a  public  preaching  service  to  which  ■*  That  is,  gratuitously, 

the  people  generally  were  invited.  •s  The  edition  of  the  New  Testament,  by 

^  Has  it  not  always  been  so .'    And   has  John  James  Griesback,  an  eminent  German 

not  this  love  of  young  people  for  each  other's  scholar.     The   second  edition   of  this  work 

society  to  and  from  evening  meetings  been,  was  published  in  1S06.     Griesback  was  born 

on  the  whole,  a  means  of  grace  ?  in  1745  and  died  in  1S12. 

^  The  text  chosen  for  this  discourse  was  ^  Fanny  Wolcott  is  short  and  familiar  for 

unique  and  fitting :   "  For   though   there   be  Frances,  the   eldest  daughter  of   Mr.  Abiel 

that  are  called  gods,  whether  in  heaven  or  Wolcott,  where   he  boarded.     She  was  now 

ill  earth  (as  there  be  gods  many  and  lords  si.xteen  years  old. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  437 

the  trees  are  generally  blown.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell,  and  sent  her  a  man 
to  make  a  new  garden  for  them.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Vernon.     Tarried  at  Col.  King's.' 

g.  The  rye  on  the  ground  appears  very  well,  but  the  wheat  is  generally 
killed  by  the  winter.  Rode  to  Hartford.  There  was  an  unusual  and  very 
handsome  parade  at  the  arrival  of  the  Governor.  My  father,  Uncle  Starr, 
and  cousin  Sam.  P.  came  and  tarried  with  me. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  The  sermon  was  not 
equal  to  some  that  we  have.  In  the  morning  attended  the  Bible's  society's 
annual  meeting.  More  than  an  hundred  ministers  dined  at  the  public  dinner."^ 
They  contributed  for  the  relief  of  Rev.  Mr.  Storrs,  of  Ashford.  The  votes 
were  considerably  fewer  than  last  year.  For  Gov.  Treadwell,  10,265.  ^'^^  Gris- 
wold,  3,110.  Spalding,  7,185.  Scattering,  177  —  10,472.^  There  is  not  quite 
a  choice.  The  counting  was  not  finished  to  candle-light.  The  day  very  fine. 
I  presume  there  is  not  a  better  military  company  than  the  Governor's  guards'* 
in  America.  My  cousin  Sam.  P.  went  to  Norfolk  with  my  father  to  go  to 
Ohio.  My  brother  Frank  at  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from  Beers  & 
Howe.     The  lilac  blows  are  out  considerably. 

11.  Read  Universal  History.  Democracy  seems  to  be  triumphing  in  all 
the  neighboring  States.  Our  assembly  have  today  appointed  Mr.  Treadwell 
Governor,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  people.^     Walked  out. 

12.  Read.  I  can  read  in  my  history  about  twenty-five  pages  in  an  hour. 
Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  The  morals  of  the  heathen  appear  worse  on 
examination. 

13.  In  the  forenoon  delivered  a  part  of  my  dissertation  on  the  authenticity 
of  the  book  of  Genesis,  making  use  of  the  text  Heb.  xi :  3.  Afternoon 
preached   from   Acts   xiii :    26.     At   evening   attended   a   conference. 

14.  Wrote  a  letter  of  recommendation  for  a  woman,  a  member  of  this 
church,  about  moving  to  New  Connecticut.  My  Uncle  Starr  came  here.  He 
preached  yesterday  at  Glastonbury.^  Afternoon  rode  with  my  uncle  to  Som- 
ers.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Strong's.^  Universally  a  very  great  blowth*  on  the 
fruit-trees. 

15.  My   uncle    came   here  with   a  view  of   seeing  Mrs.  Backus.     She  is 


'  His  usual   stopping-place   in  Vernon  is  ^  The  Legislature,  as  one  of  its  very  first 

Col.    King's,      This    came    about  doubtless  acts,  settled   the   question   of  the  governor- 

from   the  fact   that  Salmon  King,  his  class-  ship, 
mate  at  Yale,  was  a  son  of  Col.  Oliver  King.  *  It  may  be  remembered  that  Rev.  Prince 

^  This   annual    election   sermon   was  the  Hawes    of    Glastonbury    was    a    native    of 

occasion  for  a  large  gathering  of  the  Congre-  Warren,   where    Rev.    Mr.    Starr  had    been 

gational  ministers  from   every   part   of   the  settled  ever  since   1772.      Mr.   Hawes  was 

State.  graduated  in  1805.     He  had  therefore  grown 

^  By  this  count  it  appears  that  Gov.  Tread-  up  as  a  boy  under  Mr.  Starr's  ministry,  and 

well  lacked  two  hundred  and  eight  votes  of  an   exchange   between   them,  under  the  cir- 

an  election  by  the  people.  cumstances,  was  peculiarly  pleasant. 

"■  The  writer  of  these  notes  remembers  the  ^  Rev.  William  L.  Strong, 

glorious  appearance  of  the  Governor's  Guards,  '  This  is  an  old  form  of  word,  now  obso- 

a  few  years  later,  say  in  1824-25.  lete,  for  bloom  or  blossom. 


438  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1810. 

indisposed  towards  any  connection.'  Returned.  Very  dry  and  dusty.  This 
morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  My  uncle  went  to  Hartford.  Re- 
ceived  some    books   sent   from    New    Haven. 

16.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Visited  and  prayed  with  a  family 
about  moving  to  New  Connecticut.  Several  people  sick  with  a  kind  of  throat 
distemper.  Received  a  letter  from  Williams  &  Whiting,  New  York.^  My 
brother  N.  came  here  and  tarried. 

17.  Rode  out  with  my  brother.  This  morning  there  was  considerable 
frost.  Remarkably  cold  and  dry.  Visited.  Mr.  E.  Bissell's^  pair  of  oxen 
here  are  a  great  curiosity. 

18.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Yesterday  and  today  I  have  visited 
twenty-four  families.  At  evening  Uncle  Starr  came  here  to  stay  till  next 
week.     Find  constant  visiting  quite  fatiguing. 

19.  Walked  out  with  my  uncle  and  visited  neighbors.  Wrote.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Glastonbury.     The  roads  very  dusty. 

20.  Mr.  Hawes  supplied  today  at  Warren,  and  Uncle  Starr  preaches  for 
me.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  a  w-ritten  sermon  on  John  vii :  17.  Afternoon 
from  Heb.  xi :   17.     At  evening  returned. 

21.  In  the  morning  my  uncle  set  out  for  home.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and 
carried  down  Fanny  Wolcott  to  attend  school.  The  assembly  are  not  ver}- 
full  of  business.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and  returned  again.  Con- 
versed with  a  member  of  the  council  on  the  appointment  of  a  justice  of  the 
peace  at  Norfolk.*     Finished  the  fifth  volume  of  the  Universal  History, 

22.  Wrote.  Visited.  There  are  more  people  here  unwell  than  have  been 
at  any  time  since  I  have  lived  in  town. 

23-  Vegetation  suffers  exceedingly  with  the  drought.  Wrote  to  J.  W, 
Walked  out  and  visited. 

24.  Began  and  wrote  considerably  on  a  sermon  from  i  Cor.  ii :  2.  Walked 
out.     Read  the  Bible. 

25.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Gave  away  three  Bibles.  Very  warm. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference.  I  hope  we  are  not  wholly  forsaken  of 
d.vine  influences. 

26.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  2.  The  heat  very  oppressive. 
With  the  church  committee  examined  three  young  men'  candidates  for  our 


*  The  object  of  this  journey  now  stands  ^  Mr.  Eli  Bissell. 

revealed.      Mrs.    Backus,   the    wife    of    the  '•  His  brother-in-law  Joseph   Battell   was 

celebrated  Charles  Backus,  D.  D.,  had  been  made  Justice  of  the  Peace  not  far  from  this 

a  widow   now   about   seven   years,  and   was  time. 

now  not  far  from  fifty  years  old.     Rev.  Peter  ^  These   three   young   men   were    Bishop 

Starr  had  been  a  widower  about  ten  months,  Johnson,  Horace  Loomis,and  Harry  Loomis. 

and  was  now  sixty-five  years  old.     He  found  The   name    Loomis  was  very  common    both 

Mrs.  Backus  content  with  her   present  con-  in  Windsor  and  East  Windsor.     Back  in  the 

dition,  and  went  home  to  Warren  doubtless  ministry   of   Rev.  Timothy   Edwards,    1694- 

in  a  meditative  mood.    Mrs.  Backus's  maiden  1758,  there  were  more  persons  in  his  society 

name   was    Bethiah   Hill,   daughter   of    Mr.  of  the  name  Loomis  than  of  any  other  one 

Jacob  Hill,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.  name.     It  was  afterwards  reduced  by  West- 

^  Probably  book-merchants.  em  emigration. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  439 

communion.     They  appear  very  well.     They  are  the  fniit  of  our  good  work 
last  summer. 

27.  Wrote  a  considerable  addition  to  my  writing  on  the  book  of  Genesis. 
Delivered  that  in  the  forenoon,  with  the  text  2  Peter  i:  21.  Afternoon 
preached  the  written  sermon  finished  yesterday.  Several  strangers  at  meet- 
ing.    We  had  a  little  shower.     Very  hot.     At  evening  atttended  the  conference. 

28.  The  heat  very  severe.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James  and  to  my  cousin 
P.  Starr,  of  Vermont.  Walked  out.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Yesterday 
left  off  my  flannel. 

29.  Received  ofthis  society,  $70.00.  Sent  to  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven, 
$50.00.  Paid  a  cabinet-maker  at  Hartford,  $10.00.  Rode  with  Ursula  Wol- 
cott  to  Litchfield.  The  heat  and  dust  very  oppressive.  We  lay  by  in  the 
heat  of  the  day  three  hours.     Very  kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Allen's.' 

30.  Attended  the  installation  of  Mr.  Beecher.^  The  people  here  appear 
very  happy  on  the  occasion.  The  parts  were  well  performed.  Dr.  Dwight^ 
preached  excellently.  Mr.  Champion,*  above  eighty,  gave  the  charge.  Sat 
and  dined  with  the  Consociation.  A  good  many  ministers  were  present. 
There  was  a  moderate  and  refreshing  shower  just  as  we  were  going  to  meeting. 
Cooler.  At  night  considerable  thunder  and  some  rain.  Drank  tea  at  Mr. 
Deming's.^  Mr.  Allen  went  with  me  and  introduced  me  to  Miss  Deming. 
My  friends  have  wished  me  to  see  her  for  some  time.  I  think  I  shall  do  no 
more  about  it. 

31.  Rode  through  Winchester  to  Norfolk.  Something  wet.  Quite  cool. 
My  sister  Sally  has  got  better,  from  a  state  of  quite  low  health. 

June. 

1.  Last  night  we  were  very  apprehensive  of  frost,  but  I  believe  there  was 
none.  My  brother  N.  has  nearly  two  hundred  sheep.  My  parents  have  the 
finest  garden  they  ever  had.*  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Sat  out  for  home. 
Rode  to  Simsbury.  Quite  cool.  There  is  something  of  the  spotted  fever  in 
Farmington  and  Canton. 

2.  Rode  home  with  Ursula.  Warm.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battel! 
with  a  piece  of  silk  florentine  and  a  liquor-case,^  which  he  procured  for  me  at 
New  York.  The  liquor-case  cost  $9.00.  Wrote.  Tired.  I  find  difficulty  in 
having  my  mind  fixed  in  duties. 


'  John    Allen,   Esq.,    before    mentioned,  ^  Mr.  Julius  Deming,  a  prominent  citizen 

lawyer  and  Member  of  Congress.  of  Litchfield. 

^  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher  was  called  to  Litch-  *  Mr.  Robbins,  it  will  be  remembered, 
field,  Ct.,  from  East  Hampton,  L.  I.,  where  sent  up  a  skilled  gardener  from  the  Con- 
he  had  been  settled  from  1798  to  1810.  He  necticut  valley  to  make  a  garden  for  Mrs. 
was  pastor  at  Litchfield  from  1810  to  1826,  Battell,  his  sister,  and  very  likely  he  had 
when  he  was  called  to  Boston.  also   been   employed   in  the   garden  of   her 

^  Timothy   Dwight,   D.  D.,   President    of  father. 

Yale  College.  '  The   liquor-case    would     seem    useless 

■*  Rev.  Judah  Champion,  senior  pastor  of  now  as  a  part  of  a  clergyman's  fixtures.     But 

the  church,  who  had  been  settled  there  since  then  the  drinking  of  liquor  by  all  classes  was 

1753,  fifty-seven  years.     He  died  in  the  Octo-  almost  as  much  a  matter  of  course  as  eating 

ber  following.  the  daily  meals. 


44C 


DIARV    OF    REV.    THOMAo    ROBDINS,    D.D.  [iSlO. 


3.  Wrote  notes  for  ipreachinr?,  and  preached  from  Isa.  xxviii  :  15.  I  have 
been  unable  to  prepare  a  discourse  in  my  course  on  the  authenticity  cf  the 
Scriptures  for  today.  1  think  1  never  saw  so  dry  a  day.  The  dust  blew  very 
bad  in  the  street  all  day.  Our  rain  is  emphatically  powder  and  dust. 
Preaclied  pretty  poorly.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

4.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Am  something  unwell.  Quite  sultry  and  hot. 
Afternoon  set  out  for  Hartland  to  attend  association.  Tarried  in  Wintor- 
burv.  At  evening  a  severe  gust  of  thunder  and  something  of  a  shower.  It  is 
ver\-  refreshing.     Worked  in  the  garden. 

5.  Rode  to  West  Hartland.  The  most  of  the  way  in  company  with  Dr. 
Perkins  and  Mr.  McLean.'  Something  wet.  Nine  members  of  the  Associa- 
tion and  Mr.  Harrison  and  Mr.  Baker,  of  Granville,^  present.  I  preached  a 
first  sermon  from  Matt,  xxv  :  21  written,  and  Mr.  Porter,^  of  Farmington,  a 
second  at  one  meeting.     The  appointed  preacher  failed. 

6.  We  had  a  pretty  profitable  associational  meeting.  I  was  scribe. 
Afternoon  and  evening  rode  home.  It  is  about  thirty-five  miles.  I  got  home 
quite  late.     An  elderly  woman  has  died  here  suddenly  in  my  absence." 

7.  Quite  tired  with  my  fatigues.  Visited  the  family  lately  afflicted.  Mr. 
McClure  attended  the  funeral  yesterday.  Quite  cool.  Read  Gray's  Key!' 
Walked  out. 

8.  Wrote  on  the  genuineness  of  the  Pentateuch.  Quite  rainy  the  most  of 
the  day.     It  is  ver)'  refreshing  to  the  dry  ground.     Made  a  fire  in  my  chamber. 

9.  Wrote  considerably.  Finished  my  writing  on  the  genuiness  of  the 
Pentateuch.  It  rained  considerably.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  the 
Bible.     Need    a   steady   fire. 

10.  Preached  in  the  forenoon,  in  my  course,  on  the  genuineness  of  the 
Pentateuch,  with  the  text  John  i :  17.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  after- 
noon from  Acts  ii :  38.  Received  three  young  men  as  members  in  the  church. 
I  addressed  them  particularly  on  the  occasion.  It  was  a  solemn  and  impres- 
sive scene.  I  hope  it  may  be  followed  with  good.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  river  quite  high  for  the  season.  Paid  a 
book-binder,  $5.00.  Massachusetts  seems  to  be  given  up  to  the  reign  of 
Democracy.*     Wrote. 

12.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Rainy.  Vegeta- 
tion puts  on  an  entirely  new  appearance.  I  hope  we  are  not  yet  without 
some  small  tokens  of  divine  influence. 

13.  Rode  to  Scantic  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.     There  was  no 


'  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  the  life-long  min-  ^  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  father  of  President 

ister  of  West  Hartford,  and  Rev.  Allen  Mc-  Porter  of  Yale  College. 
Lean,  of  Simsbury.  ■*  Sarah  Rockwell,  aged  sixty-eight. 

^  These  were  Rev.  Joel  Baker,  pastor  at  =  ^  j^^y  f^  fji^  qij  ^^^j  j\j-^^   Testament, 

West    Granville,    Mass.,    and    Rev.    Roger  by   Rev.  Robert   Gray,  of  St.  Mary's  Hall, 

Harrison,   who   came  with    him.     Granville  Oxford. 

was  in  Hampshire  County,  Mass.,  but  adjoin-  *  Elbridge   Gerry,  as  before   stated,  had 

ing  Hartland,  Ct.  been  elected  Governor. 


[Sio.] 


PA3T3X    IN    EA3T    WINDSOR. 


44T 


one  present  but  Mr.  Bartlett  and  I.     I  preached'  my  written  sermon  on  Heb. 
xi  :  30.     Returned. 

14.  Spent  the  day  princi;xilly  in  visiting.  Mr.  Williston,^  of  West  Haven, 
called  and  dined  with  me.     This  week  finishes  the  half  century  of  his  ministry. 

15.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  talk  respecting  the  approaching  session  of  the 
General  Association  at  Ellington.  Wrote  on  my  discourse  on  the  credibility  of 
the  book  of  Exodus.^     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Quite  full. 

16.  Finished  my  discourse  on  Exodus.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Am 
much  troubled  latterly  with  a  dissipation  of  thought  on  meditation. 

17.  Delivered  my  written  discourse  on  Exodus,  from  Ps.  cv :  37,  38. 
Preached  from  Rom.  ix :  7.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  I  think  my 
discourses  on  the  Scriptures  are  likely  to  be  useful.     Very  warm. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford,  Saw  Mr.  Inglis,'*  from  Maryland,  delegate  to  our 
General  Association.  Our  Bible  Society  have  received  a  present  of  fifty 
pounds  sterling  from  the  British  Bible  Society.  Very  warm.  At  evening 
several  ministers  came  here  and  tarried.' 

19.  In  the  morning  rode  in  company  with  the  ministers  to  Ellington,  The 
heat  very  severe.  The  General  Association  met.  Of  the  twenty-nine  mem- 
bers of  this  State  all  were  present.  The  General  Assembly,  Massachusetts, 
Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  were  represented.  The  Ellington  people  have 
taken  much  pains  to  accommodate  them,  and  are  very  liberal. 

20.  There  are  thirty-five  ministers  here  belonging  to  the  body,*  and  I 
believe  nearly  as  many  more,  besides  candidates.  I  lodge  at  a  good  house 
about  two  miles  from  the  meeting-house.  Heard  three  good  sermons  in  the 
day  and  evening.     The  people  sing  very  well. 

21.  Rode  home.'  I  am  very  often  spoken  to  by  my  friends,  in  a  great 
variety  of  ways,  on  the  subject  of  marrying.*     Afternoon  several  of  the  min- 


'  The  text  was,  "  By  faith  the  walls  of 
Jericho  fell  down  after  they  were  compassed 
about  seven  days." 

-  Rev.  Noah  Williston,  born  in  Spring- 
tield,  Mass.,  July,  1733.  graduated  at  Yale 
College,  1757,  and  settled  at  West  Haven, 
1760.  He  died  in  181 1,  after  a  ministry  of 
fifty-one  years.  He  was  father  of  Rev.  Pay- 
ion  Williston,  who  was  graduated  at  Yale  in 
1783,  and  was  pastor  at  Easthampton,  Mass., 
17S9-1S56,  sixty-seven  years.  He  was  the 
father  of  Seth  Williston,  D.  D.,  whose  mis- 
sionary and  ministerial  service  lasted  from 
1794  to  1851,  fifty-seven  years.  He  was  the 
grandfather  of  Hon.  Samuel  Williston, 
founder  of  the  Williston  Academy  at  East- 
hampton, and  known  for  his  large  gifts  to 
Amherst  College  and  to  many  other  institu- 
tions and  societies, 

^  It  is  noticeable,  especially  of  late,  that 
the  books  which  Mr.  Robbins  reads,  as 
also   this   series   of    sermons    on    the    Pen- 


tateuch which  he  is  preparing,  betoken  the  in- 
quiring and  scholarly  character  of  his  mind. 

■*  Rev.  James  Inglis,  D.  D.,  born  in  Phila- 
delphia, 1777,  graduated  at  Columbia  Col- 
lege, 1795,  received  his  degree  of  D.  D.,  181 1, 
from  College  of  New  Jersey.  He  was  pastor 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Balti- 
more. He  was  an  eloquent  preacher,  and 
something  of  a  poet.  There  is  a  published 
volume  of  his  sermons  that  was  issued  soon 
after  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1820. 

^  On  their  way  to  the  General  Association 
at  Ellington. 

*  This  included  some  that  would  be  called 
ex-ofificio  members.  The  Association  was  a 
ministerial  body  purely,  with  no  lay  dele- 
gates. 

^  The  meeting  came  together  on  Tuesday 
and  broke  up  on  Thursday. 

^  For  a  settled  minister,  now  about  thirtj^- 
three  years  old,  this  was  regarded  as  a  very 
important  subject. 


442 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O. 


isters  called  on  me   on   their  return.     Wrote.     Some  rain.     The  weather  is 
some  cooler.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

22.  Began  a  discourse  on  the  book  of  Leviticus  from  Heb.  v :  4.  I  write 
these  discourses  more  easily  than  I  at  first  apprehended  I  should.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

23.  Finished  my  discourse  on  Heb.  v  :  4.  Wrote  to  Williams  &  Whiting, 
New  York,  and  to  Rev.  Dr.  Austin,'  Worcester.  Worked  some.  I  think  I 
have  not  worked  so  little  in  any  two  years  since  I  was  a  child,  as  in  the  two 
since  I  came  here  to  live.  At  evening  my  cousin  Henry  Gould  ^  came  here 
and  tarried.  He  is  quite  unwell  and  dejected  in  spirits,  evidently  in  danger 
of  consumption. 

24.  Wrotes  notes  for  preaching.  In  the  morning  my  cousin  went  off  to 
Norfolk,  He  says  he  must  ride  every  day,  and  could  not  stay.  Wrote 
to  my  father.  Preached  my  written  discourse  on  Leviticus,  and  from  Matt, 
xxviii  15.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Read  Universal  History.  So  warm  that  I  could 
not  sit  in  my  chamber.  Walked  out.  Received  a  letter  from  Francis  King.^ 
Received  a  bundle  of  cloth  and  a  letter  from  my  brother  Battell. 

26.  Excessive  hot.  Vegetation  progresses  very  rapidly.  Visited  fifteen 
families. 

27.  Visited.  Rainy  all  day.  Read  Universal  History.  Bonaparte  has 
lately  made  the  greatest  plunder  upon  our  commerce  that  it  has  sustained 
since  the  days  of  the  Directory.  The  people  here  are  removing  encroach- 
ments and  straightening  the  street. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  fourteen  families.  The  people  there  are 
in  almost  a  desperate  situation  about  ecclesiastical  matters.  Some  people  are 
sick. 

29.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Peter  i :  8.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching  a  sacra- 
mental lecture  from  Isa.  Ivii :  15.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Excessive  hot. 

30.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Peter  i :  8.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 
Last  summer  the  continent  of  Europe  was  entirely  taken  up  with  Bonaparte's 
war.     Now  their  whole  attention  is  upon  his  marriage.*     Went  into  the  water. 

July. 

I.  Preached  my  written  sermon  on  i  Peter  i :  8  and  from  2  Cor.  v :  11. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  This  church  appears  much  larger  and  more 
favorably  on  many  accounts  than  it  did  two  years  ago.  God  be  thanked.  At 
evening  attended  a  marriage.' 


*  Dr.  Samuel  Austin.  *  Napoleon's    marriage     with    Josephine 

^  From  Manchester,  Vt.     A  sister  of  Rev.  took  place  March  8,  1796.     She  was  divorced 

A.  R.  Robbins,  of  Norfolk,  as  before  stated,  Dec.  16,  1S09,  and  his   ill-omened   marriage 

married  Mr.  William  Gould.  with  Maria  Louisa  of  Austria  occurred  April 

^  Son   of   Col.  Oliver   King,    of  Vernon,  2,  1810. 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1804,  and  educated  for  *  xhe    parties    married    were    Nathaniel 

the  ministry,  but  turned  to  secular  pursuits.  Rockwell,   Jr.,   and    Sarah   Charlton. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINr>SOR.  443 

2.  Worked  considerably.  Afternoon  rode  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  to  Windsor 
and  returned.  People  generally  beginning  haying.  A  good  supply  of 
cherries.  Yesterday  and  today  cool  and  very  clear.  I  believe  there  was  a 
heavy  storm  in  the  vicinity  on  Saturday. 

3.  Walked  out  and  visited  families  and  a  school.  Worked  in  the  garden. 
I  trust  my  family  visits  are  useful.     Read  Universal  History. 

4.  Read.  Began  a  sermon  on  Jer.  xliii  :  14.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr. 
Austin,  Worcester,  and  one  from  Williams  <Sc  Whiting,  New  York.  At  even- 
ing walked  out.  There  is  very  little  stir  today,  except  a  Democratic  celebra- 
tion at  Hartford.     We  hear  their  firing.' 

5.  Last  night  a  hard  thunder-shower.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I 
find  it  a  work  of  great  time  to  visit  all  the  people.  People  are  beginning  their 
harvest. 

6.  Wrote  all  day.  All  false  religions  have  been  persecutors.^  I  find  this 
subject  to  require  much  labor.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

7.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Jer.  xliii :  13.  Had  some  clothes  made.  Got 
my  liquor  case  filled  with  liquors.^  Quite  warm.  Rev.  Mr.  Burt*  called  ovv 
me.  I  sent  him  to  Wapping.  Wrote  to  Capt.  Hall,'  Wapping.  Received  of 
Mr.  Wolcott,  for  the  society,  $50.00.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Flint.^  He  rode  with  my  horse  to  East  Windsor.'  Paid  a  merchant  tailor 
$30.00.     Paid  a  bookseller  $5.00. 

8.  About  meeting  time  it  began  to  rain,  and  was  very  rainy  through  the 
day.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Matt,  xxv :  21  and  Jer.  xliii:  13. 
Afternoon  very  thin  meeting.  At  evening  returned.  I  believe  we  have  not 
had  so  heavy  a  rain  since  winter. 

9.  Walked  out.  Gave  a  poor  family  a  Bible.  Afternoon  set  out  for  my 
father's.     Rode  to  Simsbury.     Riding  hurts  me  considerably. 

10.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Dined  at  my  brother  Ammi's.^  Warm.  My 
brother  Frank  at  home.'  Towards  evening  my  brother  James  cam.e  home 
from  Lenox  with  Mrs.  Goodwin.'"  He  has  much  better  health  than  in  years 
past. 

11.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  My  brother  N.  has  a  very  valuable  flock  of 
sheep.  The  people  here  have  levelled  the  green,  which  very  much  helps  its 
appearance. 


'  From  the  house  where  he  boarded,  a  Effingham,  N.  H.,  and  was   now   supplying 

straight  line  drawn  to  the  centre  of  Hartford,  pulpits  here  and  there, 
would  be  about  five  or  six  miles  long.  ^  Probably  a  letter  introducing  Rev.  Mr. 

^  It  might  be  safe  to  say  that  no  religion  Burt. 
really  true  and  genuine  ever  persecutes  men.  *  Rev.   Abel    Flint,  D.  D.,  of  the    South 

But  we  have  to   confess  that  the  Christian  Church,  Hartford. 

religion,  so  called,  has  often  been  a  persecut-  '  Mr.  Robbins's  horse  had  to  do  service 

ing  religion.  for  both  ministers. 

'  Especially    to    treat    friends,   including  ^  That  is,  on  the  way  at  Colebrook. 

brother  clergymen  when  they  called.  '  Francis  Le  Baron  Robbins,  home  from 

*  Rev.  Gideon  Burt,  born  in  Longmeadow,  his  school  at  Westfield,  Mass. 
Mass.,  1773,  was  graduated  at  Williams  Col-  *°  James    Watson    Robbins,    with     Mrs. 

lege,  1798,  had  been  three  years   settled  at  Joseph  Goodwin  from  Lenox,  Mass. 


444  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSlO. 

12.  In  the  morning  Mrs.  Goodwin  and  my  brother  went  off.  We  are  not 
agreed  in  opinion  about  the  expediency  of  Frank's  going  to  Andover  School.* 
After  dinner  rode  to  Simsbury.  Very  warm  and  dusty.  Rode  in  the  evening. 
Am  again  disappointed  here  in  the  expectation  of  receiving  some  money. 

13.  Rode  home.  Am  much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  At  evening  Mr. 
Burt  preached  for  me  at  the  conference  and  tarried  with  me.  At  the  present 
busy  season  and  short  evenings  I  have  concluded  to  suspend  our  week  time 
conferences  for  the  present. 

14.  Wrote  a  discourse  on  the  book  of  Numbers,  from  Gen.  xv.  5.  I  can 
hardly  do  justice  to  one  of  these  discourses  in  one  day.  Spanish  affairs 
appear  rather  more  promising.     Pitched  two  loads  of   grain. 

15.  Wrotes  notes  for  preaching.  Delivered  my  discourse  on  Numbers, 
and  preached  from  Isa.  viii:  14.     At  evening  had  a  very  good  conference. 

16.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Had  company.  Rainy.  Read  Universal 
History.     I  regret  that  I  have  neglected  my  common-place  book. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  My  brother  Frank  called  here  and  dined  on  his 
way  to  Westfield.  Read  in  the  history  of  Macedon  in  the  Universal  History. 
The  best  history  of  that  kingdom  I  have  read.^ 

18.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Visited  two  schools.  The  summer  schools 
here  are  not  considered  under  the  inspection  of  the  school  visitors. 

19.  Visited  families  all  day.  People  are  generally  harvesting.  The  xyo. 
comes  in  verj'^  well,  much  better  than  for  two  years  past.  The  wheat  very 
generally  killed  by  the  violent  cold  turn  which  we  had  last  winter. 

20.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Deuteronomy.  'R.ezd  Universal  History.  Rainy. 
At  evening  walked  out.  This  day  is  the  anniversary  of  my  ordination.  I 
have  great  reason  for  thankfulness  in  having  been  thus  continued  in  the  min- 
istry seven  years ;  for  having  been  apparently  instrumental  of  a  little  good ; 
of  shame  and  humility  for  unfaithfulness,  inattention,  and  coldness.  I  have 
been  greatly  prospered  in  this  work,  and  desire  to  be  humbled  for  such  great 
ingratitude. 

21.  Finished  my  writing  on  Deuteronomy.  Preached  from  Acts  vii :  37 
and  from  Ps.  Ixxiii :  25.  Much  oppressed  with  my  influenza.  I  have  seldom 
spoken  with  so  great  difficulty,  or  so  feebly.  Unable  to  attend  a  conference 
in  the  evening. 

22.  My  cold  is  considerably  better.  I  believe  my  speaking  yesterday, 
though  hard,  was  of  no  disadvantage.  A  ver}'  hard  rain.  Read  Universal 
History.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  a  valuable  gold  watch,  which 
I  have  had  for  some  time  on  trial.  The  price  is  sixty  dollars.  I  am  allowed 
thirty  dollars  in  the  exchange  for  my  old  silver  repeater.  I  contracted  for  a 
similar  one  on  the  same  terms  last  year,  but  that  was  returned.  Gave  a  note 
for  thirty  dollars. 

23.  On  the  way  to  Hartford  met  a  messenger  coming  to  inform  me  that 


'  Andover  Theological  Seminary  was  then  '^  As  before   stated,  eighteen  volumes  of 

in  its  infancy.     The  first  students  were  ad-       the  si.\t\-  com])osing  his    Universal  History, 
mitted    Sept.   28,   1808.  were  devoted  to  Ancient  Historv. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  445 

Mrs.  Case,'  of  Simsbury,  is  very  sick,  and  the  family  wish  me  to  go  and  see 
them.  Left  home  a  little  before  sundown  and  rode  to  Simsbury.  The  even- 
ing quite  dark.  Mrs.  Case  was  taken  last  Friday  with  a  severe  paralytic 
shock,  one  side  is  lifeless,  and  her  reason  and  speech  are  quite  imperfect. 
Ver}^  tired. 

24.  Mrs.  Case  appears  rather  better,  but  I  am  fearful  she  will  not  live  long. 
Visited  the  neighbors.  Mr.  McLean  called  to  see  Mrs.  Case.  At  evening 
rode  home.     Came  all  the  way  in  the  evening. 

25.  Read  the  Universal  History.  Finished  volume  VIL  Afternoon  visited 
a  school.  Visited  families.  Received  a  good  letter  from  Mr.  Battell,  inform- 
ing me  that  my  father  has  been  quite  sick,  but  is  hopefully  recovering. 

26.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  A  woman,  a  member  of  our  church,  has 
conducted  very  badly.  She  is  possessed  of  a  groundless  jealousy  of  her 
husband. 

27.  I  hope  the  business  of  the  difficulty  with  the  church  member  is  settled. 
She  made  ample  confessions  and  promises.  May  the  Lord  forgive  and  keep 
her,  and  keep  us  all.  Spent  most  of  the  day  upon  the  painful  business. 
Visited.  The  crops,  particularly  corn,  appear  remarkably  well.  Rainy. 
Poor   hay   weather. 

28.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Battell.  Rainy.  Afternoon  rode  to  Windsor  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.     Visited. 

29.  A  very  severe  rain.  It  has  ever  been  stormy  when  I  have  exchanged 
with  Mr.  Rowland.  Very  thin  meeting.  Preached  written  sermons  from 
I  Peter  i :  8  and  Matt,  xxv :  21.  Returned.  At  evening  married  my  friend, 
Mr.  Haskell.^ 

30.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  an  Episcopal  wedding.  Showery  and 
very  warm.  A  great  deal  of  hay  and  other  crops  are  out  and  suffering  in  the 
rain.     I  hear  from  Simsbury  that  Mrs.  Case  is  some  better.     Wrote.     Visited. 

31.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Quite«warm.  Some  persons  among  us 
are  sick. 

August. 

1.  Walked  and  visited  throughout  the  day.  Very  warm  and  showery. 
People  appear  to  feel  very  disagreeably  about  the  unfavorable  weather.  At 
evening  married  Capt.  Hayden.^  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell. 
My  father  is  hopefully  getting  better. 

2.  Spent  the  day  mostly  in  visiting.  I  find  it  laborious,  but  hope  it  is 
useful.  The  certificate  people  generally  appear  well  pleased  to  have  me  call 
on  them. 

3.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Joshua.  Visited,  It  is  now 
three  months  since  the  anniversary  of  my  installation,  in  which  time  I  have 
visited  every  family  in  the  society  but  two,  which  I  expect  to  do  soon,  except- 


*  Widow  of  Mr.  Case,  where  he  boarded  nent  man  in  East  Windsor,     He  was  united 

while  preaching  in  Simsbury,  and  where  he  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sophia  Bissell. 
was  when  Mr.  Case  died.  ^  Capt.   Daniel    Hayden    and    Tryphena 

^  This  was  Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell,  a  promi-  Loomis. 


44^> 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1810. 


ing  the  two  families  where  it  does  not  appear  that  my  visits  would  be  accepta- 
ble. I  think  it  is  my  duty  to  pass  by  them,  though  I  would  willingly  go  if  it 
were  a"-reeable  to  them.'  The  number  of  families  in  this  society  on  the  first 
of  May  was  one  hundred  and  seventy-four.  Of  these  forty  professed  to  belong 
to  other  religious  denominations. 

4.  Before  yesterday  it  rained  on  nine  successive  days.  A  very  unfavor- 
able time  for  getting  in  crops.  Mrs.  McClure  is  very  sick.  Wrote  on  the 
book  of  Joshua.  Mr.  Storrs/  of  Longmeadow,  came  with  his  wife  last  evening 
to  visit  their  friends  here.  He  requests  an  exchange  for  tomorrow.  Rode  to 
Longmeadow.     Quite  tired  with  my  ride.^ 

5.  Preached  from  Ex.  xiv  :  15,  and  in  the  afternoon  a  written  sermon  on 
Matt.  XXV :  21.  At  half  past  five  I  preached  at  a  third  exercise  from  Num. 
X  :  29.  In  the  morning  rainy.  Had  a  pretty  comfortable  day.  This  place 
appears  quite  pleasant.'*  I  suspect  that  this  society  is  not  quite  so  large  as 
mine,  but  they  are  very  well  united. 

6.  Returned.  Dined  with  Mr.  Huse,^  our  brother  Episcopalian  at  Ware- 
house point.     They  are  building  a  handsome  new  church  there.     Read. 

7.  Read  Universal  History.  I  find  some  of  my  former  opinions  of  ancient 
characters  gratefully  confirmed.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Paid  for  my  Mirror  newspaper^  for  three  quarters,  $1.25.  Paid 
for  five  hundred  plates  for  names  for  books,  $4.50.  Mrs.  McClure  continues 
very  low. 

8.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  The  members 
are  deficient  in  performing  the   parts  assigned  them.     Read  my  sermon  on 


'  This  is  all  that  could  be  asked  or  ex- 
pected of  a  Christian  pastor. 

^  In  a  previous  note  it  was  stated  that  the 
whole  population  of  the  town  of  East  Wind- 
sor in  1810,  was  3,081.  This  population  was 
chiefly  under  the  spiritual  watch  and  care  of 
the  two  Congregational  parishes,  the  First 
and  Second,  or  South  and  North,  as  they 
were  perhaps  more  commonly  designated. 
In  1810  the  church  membership  of  the  First 
Church  (Dr.  Robbins)  was  not  far  from 
eighty,  while  that  of  the  Second  Church  (Rev. 
Shubael  Bartlett)  was  about  one  hundred.  It 
is  safe  to  say  that  more  than  one  thousand 
persons,  men,  women,  and  children,  would  be 
reckoned  as  included  in  each  of  these  par- 
ishes, while  the  rest  regarded  themselves  as 
having  affinities  with  the  lipiscopalians,  Bap- 
tists, Universalists,  etc.,  while  others  still 
would   rank   as   irreligious. 

*  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  of  Longmeadow, 
father  of  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  D.  D.,  of 
Braintree,  Mass.,  grandfather  of  Rev.  Rich- 
ard  S.   Storrs,   D.  D.,   of   Brooklyn,   was   a 


native  of  Mansfield,  Ct.,  was  graduated  at 
Yale  in  1783,  and  was  settled  in  Longmeadow 
in  1785,  where  he  remained  till  his  death  in 
1819.  At  the  time  of  his  visit  to  East  Wind- 
sor he  was  forty-seven  years  old. 

■*  The  broad  street  through  Longmeadow 
was  pleasant  of  old,  but  has  been  made  much 
more  beautiful  by  modern  wealth  and  im- 
provement. 

5  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse  was  born  at  Me- 
theun,  Mass.,  and  was  graduated  at  Dart- 
mouth College  in  1802.  He  became  an 
Episcopal  minister,  and  was  for  several  years 
rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Warehouse  Point, 
East  Windsor.  He  was  afterwards  rector  of 
some  church  in  the  State  of  New  York.  He 
and  Dr.  Robbins  were  intimate. 

*  The  Connecticut  J//r;w-  began  its  exist- 
ence in  Hartford  in  1809,  and  continued 
about  twenty-five  years.  It  was  published 
by  Mr.  Charles  Hosmer.  At  different  periods 
during  its  existence  it  was  edited  by  Theo- 
dore Dwight,  William  L.  Stone,  and  fohn 
G.  C.  Brainard. 


iSlO.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  447 

Jer.  xliii:    13.     Mr.  Bartlett   preached.     Returned.     Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  Jamesi 

9.  Read.  Gray's  Key  to  the  Old  and  New  Testament  is  a  valuable  work. 
Afternoon  worked  at  hay.  This  week  has  been  very  favorable  for  the 
business.     Walked   out. 

10.  Rainy.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Judges.'  Am  considerably  taken  up 
with  company.     Very  warm. 

11.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  2.  The  heat  very  severe, 
the  air  remarkably  languid  and  relaxing.  Endeavored  to  spend  the  day  in 
some  degree  as  an  anniversary  solemnity.  I  have  now  completed  thirty-three 
years  of  my  life.  I  do  not  know  that  any  circumstances  of  life  could  make  me 
more  happy  than  I  am.  I  believe  they  would  not.  I  have  been  long  expect- 
ing that  my  respective  years  would  grow  less  happy.  But  I  do  not  perceive  it 
to  be  the  case.  I  believe  rather  the  contrary  is  true.  My  past  year  has  been 
prosperous  and  happy ;  I  have  not  been  called  to  mourning ;  my  parents, 
whom  I  love  above  all  mortal  beings,  live.  My  health  is  better  than  a  year 
ago.  I  believe  I  have  seen  some  tokens  of  the  divine  presence  among  my 
people.     I  once  more  commit  myself  to  the  care  of  God. 

12.  In  the  forenoon  delivered  a  discourse  on  the  book  of  Joshua  from  Acts 
vii :  45.  Finished  and  preached  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  2.  Flagg,  the  Univer- 
salist,  had  a  meeting  immediately  after  ours.  Very  few  attended.  I  was 
exceedingly  oppressed  with  the   heat.     At   evening   attended   a   conference. 

13.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Several  people 
here    are   sick,    though   not   apparently   dangerous. 

14.  Read  considerably.  Rode  out.  Visited  brother  Bartlett.^  A  man 
here,  in  the  vigor  of  life,  was  struck  yesterday  morning  with  a  severe  paralytic 
shock.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank. 

15.  Read  Universal  History  all  day.  Finished  the  eighth  volume.  I  can 
now  read  about  two  hundred  pages  in  a  day.  Received  letters  from  my 
brothers  James  and  Frank.  My  father  still  remains  very  weak,  but  is  hope- 
fully recovering. 

16.  Quite  cool.  Have  something  of  a  cold.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P. 
Robbins.^     Wrote  to  J.  W."     Visited. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  edge  of  the 
Vernon,^  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Warburton.^  Preached  on  the 
occasion  from  i   Cor.  vii:    29-31.     Visited  at  Wapping. 

18.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Judges  and  Ruth.  I  never  before  perceived  the 
beauties  of  the  book  of  Ruth.     Very  warm  and  sultry. 

19.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from  Jer.  x :  16,  and  my  discourse  on 
Judges  and  Ruth,  from  Acts  xiii :  20.     I  don't  know  what  to  make  of  the  four 


*  He  is  taking  up  in  his  course  of  study  *  James  Watson  Robbins. 

the   books   of  the    Old   Testament   in  their  '  Vernon  was  the  town  lying  next  east  of 

order.  East  Windsor. 

*  Rev.    Shubael    Bartlett,    of    the    north  ''  Mr.   John  Warburton,  an  Englishman, 
parish.  and  a  cotton  manufacturer,  near  the  line  sep- 

^  Rev.  Samuel  Prince  Robbins.  arating  East  Windsor  and  Vernon. 


448  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O. 

hundred  and  fifty  years  mentioned  in  that  passage.  I  think  it  must  be  a  mis- 
take of  transcribers.'  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I  generally  have 
read  the  Village  Sennons? 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Something  rainy.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
sister  Battell.  My  father  still  remains  weak  and  low.  I  feel  concerned  about 
him.     Visited.     Read  Jamieson's  Sacred  History.^     A  very  valuable  work. 

21.  Rainy  all  day.  Finished  my  preaching  account  to  the  present  time. 
Read  Universal  History.     The  rain  very  violent.     Walked  out. 

22.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  warm  and  sultry.  Our  mer- 
chants have  sustained  great  losses  by  Bonaparte's  late  confiscations. 

23.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Samuel.  The  river  rises  very  rapidly.  Much 
damage  is  apprehended.''     At  evening  walked  out. 

24.  The  water  is  three  or  four  feet  higher  than  it  was  last  spring.  A  con- 
siderable part  of  the  meadows  is  covered.  Many  people  sustain  considerable 
losses.^     Rode  out  and  visited.     Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  24. 

25.  Wrote  all  day.  The  water  falls.  Such  a  flood  in  August  is  not 
remembered   by   any   of   the    people. 

26.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  24.  The  latter  part 
appeared  to  be  searching  and  solemn.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
My  health  is  very  good. 

27.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote.  Quite  warm.  Walked  out.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Haskell  of  this  place. 

28.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited  several  families.  Preparing  for  my 
journey.  The  brick-makers^  here  sustained  great  damage  by  the  late  freshet. 
The  people  here  have  agreed  to  hold  meeting  here  on  the  next  Sabbath,  which 
is  uncommon,^ 

29.  Set  out  on  my  journey.  Rode  to  East  Hartford,  and  attended  our 
ministers'  meeting.  Preached  my  written  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  24.  Rainy. 
At  evening  rode  to  Simsbury.  Mrs.  Case  remains  very  feeble  and  helpless, 
but  is  considerablv  better  than  when  I  was  here  last. 


'  This  passage  has  led  to  many  specula-  ^  Uses  of  Sacred  History.     By  John  Jamie- 

tions  among  Bible  commentators.     It  is  not  son,    D,   D.,   two   volumes,    Hartford,    1810. 

now  believed,  as  Mr.  Robbins  suggests,  that  Dr.  Jamieson  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland, 

it  is  an  error  in  copying.     It  is  more  likely  in  1759,  and  died  in  Edinburgh  in  1839.     He 

that  it  is  the  adoption  of  the  common  Jewish  was   an   author   of  considerable  note  in  his 

chronology,  and  that  we  do  not  know  exactly  generation, 
at  what  point  of  time  this  reckoning  begins.  *  It  was  a  very  unusual  event,  that  a  great 

^  Village  Sermons.     These  sermons  which  flood  on  the  Connecticut  River  should  occur 

he  had  been  in  the  habit  of  reading  in  his  in  the  month  of  August. 

conference   meetings,  have   been   mentioned  ^  At   that   season    of    the   year   the   rich 

once  or  twice  before.     They  were  from  the  meadow  lands  were  loaded  with  their  crops 

pen  of  Rev.  George  Burder,  who  was  born  in  of  corn.     The  hay  had  been  gathered. 
London,  England,  in  1752,  and  died  in  1832.  ^  Beds  of  clay  are  very  frequent  along  the 

They  were  translated  into  several  European  Connecticut  valle}-. 

languages,  and  have  had  a  wide  circulation.  '  That  is,  the  people  had  decided  to  hold 

Mr.   liurder   was   secretary   of   the    London  a  meeting  on  the  coming  Sabbath,  though  he 

Missionary  Society,  and  editor  of  the  Evan-  was  to  be  absent,  which  was  uncommon  in 

gelical  Magazine.  that  parish. 


iSio.] 


PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


449 


30,  Rode  to  Norfolk.  My  father  has  been  very  poor,  more  so  than  I 
supposed.  He  is  now  apparently  recovering,  but  quite  weak.  His  disorder 
is  rheumatic;  it  has  now  got  to  his  limbs.  He  was  taken  on  the  i6th  ultimo. 
Mr.  Turner,  of  New  Marlborough,  came  here  today,  and  preached  my  father's 
sacramental  lecture.     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank. 

31.  Rode  out  with  my  father.  He  rides  out  frequently  in  a  carriage,  but 
needs  considerable  help.  He  appears  to  be  serious  and  quite  composed. 
Dined  at  my  brother  Nat's,  with  a  considerable  company,  on  a  half-blooded 
merino  lamb.'  It  was  pronounced  by  some  to  be  quite  as  good,  by  some, 
better  than  the  common  kind.  The  dinner  was  elegant.  My  brother  and  Mr. 
Pease  ^  have  erected  a  valuable  manufactory,  and  are  making  woolen  cloths. 

September. 

1.  Rode  to  New  Marlborough,  and  procured  of  Mr.  Samuel  Turner/  a 
very  accurate  account  of  the  first  settlement  of  Norfolk.  He  is  now  eighty, 
but  his  memor}'  is  sound  and  ver}^  accurate.  I  have  the  fullest  confidence  in 
the  account  which  I  took.  Returned.  My  father  considers  my  historical 
sketch  correct.     He   appears  to  be  gaining  very  favorably. 

2.  In  the  morning  my  father  put  on  his  own  clothes  for  the  first  time 
during  his  sickness.  In  the  forenoon  he  attended  meeting,  which  he  has  not 
done  for  six  Sabbaths  past.  I  preached  written  sermons  from  i  Peter  i :  8 
and  Rom.  viii :  24.  Administered  the  sacrament  of  the  supper.  The  season 
was  very  solemn  and  affecting.  Baptized  two  children.  The  meeting  was 
very  full.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  My  cousin  Hannah  Oilman* 
and  two  children  have  lately  been  here,  and  are  now  at  the  eastward. 

3.  Paid  for  footing  my  boots,  $3.50.  Set  out  for  Williamstown.  Rode 
to  Stockbridge.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Woodbridge.'     Quite  warm. 

4.  Rode  to  Lenox.  My  brother  James  *  is  well  situated  here.  Rode 
with  him  in  a  carriage  to  Williamstown.  Many  people  through  this  country 
are  haying.  Attended  the  evening  exhibition.  Gave  the  president  my 
father's  resignation  of  his  place  in  the  corporation.'  An  unusual  number  of 
people  in  the  town.  A  greater  number  of  freshmen  than  common  have 
entered  collesfe. 


'  His  brother  Nathaniel,  as  will  be  re- 
membered, is  engaged  in  the  raising  of 
blooded  sheep. 

^  Probably  Mr.  Nathaniel  Pease. 

'  Mr.  Samuel  Turner  was  probably  the 
father  of  Rev.  Nathaniel  Turner,  who  will 
be  remembered  as  a  native  of  Norfolk,  a 
graduate  of  Williams  College,  179S,  and  now 
pastor  of  one  of  the  churches  in  New  Marl- 
borough, Mass.  John  Turner,  from  Hartford, 
was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Norfolk, 
in  1758,  and  Samuel  may  have  been  his  son. 
At  all  events  it  is  sufficiently  evident  that 
Samuel  Turner  must  have  been  acquainted, 
and  familiarly  so,  with  the  early  history  of 


Norfolk,  or  Dr.  Robbins  would  not  have 
made  the  journey  to  North  Marlborough  to 
find  him. 

'*  Wife  of  Benjamin  I.  Gihnan,  of  Mari- 
ettta,  Ohio,  and  daughter  of  Dr.  Chandler 
Robbins,   of   Plymouth,    Mass. 

'•Joseph  Woodbridge. 

^  James  Watson  Robbins,  it  will  be  re- 
membered, finding  that  his  voice  and  general 
health  would  not  admit  of  his  preaching,  had 
turned  to  active  business  and  had  established 
himself  for  that  purpose  at  Lenox. 

'  His  father  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
board  in  1794,  and  had  served  seventeen 
vears. 


45© 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O. 


5.  The  public  performances  were  unusually  good,  but  too  long;  and  the 
audience  large  and  respectable.  Rice  Stevens,'  of  Norfolk,  appeared  very 
well.  At  evening  attended  a  sermon  in  the  chapel.  Quite  tired.  Well 
accommodated.     All  the  members  of  the  corporation  were  present. 

6.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Lenox,  thence  to  Sheffield.  Mr.  Swift  ^  like 
to  be  settled  a  colleague  with  Dr.  West  at  Stockbridge.  Ecclesiastical 
matters  in  a  forlorn  state  at  Pittsfield.'  Called  on  Mr.  Collins''  of  Lanes- 
borough  ;  very  sick.  This  county  has  suffered  much  by  the  failure  of  their 
bank.  I  think  I  have  never  known  Williams  College  appear  more  favorably. 
The  corjioration  raised  the  terms  of  admission.  Tarried  at  Noah  Hubbard's.^ 
Ver}'  warm. 

7.  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Norfolk.  My  father  gets  better.  There  has 
been  a  Methodist  camp  meeting  this  week  at  Southfield,'  which  was  most  out- 
rageous. It  undoubtedly  injured  their  cause.  Many  respectable  people 
attended.  Towards  evening  left  home  and  rode  to  Simsbury.  Rode  till  near 
twelve  o'clock. 

8.  In  the  forenoon  rode  home.  Very  tired.  The  roads  ver)'  dusty.  Mr. 
McClure  took  the  lead  of  the  meeting^  here  last  Sabbath.  My  pulpit  has  not 
been  destitute  but  two  Sabbaths  before  since  I  came  here.  Wrote.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 

9.  Preached  a  written  sermon  from  Rom.  v:  i.  There  has  been  no 
preaching  in  the  society  during  my  absence.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference. Received  of  the  society  $32.00.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Per- 
kins^ to  convene  our  Consociation  at  Hartford. 

10.  Read  newspapers.  Cool.  Received  of  the  society  $20.00.  After- 
noon set  out  for  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Middletown.  Ver}^  kindly  entertained 
at  Dr.  Dickinson's.     Wrote  to  my  brother  N. 

11.  Put  my  horse  in  Mr.  Huntington's'  carriage,  and  rode  with  him  to 


'  Benjamin  Rice  Stevens,  afterward  a  law-  *  Rev.  Daniel   Collins,  a  native  of   Guil- 

yer    in    Huntington,    Pa.,   died    1827,   aged  ford,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  at  Yale  in   1760, 

thirty-seven.  had   already  been    at   Lanesborongh    since 

^  Rev.  Ephraim  Griswold  Swift,  a  native  1764,  forty-six  years,  but  was  to  remain  twelve 

of   Williamstown,  Mass.,  and  a  graduate  of  years  more,  until   his   death,  at   the   age   of 

Williams  College   in  1804.     He  was  settled  eighty-three. 

as   colleague   with   Dr.  Stephen    West  that  *  The  first  minister  at  Sheffield  was  Jona- 

very  month  (Sept.  27,  1810).     He  had  studied  than  Hubbard,  and  the  Hubbard  families  in 

theology  with  Dr.  West.  Sheffield  were  probably  his  descendants. 

3  Rev.  Thomas  Allen,  who  had  been  set-  ''  Southfield    was    in   Berkshire    County, 

tied  at  Pittsfield   since   1764,  died  Febr.   11,  Mass. 

1810.     When  Mr.  Robbins  made  this  entry  '  It  was  a  conference  meeting,  and  not  a 

in  his  diary,  no   one   had   taken   his   place.  preaching  service. 

But  in  the  month  following,  October,  iSio,  *  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford. 

Rev.    William    Allen,    D.  D.,   son    of    Rev.  9  This   was    Rev.  Dan.  Huntington,  who 

Thomas,  was  settled  there.     He  remained  a  left  Litchfield  the  year  before  (1S09)  and  the 

few  years,  when  he  was  called  away  to  be  same  year  was  settled  in  the  First  Church  at 

president  of   Dartmouth  College,  and  after-  Middletown.     His  predecessor.  Rev.  Enoch 

wards   of  Bowdoin   College.  Huntington,  died  that  same  year. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  45 1 

New  Haven.  Dined  at  Mr.  Noyes,'  Northford.  An  unusual  collection  of 
people  in  the  town.  At  evening  heard  speaking  for  premiums.  A  pick- 
pocket was  detected  in  the  meeting-house  in  his  villainy.  Find  many 
acquaintances. 

12.  Very  warm  and  dusty.  The  exhibitions  I  think  did  not  exceed.  The 
two  Ellsworths^  appeared  very  well.  The  ministers  were  fewer  than  usual. 
They  had  a  contribution  for  the  relief  of  Mr.  Wildman/  of  Southbury.  At 
evening  Mr.  Bassett/  of  Hebron,  preached  the  Concio  ad  Cleriim.  Few- 
strangers  of  distinction  present.  A  very  large  class  entered  college.  Bought 
a  gold  medal  watch-key,  which  cost  $3.17. 

13.  Got  Beloe's  Jlerodiius,^  and  Murphy's  Tacitus,^  works  which  I  have  long 
been  wishing  to  procure.  Paid  Beers  &  Howe  $28.63.  Rode  with  Mr.  Hunt- 
ington to  Middletown.  Very  warm.  At  evening  rode  home.  The  late  flood 
has  produced  vast  swarms  of  mosquitoes.  Am  very  glad  to  get  home  after  so 
much  journeying. 

14.  There  appears  to  be  a  very  great  increase  of  Spanish  sheep  in  the 
country.  I  am  much  pleased  with  Heroditus.  Wrote.  Rainy.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

15.  Wrote  on  the  book  of  Samuel.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  map  of 
the  United  States,  which  I  had  of  my  brother  James,  $6.00.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

16.  Delivered  my  discourse  on  the  books  of  Samuel  from  Acts  iii :  24  and 
from  Matt,  xv:  17.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Quite  cool.  It 
appears  to  be   a  pretty  stupid  time  with  us. 

17.  Began  a  dialogue  for  my  brother  Frank  to  be  performed  at  his  exhibi- 
tion. There  has,  for  a  few  days  past,  been  a  very  wild  Methodist  camp- 
meeting  in  Ellington.  They  were  very  extravagent.  I  did  not  attend  the 
Freeman's  Meeting.  Afternoon  rode  to  Scantic  and  dined  with  the  authority, 
etc.  The  votes  here  were  230,  Federalist  igo,  Democratic  40.  The  meet- 
ing was  very  thin.     Wrote  to  J.  W.     Visited. 

18.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  dialogue  and  finished  it.  Wrote  to  Frank. 
There  was  a  little  frost  in  some  places  yesterday  morning,  but  none  near  here. 

19.  Rainy.  Rode  out.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank. 


*  Rev.    Matthew    Noyes    was    pastor    at  been  settled  in  Southbury  since  1766,  forty- 

Northford,  or  North  Branford,  from  1790  to  four  years,  and  died  in  1S12. 
1839.  ■*  Dr.  Amos  Bassett,  of  Hebron,  has  been 

^  The   two   Ellsworths   referred   to   were  already  frequently  named.     He  was  one  of 

William     Wolcott     Ellsworth,     afterwards  the  more  conspicuous  ministers  of  the  State, 
governor  of  Connecticut,  and  Henry  L.  Ells-  ^  77^^  ^/^  ^^^d  Writings  of  Herodotus,  by 

worth,  brothers,  and  sons  of  Oliver  Ellsworth,  Rev.   William   Beloe,  was   in  four  volumes, 

of   Windsor,    Chief    Justice   of    the   United  It  was  published   in   London  in  1797.     Mr. 

StEtes.     The  father  did  not  live  to  see  these  Beloe  established  the  British   Critic. 
sons  graduated.     He  died  in  1807.     The  two  *  Arthur  Murphy,  a  dramatic  and  miscel- 

brothers  were  twins.  laneous  writer  of  considerable  note.     He  died 

^  Rev.  Benjamin  Wildman,  who  had  then  in  1S05,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven. 


452  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O, 

20  Wrote  a  review  of  President  Dwight's  Andover  sermon '  for  ministers' 
meeting.     Read  Universal  History, 

21.  Wrote  on  the  books  of  Kings.  I  get  some  valuable  things  from 
Herodotus.  The  early  period  of  the  Roman  Republic  was  distinguished  with 
constant  commotions. 

22.  Finished  my  piece  on  Kings.  Am  much  fatigued  with  laborious  study 
this  week.     Very  warm.     Wrote  to  my  brother  James. 

23.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Very  rainy.  It  began  last  evening. 
Ver)'  thin   meeting.     Preached   from   2   Cor.  iv :   3.     Read  Johnson's  Irene.^ 

24.  The  rain  continues.  It  is  supposed  that  no  year  is  remembered  in 
which  so  much  cider  was  made  as  in  the  present.  Examined  and  balanced 
my  accounts  for  the  past  year.  I  have  paid  out  a  large  sum  for  books.  I 
believe  my  library  is  worth  more  than  five  hundred  dollars. 

25.  Mr.  Cornelius  Dawes,  of  New  York,  called  and  breakfasted  with  me. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  our  Consociation.  Mr. 
Porter,^  of  Farmington,  preached,  and  Mr.  Prudden "  preached  in  the  evening. 
Quite  rainy. 

26.  Mr.  Church^  introduced  the  Hartland  matters.  The  Consociation 
voted  to  grant  him  a  new  trial.  They  adjourned  at  noon.  Returned.  Quite 
tired.     Walked  out.     Had  an  interview  with* 

27.  Wrote  to  J.  W.  Quite  unwell.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Quite  warm. 
A  very  great  quantity  of  peaches. 

28.  Wrote.  Visited.  I  have  not  been  so  unwell  for  a  long  time.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Very  warm. 

29.  Walked  out.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Fanny  Wolcott'  has  per- 
formed an  excellent  piece  of  embroidery  at  the  school.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

30.  Delivered  a  discourse  on  the  books  of  Kings  from  2  Sam.  vii :  16, 
and  preached  from  i  Thes.  iv  :  17.  The  latter  appeared  to  be  \e.xy  interesting 
and  solemn.  Baptized  two  children.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Very  warm.     Wore  thin  clothes  and  had  up  my  pulpit  window. 

October. 

1.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the 
funeral  of  an  infant  child.  At  evening  set  out  for  Westfield.  Tarried  at  Mrs. 
Ellsworth's. 

2,  Rode  to  Westfield.  Attended  the  public  exhibition  of  the  academy. 
I  think  I  never  knew  a  better  one  of  the  kind.     My  brother  received  the 


'  A  sermon   preached   at  the  opening  of  *  Rev.  Neheniiah  Prudden,  of  Enfield, 

the  Theological  Institution  at  Andover,  and  ^  Rev.  Aaron  Church,  whose  troubles  with 

at  the  ordination  of  Rev,  Eliphalet  Pearson,  his  church  at  Hartland  have  been  previously 

LL.  D.,  1808.  noticed. 

^  This  play,  by  Samuel  Johnson,  was  first  ^  This  place  is  blank  in  the  manuscript, 

acted  at  Drury  Lane  theatre  in  1749,  when  '  Frances,   the   oldest    daughter    of    Mr. 

Johuson  was  forty  years  old.  Abiel    Wolcott,    who    was    then    attending 

^  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.  school  in  Hartford. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  453 

public  tlianks  of  the  trustees,  which  has  never  been  done  there  before,  except 
to  cousin  P.  Starr,  who  was  the  first  preceptor.  My  brother  Samuel  is  here. 
He  says  that  father  does  not  gain  much  in  health.  I  have  much  concern 
upon  the  subject.  After  drinking  tea  by  candle-light,  in  a  cloudy  evening, 
rode  home.     Got  home  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning.' 

3.  In  the  morning  rode  to  East  Hartford  (Orford)^  and  married  a  Mr. 
Merrow.^  Returned.  Our  ministers'  meeting  met  here.  Only  Mr.  Rowland 
and  Mr.  Bartlett  attended.  Mr.  Rowland  preached.  I  am  very  much  tired 
with  so  much  fatigue. 

4.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman. 
Preached  on  the  occasion  in  the  meeting-house  from  Luke  xxiii :  28.  Visited. 
At  evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried. 

5.  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
This  is  the  third  in  that  place  this  week.  Very  tired.  Very  warm.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference. 

6.  My  brother  went  off  for  Norfolk.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke  xxii : 
31,  32.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     Eat  fresh  cucumbers  and  radishes. 

7.  Preached  the  written  sermon  on  Luke  xxii:  31,  32,  and  from  Mark 
XV:  31,  last  clause.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Baptized  a  child.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Something  rainy.     Very  tired. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  People  complain  of  being  greatly 
hurried  in   business.     The   quantity  of  cider  is   immense.     Wrote  to  J.   W. 

9.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school,  much  improved  in  the  catechism.  Today 
was  the  school  society  meeting.     I  am  again  appointed  visitor.     Visited. 

10.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  The  first  we  have  had. 
Rode  to  Norfolk.  My  father  remains  very  poor.  I  do  not  perceive  that  he 
is  better  than  he  was  a  month  ago.  I  feel  much  concerned  about  him ;  I 
think,  however,  he  has  no  disorder  but  rheumatism. 

11.  This  morning  a  very  hard  frost.  There  has  been  none  here  to  stop 
vegetation  before  yesterday  morning.  My  brother  has  lately  lost  a  full- 
blooded  merino  lamb,  of  which  he  was  half  owner.  Let  my  father  have  my 
horse  for  his  old  mare  and  a  yearling  colt.  I  think  it  will  be  an  advantageous 
trade  for  us  both.  Paid  for  my  horse  being  kept  and  well  fattened,  $2.61.  A 
cold  day.  Worked  some  at  rowing.*  My  brother  Sam  has  made  considerable 
improvements  on  this  farm. 

12.  I  think  my  father  suffers  some  from  dejection  of  spirits.  He  appears 
to  be  better  this  week  than  he  was  last.  His  pulpit  is  supplied  by  neigh- 
boring ministers.     Rode  to  Colebrook  and  tarried  at  my  brother  Ammi's. 


*  He  probably  came  back  by  way  of  En-  ^  The   persons   joined   in   marriage  were 

field  bridge,  and  down  on  the  east  side  of  the  Joseph  M.  Merrow  and  Mary  Woodbridge, 

river,    as   he   might   have   found  it   hard   to  both  belonging  to  what  is  now  the  town  of 

rouse  the  ferry-boat  at  the  Scantic  ferry  at  Manchester,  Ct. 

the  dead  of  night.     It  was  then  a  little  past  *  This  word   probably  should  be  spelled 

the  full  of  the  moon,  but  almost  all  the  way  rowen.     He   was   helping   to  gatner   in   the 

he  had  moonlight  to  cheer  and  guide  him.  aftermath,    or   second   crop   of  grass,  which 

^  Now  Manchester.  was  cut  in  the  fall. 


454  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROEBINS,    D.D.  [l8lO. 

i;^.  Rode  home.  This  horse  which  I  now  have  is  a  verj^  excellent  creature 
to  ride.  I  know  not  how  I  shall  conduct  if  called  to  part  with  my  good  father. 
Wrote.     Much  fatigued. 

14.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on  an  exchange  with  Mr.  John 
Bartlett.'  Preached  written  sermons  on  Rev.  iii :  2  and  Mat.  xxv:  21. 
Visited  a  sick  woman.  This  place  is  in  a  deplorable  situation  about  ecclesi- 
astical matters.     Returned. 

15.  Read  Universal  History.  I  have  not  read  but  little  for  a  considerable 
time  past.  Very  pleasant  weather.  Walked  out.  Dr.  Austin,^  of  Worcester, 
called  on  me.  I  bought  a  set  of  Edwards's  works  of  him  for  thirteen  dollars. 
Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $5.50. 

16.  Read  Universal  History.  I  suspect  it  is  sometimes  incorrect  in  chro- 
nology.    Ver}^  warm.     At  evening  walked  out. 

17.  Wrote  a  discourse  on  the  books  of  Chronicles  and  Ezra.  Cold. 
Have  a  fire  in  my  chamber.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  He 
was  married  in  September. 

18.  Wrote  a  discourse  on  the  books  of  Nehemiah  and  Esther.  I  believe  1 
never  wrote  so  much  in  two  successive  days.     Very  cold. 

19.  The  crop  of  corn  comes  in  rather  light.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received 
of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $io»oo.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

20.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  iii:  17,  18.  I  have  seldom  studied  more  in 
one  week  than  this,  perhaps  never.  I  can  bear  close  study  two  or  three  days 
in  succession,  but  not  more.     Read  Edwards's  Life.^ 

21.  Had  a  full  meeting,  and  ver^^  pleasant  day.  Delivered  my  discourse 
on  the  books  of  Chronicles  and  Ezra  from  Luke  xvi :  29,  and  preached  the 
written  sermon  on  Hab.  iii:  17,  18.  A  more  tender  or  interesting  subject  is 
scarcely  to  be  found.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  I  think  people 
evidently  grow  more  slack  about  attending  conferences.  It  is  God  alone  that 
can  help  us. 

22.  Walked  out.  Some  persons  are  sick  among  us.  Read.  The  ground 
very  dry.  Warm.  People  neglect  their  sowing  and  other  more  important  busi- 
ness to  attend  to  making  cider.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 
Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell,     Rode  to  Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.* 

23.  Very  cold  and  windy.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  without  stop 
ping,  except  necessary  interruptions,  nearly  twelve  hours.  In  that  time  read- 
two  hundred  and  fift)'  pages.     We  have  very  sudden  changes  of  weather. 

24.  Very  cold.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Mr.  Fitch,'  who  keeps  our 
academy,  appears  to  be  a  valuable  man.  The  French  suffer  the  war  in  Spain 
to  languish. 

25.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Battell.     Walked  and  visited  all 

'  Rev.  John  Bartlett,  younger  brother  of  ^  gy  j)^.  Samuel  Hopkins. 

Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  afterwards  settled  for  *  Eleazar  Bingham  Rockwell,  residing  in 

many  years  at  Avon,  was  now  supplying  the  Vermont,  was  married  to  Abigail  Stoughton. 
Wapping  pulpit.     He  was  graduated  at  Yale  ^  This  was  no  other  than  Prof.  Eleazar  T, 

in  1807.  Fitch,  D.  D.,  just  then  out  of  Yale  College, 

'  Rev.  Samuel  Austin,  D.  D.  having   been   graduated   the   month    before. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST  WINDSOR.  455 

day.     There  does  not  appear  to  be  that  thoughtfulness  of  divine  things  among 
us  that  there  did  a  year  ago.     The  crop  of  corn  here  comes  in  pretty  light. 

26.  Read  Jamieson's  Sacred  History}  Wrote.  Warmer.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford. At  evening  Mr.  Brace '^  and  his  wife  from  Newington  came  here  and 
tarried.     He  preached  at  our  conference. 

27.  Wrote  on  a  discourse  on  John  v :  39  for  a  general  improvement  of  all 
my  discourses  on  the  historical  books  of  the  Old  Testament.  Received 
letters.  I  think  I  never  had  my  feelings  more  stirred  on  any  occasion.^  I 
desire  to  justify  God,  and  search  out  my  hidden  sins  which  occasions  his 
severe  frowns.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Davis,  New  Haven. 

28.  Am  very  unwell.  I  believe  it  is  on  account  of  my  hard  trials.  Fin- 
ished my  discourse  on  John  v :  39.  Delivered  my  discourse  on  the  book  of 
Nehemiah  and  Esther,  from  Deut.  xxxii :  7,  and  the  one  just  finished.  A 
pleasant  day  and  very  full  meeting.  At  evening  attended  our  conference. 
Was  carried  through  the  labors  of  the  day  much  better  than  I  feared. 

29.  Devoted  this  day  to  fasting,  meditation,  and  prayer  to  God  on  account 
of  my  present  trials,  and  to  implore  his  great  mercies.  I  have  nothing,  for  I 
have  given  all  to  God.     Wrote.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

30.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Read  Universal  History.  All  Roman  virtue 
seemed  to  be  lost  after  the  conquest  of  Carthage.*    Walked  out  and  visited. 

31.  Rode  to  Wethersfield  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for  Mr. 
Marsh,  from  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  Returned.  Very  cold.  Saw  Mr.  Battell  at 
Hartford.     My  father  has  gone  to  New  Lebanon^  springs. 

November. 

I.  Rode  to  Scantic.  The  circular  ministers'  meeting  above  here*  sat 
yesterday  and  today  at  Mr.  Bartlett's.  They  attend  more  punctually  than  the 
members  of  ours.  Quite  cold.  Mr.  Mason,^  a  candidate,  made  me  a  visit; 
about  to  be  settled  at  Herkimer. 


He  afterwards  became  Professor  of  Theology  the  Roman  Senate  one  hundred   and   forty- 

in   Yale   College,  and   preacher   to  the   stu-  six  years  before  Christ. 

dents  from    1817    to    1S52.      He   was   made  *  New  Lebanon  is  in  the  northeast  corner 

Professor  emeritus  in  1863,  and  so  continued  of  Columbia  County,  N.  Y.,  only  a  few  miles 

till  his  death  in  1871,  sixty-one  years  after  west  of  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

his  graduation.     He  was  a  notable   thinker  ^  In  the  parishes  farther  north,  including 

and  writer.  probably  Enfield,  Ellington,  and  Somers.     A 

'  Rev.   John   Jamieson's    Uses  of  Sacred  circular  ministers'   meeting  embracing  four, 

History,  before  mentioned.  five,  or  six  ministers,  seems  to  have  been  a 

^  Rev.  Joab  Brace,  D.  D.,  was  settled  at  fashion  of  those  times,  as  it  is  now  in  some 

Newington  in   1805.      Several   of    his  sons  sections   of    the   country.     This   meeting  at 

went  through  Yale  College.    He  passed  his  Scantic  held  for  two  days, 

later  years  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  and  died   in  ^  This  was  Rev.  Elihu  Mason,  who  was 

1861.  graduated  at   Dartmouth   College    in   1808, 

^  He  makes  no  explanation  as  to  the  con-  and  was  appointed  soon  after  this  interview 

tents  of  the  letters  which  he  had  received,  with  Mr.  Robbins  by  the   Connecticut  Mis- 

but  the  brief  record  which  he  makes  on  the  sionary   Society  for  service    in  New   York 

occasion,  is   that  of  a  man  who   desires  to  State.     Later  he  was  settled  a  short  time  in 

know  and  to  do  the  right.  Barkhamsted,  Ct.     He  died  in  1849,  at  the 

*  Carthage  was  burned  by  the   order  of  age  of  sixty-seven. 


4c6  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1810. 

2.  We  liad  a  severe  snow-storni  the  most  of  the  day.  Great  quantities  of 
corn,  apples,  and  otlier  things  are  now  out.  Read  Universal  History.  I  fear 
many  people  will  sufifer  for  want  of  wood. 

3.  Rode  out.  Sleighs  move  some.  The  snow  thaws  but  little.  Dined 
out.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

4.  Severe  winter  weather.  The  sun  thaws  the  snow  very  little.  Preached 
from  James  ii :  21.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral 
of  a  woman  who  died  suddenly.  I  have  not  worn  an  outside  coat  at  meeting' 
before  this  fall,  and  today  I  wanted  two. 

5.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Some  persons  who 
have  serious  impressions  avoid  letting  me  know  of  it.     Warmer. 

6.  The  snow  goes  considerably.  Read.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     Endeavored  to  collect  from  history  the  genealogy  of   the    Coesars. 

7.  Rode  to  Scantic  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Exhibited  my 
essay  on  the  book  of  Joshua.  Made  some  further  collections  of  the  Wolcott 
family. 

8.  Returned.  Very  favorable  weather.  Read.  Visited.  Old  Mrs. 
Tudor  ^  quite  unwell.  People  yet  have  much  cider  to  make.  A  yoke  of  fat 
oxen,  fattened  by  Mr.  E.  Bissell,^  were  driven  from  this  place,  probably  the 
best  pair  that  ever  was  in  America.     Manured  my  asparagus  bed. 

9.  Read.  Visited  some  sick  persons.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Read  a  part  of  President  Edwards's  Life.  But  few  men  attend.  Considerably 
dejected  in  spirits. 

ID.  Read.  The  whole  character  of  Paganism  is  painful.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford  (Orford)  to  exchange  with  Mr.  King,*  now  preaching  there. 
Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  with  a  written  sermon  on  Luke  xxii :  31,  32. 
Rainy. 

11.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Had  a  very  thin  meeting.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  This  church  quite  small.  Preached  written  sermon  on  i  Peter 
i :  8  and  from  Num.  x  :  29.  This  society  is  in  a  diagreeable,  but  I  hope  not 
in  a  desperate'  situation.     At  evening  returned. 

12.  Finished  the  twelfth  volume  of  my  Universal  History,  which  I  began 
the  first  of  last  December.  At  the  beginning  I  calculated  to  read  a  volume  a 
month.     Wrote  to  Mr.  William  Austin,  New  Haven. 

13.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Muddy  and  bad  riding.  Could  not  cross  the  water 
at  Simsbury.     Got  home  late.     Uncle  Starr  here.     He  is  lately  married  very 


'  In  those  years,  when  the  meeting-houses  ^  Rev.  Salmon  King  had  been  the  settled 

were  not  warmed  at  all,  the  ministers  used  to  pastor  at  Orford  (Manchester)  from  1800  to 

preach  in  their  overcoats.    The  contrast  be-  i8c8,  when  he  was  dismissed.     But,  for  some 

tween  fall  and  winter  in  this  year  1810,  was  time  now,  he  seems  to  have  been  supplying 

very  sharp.  the  pulpit  there. 

^  Wife  of  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor.  '  This  church  was  formed  in  1779,  and  of 

'  Capt.  Aaron   Bissell   furnished   the  fat  the  thirty-one  years  of   its  existence  at  the 

ox,  before    mentioned,  that  was   driven   to  time  Rev.  Mr.   Robbins   preached  there,   it 

Boston.    The  pair  here  described  were  fatted  had    had    a    settled    ministry    twenty-three 

Mr.  Eli  Bissell.  years. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


457 


agreeably.'  My  father  is  some  better  than  when  I  was  here  last.  I  think  the 
New  Lebanon  spring  has  been  serviceable  to  him.  He  is  still  unable  to 
preach.  The  neighboring  ministers  supply  his  pulpit.  In  the  morning 
received   of   Maj.    Wolcott^    $40.00. 

14.  Quite  wet.  The  roads  here  very  bad.  My  brother  Frank  is  obliged 
to  stay  at  home  with  my  father. 

15.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  People  are  yet  making  cider.  Mrs.  Case  con- 
tinues quite  feeble  and  low. 

16.  Visited.  Quite  rainy.  Received  of  Capt.  O.  Phelps^  $19.00.  Rode 
home.  Extremely  muddy  riding.  Got  quite  wet.  Paid  Hayden  &  Imbley 
for  my  watch,  bought  July  23d,  $30.00.  On  the  13th  paid  a  merchant  $13.13, 
and  received  a  letter  from  my  cousin,  Mrs.  Oilman.     Read  Edwards's    Works. 

17.  We  have  at  length  pleasant  weather,  after  more  than  a  week  of  cloudy 
and  wet,  in  which  there  has  been  a  great  deal  of  rain.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
Luke  ii :  7. 

18.  Preached  from  Isa.  xlix :  5,  and  the  sermon  written  yesterdav.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference  ;  quite  thin. 

19.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Read  Jamieson's  Sacred  History.  It  is  a  valuable 
work. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  excessive  muddy.  Paid  a  merchant 
tailor,  $10.00.     Visited  sick  persons.     Drew  a  plan  for  a  new  book- case. 

21.  The  armies  in  Portugal  appear  to  be  in  a  very  critical  situation.'*     I 

much  fear  the  French  will  triumph.     Had  an  interview  with  .     Feel 

much  relieved.     Walked  out  and  visited.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.* 

22.  On  the  2oth  sent  to  my  brother  Frank  my  discourses  on  the  historical 
books  of  the  Old  Testament.^  Attended  to  the  interesting  subject  of  the 
Divine  Agency  in  Moral  Evil.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  At  evening  walked 
out. 

23.  Began  a  sermon  on  the  subject  of  the  Divine  Moral  Government,  from 
Prov.  xix:  21.     It  snowed  considerably.     K&3.d  ]2imxeson's  Sacred  His  for  v. 

24.  Wrote  on  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Wrote  notes  for  preachino-. 
Visited  some  sick  persons. 

25.  Preached  from  John  xvi :  8.  The  snow  gone.  Had  a  full  and  atten- 
tive meeting.     At  evening  walked  out.     I  believe  there  has  not  been  so  large 


'  In  June,  five  months  before,  he  made  the  battle  of  Busaco  in  Portugal,  in  which 

that    journey  to    Somers    to    consult    Mrs.  the   British   troops  under  Lord    Wellington 

Backus  on  the  subject  of  matrimony.     He  repulsed  the  French  troops  under  Massena. 

had  been  more  successful  elsewhere,  though  The  English  then  fell  back  to  the  lines  of 

we  do  not  know  the  name  of  his  second  wife.  Torres   Vedras,  which   the   French   did  not 

^  Major  Wolcott,  it  will  be  remembered,  dare  to  attack.     In  this  position  the  armies 

was  Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott,  in  whose  family  he  remained,   within   sight   of    each   other,   for 

lived.     It  would  seem  that  Mr.  Wolcott  was  several  months, 
treasurer  of  the  parish.  *  Bishop  Johnson  and  Naomi  Foster  were 

^  Capt.   Oliver   Phelps,   treasurer   of   the  married. 
Simsbury  parish.  *  Mr.  Robbins  had  made  a  large  study  of 

*  On  the  27th  of  Sept.,  i8io,  was  fought  this  subject. 


4c8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [181O. 

a  British  army  together  for  many  years  as  is  now  in  Portugal.     I  am  in  great 
hopes  they  will  not  be  subdued. 

26.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel  and  to  Mr.  Battell.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Rainy.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  black  child.  Read  Faber's  Horce  Mosaiccz^ 
a  very  valuable  work. 

27.  Examined  a  school-master.  Began  a  sermon  for  Thankgsgiving  on 
Zee.  xiv:  16.  Wrote  to  Messrs.  Beers  &  Howe  &  Co.,  and  to  Mr.  William 
Austin,  New  Haven.  Sent  to  New  Haven  for  books,  $4.00.  The  town  of 
New  Haven  has  had  a  great  increase  in  the  last  ten  years.^  Warm  for  the 
season.     Rode  out. 

28.  Wrote.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Zech.  xiv:  16.  I  believe  in  the  mil- 
lenium  all  nations  will  celebrate  an  anniversary  Thanksgiving.     Walked  out. 

29.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  pleasanter  day  at  Thanksgiving.^  A  full  meet- 
ing. We  had  very  fine  singing.  Preached  the  sermon  finished  yesterday. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

30.  Last  night  the  young  people  had  a  ball,-*  and  tarried  nearly  all  night, 
I  fear  we  are  to  be  given  up  to  great  stupidity  and  evil.  Rode  to  Windsor 
and  returned.     We  have  favorable  intelligence  from  the  armies  in  Portugal.^ 

December. 

1.  Very  warm  for  December.  Read  Horce  Mosaim.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates. 

2.  Mr.  Yates  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  written  sermons  from 
Luke  ii:  7  and  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  My  brother  Frank  attended  meeting  here. 
He  came  from  home  yesterday  in  the  stage.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister 
Battell.     Returned.     Examined  a  school-master. 

3.  Last  night  a  Mr.  Field,^  a  candidate,  who  has  spent  the  past  summer 
in  New  Connecticut,  came  and  tarried  with  me.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an 
infant  child.     It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.     My  brother  Frank  made  me  a 


'  This  work  is  by  George  Stanley  Faber,  shall    come   to   pass  that  every  one   that   is 

the  same  writer  who  has   already  been   no-  left   of   all  the  nations  which   came   against 

ticed  in   connection  with   his  work   on   the  Jerusalem,  shall   even   go   up  from  year  to 

Prophecies.     He  was  born  in  1773,  and  died  year  to  worship  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hosts, 

in  1S54.     His  Horce  AIosaiccE,  in  two  volumes,  and  to  keep  the  feast  of  tabernacles." 
were  published  in  Oxford,  Eng.,  iSoi.  ■♦Already  had  commenced  a  decided  re- 

^  The  American  Almaiuic  for  1884,  gives  action    against    balls,    which    were,    as   we 

the  population  of   New  Haven  for  1810   as  have  seen,  very  frequent  in  the  closing  years 

4,772,  and  for  1800  as  4,049.     But  the  Hart-  of  the  last  century  and  the  early  years  of  the 

ford  Directory  for  1884,  in  its  miscellaneous  present. 

department,  gives   the   population    of    New  ^  He  had  heard  now  definitely  of  the  re- 
Haven  for  1810  as  6,967.  pulse  of  the  French  at  the  battle  of  Busaco 

^  A  reference  to  Mr.  Robbins's  texts  shows  on  the  27th  of  September, 
that  he  was  apt  to  take  texts,  somewhat  aside  *  Rev.  John  Field,  a  graduate  of  Williams 

from   the   common   ones,  but  such  as  were  College  in  the  class  of  1807.     He  was  a  na- 

often  rich  in  their  historical  suggestions  and  tive   of   Hardwick,    Mass.,    was    settled    for 

associations.     The  text  of  this  Thanksgiving  some  years  at  North  Wrentham.     He  died  in 

sermon   was  from  Zech.  xiv:  16.      "And  it  1827,  at  the  age  of  forty-eight. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  45^ 

visit.  He  is  on  his  way  to  study  with  Dr.  Austin.'  He  returned  me  my 
discourses  on  the  sacred  historical  books.  They  are  more  highly  approved 
than  I  expected.  My  father  is  moderately  gaining.  He  preached  at  the 
Thanksgiving.     Read   Jamieson's    Sacred  History. 

4.  Read  Jamieson.  He  is  singularly  hampered  with  the  Scotch  religious 
sentiments.  The  snow  is  eight  or  ten  inches  deep.  Sleighs  move  some. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  There  were  some  disagreeable  things  yesterday  in 
the  town  meeting. 

5.  Rode  to  Glastonbury  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting."^  Had  a 
pretty  good  meeting.     Pretty  good  sleighing.     Returned.     Put  on  my  flannel. 

6.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  cousin,  Mrs.  Oilman,  Marietta,  and  to  my  brother 
James.     My  eyes  are  rather  weak,  but  much  better  than  last  winter. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  carriage.  The  most  of  the  way  is  pretty  good 
sleighing.  The  morning  very  cold.  Traded  considerably.  At  evening 
attended   a   conference. 

8.  Began  to  study  the  Latin  grammar  with  a  view  of  prosecuting  a  regular 
study  of  Latin.^  I  think  it  is  necessary  for  me,  and  I  hope  to  be  prospered  in 
the  work.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

9.  Preached  from  Rev.  xix  :  lo.  Severe  cold.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Pretty  good  sleighing.     Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Read  newspapers.  Read  the  President's  message/ 
He  seems  determined  if  possible  to  destroy  our  trade.^     Read  Herodotus. 

11.  Wintry  cold.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  all  day.  The  roads  quite 
slippery.     Read. 

12.  V^ote  ior  Evangelical  Magazine.^  It  snowed  all  day.  Worked  taking 
care  at  the  barn. 

13.  Visited  the  two  upper  schools.^  They  have  good  instructors.  Read 
Herodotus.  He  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  writers  I  ever  read.  His  narra- 
tive approaches  more  the  simplicity  of  the  Old  Testament  than  anything  else 
I  have  read. 

14.  Most  excellent  sleighing.  Visited  the  two  lower  schools.  At  evening 
rode  out.     A  dancing  school  is  set  up  here  which  gives  me  much  anxiety. 


'  Dr.  Samuel  Austin,  of  Worcester.    Some  ^  Mr.  Robbins  is  not  yet  able  to  find  much 

months    before     it    was    under    discussion  good  in  the  messages  or  acts  of  Democratic 

whether    his    brother,    Francis    Le    Baron,  Presidents. 

should  go  to  the  new  theological  seminary  *  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine.     His 

at  Andover.  article  on  "  Persecutions  from  False  Relig- 

^  Rev.  Prince  Hawes,  it  will   be  remem-  ions "  was  published    in    this  magazine   in 

bered,  was  then  the  minister  at  Glastonbury.  1811,   (Vol.   4,   second   series)  in  two   parts, 

^  Mr.  Robbins,  of  course,  had  studied  pp.  28  and  47. 
Latin  in  his  father's  house,  as  preparatory  ^  The  schools  which  came  under  Mr.  Rob- 
to  his  entrance  at  Yale  College.  He  had  bins's  oversight  and  care  were  those  belong- 
studied  it  more  extensively  in  college.  But  ing  to  his  o^;\ti  parish.  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett 
now  he  proposes  to  take  up  the  study  more  had  a  like  responsibility  in  those  of  the 
systematically  and  maturely.  North,  or  Scantic  parish.     The  ministers  of 

■•  This  was  the  second  message  of  Presi-  that  day  were  accustomed  to  take  the  chief 

dent  James  Madison.  oversight  of  the  public  schools. 


460 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181O 


15.  Studied  Latin.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  I  spend  much  more 
time  on  my  notes  than  I  have  done  in  years  past. 

16.  Preached  from  Ex.  iii :  14.  The  people  are  attentive  at  meeting,  but 
a  great  stupidity  prevails  among  us.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

17.  Extreme  cold.  Verj'  fine  sleighing.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended 
a  funeral.     Read  Herodotus. 

18.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott  an  order  which  I  gave  on  him  last  winter, 
amounting  to  $14.35.  P^i^  a  merchant's  bill,  $i4-35-  Gave  Mr.  Wolcott  an 
order  on  the  Society  of  $i34-33»  for  "^Y  living  a  year.  He  keeps  me  and  my 
horse  supplied,  a  chamber,  wood,  etc.,  for  fifteen  shillings  a  week  in  the  sum- 
mer, and  sixteen  in  the  winter.  The  charge  is  less  than  I  expected.'  Wrote. 
The  coldest  day  we  have  had  this  winter. 

19.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  It  seems  to  be  a  pretty  discouraging 
time  with  us  about  divine  things. 

20.  Have  been  drawing  ofif  my  discourse  on  the  Persecutions  of  False 
Religions  for  the  Magaziiie.  The  Society  had  their  annual  meeting.  Quite 
harmonious.  Two  certificates  were  given  in  of  considerable  lists.  I  believe 
it  is  not  from  any  aversion  to  me.  Harry  Olmsted  ^  came  here  from  Norfolk, 
and  brought  little  Joseph  Battell,^  and  left  him  with  me.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother  and  sister  Battell,  and  one  from  my  father.  He  is  getting 
better.     Last  Sabbath  he  preached  all  day. 

21.  The  snow  goes  pretty  fast.  Little  Joseph  behaves  very  well.*  Wrote 
on  my  sermon  upon  Moral  Government,     It  rained  considerably. 

22.  Wrote  considerably.  I  find  this  subject  requires  much  attention. 
Rode    out.  ^ 

23.  Preached  a  part  of  my  written  discourse  on  Prov.  xix :  21.  Did  not 
finish  my  subject.  People  very  attentive.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.* 
Attended  to  a  case  of  misconduct  in  the  church.     The  sleighing  pretty  poor. 

24.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  sick  persons.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Wrote   to   my   sister   Battell. 

25.  Quite  unwell  with  a  cold  in  my  back.  Wrote  on  my  discourse  on 
Moral  Government.     At  evening  walked  out  and  visited.     Quite  cold. 

26.  Rode  to  Ellington  and  attended  a  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  a 
written  sermon  from  Luke  ii :  7.     Mr.  Prudden  read  a  manuscript,  which  he 


"  Two  dollars  and  a  half  a  week  for  man  Apr.  17,  1806.  This  little  child  grew  to  be  a 
and  horse  in  the  summer,  and  two  dollars  rich  merchant  in  New  York,  and  died  July 
and  sixty-six  and  two  thirds  cents  for  man,  8,  1S74,  possessed  of  a  large  estate.  He  it 
horse,  and  fuel  in  the  winter,  is  cheap  living.  was  who  furnished  the  money  for  the  build- 
in  this  case  there  was  the  farther  considera-  ing  of  the  costly  Battell  chapel  belonging  to 
tion  that  all  this  was  in  one  of  the  best  Yale  College,  which  is  now  one  of  the  chief 
families  of  his  parish.  ornaments  of  the  college  grounds. 

^  Harry  Olmsted  was,  we  think,  a  clerk  in  *  The   young   children   in  Mr.  Wolcott's 

Mr.  Joseph   Battell's   store,  and   his   native  family  would  naturally  interest  themselves  in 

place   was.  East   Hartford.  little  Joseph. 

^  Little  Joseph  Battell  was  then  between  =  Horatio   Gaylord  was   married   to    Ha 

four  and   live  years  old,  having  been   born  dassah  Cooley. 


l8lO.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  46 1 

intends  to  publish  in  justification  of  the  marriage  of  a  man  with  his  wife's 
sister.' 

27.  This  ministers'  meeting  is  a  very  good  one.  Afternoon  rode  home. 
Yesterday  had  a  new  great  coat  made  of  Devonshire  kersey.  It  took  more 
than  seven  yards,  and  cost  two  dollars  per  yard  wholesale  price.  At  evening 
rode  to  Hartford  and  back  in  a  sleigh. 

28.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  discourse  on  the  Divine  Government.  Warm 
and  wet.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  person.  There  are  two  vessels  building 
at  this  place. 

29.  Wrote  all  day.  This  subject  costs  me  much  close  thinking.  I  hope 
to  be  divinely  directed  and  kept  from  all  error.     The  sleighing  is  about  gone, 

30.  Preached  all  day  on  my  long  written  discourse  on  Prov.  xix ;  21.  I 
don't  know  that  I  shall  finish  it  in  another  Sabbath.^  Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  Frank,  and  an  almanac  which  he  sent  me.  A  very  acceptable 
present.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

31.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  Orford  and  visited 
Rev.  Mr.  Olcott.^  Very  cold.  Returned.  Very  bad  riding.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 


'  In  this  country  we  are  nearly  through  members   how   often   in   his    childhood    the 

with  the  discussion  of   that  question,  but  it  minister  used  to  say,  "  The  remainder  of  this 

goes  on  vigorously  yet  in  England.  discourse  will  be  deferred  till  the  after  part 

^  It  was  very  common,  in   that  day,  for  of  the  day." 
the  minister  to  preach  from  the  same  text,  '  Rev.  Allen   Olcott,  graduated  at  Yale 

both  forerwon   and  afternoon,   but  not  for  in  1768,  now  in  advanced  life.     He  died  dur- 

continuous   Sabbaths.    The  writer  well  re-  ing  the  next  year,  181 1. 


1811- 

January. 

1.  Through  the  great  mercy  of  God  I  am  permitted  to  begin  another 
year  under  the  smiles  of  divine  favor.  Endeavored  to  attend  to  such  medita- 
tions as  were  suitable  to  the  day.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  hope  a  dis- 
agreeable difficulty  in  the  church  may  be  favorably  settled. 

2.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  schools.  The  School  Society  has  been 
so  altered  that  there  are  but  two  in  Wapping  now  for  us  to  visit.  Walked 
out, 

3.  Very  cold.  We  have  a  very  humorous  and  sensible  piece  of  New 
Year's  poetry.'  Began  a  sermon  on  Luke  xix :  44  for  the  New  Year. 
Walked  out. 

4.  It  snowed  all  day.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  from  Matt,  xxvi : 
31.  Exhibited  to  the  church  a  confession  of  a  woman  for  Improper  conduct. 
I  hope  she  may  be  kept  by  Almighty  grace.     At  evening  rode  out. 

5.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  xix:  44.  The  old  Theological  Magazine'^ 
is  very  useful. 

6.  The  snow  thaws  very  much.  Had  a  very  full  meeting.  Administered 
the  sacrament.  Preached  from  Prov,  iii:  6,  and  the  written  sermon  finished 
yesterday.  Afternoon  the  assembly  was  solemn  and  much  affected.  Very 
tired.     There  have  been  but  six  deaths  in  this  place  the  past  year. 

7.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Very  bad  riding.  The  snow  mostly 
gone.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  P.  B.  Gleason,^  of  Hartford,  requesting  me 
to  write  a  piece  for  the  next  magazine. 

8.  Wrote.  Remarkabj^  warm  and  wet.  Read  Herodotus.  The  notes 
are  more  than  the  text.  Walked  out.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott  for  the 
society,  $100.00. 

9.  Today  is  our  ministers'  meeting  at  Windsor.  Set  out  to  go,  but  could 
not  cross  the  river.'*  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  a  merchant,  $19.00.  Paid  a 
cabinet-maker,  $10.00.  Paid  my  annual  tax  to  the  Bible  Society,  $3.00.  Paid 
for  a  horse-whip,  $2.00.     The  riding  extremely  bad  and  muddy. 

10.  Read  Herodotus.  He  relates  many  valuable  facts  for  the  illustration 
of  the  Scriptures.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.     It  snowed  some. 

11.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Evatigelical  Magazine,  at  the  request  of  the 
editor.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  I  believe  my  friends 
think  me  more  studious  than  I  am.     Walked  out  and  visited. 


■  Probably  in  one  of  the  Hartford  news-  ^  Mr.  Gleason  was  a  bookseller  and  pub- 
papers,  lisher,  and  had  charge  of  the  publication  of 

^  This   was   the    magazine    published    in  the  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazitie. 

New  York,  which  continued  only  three   or  *  That    is,   at    the    Windsor   or    Scantic 

four  years.  ferry. 

463 


464  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

12.  Finished  my  piece  for  the  magazine.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  It 
seem^  to  affect  my  nerves  a  little  to  write  all  day  steadily. 

13.  Quite  stormy.  Had  a  very  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Gal.  vi :  14. 
Read. 

14.  Read  Herodotus.  There  are  many  very  valuable  things  in  the  notes. 
Quite  cold.     I  take  some  pains  in  the  instruction  of  little  Joseph.' 

15.  A  very  severe  frost.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  books  —  Henry's  Com- 
mentaries,- which  are  new,  and  cost  twenty  dollars.  I  got  them  very  cheap. 
Received  on  my  subscription  twenty-eight  volumes  of  the  British  Classics^ 
which  cost  a  dollar  a  volume.  Paid  Cooke,  $15.00.  Paid  Gleason,  $15.00. 
I  had  not  taken  any  of  the  Classics  before.  Had  company.  The  sleighing  is 
passable. 

16.  A  part  of  my  piece  on  "Persecution,"  which  I  wrote  last  month,  is  in 
the  magazine."  Received  a  new  writing-stand,  made  for  me,  for  which  I  paid 
$4.00.     Wrote.     Walked  out. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on  Divine  Government.  I  find  I  advance  pretty 
slowly  on  this  subject,  even  with  close  study.  Very  good  sleighing.  At 
evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage. 

18.  Wrote  attentively  all  day.  At  evening  walked  out.  Some  families 
here  talk  of  moving  to  New  Connecticut.     Ver)'  cold. 

19.  Wrote  on  my  Divine  Government.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  sleighing. 
At  night  it  rained. 

20.  It  thaws  considerably.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Prov.  xix  :  21.* 
The  people  appear  to  be  much  interested  with  this  subject.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

21.  The  sleighing  mostly  gone.  Warm.  I  intended  to  have  gone  today 
to  Norfolk,  had  the  sleighing  permitted.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Massena,*  with 
his  great  French  army  much  diminished,  is  retreating  from  Portugal.     Visited. 

22.  Wrote  on  my  long  discourse  on  Prov.  xix:  21.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

23.  I  find  that  I  write  quite  slowly  on  the  subject.  Had  company.  Quite 
cold. 


'  Little   Joseph   has   now   been    at    East  others  for   its  quaint  and   original   forms  of 

Windsor  for  some  weeks,  and   his  uncle  is  expression. 

giving  him  instruction,  though  he  will  not  be  ^  This  set  of  the  British  Classics  grew  at 

five  years  old  until  the  next  April.     It  was  an  last  into  a  large  number  of  volumes, 
easy  and   natural  thing  for   Mr.  Robbins  to  "*  Co7ineciicut  Evangelical  Magazine,  Vol. 

turn  to  the  instruction  of  children.    His  work  IV,  2d  series,  p.  28. 

as   a  teacher  in   his  earlier  years  was  very  ^  The  text  on  which  all   his  sermons  on 

successful.  moral    government    have    been  founded    is 

^  Rev.    Matthew     Henry    was    a    distin-  found  in  the  Book  of  Proverbs, xix:  21,  which 

guished    Nonconformist  minister,   who  was  reads  as  follows:  "There  are  many  devices 

born  in  1662,  and  died  in  1714,  at  the  early  in  a  man's  heart,  nevertheless  the  counsel  of 

age  of  fifty-two.     His  Exposition  of  the  Old  the  Lord,  that  shall  stand."     This  text  was 

and  New  Testament,  in   five   volumes  folio,  very  suggestive  for  his  subject, 
was  first  published  in  17 10.     The  last  part,  ^  He   had   not  recovered  from  the   blow 

from  the  Book  of  Acts,  was  by  other  hands.  given   him  at  the   battle  of   Barraco,  in  the 

Henry's  Conimentary  is  distinguished  among  September  previous. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  465 

24.  I  am  favored  with  great  conveniences  for  study.  At  evening  rode  out 
and  performed  a  marriage.     Very  rough  sleighing. 

25.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  Some  old  persons  here  quite  low. 
At  night  Mr.  Battell '  came  here  and  tarried.  Mr.  Sargent,^  a  candidate,  came 
and  tarried  with  me. 

26.  Very  cold.  Wrote  attentively  on  Divine  Government.  Afternoon  Mr. 
Mason/  of  Herkimer,  came  to  tarry  with  me  over  the  Sabbath. 

27.  Mr.  Mason  preached  for  me  and  very  well.  I  trust  he  will  be  a  useful 
man.     Walked  out. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.  Visited.  Very  cold.  The  river  is 
very  hard  frozen, 

29.  Went  to  Hartford  and  brought  up  in  a  sleigh,  an  elegant  new  book- 
case. It  cosf*  I  walked  home  and  drove  the  sleigh.  The  ground  con- 
siderably bare.  Paid  for  liquor  to  fill  my  liquor-case,  $3.83/  Had  company. 
One  member  of  our  church  conducts  imprudently. 

30.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  We  had 
a  very  good  one.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford,  There  is  very  little  sleigh- 
ing. It  is  contemplated  to  form  a  society  in  this  vicinity  for  the  relief  of  the 
ministers'  widows.  I  think  it  will  be  a  very  charitable  institution.  Rode. 
My  late  writings  for  the  magazine  met  with  a  higher  approbation  than  I 
expected.^ 

31.  Worked  at  my  library.  My  new  book-case  makes  a  noble  appearance. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited.  I  fear  the  young  people 
here  are  getting  much  addicted  to  dancing.  There  has  been  but  little  of 
it  since  I  lived  in  the  town. 

February. 

1.  It  snowed  some.  Rode  out.  Wrote.  At  evening  walked  out  and 
visited.     I  believe  I  have  lost  some  books  by  lending.' 

2.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  long  discourse^  on  Prov.  xix :  21.  I  hope  the 
investigation  of  this  subject  will  be  useful  to  me,  as  well  as  to  my  people. 
Tolerable  sleighing. 

3.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  Thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Matt, 
xxvii :  43.  On  account  of  the  necessary  thinness  of  the  meeting,  I  deferred 
my  discourse  on  Divine  Government.     At  evening  walked  out. 

4.  Preparing  for  Association.     Quite  stormy  and   tedious.     Received  a 


*  Mr.  Joseph   Battell,   of    Norfolk.      He  *  This  place  remains  blank, 

wanted  perhaps  to  see  how  his  little  Joseph  '  The  old  stock,  put  up  some  months  be- 

was  getting  on.  fore,  was  probably  nearly  exhausted. 

^  Rev.  Samuel  Sargeant,  who  was  born  in  *  Only  the  first  part  of  the  article  had  yet 

Maiden,  Mass.,  Nov.  6,  1755,  graduated  at  been  published. 

Dartmouth  College  in  1783,  was  settled  for  ^  He  would  be  a  rare  lender  of  books  if  he 

a  time  in  Woburn,  and  afterwards  served  as  had  not  lost  some  of  them. 

a  missionary  in  Vermont,  Pennsylvania,  and  *  All  his  sermons  put  together  from  this 

New   York.      He   died   in   Chester,   Vt.,   in  one  text,  Prov.  xix :  21,  would  make  quite  a 

1881.  treatise  on  moral  government.   This  has  been 

^  Rev.  Elihu  Mason,  before  noticed.  a  popular  subject  with  New  England  divines. 


466 


DIARY  OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1811. 


letter  from  my  brother  James,  Received  from  my  brother  Frank,  at  Wor- 
cester, this  Ahiianack}  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  sleigh.  The  remainder  of  my 
piece  on  Persecution  is  published  in  the  February  magazine.^  Paid  for  a 
turkey,  $1.12.     Traded,  $2.00. 

5.  It  snows  and  is  quite  tedious.  Our  Association  met  here.^  There 
were  nine  members  present.  Had  the  weather  been  favorable,  I  think  we 
should  have  had  a  very  full  meeting.  The  Association  licensed  Mr.  Amasa 
Loomis,"*  of  this  place. 

6.  I  have  seldom  known  an  association  more  elegantly  entertained.* 
After  dinner  they  dispersed.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  carry  home  Mr.  Flint. 
Very  good  sleighing.  There  have  been  two  important  failures  in  Hartford  in 
consequence  of  the  wretched  conduct  of  the  government. 

7.  Mr.  Quincy®  has  delivered  a  most  able  speech  in  Congress  on  the 
violation  of  the  Constitution  in  making  New  Orleans  an  independent  State. 
Wrote  on  my  preaching  accounts.     Walked  out. 

8.  Prepared  this  almanack  and  wrote  it  to  the  present  time.  Unfor- 
tunately broke  a  pane  of  glass  in  my  new  book-case.  It  snowed  hard  all  day. 
Read  Vicar  of  Wakefield  J 

9.  Wrote  on  my  discourse  on  Divine  Government.  The  late  failures  in 
Hartford  are  likely  to  be  repaired.  Towards  night  Mr.  Skinner,*  of  New 
Britain,  Berlin,  came  to  exchange  with  me  tomorrow.  The  call  very  unex- 
pected. 


'  His  brother,  Francis  Le  Baron,  was  then 
studying  theology  with  Dr.  Austin,  of  Worces- 
ter, and  the  almanacks  he  used  were  printed 
in  Worcester.  The  one  which  his  brother 
sent  him  for  181 1  has  the  following  as  a  por- 
tion of  its  title : 

"  Isaiah  Thomas,  Junior's 

Town  and  Country 

ALMANACK 

or 

Complete  Farmer's  Calendar, 

Being  the  third  after  Leap  Year,  and  the 

35th  of  Columbian  Independence, 
From  creation  according  to  the  Scripture 

5773. 

Printed  at  Worcester,  Massachusetts 

by  Isaiah  Thomas,  jun. 

Price  9  dollars  per  Gross,  87  1-2  cents  per 

•    dozen,  12  1-2  cents  single." 

*  On  page  48,  Vol,  4,  second  series. 
'  That  is  why  he  bought  the  turkey. 

*  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis  was  the  son  of 
Dea.  Amasa  Loomis,  of  East  Windsor,  and 
was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1807.  He  labored 
much  among  the  churches  of  Ohio. 

*  This  compliment  is  doubtless  intended 
for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolcott. 

*"  There  have  been  men  in  several  genera- 


tions in  Massachusetts  by  the  name  of  Josiah 
Quincy.  The  one  here  referred  to  was  born 
in  1772,  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1790,  was 
Member  of  Congress  from  1804  to  1813,  and 
President  of  Harvard  College  from  1829  to 
1845.  His  son,  of  the  same  name,  has  re- 
cently passed  away  in  a  good  old  age,  but 
the  name  still  abides. 

^  Goldsmith's  charming  story,  which  he 
had  read  before,  but  which  never  tires. 

^  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,  a  young  man, 
graduated  at  Yale  in  1804,  had  been  settled 
about  a  year  in  New  Britain,  as  colleague 
with  the  venerable  Dr.  John  Smalley.  Mr. 
Skinner  was  a  native  of  Granby.  He  re- 
mained at  New  Britain  till  his  death  in  1S25. 
It  may  possibly  help  to  explain  his  sudden 
appearance  in  East  Windsor,  of  a  Saturday 
afternoon,  fifteen  miles  or  more  from  his 
home,  if  we  state  that  a  few  years  later  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Ursula  Wolcott  (not 
the  Ursula  already  mentioned),  daughter  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott.  At  the  time  of  this 
exchange  she  was  a  young  lady  of  twenty- 
two,  and  it  may  have  seemed  easier  to  Mr. 
Skinner  to  make  his  exchange  at  East 
Windsor  rather  than  in  one  of  the  adjoining 
parishes. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  467 

10.  Rode  early  to  Berlin.  Good  sleighing,  but  the  snow  pretty  deep. 
This  is  not  a  large,  but  a  good  society.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Luke 
ii:  7  and  Hab,  iii :  17,  18.  The  people  were  quite  attentive.  Quite  cold, 
A  council  is  to  be  convened  this  week  in  Worthington  for  the  dismissal  of  Mr. 
Johns.' 

11.  Rode  home.  Very  fine  sleighing.  The  sun  has  not  shined  before 
today  since  Jan.  30th,  and  every  day  since  then  it  has  snowed.  Read. 
Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  making  a  tax-bill. 

12.  Worked  all  day  upon  the  rate-bill.  It  is  a  great  task.  The  number  of 
taxes  in  this  society  is  two  hundred  and  five.  The  certificate  lists  are  forty- 
five.  Of  these  twenty-seven  have  been  given  in  since  my  settlement.  The 
whole  list  is  ^23,551.92.^     The  certificate  list  is  $6,671.49.     At  night  it  rained. 

13.  Read  Herodotus.  Worked  upon  the  rate-bill.  It  thaws  very  much. 
There  is  some  hope  that  Congress  will  yet  spare  the  United  States  Bank^ 
which  they  have  been  determined  to  destroy. 

14.  Heredotus  mentions  salt  mountains  in  Africa.  Wrote.  Quite  cold. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Fairchild,^  of  Stratford.  Afternoon  rode  to  Simsbury.  Pretty 
good  sleighing.  There  is  more  snow  here  than  at  East  Windsor.  Received 
of  Capt.  Phelps,"*  $15.00,  the  last  of  my  demands  for  preaching  in  this  place. 
Mrs.  Case,  I  think,  is  more  feeble  than  when  I  last  saw  her.  Society  matters 
here  appear  favorably. 

15.  Got  the  glass  set  which  I  lately  broke  in  the  door  of  my  book-case 
without  much  expense.  Rode  home.  It  thaws  considerably.  At  evening 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  lower  part  of  the  society  from  Luke  vii :  23.  Bap- 
tized a  child. 

16.  Finished  my  long  discourse  on  Prov.  xix :  21.  I  believe  I  have  wrote 
upon  it  at  least  twenty  days.  I  hope  it  will  be  useful  to  me,  and  I  beg  of 
God  that  it  may  be  to  my  people.  It  is  much  longer  than  I  expected  when  I 
began.     Yesterday  paid  a  cabinet-maker,  $10.00. 

17.  Preached  a  part  of  my  discourse  on  Divine  Government  from  Prov. 
xix:  21.  Both  sermons  were  answers  to  objections.  Had  a  full  and  very 
attentive  meeting. 

18.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Expected  to  have  gone  today  to 
Norfolk,  but  omitted  on  account  of  the  storm.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

19.  Set  out  for  Norfolk  in  a  sleigh  with  Fanny  and  Tudor  Wolcott  and 
little   Joseph   Battell.     Very  cold   and   tedious.     The  snow  flies  very  much. 


'  This  was  in  the  church  now  known  as  structed  what  they  called  the  grand  list,  and 

the    Second  Church  in  Berlin.     Rev.  Evans  laid  the  taxes  on  that. 

Johns  was  a  Welshman,  and  had  been  settled  '  Robert  Fairchild,   Esq.,  a  graduate   of 

there  since  1802.     He  was  dismissed  in  this  Yale  College  in  the  class  of  1793,  ^  Fellow 

month  of  February,  181 1.  of  Yale  College,  ex  officio. 

^  These  figures  must  not  be  understood  as  ■*  Capt.   Oliver   Phelps,   treasurer   of  the 

meaning  the  whole  amount  of  taxable  prop-  parish   at   Simsbury,  makes   his  final  settle- 

erty  in  the  parish,  for  there  were  individual  ment   with   Mr.  Robbins,    about   four  years 

men  there  who  were  worth  $30,000.      From  after  his  services  were  rendered.     But  money 

the  whole  property  to  be  taxed  they  con-  was  scarce  and  times  were  hard. 


468  DIARY  OF   REV.   THOMAS   ROBBINS,   D.D.  [1811. 

Find  very  little    path.     My  horse  was  so  worried  that  I  left  him  at  New  Hart- 
ford and  got  another.     Rode  to  Colebrook  and  tarried  at  my  brother  Ammi's.' 

20.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  The  snow  very  deep.  My  father  is  quite  comfort- 
able and  performs  his  ministerial  duties.     Severe  cold, 

21.  It  is  undoubtedly  the  coldest  time  that  we  have  had  this  winter. 
People  are  much  concerned  about  hay.  My  brother  Samuel  is  getting  much 
into  the  sheep  business.^     Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's. 

22.  The  turnpike  road  here  is  like  to  be  very  good  property.  Rode  home 
with  Fanny.^  Extreme  cold.  Rode  from  Norfolk  to  East  Windsor  in  abouj: 
eight  hours.  Am  considerably  worried  with  my  exertions.  Received  of  my 
brother  N.  and  lent  to  James,  $12.00.  Paid  for  the  horse  that  I  hired  at  New 
Hartford,  and  for  keeping  mine  there,  $2.00. 

23.  Wrote.  Pleasant,  but  very  cold.  Read  the  Bible.  I  have  latterly 
too  much  neglected  my  Bible. 

24.  Preached  written  sermons  and  finished  my  long  discourse  on  Prov.  xix  : 
21.  I  was  all  day  upon  the  improvement.  Towards  night  the  weather  moder- 
ated.    At  evening  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

25.  Read.  Rode  to  Windsor  in  a  sleigh  and  returned.  Very  good  cross- 
ing.    At  night  it  rained.     Borrowed  Patrick's  Commentary.*' 

26.  My  books  get  injured  by  being  lent.  The  Senate,  by  the  casting  vote 
of  the  President,^  have  finally  put  their  veto  upon  the  United  States  Bank. 
Quite  rainy. 

27.  Completed  my  sermons  on  Divine  Government.  It  is  almost  a  vol- 
ume. The  snow  seems  to  be  going.  Rode  out.  The  dancing-school  here 
excites  great  interest.     Received  a  letter  from  R.  Fairchild,  Esq.^ 

28.  Wrote.  At  night  the  dancing-school  had  their  concluding  ball.  It 
excited  great  attention.  I  believe  the  effects  of  such  a  school  very  ruinous. 
Rode  to  Wethersfield,  Rocky  Hill,  and  spent  the  night  very  agreeably  with 
Mr.  Chapin.' 


'  The  journey  described  in  this  day's  entry  United  States,  and  therefore  ex  officio  Presi- 

was    not  far  from    thirty-five    miles,   taken  dent  of  the  Senate.     Like  President  Madi- 

under  such  conditions  of  roads  and  weather,  son,  he  was  a  Democrat, 
as  to  make  it  a  somewhat  notable  illustra-  ''  Robert  Fairchild.     See  note  just  before 

tion  of  the  tough  old  New  England  times.  Feb.  14. 

Fanny  Wolcott  was   a    girl    of    seventeen,  '  Calvin  Chapin,  D.D.,  pastor  at  Rocky 

Tudor  Wolcott  was  a  lad  of  eleven,  and  little  Hill  from   1794  to  1851,  was  a  very  quaint 

Joseph  Battell  was  a  child  of  four  years  and  and    original    character.      His    parish    was 

ten  months.  within  the   town   of   Wethersfield,  and  was 

2  He  had  been  drawn  into  this  naturally  once    known    by   the   name    Stepney.      Mr. 

by  his  brother  Nathaniel.  Chapin   was   born   in   Springfield,  Mass.,  in 

'  He  left  Tudor  Wolcott  at  Norfolk.  1763,  was   graduated   at   Yale   in    1788,  and 

*  Rev.  Simon  Patrick,  1626-1707,  a  very  from  1S20  to  1846  was  of  the  corporation  of 
learned  divine,  born  at  Gainsborough,  Eng-  the  college.  Graduates  of  the  college  during 
land,  Bishop  of  Ely,  wrote  among  many  other  those  years  remember  well  his  tall  and 
works,  various  paraphrases  and  commen-  marked  figure,  as  he  went  in  and  out  of  the 
taries  on  the  Prophets.  trustees'  meeting,  or  mingled  in  the  scenes 

*  The  President  of  the  Senate  at  that  time  of  Commencement.  He  died  at  the  age  of 
was  George  Clinton,  Vice-President  of  the  eighty-eight. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  469 

March. 

1.  It  thaws  constantly  and  fast.  Very  bad  riding.  Rode  home.  Read 
Elegant  Extracts?'     Walked  out. 

2.  Read  Herodotus.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  James. 

3.  Feel  very  gloomy  on  account  of  my  own  stupidity  and  exceeding 
stupidity  of  my  people.  I  hope  there  are  some  among  us  who  sigh  and  pray. 
Walked  out.     Preached  from  Matt,  iv  :  17. 

4.  I  believe  our  country  has  never  had  so  poor  a  Congress  as  the  one 
which  expires  today.  They  seem  bent  on  the  ruin  of  the  country.^  Visited. 
It  appears  like  spring. 

5.  Wrote,  copying  my  last  year's  diary.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  bad 
riding.  The  river  is  not  broken.  Visited.  Lent  several  books.  Bought 
seven  of  Haweis's  ^  Communicanfs  Companion  to  give  away.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Battell,  with  four  hundred  dollars  to  be  paid  several  families  here  for 
cheese.* 

6.  Our  ministers'  meeting  met  here.  In  the  afternoon  a  hard  snow-storm. 
Very  few  at  meeting.  Read  the  Spectator.  Our  Hartford  Magazine^  very 
good. 

7.  The  snow  considerably  deep.  Cold  and  blustering.  Visited.  Rode 
to  Wapping  and  married  a  couple  whose  ages  are  sixty-five  and  fifty-nine.* 
Pretty  good  sleighing.  R!ead  Herodotus.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
Frank. 

8.  Visited  an  old  man  in  a  dying  state.  Read  Herodotus.  Afternoon  the 
man  died.''    Walked  out  and  visited. 

g.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  from  Ps.  cxxxvii :  5,  6.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Very  bad  riding.  Paid  for  ten  bushels  of 
oats,  $3.33. 

10.  Finished  writing  a  little  before  I  went  to  meeting.  Had  a  laborious 
time  of  it.  Preached  sermons  mostly  written  from  Ps.  cxxxvii :  5,  6.  At 
evening  with  the  church  committee  examined  two  men  for  communion.^  I 
think   I    never  saw  a  more  muddy  time  here.     After  meeting  attended   the 


'  This  is  the  work,  it  may  be  remembered,  the   one    town    of    East   Windsor,   between 

which  he  had  as  a  present  from  Mr.  Frederick  thirty  and  forty  miles  away  from   Norfolk 

Wolcott,  of  Litchfield.     It  was  in  two  vol-  where  was  his  store.     This  single  clue  shows 

umes,  and  was  published  in  London  in  1801.  us  how  it  was  possible  for  him  to  acquire  so 

^  As  has  been  already  several  times  sug-  large  a  property,  as  the  legitimate  fruit  of  this 

gested,  all  such  expressions  must   be   con-  vast  country  trade.  It  required  great  sagacity 

sidered  in  connection  with  the  strong  political  to  conduct  business  under  such  conditions, 

prejudices  of  those  years.  '  The    Evangelical   Magazine,   doubtless, 

*  Thomas  Haweis,  an   English  writer  on  which  was  published  at  Hartford, 
religious  subjects,  1734-1820.  *  Elijah  King,  of  Vernon,  and  Susannah 

*  This  statement  helps  to  give  an  idea  of  Case,  of  Wapping. 

the  extent  of  the  business  carried  on  by  Mr.  ^  This  was  Mr.  Luke  Loomis,  aged  seventy- 
Joseph  Battell  as  a  country  merchant.     This  four. 

item  of  four  hundred  dollars  was  to  be  paid  ^  Mr.  Jesse   Charlton  and   Mr.  Timothy 

to  people   for  the  one  article  of   cheese,  in  Munsell. 


4^.0  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l3ll. 

funeral  of  the  man  who  died  on  Friday.    The  meeting  was  ver)-  full.     Preached 
partly  in  reference  to  the  occasion. 

11.  There  appears  to  be  considerable  serious  talk  in  the  country  on  a 
division  of  the  United  States.*     Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  man. 

12.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  Mr.  Atwell,^  the  Baptist  preacher 
at  Enfield,  preached  in  the  meeting-house.  Attended  the  meeting.  He 
appears  anxious  to  get  introduced  here.  He  is  encouraged  by  the  certificate 
people.  Read  Herodotus.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my  father,  and  for  Mrs.  Wol- 
cott  to  her  son,^  at  Norfolk. 

13.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Very  pleasant.  The  boys  play  ball. 
Tarried  out.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

14.  Walked  and  visited.  Afternoon  visited  our  Academic  school.''  The 
ground  dries  considerably.     Tarried  out. 

15.  Quite  tired  with  constant  visiting.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Things 
sprout  in  the  garden.     Read. 

16.  Read  Herodotus.  Assisted  the  church  committee  in  examining  two 
women  for  communion.^     They  appear  very  well.     Wrote  on  my  last  year's  diary. 

17.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Rom.  vii :  24,  a  discourse  which  I 
wrote  before  I  began  to  preach.  At  evening  had  company.  I  think  the 
singing-meeting  improves  our  singing. 

18.  Read.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ground  in  our 
street  mostly  dry.     The  river  pretty  high. 

19.  Visited  two  schools.  One  of  them  has  done  pretty  poorly.  They  have 
improved  in  the  knowledge  of  the  catechism. 

20.  Read  Herodotus.  Remarkably  warm  for  March.  Rode  to  Windsor 
and  returned.     The  ground  generally  settled. 

21.  Last  night  at  bed-time  was  called  to  see  a  sick  man.  He  has  been 
long  in  a  consumption,  and  thought  he  should  recover  till  he  was  -suddenly 
taken  very  ill.  He  has  been  a  stupid,  vicious  man,  but  left  a  most  solemn 
testimony  in  favor  of  the  reality  of  the  gospel.  I  stayed  with  him  till  he  died, 
about  two  o'clock.  The  scene  was  ver^-  impressive.  In  the  morning  made 
an  asparagus  bed.  Afternoon  visited  a  school  with  a  good  instructor  in  a 
very  good  way.     At  evening  visited  a  sick  man. 

22.  In  the  morning  ploughed  some  ground  to  plant  peas.®  Visited  two 
schools.  I  believe  our  dancing-school  has  been  a  disadvantage  to  some  of 
our  schools.  At  their  second  invitation  I  have  catechised  all  the  schools,' 
which  I  did  not  at  first. 


'  The  Hartford  Convention,  which  met  in  tion   of  his  own.      He  was  brought  up  to 

1814,  was  a  kind  of  outgrowth  from  this  talk  these  out-door  duties  at  home,  and  he  seems 

and  sentiment.  to  have  taken  a  real  pleasure  in  them. 

^  Rev.  George  Atwell.  ^  jf  Qy^  modern  public  schools  had  some 

^  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott,  whom  Mr.  Rob-  system  of    moral    and   religious   instruction 

bins  left  there  after  his  hard  wintry  journey.  corresponding   to   this  catechetical  exercise, 

*  At  East  Windsor  Hill.  they   would  be   better   than   they  are.     But 
'  Polly  Loomis  and  Esther  McKinney.  there   are   so   many  people  who  think  their 

*  Wherever  he  was  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  children  would  be  injured  by  it  that  it  has 
have  had  some  farming  or  gardening  opera-  to  be  forborne. 


\ 


i8ii.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR, 


471 


23.  Planted  peas.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Francis  Drake.'  Remarkably 
dry.  The  dust  flies  very  much.  Read  Herodotus.  Rode  to  Scantic  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Bartlett. 

24.  Mr.  Bartlett  went  to  our  society.^  Preached  written  sermons  from 
Rev.  iii:  2  and  John  vii:  17.  Thin  meeting.  Returned.  At  night  rainy,  with 
pretty  hard  thunder. 

25.  Mr.  Pickering^  has  commenced  a  series  of  letters  on  our  public  affairs 
which  I  think  will  be  useful.  Wrote.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Manured  my 
asparagus  bed,  and  made  a  small  new  one.     Wrote  to  my  father. 

26.  Sowed  my  new  asparagus  bed.  Planted  radish  seed.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  man  lately  deceased  of  a  consumption,  in  the  borders  of  Orford. 
Took  some  cold  by  speaking  in  the  wind.  Yesterday,  finished  reading 
Herodotus.  I  don't  know  that  I  have  ever  read  any  history  with  greater 
pleasure. '' 

27.  Am  considerably  unwell  with  my  cold.  Yesterday  morning  Mr. 
Wolcott  went  off  for  Norfolk.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  night  Mr. 
Battell  came  here  and  tarried.  He  brought  home  Tudor,  who  has  lived  at 
Norfolk  since  1  was  last  there.'     My  father  is  pretty  smart. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  and  catechised  two  schools.  They  have 
done  better  this  year  than  the  last.  At  evening  Mr.  Wolcott  returned.  The 
ground  is  nearly  as  much  settled  at  Norfolk  as  it  is  here. 

29.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  vii:  10.  Hindered  by  company.  At  night 
we  had  a  little  snow. 

30.  Wrote  steadily.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  10.  I  can,  with- 
out much  difficulty,  with  diligence,  write  two  sermons  in  two  days.*  Rainy. 
Have  read  this  week  considerably  in  ZiorCs  Pilgrim.'' 

31.  Rainy.  I  committed  my  discourse  just  written,  and  preached  from 
Matt,  xiii :  11.  Received  four  persons  into  the  church.*  Three  of  them  at 
least  I  trust  will  be  ornaments  of  their  profession.  On  the  26th  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Amasa  Loomis,  in  East  Hartford,  and  on  the  27th  wrote  to 
him.     Read. 


'  The  young  man  whose  death-bed  scene 
he  has  just  described. 

^  In  his  exchanges  with  Mr.  Bartlett  of 
the  North  Parish,  it  seems  to  have  been 
something  like  a  fixed  custom  for  Mr.  Rob- 
bins  to  go  up  and  spend  Saturday  night, 
returning  Sunday  evening,  and  for  Mr.  Bart- 
to  go  and  return  on  Sunday.  This  law  was 
probably  determined  by  the  fact  that  Mr. 
Robbins  was  a  bachelor,  and  Mr.  Bartlett 
had  a  most  pleasant  and  hospitable   home. 

^  Col.  Timothy  Pickering,  LL.  D.,  of 
Salem,  Mass.,  then  a  member  of  United 
States  Senate. 

*  All  who  have  read  Herodotus  can  well 
understand  how  naturally  one  is  charmed  by 


this  simple  antique  style,  and  the  curious 
array  of  facts  and  incidents  presented  in  his 
narrative. 

5  Tudor  Wolcott  reached  Norfolk  after 
his  cold  ride  February  20th,  and  it  is  now 
March  27th.  He  has  been  returning  little 
Joseph  Battell's  visit. 

*  Most  ministers  now  would  call  that  very 
rapid  writing. 

'  Zion's  Pilgrim,  a  small  volume  repub- 
lished in  New  York  in  1810,  was  written  by 
Robert  Hav,'kes,  D.  D.,  1753-1S27,  a  native 
of  Exeter,  England,  and  a  somewhat  exten- 
sive writer  on  religious  topics. 

*  The  two  men  and  two  women  before 
named. 


472  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1811 

April. 

I,  A  hard  rain.  Wrote.  Yesterday  I  forgot  to  warn  our  sacrament  for 
the  next  Sabbath.  Have  to  give  private  notice.  Visited.  A  number  of 
persons  are  sick  among  us. 

2.'  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  bridge-owners  refuse  to  contract  for  crossing 
by  the  year  as  they  did  last  year.*  Visited.  Mr.  Atwell  came  here  and 
preached  in  the  meeting-house.'^     I  am  told  he  had  a  small  meeting. 

3.  It  snowed  a  little.  Rode  to  Scantic  to  attend  our  ministers'  meeting. 
No  other  one  went.  I  preached  a  written  sermon  from  i  Cor.  ii :  2.  Re- 
turned. Have  something  of  a  cold.  The  Democrats  in  this  State  are  making 
efforts  to  divide  Federal  votes. 

4.  Am  quite  hoarse  with  my  cold.  Began  a  sermon  on  John  xv :  19. 
Worked  considerably.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  have  a  prospect  of  pro- 
curing a  boy  for  my  father. 

5.  Finished  my  sermon  on  John  xv:  19.  Quite  cool.  Vegetation  ad- 
vances very  little.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  with  a  written 
sermon  from  Ps.  Ixxx :  14,  15.  I  am  so  hoarse  that  it  is  difficult  for  me  to 
speak.     Visited. 

6.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  2  Chron.  vi :  41.     Am  feeble  with  my  cold. 

7.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  a  written  sermon  on  John  xv :  19.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  We  had  a  very  solemn  season.  I  spoke  with  consid- 
erable difficulty.  Afternoon  I  had  a  sermon  read.  I  performed  the  other 
exercises.  This  is  a  practice  to  which  this  people  have  been  accustomed.  I 
found  it  to  be  a  special  relief.     Baptized  a  child.' 

8.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freeman's  Meeting.  The  votes  for 
Governor,  were  :  Treadwell,  168,  Griswold,  86,  Scattering,  2.  I  believe  Mr. 
Griswold  had  about  thirty  Federal  votes.  The  remainder  were  Democratic. 
I  think  this  last  effort  of  Democracy,  through  the  mercy  of  our  fathers'  God, 
will  meet  with  a  great  defeat.*    Visited. 

9.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Joelii:  12,  13.  Received  a  letter 
from  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood,'  of  Springfield,  and  one  from  Mr.  Amasa  Loomis,*  in 
East  Hartford.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Osgood.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  get 
better  of  my  cold. 

10.  Wrote  nine  pages.  As  I  write  now,  I  generally  write  but  about  a  page 
in  an  hour.  Eight  pages  will  make  a  decent  sermon.  We  have  very  pleas- 
ant weather,  but  cool.     There  is  considerable  anxiety  about  the  issue  of  our 


'  He   paid  $2.00  for  a  season  ticket  the  a  Federalist  as   Governor  John   Treadwell, 

last  year.  but   he   was   elected    partly   by    Democratic 

-  This  preaching  service   of  Mr.  Atwell  votes, 
was  on  a  Tuesday.     It  was  certainly  gener-  ^  Rev_  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D.,  was  settled 

ous  in  the  Congregational  parish  to  let  him  over  the  first  church  in  Springfield  in  1809, 

have  the  use  of  their  house  so  often.  for  a  life-long  ministry.     He  died  in  1862. 

3  This    child    was     Helen,    daughter    of  *  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis  was  probably  sup- 
Charles  and  Sarah  Rockwell.  plying  the  pulpit  in  the  Orford  parish  of  East 

*  He  was  mistaken.    Roger  Griswold  was  Hartford,  now  Manchester.   From  East  Wind- 
elected  Governor.     He  was  as  good  and  able  sor  (South  Parish)  to  Orford  was  six  miles. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  473 

election.     There   seems   to   be    a    falling   out   among   great   folks    at   Wash- 
ington. 

11.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day.  Finished  my  Fast  sermon.  Stormy,  rain 
and  snow.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father,  and  one  from  Mr.  Battell. 
On  the  sth,  at  night,  my  brother  Frank  came  here  from  Worcester  with  two 
young  gentlemen  and  tarried.  The  next  morning  they  went  off  for  Norfolk. 
I  have  now,  in  just  a  fortnight,  written  six  (two  double  and  two  single) 
sermons.' 

12.  This  day  is  the  State  Fast.^  In  the  morning  the  ground  was  quite 
covered  with  snow.  Pretty  thin  meeting.  Preached  written  sdVmons  from 
Joel  ii:  12,  13.  Our  meeting  was  serious.  I  hope  I  had  useful  private 
meditations.  At  night  visited  a  woman  who,  without  having  had  much 
genuine  conviction  of  sin,  but  with  peculiar  outward  troubles,  has  apparently 
very  suddenly  been  made  a  subject  of  rich,  sovereign  grace.  I  think  she 
appears  to  have  as  great  spiritual  joy  as  any  person  I  ever  saw.  I 
hope  to  be  thankful  for  this  individual  evidence  that  we  are  not  wholly 
forsaken  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

13.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Quite  cold.  The  case  of  the  woman  I  saw 
last  evening  affects  her  connections  very  sensibly.  It  appears  that  Mr. 
Griswold  is  chosen  our  Governor.  Governor  Treadwell  is  evidently  run  out 
in  consequence  of  his  religion.^  I  believe  we  have  never  had  a  governor 
who  was  not  a  professor  of  religion.  Times  are  dark.  There  was  a  vessel 
launched  here  just  built. 

14.  Mr.  Amasa  Loomis  of  this  place  preached  for  me.  He  performed 
very  well.  It  is  very  uncommon  to  see  a  native  of  this  town  in  the  desk.* 
Copied  very  valuable  letters  of  my  father's  uncle,  Isaac  Foote,'  written  from 
the  army  to  his  wife,  in  1755.  Read  the  Bible.  Yesterday  made  out  my 
preaching  account  to  the  present  time. 

15.  Quite  warm.  Mr.  Osgood,  of  Springfield,  called  and  dined  with  me. 
Began  again  upon  my  Universal  History,  which  I  have  neglected  since  last 
fall. 

16.  Worked  considerably.  My  peas  which  I  planted  some  time  since 
have  come  up.  A  boy  which  I  have  procured  here  to  live  with  my  father, 
went  off  for  Norfolk.     Wrote  to  my  father  and  to  Esq.  Rockwell,  of  Winsted. 


'  He    had  great  facility   in   writing,   and  able  number  of  ministers  in  the  earlier  years, 

seems  to  have  enjoyed  it.     Few  men  are  so  the   most  notable  being  Jonathan   Edwards, 

methodical  as  he  was.  It   produced  a  larger   number   in  the   years 

^  The  Fast,  as  usual  in  Connecticut,  was  following   Mr.    Robbins'   ministry.     But   the 

on  Good  Friday.  close  of  the  last  century  and  the  early  years 

^  That  would  not  probably  tell  the  story  of  the   present  were   not   favorable   to   this 

in  full.     Connecticut  had  thoroughly  religious  interest,  and  comparatively  few  ministers  were 

governors  after  that.     Moreover,  Roger  Gris-  reared  in  New  England  during  that  period, 
wold  was  one  of  the  most  marked  and  able  '  The  mother   of  Rev.  Ammi  Ruhamah 

men  that  ever  sat  in  the  governor's  chair  in  Robbins  was  Hannah  Foot  (or   Foote),  the 

Connecticut.  first  wife  of  Rev.  Philemon  Robbins,  of  Bran- 

4  East  Windsor  had  produced  a  consider-  ford,  Ct.     Isaac  Foote  was  her  brother. 


474 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1811. 


Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  who  was  killed  by  being 
run  over  by  a  cartwheel.     The  grain  on  the  ground  appears  very  promising. 

17.  The  accounts  from  Spain  and  Portugal  are  much  more  favorable.' 
Wrote  on  the  catalogue  of  my  books.  The  cost  of  my  books  is  not  quite 
so  great  as  I  have  conceived.     Read   Universal  History.     Walked  out. 

iS.  Mr.  Francis  King  called  on  me.  There  is  an  important  ecclesiastical 
trial  of  Rev.  Mr.  Abbott'  at  Coventry  this  week.     Rode  to  Scanticand  Enfield. 

19.  Mr.  Prudden  is  about  publishing  a  pamphlet  vindicating  the  right  of 
marrying  a  wife's  sister.^  The  heat  and  dust  very  oppressive.  Rode  to 
West  Suffield,  Turkey  Hills,**  Salmon  Brook,'  and  Simsbury.  Tarried  with 
Mr.  McLean.  Am  endeavoring  to  collect  an  account  of  the  state  of  the 
churches  within  the  limits  of  our  association.  I  fear  that  the  societies  of 
West  Suffield  and  Turkey  Hills  will  not  be  able  to  have  any  settled  minis- 
ters.''    Saw  apricot  blossoms.     On  the  i6th  saw  blooms  on  the  dafifas. 

20.  Returned  home.  Much  fatigued.  Cut  asparagus  from  the  bed  which 
I  sowed  two  years  ago.  It  grows  a  very  good  size.  Mr.  King,^  now  supplying 
at  Orford,  came  here  to  exchange  with  me  tomorrow.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Olcott,^ 
who  has  lived  there  several  years,  died  last  night.  The  ground  in  much  want 
of  wet.     Paid  for  a  scale  rule  and  a  book  of  explanation,  $2.00. 

21.  Rode  early  to  Orford.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  a  written  sermon 
on  Hab.  iii:  17,  18.  They  have  had  a  singing-school  here  for  a  few  months 
and  perform  very  well.  Addressed  the  singers  on  the  occasion.  Afternoon 
attended  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Mr.  Olcott.  Mr.  Huntington,'  of  Middletown, 
preached.  Gov.  Treadwell '°  was  one  of  the  pall-bearers.  Something  rainy. 
A  great  collection  of  people.  At  evening  returned.  The  great  French  army 
is  retreating  from  Portugal  with  disgrace. 

22.  Much  cooler.    Wrote,  copying  my  last  year's  diary.    Rode  out  and  visited. 

23.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.     Read  Universal  History.     Visited. 

24.  Read  Universal  History.  Finished  the  thirteenth  volume.  The  acad- 
emy here  had  an  exhibition."     It  began  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening 


'  The  French  under  Victor,  were  defeated 
by  Gen.  Graham,  March  5,  181 1,  and  the 
news  had  probably  just  reached  this  country. 
But  some  reverses  were  experienced  soon 
afterwards. 

^  Rev.  Abiel  Abbott,  D.  D.,  settled  over 
the  First  Church  in  Coventry  in  1795,  was 
found  after  a  few  years  to  be  Unitarian  in 
sentiment,  and  in  April,  181 1,  the  Consocia- 
tion removed  him  from  the  pastorate  of 
the  church.  He  was  a  man  of  scholarly 
habits  and  generous  nature,  and  made  his 
home  during  his  last  years  in  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  dying  1859,  at  the  age  of  ninety-four. 
He  was  born  in  Wilton,  N.  H.,  and  a  gradu- 
ate of  Harvard  College  in  1787. 

^  This  is  the  paper  which  he  presented  at 
the  ministers'  meeting  some  weeks  before. 


*  Turkey  Hills  is  East  Granby. 

'  Salmon  Brook  is  Granby. 

^  All  these  churches,  though  somewhat 
broken,  continued  to  have  a  settled  ministry. 

^  Mr.  Francis  King,  licensed,  but  never  a 
settled  minister. 

^  Rev.  Allen  Olcott,  before  mentioned,  a 
native  of  East  Hartford,  and  a  graduate  of 
Yale  in  1768. 

9  Rev.  Dan  Huntington. 

'°  Gov.  Treadwell  lived  in  Farmington, 
where  Rev.  Mr.  Olcott  had  formerly  been 
settled. 

"  It  w-as  under  the  care,  it  will  be  remem- 
bered, of  Eleazar  T.  Fitch,  afterwards  Divin- 
ity Professor  at  Yale  College.  He  was  a  very 
modest  man  when  of  full  age,  but  he  was  an  ab'e 
scholar  and  thinker,  and  kept  a  good  school. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


475 


and  continued  till  two  in  the  morning.  I  did  not  attend.  It  is  said  to  have 
been  a  very  good  one.  My  brother  f'rank  came  here,  attended  the  exhibition, 
and  tarried.  Worked  some.  Yesterday  made  an  asparagus  bed  by  digging 
up  and  planting  old  roots. 

25.  My  brother  went  off  to  Worcester.  Mr.  Wolcott  bought  eight  acres 
of  land  for  one  thousand  dollars.'  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dr.  Strong  wishes  for 
further  assistance  from  me  for  the  magazine.     Visited. 

26.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  v :  7,  8.  Consulted  all  my  annotations  on 
the  subject  and  got  considerable  help.  Assisted  in  papering  a  room.  I  am 
too  apt  to  neglect  business  for  little  things. 

27.  Wrote  steadily.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Cool  and 
quite  dry. 

28.  Preached  written  sermons  on  Rom.  v:  7,  8,  and  2  Chron.  vi :  41.  The 
first  cost  me  a  good  deal  of  study  and  appeared  to  be  interesting.  At  evening 
walked  out. 

29.  The  peach  blossoms  generally  out.  Worked  considerably.  Wrote  to 
my  father,  and  to  Mr.  Lowell  Grant,  of  Norfolk. 

30.  Wrote  off  a  part  of  my  sermon  on  Rom.  v  :  7,  8,  for  the  magazine.^ 
I  wrote  upon  this  subject  at  the  request  of  Dr.  Strong.  This  morning  and 
yesterday  morning  there  was  some  frost.  Afternoon  rode  to  Glastonbury. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference  with  Mr.  Hawes.  It  was  pretty  full.  The 
grain  on  the  ground  appears  very  well. 

May. 

1.  Our  ministers'  meeting  met  here  (Glastonbury).^  We  are  not  so 
punctual  in  attendance  as  we  ought  to  be.  I  read  the  piece  which  I  had 
written  for  the  magazine.  Afternoon  crossed  to  Wethersfield  and  preached 
a  sacramental  lecture  for  Dr.  Marsh,  from  Rom.  v :  7,8.  At  evening  rode 
home.  Very  drj^  and  dusty.  A  very  poor  year  for  taking  fish.  The  water 
unusually  low. 

2.  Worked  very  diligently  in  arranging  and  drawing  off  Mr.  Wolcott's 
old  notes  and  papers.     They  are  in  a  confused  state.'*     Walked  out. 

3.  Attended  to  Mr.  Wolcott's  papers.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Wapping 
and  visited  a  child  very  sick.  This  day  is  the  anniversary  of  my  installation. 
I  desire  to  be  humble  before  God  that  I  do  so  little  in  his  service,  and  to  be 


'  Land  was  valuable  all   along  the  Con-  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  be  connected  with  two 

necticut  River  valley,  especially  so  in   that  organizations   of  this   kind,  each  embracing 

immediate  vicinity.  five   ministers.      They   are   entirely  distinct 

-  This  seems  to  have  been  a  sermon  on  from    the    regular    ministerial    associations, 

which   Mr.   Robbins   specially   labored.      It  mere  neighborhood  arrangements  for  mutual 

was  on  the  text  beginning,  "  For  scarcely  for  improvement.      Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  have 

a  righteous  man  will  one  die,"  etc.     The  part  been  the  most  regular  and  punctual  attend- 

sent  to   the   Evangelical   Magazine  may   be  ant    upon    both    those    meetings,    and    was 

fiiund  in  the  June  number  of  the  magazine,  apparently  the  leading  spirit  in  both. 
181 1.  *  His  love  of  order  is  in  demand  in  secu- 

3  With  Rev.  Prince  Hawes.     These  min-  lar  work  as  well  as  in  religious.     Mr.  Wolcott 

isters'  meetings   occur  now  very  frequently.  had  a  large  estate,  and  his  cares  were  many. 


476 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D. 


[iSi 


thankful  that,  as  I  hope,  I  have  been  an  instrument  of  some  good  to  this 
people.  For  the  year  past  our  society,  I  think,  has  been  improving  in  its 
prospects. 

4.  Wrote  'a  sermon  on  Hebrew  xii :  25.  It  is  a  pretty  hard  day's  work 
for  me  to  write  a  sermon.' 

:^.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Ps.  xi :  i.  Afternoon 
had  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  My  voice  did  not  fail  with  hoarseness  as  it 
did  in  the  afternoon  of  last  Sabbath.  Very  dry  and  warm.  Wore  no  outside 
coat.  The  congregation  in  the  afternoon  appeared  quite  solemn.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

6.  There  has  been  a  very  severe  battle  between  the  English  and  French 
near  Cadiz.  The  English,  much  inferior  in  numbers,  were  victorious.^  Visited 
a  sick  woman  quite  low.  The  dust  very  severe.  Tl^e  blossoms  generally 
appear  on  the  apple-trees.  Received  a  valuable  thermometer  which  Mr. 
Haskell  ^  purchased  for  me  at  New  York.  He  got  it  for  four  dollars,'*  \-ery 
low.  Towards  night  attended  a  little  while  at  a  training.'  Mr.  Lee,*  a 
member  of  Divinity  College,  at  Andover,  came  here  and  tarried. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Carried  down  Mr.  Lee.  He  came  from  Andover 
on  foot.  Last  night  we  had  a  copious  and  ver)-  refreshing  shower.  Very 
warm.      The    thermometer   rose  to  80°.      Wrote.      At  evening  walked  out. 

8.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  child.  Afternoon  attended  the 
funeral  of  a  woman  who  died  lately.'  Visited.  Worked.  I  very  much 
expected  my  father,  but  he  did  not  come.  At  evening  a  couple  came  here 
from  Wapping  and  were  married.^ 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  Something  wet.  Very 
few  strangers  present.  Mr.  Stebbins'  preached  well.  In  the  morning  attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Bible  Society.     Gov.  Griswold  '°  did  not  appear,  through 


I  As  before  remarked,  few  ministers  are 
now  in  the  habit  of  writing  a  sermon  in  a 
single  day. 

^  This  report  still  has  reference  to  the 
battle  of  Barrosa,  March  5,  already  noticed. 
A  fuller  account  of  this  battle  is  as  follows : 
"  Barrosa,  or  Earossa,  where  a  battle  was 
fought  on  March  5,  181 1,  between  the  British 
army,  commanded  by  Major-General  Sir 
Thomas  Graham,  afterwards  Lynedock,  and 
the  French,  under  Marshal  Victor.  After 
a  long  conflict  the  British  achieved  one  of 
the  most  glorious  triumphs  of  the  Peninsular 
War.  Although  they  fought  at  great  disad- 
vantage, the  British  compelled  the  French  to 
retreat,  leaving  nearly  three  thousand  dead, 
six  pieces  of  cannon,  and  an  eagle,  the  first 
that  the  British  had  taken.  The  loss  of  the 
British  was  one  thousand  one  hundred  and 
sixty-nine  men  killed  and  wounded." — //a}'- 
den's  Dictionary  of  Dates,  p.  72. 


3  Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell. 

*  Thermometers  were  not  made  then  in 
such  number  and  variety  as  at  present. 

5  This  was  the  regular  May  training. 

*  Rev.  Jonathan  Lee,  a  native  of  Salis- 
bury, Ct.,  and  grandson  of  Rev.  Jonathan 
Lee,  the  first  minister  of  Salisbury.  He 
was  born  July  19,  1786,  graduated  at  Yale, 
1809,  and  at  Andover,  1812,  and  was  after- 
wards settled  for  sixteen  years  at  Otis,  Mass., 
and  subsequently  at  Weybridge,  Vt.  His 
later  years  were  passed  in  his  native  town, 
where  he  died  in  October,  1866. 

^  Abigail  Elgar. 

«  Mr.  Darda  Bidwell,  of  East  Hartford, 
and  Theodosia  Risley,  of  Wapping. 

9  Rev.  Stephen  W.  Stebbins,  1784-1813, 
pastor  at  Stratford,  and  from  1815  to  his 
death,  1843,  pastor  at  West  Haven.  A  min- 
ister venerable  and  beloved. 

"  Roger  Griswold,  Governor-elect. 


l8ll,]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR, 


477 


ill-health.  Gov.  Treadwell"  presided  with  great  dignity.  The  Governor's 
Guards  appeared  admirably.  In  the  afternoon  I  united  with  eight  other  minis- 
ters in  the  formation  of  a  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.^  May  the  gracious 
blessing  of  heaven  rest  upon  it.  My  brother  N.  rode  home  with  me.  At  even- 
ing rode  to  Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 

10.  Last  night  the  young  people  here  had  a  ball,  at  which  they  stayed  all 
night.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  brother.  Met  with  the  directors  of  the 
Annuity  Society  and  organized.  Gov.  Griswold  was  qualified  for  his  office, 
and  Gov.  Treadwell  retires  with  the  regret  of  all  good  men.  Mr.  Griswold's 
majority  was  about  nine  hundred  votes.  He  is  elected  by  a  union  of  Demo- 
crats with  Federalists  who  did  not  like  Gov.  Treadwell's  religion.*  The  lilac 
blossoms  are  generally  out.  Saw  rye  headed  day  before  yesterday.  Very 
tired.  Wrote.  My  father  a  little  unwell  and  wanting  resolution,  concluded 
not  to  come  to  the  election.  Got  a  hymn  printed  at  the  expense  of  the  church 
for  our  singers.  The  society  had  a  meeting  and  concluded  to  oppose  the 
petition  of  Wapping  to  the  assembly  to  be  made  a  society  and  add  a  part  of 
ours  to  them.^ 

11.  Worked  at  calculations  for  the  Annuity  Society.  Read  Universal 
History.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

12.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from  Isa.  Iv  :  ii.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Quite  warm. 

13.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Colebrook  and  tarried  at  my  brother  Am- 
mi's.  Shower}'  a  good  part  of  the  day.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott  for  the  society, 
$25.00.     Paid  for  my  thermometer,  $4.00.     It  tires  me  to  ride  on  horseback. 

14.  In  the  morning  rode  to  my  father's.  Quite  cool.  My  father  com- 
fortable, but  rather  lame  and  stiff  with  his  rheumatic  complaints.  My  parents 
have  a  very  good  garden.     Their  asparagus  bed  is  excellent. 

15.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  Rode  to  Sheffield  with 
a  view  of  buying  some  old  books,  but  was  disappointed.  Returned.  There  is 
universally  a  very  great  blowth  on  the  fruit-trees. 

16.  A  frost  this  morning,  but  we  hope  that  the  fruit  is  not  injured.  Dr. 
West,  of  Stockbridge,  came  here  and  made  my  father  a  very  agreeable  visit. 
Rode  to  the  south  part  of  the  town  to  attend  a  conference  and  preached  from 
Rom.  v:  7,  8.  At  evening  my  sister  Betsey  was  married  to  Mr.  Roswell 
Grant,  of  this  town.  I  am  pleased  with  the  connection.  V/e  had  an  agree- 
able wedding:. 


'  John  Treadwell,  retiring  Governor.  ■*  On  this  point  see  previous  note,  under 

^  This  society  was  for   the   relief  of  the  date  of  April  13th  last, 
widows  and  children  of  deceased  ministers,  ^  This  plan  miscarried  at  that  time.    Many 

and  as  Mr.  Robbins  was  a  bachelor,  it  was  years  before,  there  had  been  an  arrangement 

pure   charity   in  him   to    be   so   thoroughly  by  which  the  Wapping  people  maintained  a 

interested  in  the  matter.  religious  service  during  the  cold  season  of 

3  Wapping  seems  to  furnish  most  of  the  the  year,  and  were  released  from  their  taxes 

candidates  for   matrimony.      This   time   the  to   the   old  church  for  that   portion  of  the 

parties  were  Sylvester  Grant,  and  Mary  Jen-  year.     But  the  present  Wapping  parish  did 

nings,  of  Wapping.  not  come  into  existence  until  1S26. 


478 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D, 


[i8i 


17.  Dr.  West  went  off.  He  grows  old,"  but  is  pretty  well.  Arranged  my 
father's  pamphlets.  Visited  the  neighbors.  Tarried  last  night  at  Mr.  Bat- 
tell's.     Paid  Mr.  Battell  $5.00,  and  gave  him  a  note  for  twelve  dollars. 

18.  The  boy  which  I  sent  my  father  from  East  Windsor  does  remarkably 
well.  I  conclude  to  leave  my  horse  here.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  the  stage. 
Mr.  Waldo ""  brought  me  home  in  his  carriage.  Paid  stage-fare,  $2.00.  Warm. 
We  have  the  very  agreeable  news  of  great  successes  of  the  British  arms  over 
the  French  in  Portugal.^ 

19.  Preached  written  sermon  from  Rom.  vii :  10.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     The  dust  blows  very  badly. 

20.  Quite  cool.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Read  newspapers.  Yesterday 
baptized  two  children.*     Walked  out  and  visited. 

21.  Worked  at  my  peas.  They  begin  to  blow.  A  little  rain.  The  ground 
is  very  dry.     Walked  and  visited. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  West  Hartford.  Mr.  Colton'  engages  to  preach 
for  me  next  Sabbath.  Returned.  Saw  many  acquaintances  at  Hartford.  Re- 
ceived of  the  Bible  Society  eight  Bibles  for  distribution.  Paid  for  Hamilton's 
Works,^  in  boards,  for  which  I  subscribed,  $5.00.     I  think  we  have  reason  to 

fear  the  arts  of  democracy  in  this  State. 

23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  review  of  Dr.  Lyman's  missionary  sermon,'  for 
ministers'  meeting.     Worked  in  the  garden.     Planted  watermelons. 

24.  Finished  my  review.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Visited  a  sick 
woman,  apparently  near  dying.  At  evening  assisted  the  church  committee  in 
examining  a  woman  *  for  our  communion.  Mr.  Battell  and  Dr.  Welch,^  of 
Norfolk,  came  here  and  tarried.     Read   Universal  History. 

25.  Rode  to  Springfield.  Fanny  Wolcott  went  with  me."  The  roads  verj' 
dry  and  dusty.  Very  kindly  received.  Found  that  I  was  expected.  Tarried 
at  Col.  Dwight's." 

26.  Preached  for  Mr.  Osgood.     He  is  absent  on  a  journey  to  the  District 


'  Dr.  West  was  now  in  his  seventy-sixth 
year,  having  been  born  in  Tolland,  Ct.,  in 
November,  1735. 

^  The  name  Waldo  was  never  a  common 
one  in  Windsor  or  East  Windsor,  but  there 
were  a  few  persons  of  the  name  on  both 
sides  of  the  river. 

^  Additional  news  of  the  victory  already 
described. 

"*  The  two  children  were  Francis  C.  Drake, 
and  Samuel  Treat  McKinney. 

*  There  were  two  ministers  from  West 
Hartford  by  the  name  of  Colton,  George  and 
Chester,  who  were  graduated  from  Yale 
College  in  the  class  of  1S04.  The  one  who 
was  engaged  to  preach  for  Mr.  Robbins,  was, 
without  much  doubt,  Rev.  Chester  Colton. 

'  Hainiltoii's  (Alexander)  Works,  published 
in  New  York  in  1810. 


'  This  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
William  Lyman,  D.  D.,  of  East  Haddam,  at 
Hartford,  May  14,  181 1,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  formation  of  a  Missionary  Society. 

*  The  woman  was  Anna,  wife  of  Mr.  Noah 
Rockwell. 

9  Dr.  Benjamin  Welch. 
'°  For  the  pleasure  of  the  journey  twenty 
miles  up  the  valley,  in  the  glory  of  its  dress 
near  the  end  of  May. 

"  Col.  Jonathan  Dwight,  a  descendant  from 
Henry  Dwight  of  Hatfield,  and  a  very  promi- 
nent and  influential  man  in  Springfield  in  the 
early  years  of  the  present  century.  He  was 
born  December  28,  1772,  and  was  graduated 
at  Harvard  College  1793.  ^^  ^'^s  a  lawyer 
by  profession,  but  a  man  of  extended  business 
relations,  whereby  he  amassed  large  wealth. 
He  was  known  for  his  generosity. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  479 

of  Maine.  This  is  a  large  and  very  respectable  congregation.  Preached 
written  sermons  from  Luke  ii:  7  and  Matt,  xxv :  21.  People  very  attentive. 
Quite  warm,  with  a  faint  air.  Very  tired.  There  appears  to  have  been  some 
seriousness  here  for  some  time  past.  We  had  a  little  rain.  The  ground  is 
very  much  in  want  of  wet. 

27.  Rode  home  through  Sufifield  and  Windsor.  Mr.  Colton  preached  here 
yesterday  quite  acceptably. 

28.  On  the  22d  got  a  very  good  new  pair  of  boots,  which  cost  ten  dollars. 
Much  more  than  I  ever  gave  for  a  pair  before.  Read  Universal  History. 
Worked  considerably.     At  night  we  had  some  rain. 

29.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  a 
written  sermon  on  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  Read  a  review  of  Dr.  Lyman's  Mission- 
ary' Sermon.     Returned.     Quite  cool. 

30.  Worked  some.     Read  Universal  History.     Walked  out.     Very  cool. 

31.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  It  is  feared  the  grain  is 
injured,  some  of  the  rye  being  in  the  blow.  Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  Iviii :  i. 
Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  On  the  30th  wrote  to  my  brother  Frank  at 
Worcester. 

June. 

1.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  discourse  on  Isa.  Iviii :  i.  Quite  warm.  I  think 
this  subject  upon  which  I  am  now  writing  will  lead  me  to  an  unexpected 
length.' 

2.  The  heat  quite  oppressive.  Took  ofif  my  flannel.  The  thermometer 
at  80°.  Preached  written  sermons  from  i  Sam.  xv:  22,  and  Matt,  xxii :  5. 
Attended  a  conference. 

3.  Rode  to  Farmington  and  Simsbury.  Employed  in  making  a  collection 
of  the  state  of  the  churches  for  Association.  Quite  warm  and  very  dusty. 
Rode  late.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Battell. 

4.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and  returned  to  Simsbury.  Met  with  our  Associa- 
tion. The  most  of  the  members  present.  We  have  to  attend  again  to  the 
difficulties  at  Hartland.  We  had  public  worship  in  the  afternoon  and  in  the 
evening.  Mr.  Bartlett^  and  Mr.  Yates  ^  preached.  The  people  here  have 
improved  much  in  singing.     Am  much  employed  in  writing. 

5.  Presented  to  the  Association  my  report  of  the  state  of  the  churches. 
It  is  the  first  of  the  kind  which  has  been  made.  Am  appointed  with  several 
others  to  go  as  a  council  to  Hartland.     Afternoon  rode  home.     Very  tired. 

6.  Walked  and  visited.  The  drought  very  severe  and  melancholy.  Visited 
a  woman  very  sick. 

7.  Read  Universal  History.  I  get  in  the  rear  with  my  reading.  Cool. 
Yesterday  paid  Mr.  Haskell*  by  an  order  on  the  society,  $26.76.     Rode  out. 


'  The  text  reads,  "  Cry  aloud,  spare  not,  ^  Rev.    Shubael    Bartlett   of   the    Scantic 

lift  up  thy  voice  like  a  trumpet,  and  shew  my  parish,  East  Windsor. 

people  their  transgressions,  and  the  house  of  ^  Andrew  Yates,  D.  D.,  of  East  Hartford. 

Jacob   their  sins."     He   does  not  state  the  '' Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell,  merchant,  for  things 

particular  point  at  which  he  aimed.  bought  of  him. 


480  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

8.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote  to  Jacob  Johnson,  bookseller,'  Phila- 
delphia, Last  night  it  rained  considerably,  after  a  very  long  and  pinching 
drought.     Some  wet  today.     Good  is  the  Lord.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

9.  Wrote  on  my  notes  and  preached  from  Matt,  vi :  22,  23.  We  had 
a  very  refreshing  shower.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Pretty  thin. 

10.  Have  something  of  a  lame  back.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Seth  Andrews, 
Canaan,  and  to  my  father.  I  hear  that  my  brother  Frank  has  left  Worcester 
and  gone  to  Sandwich,  I  believe,  to  an  academy.  I  am  much  surprised  and 
very  sorry  to  hear  it.^  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  road  considerably  wet. 
Rainy.     Walked  out. 

11.  Wrote.  Read  Universal  History.  Finished  the  History  of  tJie  Roman 
Empire.  That  was  the  most  astonishing  fabric  of  all  human  power.  It  con- 
tinued from  B.  C.  753  to  A.  D.  1453  —  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
six  years.     Visited  a  sick  woman  apparently  near  dying. 

12.  Showery.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Walked  and  visited  in  the  after- 
noon nine  families.  Paid  Mr.  Charlton,  tailor,  by  an  order  on  the  society, 
$iS.o8.  The  House  of  Representatives  of  Massachusetts  have  chosen  a  low 
Methodist  for  their  chaplain.^  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Today 
received  a  letter  from  him. 

13.  The  sick  woman  whom  I  have  visited  died  last  evening.*  Worked  in 
the  garden.  A  fine  season  for  vegetation.  Planted  peas.  Wrote  to  Mr, 
Battell.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

14.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  woman  died 
lately.     The  thermometer, at  84°.     Much  fatigued. 

15.  Wrote.  The  weather  is  so  warm  that  I  can  do  but  little.  Thermom- 
eter at  92°.     Walked  out.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Church,'  of  Hartland. 

16.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Isa.  Iviii:  i.  I  did  not  finish  the 
subject.  Read  the  Bible.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  shower.  Thermometer 
at  93°.     At  evening  our  conference  was  pretty  thin. 

17.  Wrote  on  calculations  for  Annuity  Society.  Dr.  Williams,^  of  Tolland, 
called  on  me.  We  had  green  peas.  Last  Friday  Mr.  Wolcott  mowed  a  piece 
of  ground  and  on  Saturday  ploughed  it  and  planted  it  to  corn.^     Walked  out. 

18.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Visited  fifteen  families.  Cool.  I  find 
very  little  concern  about  divine  things. 

19.  Rode  to  Farmington  and  attended  at  the  session  of  the  General 
Association.  There  were  a  great  number  of  ministers  present.  Heard  two 
good  sermons.     Met  with  our  Annuity  Society,     I  think  it  will  be  sufficiently 

'  He   is   now   gradually  gathering  in  the  '  Rev.  Aaron  Church,  whose  case  is  again 

books  from  various  quarters   for   his   large  under  consideration, 

library.  *  Dr.  Nathan  Williams,  minister   at  Tol- 

^  His  brother  P'rank  seems  to  have  a  pro-  land,  1760-1829.     He  was  now  in  his  sevent}-- 

pensity  for  teaching,  as  he  himself  had.     An  sixth  year,  and  was  on  his  way  to  the  Genera) 

honorable  employment,  surely,  but  it  delayed  Association. 

his  entrance  into  the  ministry,  '  Whether   that   corn   would   ever   ripen, 

'  The  pride  of  the  standing  order  was  yet  would  depend  upon  the  fact  whether  or  not 

strong  in  Dr.  Robbins's  day.  they  had  an  early  frost  that  year  in  the  Con- 

■•  Sarah  Bidwell,  aged  forty-nine.  necticut  valley. 


l8lX.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  481 

popular.'     Returned.     People   begin  to   mow.     Received   a   letter  from   my 
brother  James. 

20.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on  Isa.  Iviii :  i.  It  is  pretty  hard  for  me  to 
write  when  the  weather  is  warm.     Walked  out. 

21.  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Extremely  warm.  The 
thermometer  rose  to  98°.  There  was  a  very  good  sloop  launched  near  here, 
built  within  a  few  weeks. 

22.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Afternoon  could 
not  keep  in  my  chamber.     Thermometer  95°. 

23.  Finished  my  long  discourse  on  Isa.  Iviii:  i,  which  contains  four 
sermons.  Delivered  the  last  two  of  them.  On  account  of  the  heat  the 
meeting  was  very  thin.  Thermometer,  97°.  Was  much  oppressed  with 
the  heat  in  the  public  services.  Baptized  a  child.^  Received  a  letter 
from  J.  Johnson,^  Philadelphia,  and  one  from  my  father. 

24.  Cooler.  The  ground  very  dry.  My  peas  bear  well.  Wrote.  Read 
Universal  History.     Walked  out. 

25.  Walked  out  and  visited  all  day.  The  ground  suffers  extremely  by  the 
drought. 

26.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $20.00.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  Cooke, 
$5.00.  Paid  a  tailor,  $5.00.  A  shoemaker,  $5.00.  Paid  Hatch,  $5.50.  The 
dust  very  oppressive.  Bought  yohnson^s  Dictionary,  at  $22.00,'*  All  signs  of 
rain  fail.     Walked  out. 

27.  We  have  a  little  rain.  There  is,  however,  but  little.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     The  grass  in  mowing  is  very  light. 

28.  Visited  sixteen  families.  I  find  such  visiting  laborious,  but  I  believe 
it  is  useful.  I  mean  to  have  them  ministerial  visits.'  Cool.  People  generally 
beginning  haying. 

29.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  man  severely  afflicted  with  the  hypo- 
chondria. It  is  a  very  distressing  complaint.  Visited  an  aged  woman  very 
sick.  Rode  to  Windsor  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.  Visited  Esq. 
Selden's." 

30.  Mr.  Rowland  went  to  East  Windsor.  Quite  cloudy,  but  no  rain. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  a  written  sermon  on  Luke  ii :  7.  Afternoon  deliv- 
ered the  last  of  my  series  of  discourses,  written  last  summer,  on  the  historical 
books  of  the  Old  Testament,  from  John  v :  39.  At  evening  returned.  The 
river  has  risen  about  five  feet  in  two  days  and  is  still  rising,  though  we  are 
here  all  parched  with  drought.*     Cool. 


'  That  was  a  good  institution,  well  started  '  That  is,  with  religious  conversation  and 

and  living  on  yet,  as  we  suppose,  though  not  prayer, 

under  its  first  name.  *  Edward    Selden,   Esq.,   before   noticed. 

^  The  child  baptized  was  Harriet,  daughter  He  had  formerly  lived  in  Haddam,  and  Mr. 

of  Joseph  and  Naomi  Williams.  Robbins  had  probably  made  his  acquaintance 

3  Jacob  Johnson,  the  bookseller.  there. 

*•  This  was  probably  a  nice  English  copy  '  There   had   been   powerful  rains   up  in 

of   Johnson's  Dictionary,  but  even   then,  we  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont.     The    river 

should  call  this  a  great  price  to  pay  for  it.  was  fed  by  the  White  and  Green  Mountains. 


482  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

July. 

1.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  certificate  people  appear  to  be 
gratified  with  my  calling  on  them. 

2.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Extremely  warm.  The  thermometer  was 
at  96°.     Tarried  out. 

3.  Expected  to  have  spent  the  day  in  visiting,  but  on  account  of  the  heat 
returned  home  in  the  morning.  Read  Unive?-sal  History.  The  heat  is  such 
I  can  read  but  little.  The  thermometer  about  four  o'clock  was  nearly  98°. 
It  was  \-ery  high  through  the  day.  In  this  and  the  late  turn  of  warm 
weather  the  greatest  heat  has  been  about  four  o'clock.' 

4.  Several  laborers  have  been  injured  by  the  heat.  There  is  but  little 
notice  of  the  Independence.  I  think  I  have  never  experienced  any  warmer 
weather.  Read  Universal  History.  The  ground  is  extremely  parched  with 
heat.  Vegetation  is  almost  at  a  stand.  Thermometer  at  noon,  96-|-°.  At  one 
o'clock,  98^°.  At  two  o'clock,  98°.  At  half  past  two,  very  nearly  100°. 
We  have  the  very  agreeable  news  of  the  defeat  of  the  French  in  two  late 
important  actions  in  Spain.^  They  have  not  experienced  such  reverses  for 
many  years.  Secretary  Smith's^  exposure  of  Mr.  Madison's  iniquity  I  hope 
will  have  a  good  effect. 

5.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  I  can  do  very  little.  Read  Universal  History. 
Went  into  the  water.  Thermometer  at  one  o'clock  at  98°.  It  continued 
above  90°  till  near  seven  o'clock. 

6.  We  expected  the  severe  heat  would  not  continue  after  the  fourth,  but 
it  is  the  same  still.  The  last  night  very  warm.  At  noon  the  thermometer 
was  at  95°,  near  four  o'clock  above  98°.  On  account  of  the  heat  I  have 
done  very  little  this  week.  Read  Universal  History.  The  grass  loses  its 
greenness,  the  sun  and  moon  appear  unusually  red. 

7.  Preached  from  John  xviii :  37,  and  Gen.  viii  :  22.'*  Wrote  the  notes  of 
the  latter,  which  was  on  the  subject  of  the  drought  and  heat.  The  weather  is 
moderated.  A  little  after  noon  the  thermometer  was  above  90°,  but  when 
we  returned  from  meeting  it  was  down  to  70°.  We  had  a  small,  grateful 
shower.  Meeting  quite  thin.  The  French  have  experienced  two  important 
defeats  in  Spain.^ 


'  Any  one  who  has  followed  the  course  of  '  This  was  Robert    Smith,  of   JMaryland, 

this   diary  must  have  noticed   how  valuable  Secretary  of  State  during  the  first  term  of 

the  record  is  for  the  purposes  of  the  profes-  Madison's  administration.     He  remained   in 

sional  meteorologist.     It  will  be  hard  proba-  office   only   one   year.      He   disapproved   of 

bly  to  find,  for  a  continuous  period  of  fifty-  Madison's  foreign  policy,  and  Mr.  Madison 

eight  years,   so   careful  a  record   of  atmos-  found  fault  with  his   neglect   of   his   official 

pheric  changes  as  here.  duties,  so  that  he  was  removed. 

^  These  were  the  battles  of  Fuentes  De  *  Sermon    for  the    season    on    the   text, 

Onore,  fought  on  the  3d  and  5th  of  May,  181 1,  "While   the  earth  remaineth  seed-time  and 

in  which    Wellington,  with  a  smaller  army,  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and 

defeated    the   French   under   Marshal   Mas-  winter,  and  day  and  night  shall  not  cease." 
sena;  and  the  other  the  battle  of  Albuera,  *  Later   intelligence   concerning   the   two 

fought  May  16,  in  which  General,  afterwards  battles  just  noticed.    News  came  slowly  ther. 

Lord,  Beresford,  defeated  Marshal  Soult.  and  in  small  detachments. 


l8ll,]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  483 

8.  We  had  a  heavy  dew.  Last  week  there  was  very  little.  Read. 
People   generally  beginning   their  harvest.     Walked   out   and   visited. 

g.  In  the  morning  there  was  considerable  rain.  Perhaps  the  ground  was 
never  in  greater  need.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Mai.  iv :  5,  6.  At  evening 
walked  out. 

10.  Something  wet.  Read  Universal  History.  The  most  ancient  history 
of  the  European  nations,  in  which  this  work  is  very  valuable,  giving  convincing 
proof  of  the  original  worship  of  the  one  true  God.'     Worked  in  the  garden. 

11.  In  the  morning  we  had  rain  with  considerable  thunder.  We  have  had 
very  little  thunder  this  year.  Walked  and  visited.  Some  people  here  inclined 
to  infidelity,  but  they  dare  not  openly  profess  it.^ 

12.  Last  night  slept  out.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture 
from  John  vi  :  55.  Attended  a  church  meeting.  The  church  voted  ten  dol- 
lars for  the  assistance  of  a  poor  brother. 

13.  It  has  been  wet  all  the  week  since  Tuesday  morning.  The  grain  is 
generally  ripe,  and  some  is  down.  It  is  feared  that  it  will  be  hurt.  Wrote  a 
sermon  on  Luke  xv  :  21.     Am  a  little  troubled  with  nervous  affections. 

14.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Luke  xv :  21,  and  Mai.  iv :  5,  6. 
Administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  Had  a  full  meeting.  Very  tired.  In  the 
afternoon  I  felt  almost  unable  to  speak.  The  late  battles  in  Spain  have  been 
ver}'  sanguinary. 

15.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $21.00.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Made  several 
visits.  Received  four  Bibles  of  the  Bible  Society  to  distribute.  Paid  a 
merchant  for  goods  at  wholesale  price,  $8.53.  Paid  for  a  quarter's  toll  at  the 
bridge,^  75  cents.     Quite  warm.     People  generally  at  the  harvest. 

16.  Read  Universal  History.  Visited.  It  is  remarkable  that  we  find  the 
same  essential  characteristics  among  the  present  nations  of  Europe,  which 
appeared  at  the  time  of  the  Roman  conquests. 

17.  Something  showery.  Walked  and  visited.  Very  warm.  Visited  a 
school. 

18.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  brother  Bartlett/  in  company  with  Mr. 
Flint.'  Yesterday  a  man  of  about  eighty  years  of  age,  who  has  always  lived 
here  as  a  farmer,  told  me  he  had  never  seen  such  a  crop  of  ry^e  as  the  present 
in  his  day.*     The  same  is  the  remark  of  all.     Visited  a  school. 

19.  Visited  seventeen  families.  The  last  two  nights  have  tarried  out.' 
Afternoon   rainy.     Very  inconvenient  for  the  harvest. 


'  In  a  previous  note  with  reference  to  Mr.  five  cents  a  quarter,  or  three  dollars  a  year, 

Robbins's  attempt  to  find  the  origin  of  idola-  instead  of  two  dollars. 

try,  it  was  hinted  that  he  must  start  from  the  ■*  Rev.  SlAibael  Bartlett,  of  Scantic  parish, 

premise  of  a  true  and  world-wide  worship  of  *  Rev.  Abel   Flint,  D.  D.,  of  the   Second 

the  true  God.     Here  he  expressly  indicates  Church,  Hartford, 

that  belief.  '  For  a  long  course  of  years  rye  was  the 

~  In  this  respect  they  were  probably  like  chief  grain  crop  along  the  Connecticut  valley, 

people  elsewhere.  ''  Being   unmarried,   it  was   natural    that 

^  So   it  seems,  notwithstanding   previous  when   he   was   on  one   of   his   large   calling 

note,  that  they  still  sold  season-tickets  for  the  tours  he  should  accept  the  hospitality  offered, 

bridge-crossing,   though  now   it    is   seventy-  and  spend  the  night. 


484  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

20.  The  thermometer  was  at  90°.  It  was  about  the  same  on  the  15th 
and  1 6th.  This  day  is  the  anniversary  of  my  ordination.  I  love  to  continue 
in  the  good  work,  and  desire  to  bless  God  that  he  keeps  me  in  it  when  I 
perform  so  poorly.  I  have  preached  no  year,  as  I  think,  without  some  tokens  of 
the  divine  blessing  upon  my  labors.  I  hope  he  may  make  them  the  means  of 
good  if  myself  should  finally  be  a  castaway.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral 
of  a  woman  who  died  yesterday.' 

21.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint.  He 
rode  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  written  sermons  from  i  Cor.  ii  :  2,  and 
Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  At  evening  preached  at  a  conference  from  Gen.  vii  :  16. 
Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 

22.  Returned.  The  thermometer  was  at  91°.  Yesterday  it  was  at  90°. 
Read  Universal  History.  There  are  some  very  valuable  things  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  Saxons  respecting  our  language. 

23.  Last  night  a  long  and  hard  rain.  The  harvest  we  have  had  for  some 
months.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  returned.  The 
river  quite  high. 

24.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $25.00.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended 
our  ministers'  meeting.  Read  my  discourse  on  the  books  of  Kings.  We  had 
a  good  meeting.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  treasurer  of  the  Ministers' 
Annuity  Society  my  sum  for  admission  and  arrears,  amounting  to  $17.80.^ 
My  annual  contribution  is  $5.00.  Paid  Hills,  $7.00.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  Frank,  now  at  Sandwich.     Visited.     The  river  rises  quite  rapidly. 

25.  Read  Universal  History.  Carried  dinner  to  a  harvest  field. ^  We  had 
a  pretty  hard  thunder-shower.     Visited  a  school. 

26.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  The  water  yesterday  came  over  the  low 
land  in  the  meadows.     A  woman,  a  member  of  the  church,  conducts  badly. 

27.  Read.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Visited  a  woman  apparently  near 
dying. 

28.  Preached  from  Eph.  ii :  12.  Quite  a  full  meeting.  People  appeared 
attentive  and  solemn.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

29.  Showery.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  After- 
noon set  out  for  Norfolk,  rode  to  Simsbury.     Quite  warm. 

30.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Very  severe  heat.  Rode  from  New  Hartford  to 
Norfolk  without  any  coat.  My  father  quite  well.  My  brother  James  at 
home.     The  harvest  here  very  good. 

31.  Worked  at  hay.  Rode  out  and  visited  my  sister  Betsey."*  She  is  very 
well  situated.  Settled  pecuniary  accounts.  On  the  30th  the  thermometer 
was  at  92°. 


'  Eunice  Huntley,  aged  thirty-two.  useful.     Mr.  Wolcott's  laborers  were  too  far 

^  The  Annuity  Society  was  meant  to  cost  away  to  come  home  easily  to  dinner,  and  so 

its  members  something,  in  order  that  there  their  dinner  was  sent.     Boys  raised  on  farms 

might  be  something  substantial  to  divide  in  know  what  all  this  means. 

case  of  need.  ■*  Newly  married  to  Mr.  Grant,  her  second 

'  That  was  a  new  way  of  making  himself  marriage. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  485 

August. 

1.  Rainy.  Afternoon  rode  to  Canaan  and  returned.  Weighed  one  hun- 
dred and  nineteen  pounds.  I  have  not  weighed  so  little  for  several  years.' 
Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  The  state  of  religion  in  this  quarter  much  as  in  ours. 
General  stupidity. 

2.  My  brother's  woolen  manuf actor}'  appears  very  flourishing.  The  price 
of  sheep  has  very  much  fallen.  Worked  considerably  at  hay.  My  brother 
N.'s  wife  very  unwell. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  the  stage.  Was  carried  home  in  a  wagon. 
There  have  been  two  deaths  here  this  week.^  One  of  them  very  sudden. 
Visited  a  child  apparently  near  dying.     Much  fatigued. 

4.  Wrote  an  addition  to  a  funeral  discourse.  Preached  written  sermons 
from  Luke  xiv  :  17,  and  i  Cor.  vii:  29,  31.  The  latter  was  in  reference  to  the 
recent  deaths  here.     At  evening  attended  our  conference.     Full  meeting. 

5.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  child  who  died  j-esterday.  Worked  in  the 
garden.     Read  newspapers. 

6.  Read  Universal  History.  Worked  at  hay  in  the  meadows.^  Very 
good   weather   for   haying. 

7.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Afternoon  in  Wapping.  On  the  4th  we 
had  our  first  green  corn. 

8.  Looking  over  the  Histories  of  the  Puritans.*  Rode  to  Hartford  with 
Mrs.  Wolcott  and  consulted  Dr.  Cogswell  respecting  the  humor  in  her  mouth, 
which  is  quite  bad.     Cool. 

9.  Studied  the  Histories  of  the  Puritans  and  took  notes.     Visited. 

10.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  x:  10.  I  wrote  it  in  eight  successive  hours. 
I  believe  I  have  never  before  written  a  sermon  in  so  short  a  period.  The  war 
in  Spain  is  contested  with  great  obstinacy.' 

11.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from  Ps.  cxix :  164.  Afternoon  preached 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  We  had  a  contribution  recommended  by  the 
Governor  and  Council  of  the  State  for  the  relief  of  the  distressed  sufferers 
of   Newburyport,*  and   collected  thirty-six  dollars  and  twenty-two  cents.     It 


'  The  reason   of   his  weighing   less  than  Strong   has   asked   him   to   prepare   for  the 

usual    may   have    been    the    extremely    hot  Evangelical  Magazine. 

weather,  long  continued,  through  which   he  ^  There   has   been    no   regular   battle   in 

had  been  passing.     It  is  a  common  fact  that  Spain  since  those  reported  for  the  month  of 

people  weigh  more  in  the  winter  than  in  the  May  ult. 

summer,  and  such  a  heated  term  as  had  then  *  In   the   year   1811,  when   Newburyport, 

been   experienced  would   be   apt   to   reduce  from  its  connection  with  seafaring  business, 

one's  weight  considerably.  was  suffering  terribly  from  the  effects  of  the 

^  Widow   Ruth   Wolcott,  forty-five  years  embargo  law,  an  added  calamity  came  in  the 

of  age,  and  a  boy,  Justus   Denslow  Wells,  shape  of  a  great  conflagration,  which  almost 

aged  ten.  destroyed  the   place,  burning   over  not  far 

3  Of  course  he  had  no  haying  of  his  own  from  sixteen  acres  in  the  centre  of  the  town, 

to  do,  but  he  was  ready  to  lend  a  hand  to  It  was  for  this  calamity  that  the  Governor 

help  Mr.  Wolcott  and  his  men.  and   Council   in  Connecticut  had  ordered  a 

*  He  is  getting  ready  to  write  some  arti-  collection   to  be  taken  in  the  churches.     It 

cles  on  the  New  England  Fathers,  which  Dr.  was  a  natural  call  for  Christian  charity. 


486  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

was  much  more  than  I  expected.     At  evening   attended  a  full    conference. 
The  appropriate  meditations  of  this  day  I  refer  principally  to  tomorrow. 

12.  Spent  the  day  in  reference  to  the  anniversarv' of  my  birth.  At  even- 
ing walked  out.  Yesterday  being  the  Sabbath  I  set  apart  this  day  for  fasting, 
meditation,  and  prayer.  I  have  now  lived  thirty-four  years.  Will  God,  for 
the  sake  of  the  dear  Saviour,  continue  my  life,  preserve  my  health,  grant  me 
his  presence,  and  show  me  my  duty. 

13.  Wrote,  adjusting  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  expenses  for  a  year 
past  have  been  unusually  great.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  contributions 
appear  to  come  in  larger  than  was  expected.'  At  evening  walked  out.  I 
have  now  visited,  since  the  first  of  May,  all  the  families  in  this  society,  except- 
ing two  who  do  not  wish  me  to  call  on  them.  The  number  of  families  at  that 
time  were  one  hundred  and  seventy,  of  whom  thirty-seven  are  certificated. 
I  had  visited  all  but  three  before  the  28th  of  July.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother  James.  Paid  for  a  year's  newspaper,  $1.75.  Very  dr}-  and 
dusty. 

14.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  our  academic  school.  It  has  done  very 
well  this  summer, 

15.  Rode  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  to  Stafford.^  There  is  a  very  great  company 
here  at  the  medicinal  spring.  Very  warm.  Rainy.  We  had  to  lodge  out  in 
consequence  of  the  house  being  full.     At  Tolland  ^  called  on  Dr.  Williams. 

16.  The  waters  of  this  spring  are  very  disagreeable  to  my  taste.*  I  hope 
they  will  be  beneficial  to  Mrs.  Wolcott.  Afternoon  rode  home.'  Was  out  in 
a  pretty  hard  shower. 

17.  On  the  15th  wrote  to  my  brother  James.  On  the  13th  received  of  Mr. 
Wolcott,  $5.00.  Read  Universal  History.  Adjusted  my  pecuniary  accounts. 
For  two  years  past  my  expenses,  including  what  I  have  laid  out  for  my  librar}', 
have  exceeded  my  income,^ 

18.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Jer.  xliii :  13.  This  discourse  I  wrote 
more  than  a  year  ago.  I  believe  it  is  to  be  a  useful  subject.  False  religions 
have  ever  been  persecutors.  At  evening  attended  a  conference,  pretty  full. 
Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.     The  thermometer  near  90°, 

19.  Read   Universal  History.     Could  do  very  little  on  account  of  the  heat. 


'  The   contributions   for  the   sufferers  at  though   doubtless   some   people  drink  them 

Newburyport.  with  a  real  relish. 

^  Mr.    Robbins     had     been    at    Stafford  s  prom  Stafford  Springs  to  East  Windsor 

Springs   before  with   his   sister  Sarah,  Mrs.  about  fifteen  miles. 

Battell.     It  was  then  a  great  place  of  resort.  *  If  one  will  go  to  the  rooms  of  the  Con- 

2  Tolland  is  on  the  way  from  East  Wind-  necticut  Historical  Society  at  Hartford,  and 

sor  to  Stafford.  see  the  library  he  gathered  on  the  salary  of  a 

*  Most  people  drinking  the  Saratoga  wa-  country  minister,  one  would   think  that  he 

ters,  though   they  may  dislike  them   at   the  must   always   have   been    thus    behindhand, 

first,  soon  come  to  like  them,  and  often,  to  But  he  was  not,  for  he  had  an  eye  to  busi- 

strongly  desire  them.     From  a  little  experi-  ness,  and  understood  well  the  proper  relations 

ence,   we   should   doubt  whether   the   same  of  the  debt  and  credit  side  of  his  accounts, 

could  be  said  of  the  Stafford  Spring  waters,  He  left  a  fair  property  at  his  death. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  487 

Thermometer   rose   to   94°.     It  was   extremely   oppressive   all  day.     Water- 
melons  are   very   plenty.' 

20.  Rode  quite  early  to  Hartford.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  The  heat  very 
severe  all  day.  At  noon  the  thermometer  was  at  92°,  and  at  two  and  one 
half  o'clock  at  95°.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  J.  Marsh.  Read  Universal 
History.     Cannot  keep  my  chamber. 

21.  I  find  it  very  difficult  to  sustain  the  heat.  It  almost  made  me  sick. 
At  ten  o'clock  the  thermometer  was  at  92°  ;  at  twelve,  at  94°  ;  at  one,  at  96°. 
It  continued  between  94°  and  96°  till  near  four  o'clock,  when  some  black 
clouds  arising,  it  suddenly  fell  about  10°,  then  continuing  stationary  till  near 
sundown.  This  turn  of  heat  I  think  has  been  quite  as  oppressive  as  the 
one  in  the  beginning  of  July,  though  the  thermometer  then  was  a  little 
higher.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote  to  Mr.  J.  Marsh,  Wethersfield. 
Eat  watermelons.     I  think  the  finest  I  ever  saw. 

22.  The  weather  moderates.  Thermometer  92°.  Towards  night  and 
in  the  evening  we  had  a  very  heavy  shower.  We  have  had  no  hard 
shower  before  this  year.  Finished  the  eighteenth  volume,  which  completes 
the  ancient  part  of  my  Universal  History.  I  have  got  in  the  rear  in  my  read- 
ing according  to  my  first  calculation,  which  was  a  volume  per  month. 

23.  Rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Yesterday  Mr.  Wolcott  went  to  Stafford 
and  today  returned  with  Mrs.  Wolcott.  I  hope  the  waters  have  been  bene- 
ficial to  her.     Wrote,  copying  my  last  year's  diar}-. 

24.  Studied  the  History  of  the  Puritans.  Rode  to  Orford  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Marsh '^  now  supplying  there. 

25.  Preached  written  sermons  on  2  Chron.  vi :  41,  and  Heb.  xii :  15.  I 
hope  Mr.  Marsh  will  be  useful  here.  Some  of  the  certificate  people  are 
pleased  with  him. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  home.  Read.  Mr.  Tower,^  from  Mononga- 
hela,  called  on  me.  He  appears  to  be  very  poor  and  almost  ragged.  Gave 
him  some  clothes. 

27.  Watermelons  are  very  plenty  and  good.  Afternoon  Mr.  Tower  went 
off.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Perkins*  to  convoke  the  Consocia- 
tion at  their  ordinary  session.     Read  Mather's  Magnalia? 

28.  Read  and  wrote  on  the  History  of  the  Puritans.  The  subject  is  more 
interesting  than  I  expected.  Afternoon  walked  and  visited.  There  is  abun- 
dance of  fruit. 


'  Watermelons  are  a  natural   product  of  quainted  in  Pennsylvania,  when  on  his  mis- 

the  more  sandy  portions  of  the  soil  along  the  sionary  journey  to  Ohio. 

Connecticut  valley,  in  the  vicinity  of  Windsor  •♦  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford, 

and  Hartford.  ^  Cotton  Mather's  Magnalia,  a  book  first 

^  This  was  Rev.  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  son  of  published   in   London   in    1702,  with  all   its 

Dr.  John  Marsh,  minister  of  Wethersfield.  faults  and  all  its  weaknesses,  is  one  of  the 

The  son  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1804,  and  most  important  works  which  New  England 

was  afterwards,  as  already  noted,  the  distin-  ever   produced.      It  is   the  grand   treasure- 

guished  advocate  of  temperance.  house   to   which  every  writer  on   the   early 

3.  Mr.  Tower,  if  we  mistake  not,  was  one  New  England  period  naturally  turns.     The 

of  the  ministers  with  whom  he  became  ac-  volume   which    Mr.   Robbins  was    studying 


488 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1811. 


29.  On  the  27111  wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Speer,'  Greensburgh,  Penn.  Read 
Magna/ia.  Walked  out  and  visited.  My  people  I  believe  generally  choose  to 
have  me  write  my  sermons.^ 

30.  IJegan  a  sermon  on  Gal.  iii :  24.  Wrote  steadily.  Quite  rainy.  At 
evening  walked  out. 

31.  Finished  my  sermon  began  yesterday.  It  cost  me  about  sixteen  hours 
study  labor.  I  cannot  conveniently  write  more  than  eight  hours  in  a  day. 
Warm.     Went  into  the  water. 


1.  Preached  written  sermons  on  Gal.  iii:  24.  The  weather  very  warm 
and  faint.  At  the  beginning  of  the  afternoon  exercise  I  felt  quite  faint,  and 
was  obliged  to  send  for  water.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

2.  Last  night  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Slept  very  little. 
Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  wagon.  Walked  some  in  the  heat  of  the  day.  It  was 
very  severe.  Attended  a  little  while  at  a  training.  The  thermometer  about 
98°.^     Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong/  Somers. 

3.  Last  night  I  was  obliged  to  get  up  and  take  laudanum ;  after  which  I 
slept  comfortably.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Wrote  on  my  cata- 
logue of  books.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  The  thermometer  at  90°. 
Visited   some    sick   persons. 

4.  Our  ministers'  meeiing  was  held  here.  We  had  a  good  meeting. 
The  heat  very  severe,  and  nearly  equal  to  yesterday.     Am  pretty  feeble. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  engage  some  cheese  casks  for  Mr.  Battell.^  We 
had  a  shower,  and  heat  is  much  abated.     Last  night  I  caught  a  very  bad  cold. 


was  this  English  book  of  1702,  for  no  other 
edition  had  then  been  published.  A  good, 
clean,  whole  copy  of  that  book  will  now 
bring,  at  auction,  from  forty  to  sixty  dollars. 
Dr.  Robbins  himself  wrote  the  preface  to 
the  first  American  edition  and  superintended 
its  publication.  It  was  published  in  Hart- 
ford, Ct.,  by  Silas  Andrus  in  1820.  The  fol- 
lowing are  the  first  sentences  in  Dr.  Rob- 
bins's  preface  : 

"  The  publisher  of  this  Second  Edition  of 
Dr.  Mather's  Magnalia  has  long  been  sensi- 
ble of  the  great  demand  for  the  work  both 
by  literary  men,  and  all  others  who  wish  to 
be  acquainted  with  the  early  history  of  our 
country.  The  first  edition  was  published  in 
London  in  the  year  1702,  in  a  folio  volume 
of  seven  hundred  and  eighty-eight  pages.  A 
considerable  number  of  copies  were  soon 
brought  into  New  England  ;  yet,  as  many  of 
these  are  lost,  and  the  work  is  not  to  be  ob- 
tained in  England  but  with  difficulty,  it  has 
become  very  scarce." 

'  Rev.   William    Speer,    of    Greensburg, 


Pa.,  was  one  of  the  Presbyterian  ministers 
whose  acquaintance  he  made  on  his  mission- 
ary journey  to  New  Connecticut. 

-  That  is  apt  to  be  true  in  an  old  society 
where  there  is  a  good  measure  of  culture, 
and  where  there  are  many  persons  that  would 
be  troubled  by  the  little  infelicities  of  speech 
and  manner,  such  as  are  apt  to  occur  in  ex- 
temporaneous address.  But  after  all,  taking 
the  world  at  large,  the  man  who  speaks 
without  his  manuscript  has  more  power  over 
his  audiences,  than  he  who  is  obliged  to 
depend  upon  it. 

^  Almost  every  year  we  have  some  of  our 
warmest  days  early  in  September.  Although 
this  summer  had  been  remarkable  for  the 
severity  of  its  heat,  the  first  days  of  Septem- 
ber, even  in  this  year,  were  as  hot  as  any. 

■*  Rev.  William  L.  Strong. 

'  As  has  already  been  hinted,  a  part  of 
Mr.  Joseph  BattelFs  business,  as  an  enter- 
prising country  merchant,  was  to  gather  in 
the  cheese  made  on  the  farms  of  Connecticut, 
and  send  it  away  to  more  distant  markets. 


iSlI.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  489 

Am  much  oppressed  with  it.     Wrote  minutes  of  a  will  which  I  have  long  had 
in  contemplation.     Read. 

6.  On  the  4th  the  directors  of  our  Annuity  Society  held  a  meeting  here, 
and  adopted  several  regulations.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  from  Ex.  xxxiii :  15,  on  occasion  of  the  ex- 
pected removal   of  a  family.' 

7.  Visited  two  young  men  severely  sick  with  a  fever.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  cousin  Sam.  P.  Robbins,  and  one  from  my  brother  James.  Wrote  a 
sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvi :  5.     My  cold  is  pretty  severe.     Have  considerable  cough. 

8.  Am  very  unwell,  scarcely  able  to  preach.  Preached  from  John  vii :  34, 
and  the  sermon  wrote  yesterday.  Dr.  McClure^  made  the  first  prayer  in  the 
forenoon.  I  spoke  very  feebly.  At  evening  had  a  hard  headache.  Took 
physic. 

9.  Expected  to  have  gone  to  New  Haven,  but  I  am  so  unwell  I  defer  it 
today.  Quite  cool.  I  believe  there  was  no  frost  this  morning,  though  it  was 
expected.'     Wrote.     Visited  a  young  man  very  sick. 

10.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $50.00.  Set  out  early  and  rode  to  New 
Haven.''  Am  pretty  feeble.  Had  company  the  most  of  the  way.  At  evening 
attended  speaking  for  premiums. 

11.  The  public  exercises  were  rather  ordinary.^  A  pretty  good  collection 
of  people,  but  very  few  persons  from  a  distance,  and  few  characters  of  dis- 
tinction. Mr.  Rowland,*  the  Concio  preacher,  failed.  We  had  a  sermon  in 
the  evening  from  Mr.  Grant,'  of  Bedford,  N.  Y.     Paid  Beers  &  Howe,  $9.25. 

12.  In  the  morning  rode  to  East  Haven  and  returned.^  Attended  the 
meeting  and  the  oration  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.  Afternoon  went  with  a  great 
number  of  people  to  see  the  ascent  of  a  balloon.  We  were  deceived  by  the 
promises  of  the  Frenchman.  Set  out  for  home.  Tarried  at  a  tavern  in  North 
Haven. 

13.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Am  much  worried.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Sherman  Everest,  and  wrote  to  him  in  reply.     Visited  a  school. 


'  Some   family   being    about    to    remove  year  at  Harvard,  were   pointed   out   to   the 

west,  probably  to  New  Connecticut  (for  the  writer,   many  years    ago,   by   Mr.  Jonathan 

drift,  at  that  time,  from  Connecticut  was  to-  Peale   Dabney,  a   member  of  the   Harvard 

ward  the  Western  Reserve),  it  was  made  an  class.     In  each  class  forty  nine  were  gradu- 

occasion  for  a  religious  service,  including  a  ated.     At  the  end  of  fifty  years  in  one  class 

regular  sermon.  twenty-four  were  dead  and  twenty-five  living. 

^  Dr.  David  McCluie,  it  will  be  remem-  In    the    other    twenty-five    were    dead    and 

bered,  is  all  this  time  senior  pastor,  but  he  twenty-four  living.     Among  the  notable  men 

has  taken  almost  no  part  in  the  Sunday  ser-  of  the  Harvard  class  were  Edward  Everett 

vices  proper  now  for  the  two  years  and  more  and  Dr.  N.  L.  Frothingham.     At  Yale,  Roger 

since  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  has  been  settled.  Sherman   Baldwin,   United    States    Senator 

^  This  sudden   change   from  severe  heat  and  Governor  of  Connecticut,  and  Dr.  Joseph 

almost  to  freezing  weather  was  the  probable  E.   Worcester,   Lexicographer,  were   of  the 

cause  of  his  illness.  class. 

♦  A  journey  of  somewhat  more  than  forty  *  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor, 

miles.  '  Rev.  Ebenezer  Grant. 

5  Some  interesting  coincidences  between  ^  Probably  for  a  little  visit  to  Mr.  Moul- 

this  class  of  iSii,  and  the  class  for  the  same  throp,  who  took  his  picture. 


490 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1811. 


14.  Last  night  was  obliged  to  get  up  and  take  laudanum.  Wrote  on  the 
History  of  the  Puritmis.  The  subject  is  quite  interesting.  Finished  writing 
my  will.' 

15.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Mark  i :  15,  and  2  Cor.  vi  :  2.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Baptized  a  child. ^ 

16.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freeman's  Meeting.  Brother  Bartlett  is 
absent.^  The  highest  Federal  vote  for  nomination  was  one  hundred  and 
thircv-four.     The  Democratic  nomination  was  not  called. 

17.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  prayed  with  a  regiment  of  cavalry.*  They  ap- 
peared well.  We  had  a  very  pleasant  day  to  see  the  eclipse.^  It  did  not 
produce  so  great  an  obscuration  as  was  expected.  Returned.  The  dust 
pretty  bad. 

1 8.  Read  Mather's  Magnalia.  Wrote  on  my  catalogue  of  books.  I  be- 
lieve I  have  the  best  library  of  any  minister  in  the  State. ^  Walked  out  and 
visited.     Very  warm.     The  thermometer  at  82°. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  heat  quite  oppressive.  Thermometer  84°. 
Paid  a  cabinet-maker,  $10.00.  Paid  a  shoemaker,  $5.00.  Paid  a  book- 
seller, $5.00.     Read  Magnalia.     It  is  very  entertaining. 

20.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  Marietta.  Read  Magnalia.  Vis- 
ited a  scliool. 

21.  Read.  My  brother  Frank  came  here  from  the  eastward.  Rode  to 
Ellington  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Brockway.'     Quite  cool. 

22.  In  the  morning  Mr.  Brockway  came  home.  He  found  Mr.  Barker,^  of 
Middleborough  at  East  Windsor,  who  supplies  my  pulpit.  Preached  written 
sermons  on  Rev.  iii :  2,  and  Heb.  xii :  25.  At  evening  rode  to  East  Windsor. 
Rainy.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Haskell's.' 

23.  Called  on  Mr.  Barker.  Visited  with  my  brother.  I  think  he  has  done 
prett)^  well  in  divinity  studies. 

24.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  and  attended  our  annual  Consociation.  Mr. 
Porter '°  of  Washington,  preached  very  well. 

25.  The  Consociation  ordained  Mr.  John  Seward  to  be  a  missionary  to 


'  Mr.  Robbins's  careful  attention  to  all 
the  duties  of  life  is  seen  in  this  matter  of  his 
will.  Most  men,  of  his  age,  are  apt  to  neg- 
lect this,  even  though  the  claim  upon  them 
may  be  stronger  than  it  was  on  him. 

^  William  Henry  Hawkins,  son  of  Mr. 
Adolphus  Hawkins. 

^  This  meeting  was  in  the  north,  or  Scan- 
tic  meeting-house,  and  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett 
would  naturally  have  opened  the  meeting  had 
he  been  at  home. 

♦  Rev.  Nehemiah  Prudden,  pastor  at  En- 
field, was  growing  to  be  an  elderly  man,  and 
perhaps  for  this  reason  Mr.  Robbins  was 
sent  for  for  this  service. 

'  The  eclipse  of  the  sun  on  the  17th  of 


Sept.,  181 1,  was  between  ten  and  eleven 
digits  obscuration.  With  this  rim  of  the  sun 
remaining,  and  on  a  clear  day,  it  would  not 
be  very  dark. 

*■  He  was  probably  well  entitled  to  put 
forth  that  claim. 

^  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway. 

*  Rev.  Joseph  Barker,  several  times  men- 
tioned in  the  earlier  part  of  the  work.  He 
was  a  native  of  Branford,  Ct.,  but  had 
now  been  settled  in  Middleborough,  Mass., 
since  17S1. 

9  Eli  B.  Haskell,  at  East  Windsor  Hill. 

'°  Rev.  Ebenezer  Porter,  D.  D.,  who  was 
just  about  to  leave  his  people  to  take  a  pro- 
fessorship in  Andover  Theological  Seminary. 


l8ll.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  49 1 

New  Connecticut.'     He  appears  very  well.     We  did  not  do  much  other  busi- 
ness.    Rode  home  in  the  rain.     Mr.  Prudden  tarried  here. 

26.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  At  evening  Mr.  Sargent^  and  candi- 
date came  here  and  tarried. 

27.  I  have  a  little  fire  in  my  chamber.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 
Attended  to  the  procuring  of  cheese  for  him.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

28.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  3.  Rode  to  Scantic  by  desire,  and 
attended  a  funeral  and  visited  a  man  ver\'  sick.     Tarried  at  Brother  Bartlett's. 

29.  I  agreed  on  an  exchange  today  with  Mr.  McLean,^  of  Simsbury.  I  got 
Mr.  Sargeant  to  supply  him,  and  as  Mr.  Bartlett  is  absent  I  supplied  his 
people.  Rainy.  Preached  written  sermons  from  Ps.  cxlvi :  5,  and  John  x:  10. 
Pretty  thin  meeting.  Returned.  Visited  the  sick  man  again.  Spent  the 
evening  with  Mr.  McLean. 

30.  Worked  considerably  in  packing  cheese ''for  Mr.  Battell.  This  morn- 
ing there  was  some  frost.  We  have  had  none  to  stop  vegetation  before. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.     At  evening  walked  out. 

October. 

1.  Set  out  early  and  rode  to  Westfield.*  Ursula  Wolcott*  went  with  me. 
Found  many  agreeable  acquaintances.  Attended  the  exhibition  of  the 
academy.  It  was  good,  but  I  think  not  quite  equal  to  last  fall.  Tarried  with 
Mr.  Knapp.'^     Several  ministers  were  present. 

2.  Returned  by  Springfield.  Dined  with  Mr.  Osgood.^  The  crop  of  corn 
appears  to  be  great.     This  morning  and  yesterday  we  had  hard  frost. 

3.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Sam.  xv  :  29.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Visited  a  New  Connecticut  acquaintance.  At  evening  rode  to  Orford  and 
returned.     Paid  Mrs.  Olcott'  for  books,  $10.00. 

4.  Finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Visited  a  school.  Visited  a 
family  expecting  soon  to  remove  to  New  Connecticut. 

5.  The  thermometer  was  at  summer  heat.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke 
xix  :   10.     There  is  a  pretty  large  quantity  of  cider.     Paid  for  pamphlets.  Si. 25. 

6.  Rainy  and  wet.     Preached  from  Matt,  xvii :  5,  and  a  written  sermon 


'  Rev.   John    Seward  was    graduated   at  tell,   bring   it  to  him,   and  he   packs  it    for 

Williams   College   in  1810,  was  licensed  by  transportation  in  the  cheese  barrels  which  he 

the  Litchfield  South  Association  in  181 1,  and  went  to  Hartford,   a  little  while   before,  to 

at  this  meeting  of  Consociation  was  ordained  buy.     This  is  turning  a  minister  to  a  practi- 

for  missionary  service   in  New  Connecticut.  cal  business  account. 

He  died  in  1873,  ^^  the  age  of  eighty-nine.  ^  His  brother,  Francis  Le  Baron,  who  had 

He  became  a  Presbyterian  minister  in  1819,  taught   this  school   two  or  three  years,  still 

and  so  remained  till  his  death.  continues  there,  though  he  had  planned  to 

^  Rev.   Samuel    Sargeant,   a  graduate   of  leave. 
Dartmouth,  1783,  before  noticed.     He  it  was  ^  Ursula  Wolcott  was  the  second  daugh- 

who  went  to  Simsbury  for  him  on  the  Sab-  ter  of  Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott,  and  was  then  fif- 

bath  following,   leaving   him  to    preach    at  teen  years  old. 
Hcantic  in  Mr.  Bartlett's  absence.  '  Rev.  Isaac  Knapp. 

^  Rev.  Allen  McLean.  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D. 

*  The  farmers  of  East  Windsor  who  fur-  9  Widow  of  Rev.  Allen  Wolcott,  who  had 

nish  cheese  for  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Bat-  recently  died. 


492  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1811. 

on  I  Sam.  xv  :  29.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     On  the  4th  wrote 
to  Mr.  Gihnan,  Marietta. 

7.  Last  night  was  quite  unwell.  Prayed  with  a  family  who  set  out  for 
New  Connecticut.     Wet.     Walked  and  visited. 

8.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day.  Finished  a  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  3. 
Walked  out.     Rainy  and  wet. 

9.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Rom.  ii :  29.  Remarkably  warm  and  faint. 
The  thermometer  was  at  83°.  In  the  morning  visited  and  prayed  with  a 
family  who  set  out  for  New  Connecticut.  Received  a  letter  from  Salmon 
Case,  at  Hartford. 

10.  Wrote  nine  pages  on  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  At  evening  walked 
out  and  visited.  It  is  a  time  of  great  gloom  and  despondency  with  me.  May 
God  give  me  the  help  which  I  need. 

11.  Walked  out  and  visited  a  sick  man.  Received  a  letter  and  some 
books  from  my  brother  James.  For  the  books  I  endorsed  on  his  note,  $6.00. 
Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  from  Matt,  xxviii :  20.  The  thermometer  was 
at  82°. 

12.  The  heat  is  like  hot  summer  weather.  Thermometer  rose  to  84°. 
Went  into  the  water.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ez.  xxxvii :  7.  Am  quite  over- 
done with  intense  study. 

13.  Last  night  slept  very  little.  Was  up  considerably  and  took  laudanum. 
Preached  written  sermons  on  i  John  iii :  3  and  Ez.  xxxvii :  7.  The  meetings 
were  full  attentive  and  solemn.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Afternoon  felt 
very  feeble,  and  was  but  just  able  to  go  through  the  exercise.  At  night  took 
laudanum,  but  slept  poorly, 

14.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  quarter's  cross- 
ing at  the  bridge,  .88.'  The  weather  is  more  cool.  The  first  number  of  my 
Historical  View  of  the  Puritans  is  in  the  Magazine?'     At  evening  walked  out. 

15.  Read  Winthrop's  yournaP  zxi^  Neale's  History  of  the  Puritans. *  Quite 
rainy. 

16.  Wrote  all  day  on  the  History  of  the  Puritafis.     Warm  and  wet. 

17.  Wrote  on  the  History  of  the  Puritans  for  the  Magazine.  I  find  this  to 
be  a  great  task.     Walked  out. 

18.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Salmon  Case^  in  Hartford.  This  morning  a  hard  frost. 
Walked  and  visited.     Wrote. 

19.  I  have  done  little  else  this  week  than  write  one  number  of  my  Historical 


*  They  keep  rising  on  the  bridge  fare  for  years,  was  first  published  in  1790.    That  was 

season   tickets.     The   quarter  before  it  was  the   edition  which   Mr.  Robbins  was   using, 

seventy-five  cents.  Now  it  is  eighty-seven  and  Much  better  editions  were  published  in  1826 

one  half  cents,  but  the  bridge  is  sure  to  get  and  1853,  with  notes  by  Mr.  James  Savage, 
the  half  cent,  and  so  it  is  eighty-eight  cents.  *  Daniel  Neal,  an  eminent  dissenting  min- 

^  These  articles  commence  in  the  Connec-  ister,    1678-1743,   wrote   his    History  of  the 

ticut  Evangelical  Magazine  for  the  month  of  Puritans  in  four  volumes,  which  has  been  a 

October,  iSii,  p.  361,  and  they  go  on  regu-  standard  work  now  for  more  than  a  century 

larly  month  after  month.  and  a  half. 

^  Winthrop's  foiirnal,  which  had  lain  in  '  Mj-^  Salmon  Case  was  the  publisher  of 

manuscript  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  the  Evangelical  Magazine. 


iSlI.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


493 


Vieic  of  the  Furitans.  It  requires  much  more  labor  than  I  expected.  Re- 
ceived of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $34.95,  which  finishes  the  payment  of  a  note  he 
gave  me  last  December.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  Cooke,  $10.00.  Paid 
Capt.  Beckwith  for  my  horse,  $6.00.     Quite  warm. 

20.  Rainy.  Quite  thin  meeting.  Preached  from  Jer.  1:  34,  and  a  written 
sermon  on  Luke  xix  :  10.     Baptized  a  child.* 

21.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  woman  and  several  families. 
Read.     Quite  cold.     Read  an  account  of  the  Resources  of  the  British  Empire: 

22.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Got  considerably  wet  with 
rain. 

23.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  My  brother  N.'s  wife  very  sick.  My  father  is  pretty 
well. 

24.  Quite  cold.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for  my  father, 
with  a  written  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  2.  The  people  here  are  making  some 
efforts  to  build  a  new  meeting-house.  They  are  in  want  of  one,  and  I  hope 
they  will  succeed. 

25.  The  rain  freezes  as  it  falls.  Procured  an  old  set  of  Hopkins's  System 
of  Divinity.^     My  mother  is  quite  unwell  with  the  rheumatism. 

26.  In  the  morning  the  ground  was  quite  covered  with  snow.  Rode  out 
and  saw  my  sister  Grant.*     My  brother's^  wife  is  a  little  better. 

27.  Preached  for  my  father  with  written  sermons  on  i  John  iii:  3,  and  Heb. 
xii:  25.  My  father  administered  the  sacrament.  The  meeting  was  very  full 
and  attentive.  The  people  here  are  talking  about  building  a  new  meeting- 
house. It  is  ver}'  desirable  that  they  may  accomplish  the  object.  Had 
company. 

28.  I  desire  to  rejoice  in  humble  gratitude  that  I  see  this  day,  which  has 
been  the  subject  of  anxious  solicitude  and  prayer  for  years.  In  the  afternoon 
my  father  preached  his  half  century  sermon.*  A  number  of  ministers  and  gen- 
tlemen people  from  neighboring  towns  attended.  The  day  was  fine,  the  meeting 
was  very  full  and  interesting.     My  father  performed  without  difficulty.     We  had 


'  Eliza   Ann    Loomis,   daughter    of    Mr.  see  the  ground  of  his  remark.     He  bought 

Simeon  Loomis.  the  old  edition  and  not  the  new. 

^  This  volume  of  five  hundred  and  twenty-  ■♦  Elizabeth  Robbins. 

seven  pages  was  written  by  Rev.  John  Bris-  '  His  brother  Nathaniel's  wife,  who  had 

ted,  an  Episcopal   clergyman,  father  of  the  been  quite  ill. 

late  Charles   Astor  Bristed,  of   New   York,  *  Every  word   that  Mr.  Robbins  speaks, 

graduate   of   Yale   College   in    1839,  and  of  every  sentence  he  writes  about  his  father,  in- 

Cambridge  University,  Eng.,  in  1S45.     Rev.  dicate  very  strong  filial  reverence  and  love. 

John   Bristed  married   a   daughter   of    John  This   was   therefore   to  him  a  day  of   days. 

Jacob   Astor,   and   was   for   many  years   an  Fifty  years  had  passed  since  his  father,  i:i 

Episcopal  clergyman  in  Rhode  Island,  and  a  the  freshness  and  ardor  of  his  youth,  with 

man  of  considerable  learning.  his  young  wife,  came  over  the  hills  to  Nor- 

^  The  first  edition  of  Hopkins's  System  of  folk,  then  a  new  town,  and  he  the  first  min- 

Divinity  appeared  in  1792.     The  writer  has  ister.     In  those  fifty  years  he  had  seen  won- 

a  copy  of  the  second  edition  which  appeared  derful  changes,  wrought  largely  through  his 

in    181 1.     As  this  was  the  very  year  when  own  steady  and  faithful  labors.     The  day  was 

Mr.  Robbins  made  the  entry  in  his  diary,  we  therefore  in  every  way  a  notable  one. 


494  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181I. 

considerable  company.     My  brother  James  was  not  here  ;  all  the  others  of  the 
family  were  present. 

29.  Did  a  number  of  errands.     Set  out  for  home.     Rode  to  Winchester 
and  tarried.     Warm  and  pleasant. 

30.  Rode  home.     I  feel  a  little  anxious  about  my  sister  Battell.     Mr.  Bat- 
tell's  business  is  very  extensive.     I  feel  glad  to  get  home. 

31.  Very  rainy  all  day.     Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  and  attended  their'  min- 
isters' meeting.     Returned.     At  night  the  storm  very  violent. 

A  very  luminous  comet  has  appeared  in  the  west,  in  the  evening,  through 
this  month. 

November. 

1.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man. 
Preached  on  the  occasion  from  Matt,  v  :  4.  Visited  a  family  afflicted  with  the 
loss  of  a  son,  who  died  last  night.^     Read  New  England  Manorial^ 

2.  Read.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  youth  lately  deceased.  The  river 
rises  very  much  with  the  late  rain. 

3.  Finished  a  sermon  mostly  written  some  time  since  on  Rom.  xi :  29. 
Preached  the  same.  Meeting  full  and  attentive.  Had  no  conference  on 
account  of  a  singing  meeting.     Read.     Quite  cool. 

4.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Sargent 
tarried  with  me.     After  going  to  bed  he  had  quite  an  ill  turn. 

5.  Mr.  Sargent  is  exceedingly  afflicted  with  the  hypochondria.  Worked 
some.     Walked  and  visited. 

6.  Went  to  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting  at  Mr.  Flint's. 
Read  an  essay  on  the  two  books  of  Samuel.  Our  members  were  all  present. 
Except  about  a  mile,  both  in  going  and  returning,  I  walked  the  whole  way.  I 
expected  to  have  been  carried,  but  missed  by  mistake.  Very  rainy.  Got 
considerably  wet. 

7.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  18.  Had  company.  Walked  out. 
Read  the  Life  of  Lorenzo  de  Medici.'' 

8.  Worked  some.  Finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Began  a 
sermon  on  Prov.  xiii :  15.  Rainy,  We  have  a  great  portion  of  rain  this  fall. 
Walked  out  and  visited  Mrs.  Brainerd,'  of  Haddam. 


'  The  word  their,  in  this  connection,  shows  tion  was  published.  The  real  value  of  the 
what  we  have  before  hinted  —  that  Mr.  Rob-  work  is  now  mainly  superseded  by  the  pub- 
bins  quite  regularly  attended  two  sets  of  lication  of  Bradford's  history  in  full, 
these  meetings,  one  of  which  was  his  own  *  The  Life  of  Lorenzo  de  Medici,  in  two 
proper,  and  the  other  belonged  to  the  pastors  volumes,  by  William  Roscoe,  was  first  pub- 
in  the  parishes  just  north  and  northeast  of  lished  in  1795,  and  has  had  a  very  extended 
him.  circulation.      It   holds   a   high  rank   among 

*  Owen  Drake,  aged  fifteen.  biographical  writings. 

3  This  was  the  work  of   Nathaniel   Mor-  5  Daniel  Brainerd  from  Hartford  was  one 

ton,   Secretary    of   Plymouth   colony,    1647-  of  the  early  colony  settling  the  town  of  Had- 

1685.      It  was    compiled    mainly  from   the  dam,  and  the  name  Brainerd  has  been  very 

manuscript    history    left    by    Gov.    William  common  there.     As  an  illustration  of  this  fact, 

Bradford.     The   first  edition  was   published  the   old   church    in    Haddam,   organized    in 

at  Cambridge  in  1669.     In  1721  another  edi-  1700,  reported  as  far  back  as  i860,  ten  men 


l8ll.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


495 


9.     Wrote  on  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.     I  met  with  many  interrup- 
tions.    The  Magazine  of  this  montli  a  very  good  one. 

10.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from  John  vi  :  37.  Afternoon  a  written 
sermon  on  Ps.  li :  18.  Meeting  very  full.  At  evening  walked.  Baptized  a 
child.'  The  President's  Message  is  about  as  trifling  and  unworthy  of  the 
subject  as  those  which  he  has  delivered  before.  He  appears  to  have  no  quali- 
fication for  the  place. 

11.  Wrote  to  my  brother  and  sister  Battell.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
People  generally  have  done  their  fall  work. 

12.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel.  Rode  with  Dr.  Tudor^  to  Warehouse 
Point.     Visited  Gen.  Jenks  ^  and  Mr.  Huse.*     Returned.     Quite  cold. 

13.  Read  various  books  and  began  my  third  number  of  the  Historical  View 
of  the  First  Planters  of  New  England.     Wrote  about  six  hours  in  the  evening. 

14.  Worked  some.  Wrote  on  my  Historical  Vie^n.  Received  of  Maj.  Wol- 
cott,  $3.00.     Paid  Dr.  McClure  for  Hopkins's  System  of  Divinity.^ 

15.  Wrote  all  day.  At  evening  assisted  the  school  visitors  in  making 
arrangements  for  books  to  be  used  in  the  schools. 

16.  Wrote  steadily.  Finished  a  sermon  on  Prov.  xiii :  15.  Am  fatigued 
with  the  close  application  of  four  days. 

17.  Preached  the  sermon  finished  yesterday.  Last  night  a  hard  rain.  At 
evening  wrote  considerably  copying  my  writing  for  the  Magazine.  The 
singers   have   singing   meetings    Sabbath   evenings. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Finished  and  carried  down  the  third  number  of 
my  Historical  View  of  the  Puritans.  Read  newspapers.  The  correspondence 
of  our  government  with  the  British  minister*  seems  to  manifest  a  determina- 
tion in  the  former  to  come  to  no  accommodation.'  At  evening  visited. 
Bought   some   old   books. 

19.  Worked  considerably.  Dined  out.  Wrote  an  account  of  the  Min- 
isters' Annuity  Society  for  publication  in  the  newspaper.  At  evening  worked 
late  with  Mr.  Wolcott  in  looking  over  and  arranging  his  papers. 

20.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  man  appar- 
ently in  a  dying  state.  The  storm  very  tedious.  Began  the  reading  of  my 
Universal  Modern  History.^  For  some  time  past  I  have  neglected  it,  having 
read  but  six  volumes  in  about  a  year.     I  hope  to  read  more. 


of  the   name    Brainerd   raised    up    for   the  '  He  seems   not   to   have   been   satisfied 

Christian  ministry.     The  Mrs.  Brainerd  men-  with  the  old  set  he  bought  when  at  Norfolk, 
tioned   in  the  diary  was  apparently  visiting  ^  The  British  Minister  at  that  time  was 

in  East  Windsor.  Envoy  Extraordinary,  in  the  person   of   Sir 

'  Olive   Elmer  Loomis,  daughter  of   Mr.  Augustus  J.  Foster. 
Chauncey  Loomis.  ^  If    Dr.    Robbins   were   alive   today,   he 

^  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor,  who  was  then  seventy-  would  probably  confess  that  he  did  not  judge 

eight  years  old.  Jefferson  and  Madison  as    charitably  as  he 

^  Gen.  Charles  Jenks,  a  native  of  Rhode  ought. 
Island,  who  carried  on  a  large  gin-distillery  ^  The   modern   part,  it    will    be    remem- 

at  the  Point.  bered,  consisted    of   forty-two    volumes,  the 

*  Rev.  Nathaniel  riuse,  the  Episcopal  min-  ancient,  which  he  had  finished,  of  eighteen 

ister  at  the  Point.  volumes. 


496  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [181I. 

21.  Read  Universal  History  all  day.  The  history  of  Mahometanism  is 
quite   interesting. 

22.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  A  man  in  middle  life'  died  suddenly  last 
evening.  Received  a  good  letter  from  my  brother  James.  It  seems  he  has  a 
prospect  of  a  matrimonial  connection. 

23.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  the 
man  who  lately  died. 

24.  Preached  from  Mai.  xx :  30.  I  think  my  written  sermons  are  more 
useful  to  my  people  than  those  which  are  unwritten.  But  when  I  preach 
unwritten  sermons  I  feel  more  dependent,  more  solemn,  and  less  pride.^  At 
evening  attended  awhile  at  a  singing  meeting. 

25.  Very  cold.  Carried  Mr.  Wolcott's  son  ^  to  Hartford  to  attend  school. 
I  think  my  numbers  in  the  Magazine''  will  be  more  popular  than  I  expected. 
Paid  for  an  umbrella,  $5.00.     Traded,  etc.     $1.74.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

26.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rom.  i:  21  for  Thanksgiving.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Wapping  and  married  a  couple.'  Very  cold.  In  the  morning  the  ther- 
mometer was  10°.  At  evening  met  with  the  school  visitors  and  appointed 
the  particular  books  to  be  used  in  the  schools.  Saw  in  the  newspaper  the 
account  of  the  death  of  my  brother  Nat's  wife.  It  is  very  surprising  to  me.  I 
hope  God  will  make  it  the  occasion  of  good  to  him. 

27.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  I  think  that  it  is  much  poorer 
than  those  I  have  written  on  the  like  occasions  in  past  years.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell  giving  an  account  of  the  death  of  my  brother's  wife, 
and  of  the  addition  of  a  daughter  to  his  family.^  At  evening  visited  a  man  in 
a  religious  melancholy.     Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

28.  Thanksgiving.  In  consideration  of  the  productions  of  the  earth,  the 
people  of  this  State,  probably,  had  never  greater  cause  for  thankfulness. 
Preached  a  written  sermon  on  Rom.  i:  21.  Remarkably  pleasant  and  mild. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

29.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Quite  warm  and  wet.  I  feel  anxious 
about   the   ecclesiastical    concerns   of   Wapping. 

30.  Last  night  and  today  a  very  hard  rain.  Read  Bristed's  Vieiij  of  the 
Resources  of  the  British  Empire.  Began  to  write  a  New  Year's  address  for  the 
Magazine? 


'  Mr.  Silas  Terry,  aged  thirty-six.  College,   and    as    his    widow   died    May   5, 

2  That  is  a  distinction  which  is  certainly  1S77. 

worthy  of  consideration.  '  Dr.  Nathan    Strong,  of   Hartford,  who 

^  Samuel   Tudor    Wolcott,   about   twelve  had  the  general   supervision  and  control  of 

years  old.  the   Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine,  had 

*  On  the  early  New  England  Fathers,  of  found  that  Dr.  Robbins  held  the  pen  of  a 
which  three  had  now  been  published.  ready  writer,  and  he  was  accordingly  making 

5  Mr.  Whiting  Risley,  of  East  Hartford,  great  use  of   him  in  furnishing  the  articles 

and  Nancy  Goodale,  of  Wapping.  for   its   monthly  issues.      In   the   month   of 

*  That  is,  an  addition  to  Mr.  Battell's  October,  1811,  appeared  his  first  article  on 
family.  The  child  was  Irene  Battell,  born  the  early  New  England  Fathers,  and  every 
Nov.  4,  1811,  who  married  June  i,  1843,  number  for  nineteen  months  («.^.,  until  May, 
Prof.    William   Augustus    Earned,   of    Yale  1S13)  is  to  have  an  article  from  his  pen  on 


i8ii.] 


PASTOR   IN   EAST  WINDSOR. 


497 


December. 

1.  Rode  early  to  East  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Sher- 
man,' of  New  Haven,  by  an  exchange  with  him,  preaches  for  me.  Preached 
written  sermons  on  i  Sam.  xv :  29,  and  Rev.  iii :  2.  This  congregation  is 
large.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and  home.  The  water  rises  very  rapidly 
by  the  late  rain. 

2.  Read  Bristed's  View  of  the  Resources  of  the  British  Empire.  Manured 
my  asparagus  bed.  Began  to  read  Clarke's  Commentary^  I  am  very  highly 
pleased  with  the  work.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

3.  Read.  Wrote  papers  for  school-masters.  Paid  for  footing  a  pair  of 
boots,  $2.66.     Old  Mrs.  Tudor  very  unwell. 

4.  Set  out  very  early  and  rode  to  Norfolk.  Ursula  Wolcott  accompanied 
me.  Very  pleasant  weather,  the  roads  good  for  the  season.  My  sister  Bat- 
tell  quite  feeble.  My  brother  Nathaniel  has  been  much  afflicted  with  his  loss, 
but  appears  now  very  properly. 

5.  Walked  with  my  brother  to  the  burying-ground.  Afternoon  a  very 
hard  rain.  My  father  and  I  were  invited  to  Mr.  Mills  ^  to  supper.  My 
brother  Frank  at  home  and  pretty  studious.  The  people  here  are  engaged 
with  a  spirit  and  a  unanimity  beyond  expectation  to  build  a  meeting-house. 
They  have  subscribed  above  $4,000.     I  trust  they  will  succeed. 

6.  Traded  some.  After  dinner  set  out  with  Ursula  and  rode  to  New 
Hartford.  The  roads  pretty  muddy.  Tarried  at  Cowles.*  I  expected  to 
have  left  Sula  at  Norfolk,  but  did  not  on  account  of  Sally's^  ill  health. 
Received  of  my  brother  N.,  $16.50. 

7.  Rode  home.  Left  Ursula  at  Windsor.*  Old  Mrs.  Tudor'  has  been 
very  low,  but  appears  now  a  little  better.     Am  much  fatigued  by  my  journey. 

8.  Last  night  there  fell  some  snow.  Very  bad  walking.  Thin  meeting. 
Preached  an  old  written  sermon  on  Rom.  iii :  19.  At  evening  performed  a 
marriage.* 


the  same  subject,  twenty  articles  in  all,  after- 
ward gathered  into  a  volume.  The  New 
Year's  Address,  in  the  number  for  January, 
1812,  from  his  pen,  was  of  several  pages,  and 
he  furnished  three  or  four  articles  besides 
during  the  year  181 1. 

'  There  was  no  settled  minister,  at  that 
time,  in  New  Haven,  of  the  name  of  Sherman. 
Without  much  doubt  the  person  here  named 
was  Rev.  David  Austin  Sherman,  who  was 
graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1802,  and  from 
1804  to  1810  had  been  tutor  in  the  college. 
He  studied  theology,  was  licensed  to  preach, 
and  was  afterwards  president  of  the  college 
of  Eastern  Tennessee.     He  died  in  1843. 

^  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  1760-1S32.  His  Co7n- 
mentary  on  the  Bible,  which  had  cost  him 
many  years  of  labor,  began  to  be  published 


in  1810,  but  the  publication  was  not  com- 
pleted till  1826.  It  was  probably  only  the 
first  volume  that  Mr.  Robbins  had.  Dr.  Clark 
died  in  1832  of  the  cholera,  when  it  so  pre- 
vailed in  London.  That  was  the  year  of  its 
first  alarming  prevalence  in  this  country. 

^  To  Mr.  Michael  Mills  probably,  he  be- 
ing one  of  Rev.  A.  R.  Robbins's  important 
parishoners,  then  a  man  about  eighty  years 
old. 

*■  Public  house. 

'  His  sister  Sarah,  Mrs.  Battell. 

^  There  were  families  of  her  kindred  on 
the  west  or  Windsor  side  of  the  river. 

^  Mrs.  Samuel  Tudor,  mother  of  Mrs. 
Wolcott. 

*  The  parties  united  in  marriage  were  Mr. 
Poratha  Parsons  and  Mary  Drake. 


4q8  diary  of  rev.  thomas  robbins,  d.d.  [i8ii. 

9.  Wrote,  copying  my  father's  Half  Century  Sermon  for  the  press.  Read 
Bristed's  Vie7i<.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

10.  Wrote  on  my  father's  sermon.  I  find  it  a  laborious  task.  At  evening 
performed  a  marriage.*  Settled  accounts  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  He  charges  for 
my  living  two  dollars  a  week,  and  for  my  horse  half  a  dollar  a  week  in 
summer,  and  three  quarters  of  a  dollar  in  winter.^  I  think  the  charge  quite 
moderate. 

11.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  father's  sermon.  It  is  a  better  one  than 
I  thought  before  I  copied  it.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  drawing  off  some  of  his 
old  accounts. 

12.  Worked  some.  Rode  out  and  visited.  We  are  fearful  of  some  diffi- 
culty in  our  society  matters  with  Wapping.  Weather  remarkably  mild  and 
pleasant  for  the  season. 

13.  Wrote  on  a  New  Year's  address  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  walked 
out  and  visited.     I  have  so  much  writing  to  do  that  I  can  read  but  little. 

14.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Quite  cold.  Wrote  on  my 
New  Year's  address,^     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

15.  The  cold  very  severe.  The  thermometer  at  sunrise  was  at  10°, 
Preached  from  2  Tim.  ii :  19.  Put  on  my  flannel.  At  evening  walked 
out. 

16.  Mr,  Sargent  called  on  me.  He  is  grievously  afflicted  with  the  hypo- 
chondria. Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  good  riding.  The  weather  much  mod- 
erated. Carried  to  Hartford  the  manuscript  of  my  father's  Half  Century 
Ser 771011   for   the   printer. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  New  Year's  address.  Worked  some  at  my  chamber. 
Walked  out.     Had  company. 

18.  Finished  my  New  Year's  address,  and  carried  it  to  Hartford.  Spent 
some  time  with  Sereno  Pettibone*  in  examining  the  State  records  to  get  some 
historic  documents  respecting  Norfolk.  Afternoon  and  at  night  very  rainy. 
Got  considerably  wet.  Mr.  Hill,  a  candidate,  came  and  tarried  with  me. 
Received   a   letter  from   Rev.  Mr.  Perkins.^ 

19.  Wrote  an  appendix  for  my  father's  sermon  containing  an  account  of 
the  first  settlement  of  Norfolk.  Wrote  to  my  father.  It  snowed  the  most  of 
the  day.     Read  Lhiiversal  History. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  cold.  Sold  my  horse  to  Gleason,  the  book- 
seller,* for  $60.00.  I  allow  him  for  printing  three  hundred  and  fifty  copies  of 
my  father's  sermon,  $26.50;  for  the  remainder,  he  gives  me  credit  on  his  book. 
Had  company. 


'  This  time  Martin  Strong,  of  Waterford,  *  Sereno  Pettibone  was  a  native  of  Nor- 

was  married  to  Sarah  Drake.  folk,  and  a  graduate  of  Williams  College  in 

^  The   only  difference   between   this   and  1800.      He   practiced   law   both   in   Norfolk 

the  price  for  the  preceding  year  is  sixpence  and  in  Simsbury. 

a  week,  more  than  before  during  the  winter  ^  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford, 

months.  *  He  was  also  a  book-publisher,  and  car- 

^  It  cannot  be  doubted  that  Mr.  Robbins's  ried  on   a  large  business  in  miscellaneous 

pen  was  a  busy  one.  printing. 


iSll.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST  WINDSOR.  499 

21.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  about  10°.  Wrote  a  sermon 
on  Hos.  xiii :  9. 

22.  Preached  from  Matt,  xvi :  18,  and  the  sermon  written  yesterday. 
Meeting  pretty  full  and  quite  attentive.     At  evening  walked  out. 

23.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Yesterday  there  were  a  good  many  sleighs  at 
meeting.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  brought  home  Sula.'  Pretty  bad  crossing. 
Visited.     At  night  quite  rainy. 

24.  A  very  tedious  and  severe  snow-storm.  In  the  morning  the  ther- 
mometer was  at  about  12°,  at  noon  4°,  and  at  sundown  2°  above  zero.^  Wrote. 
Expected  to  have  visited  schools  today,  but  was  prevented  by  the  storm. 

25.  On  the  19th  received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $100.00.  On  the  20th  engaged 
Mr.  Dwight/  of  Hartford,  to  subscribe  for  me  for  ten  shares  in  the  New  Eagle 
Bank  at  New  Haven,  and  delivered  him  $10.00  for  the  first  payment.  Same 
day  paid  a  cabinet-maker,  $13.00,  and  to  Cooke,  $5.00.  Worked  considerably 
shoveling  snow.  Yesterday  and  today  wrote  No.  IV  of  my  Historical  View  for 
the  Magazine. 

26.  I  never  saw  such  drifts  of  snow  in  this  place  as  now.  It  is  difficult 
traveling  in  the  street.  The  quantity  of  snow  is  probably  of  about  one  foot  in 
depth.  Yesterday  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  3°  above  zero.  Today  it 
was  about  12"'.  The  society  had  their  annual  meeting.  They  are  not  dis- 
posed to  comply  with  the  proposal  of  Wapping  to  join  with  us  and  have 
meetings  there  a  proportional  part  of  the  time.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Strong.  Read 
Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  weather  moderates 
considerably. 

27.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  10°.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh.  The  sleigh- 
ing pretty  indifferent.  People  say  universally  that  the  late  storm  was  the 
most  tedious  and  severe  of  any  one  they  have  ever  known.*  One  certificate, 
of  a  considerable  list,  was  given  in  previous  to  the  society  meeting.  Read 
Universal  History.  The  Mahommedan  empire,  in  its  early  state,  was  very 
corrupt.     Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  arranging  his  papers. 

28.  Read  Uiiversal  History.  Wrote  some  additions  to  an  old  sermon. 
Very  cold  and  windy. 

29.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  9°.  Very  cold  through  the 
day.  Meetings  quite  short.  Preached  an  old  written  sermon  on  Ps.  xxv:  11. 
Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  walked  out.  My  father's  sermon  appears  very 
well. 

30.  Visited  with  the  other  inspectors  the  two  lower  schools  in  the  street. 
We  have  now  a  good  set  of  inspectors.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Very 
pleasant   winter  weather. 


'  For  short,  Ursula  Wolcott  was   called  and  brilliant    literary  man   who    made    his 

Sula.  home  in  Hartford.     He  was  born  in  North- 

^  It  is  not  common  for  a  great  snow-storm  ampton,  Mass.,  and  was  brother  of  President 

to  come  under  such  conditions  of  the  ther-  Timothy  Dwight,  of  Yale  College, 
mometer,  though  it  happens  sometimes,  and  *  From  the  conditions  given  in  respect  to 

the  storm  is  likely  to  be  a  hard  one.  cold  and  quantity  of  snow,  it  greatly  resem- 

3  This  was  Theodore  Dwight,  the  lawyer  bled  a  storm  that  came  in  January,  1856. 


500  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8ll. 

31.  Visited  the  two  upper  schools.  These  four  schools  are  very  equal  in 
their  attainments,  and  are  now  under  four  very  good  teachers.  The  average 
number  of  scholars  is  about  forty-five.  Wrote  to  Mr,  Isaiah  Thomas,'  of  Wor- 
cester.    Visited.     The  snow  thaws. 

The  comet  which  I  first  saw  on  the  evening  of  September  9th  lately,  I  think, 
has  disappeared. 


*  He  was  the  man  who  furnished  him  his  almanacs. 


181S- 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  to  call  to  mind  some  of  the  great  mercies  of  Heaven 
which  I  have  experienced  the  year  past,  and  to  devote  myself  anew  to  the 
service  of  God.  The  Lord  keep  me  from  every  evil.  Quite  rainy  all  day. 
Expected  to  have  gone  to  our  ministers'  meeting,  at  Glastonbury,  but  am 
prevented  by  the  storm.  Completed  my  last  diary  and  my  preaching  account 
for  the  last  year.     Read.     At  evening  walked  out  and  visited. 

2.  Completed  my  diary  of  1810.  As  I  had  to  copy  all  that,  not  having 
procured  my  almanack  till  near  the  end  of  the  year,  it  has  been  unfinished 
till  this  time.'  Filed  my  letters  for  the  year  past.  Read  considerably  in  my 
history.     It  snowed  and  is  quite  blustering. 

3.  It  is  quite  tedious,  though  not  very  cold.  Afternoon  preached  a  sac- 
ramental lecture  from  Gal.  v:  22.     Read   Universal  History. 

4.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixiii:  9,  10.  For  four  days  I  have  been  very 
close  in  my  study. 

5.  Preached  with  short  notes  on  Gen.  v:  24,  and  the  sermon  written 
yesterday.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  meeting  very  full  and  attentive. 
There  have  been  ten  deaths  the  year  past,  the  most  of  them  grown  people. 
At  evening  attended  a  full  conference.  Very  tired.  Expecting  to  preach  in 
future  more  frequently  with  written  sermons  than  with  notes,^  the  latter 
method  I  shall  designate,  but  not  the  former,  which  will  be  the  reverse  of 
what  I  have  done  in  time  past. 

6.  Last  night  and  the  night  before  I  was  unable  to  sleep,  and  obliged  to 
get  up  and  sit  up  for  a  considerable  time.^     Walked  and  visited  all  day. 

7.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two  schools.  The  people  know  not 
what  to  do  about  ecclesiastical  matters.*  There  is  some  sleighing,  but  it  is 
poor. 

8.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $34.05.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  a  mer- 
chant tailor,  $7.00.  Paid  a  shoemaker,  $6.17.  Paid  my  annual  contribution 
to  the  Bible  Society,  $3.00.  Visited.  The  theatre  at  Richmond,  Va.,  has 
lately  been  burnt,  and  many  lives  are  lost.^ 


'  We  know  by  experience  how  much  labor  for  the  last  five  or  six  weeks  Mr.  Robbins 

is  involved  in  copying  a  year  of  this  diary,  had  done  an  extraordinary  amount  of  writing, 

and   amid   all    his   other    engagements    and  and  this  labor  and  confinement  were  showing 

occupations,  this  was  no  slight  task.  their  effects. 

^  From  hints  occasionally  given,  it  is  evi-  *  The  Wapping  district  was  so  far  away 

dent  that  his  people  judged  his  written  ser-  from  the  meeting-house — about   four   miles 

mons  to  be  superior  to  his  extemporaneous  — that  the   people  there  very  naturally  felt 

ones,  and  he  was  disposed  to  accommodate  the  burden  of  attending  church  from  such  a 

himself  to  their  wishes.  distance. 

^  The  course  of  the  diary  has  shown  that  '  The  theater  at  Richmond,  Va.,  was  burned 

SOI 


S02 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[l8l2. 


9.  Prepared  this  diary.  May  God  enable  me  to  finish  it  in  his  favor  and 
to  record  in  it  his  special  mercies.  Quite  cold.  The  roads  are  getting  icy. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  Mr.  Stephen  Dodge,' 
New  York.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

10.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Severe  cold.  Walked  and  visited  all  day. 
I  have  found  two  persons  this  week  apparently  under  deep  impressions  of 
conviction  of  sin.     Thanks  to  God. 

11.  Wrote  to  my  parents,  and  to  my  brother  James.  Thermometer  this 
morning  at  10°.     Yesterday  it  was  colder.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

12.  Last  night  at  bed-time  the  thermometer  was  at  7°  ;  this  morning  at  10°. 
Preached  with  short  notes  from  Luke  iv:  25,  26.  People  appeared  quite 
coW  at  meeting,  though  the  exercises  were  quite  short.  Baptized  a  child.^ 
On  the  5th  received  a  letter  from  Joel  King,  of  this  place. 

13.  Sent  to  Mrs.  Olcott,"  of  Orford,  for  books,  $10.00.  Read  Universal 
History.  Finished  the  second  volume  of  the  modern  part.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

14.  Studied  on  the  History  of  the  Puritans,  and  began  another  number  for 
the  Magazine.  W^alked  out  and  visited.  Have  visited  lately  considerably  the 
certificate  people. 

15.  Last  night  much  warmer  than  it  has  been.  Thermometer  this  morning 
nearly  to  40°.  Wrote  all  day.  At  evening  walked  out.  Assisted  Mr. 
Wolcott  in  the  arrangement  of  the  papers. 

16.  Yesterday  it  grew  very  cold  towards  night.  This  morning  was  the 
coldest  we  have  had  this  winter.  At  nine  o'clock,  which  was  the  coldest, 
though  the  sky  was  perfectly  clear,  the  thermometer  was  a  little  above  3° ;  at 
noon  and  at  sundown,  at  8° ;  and  at  midnight,  at  5°.  Wrote,  Worked  at 
Mr.  Wolcott's  papers. 


on  the  night  of  December  26,  1811.  The 
Richmond  Standard  of  the  next  day  had  an 
extended  article  upon  the  sad  calamity,  of 
which  the  following  are  the  opening  sen- 
tences : 

"  Last  night  the  play-house  in  this  city  was 
crowded  with  an  unusual  audience.  There 
could  not  have  been  less  than  six  hundred 
people  in  the  house.  Just  before  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  play,  the  scenery  caught  fire,  and 
in  a  few  moments  the  whole  building  was  wrapt 
in  flames.  It  has  already  been  ascertained 
that  sixty-ofie  persons  were  devoured  by  that 
most  terrific  element." 

'  Mr.  Stephen  Dodge  was  an  assistant  in 
business  for  some  years  with  Mr.  David  L. 
Dodge,  the  father  of  the  late  William  E. 
Dodge,  who  was  a  man  of  most  extensive 
business  arrangements  in  Hartford,  Ct.,  Litch- 
field, Ct.,  and  New  York  City,  until,  by  the 
repudiation  of  debts  amounting  to  nearly  a 


million  of  dollars,  on  the  part  of  French 
receivers  of  his  goods,  in  181 1,  he  failed. 
Stephen  Dodge  for  some  years  had  charge  of 
a  branch  store  in  Litchfield,  Ct.,  and  there, 
very  likely,  Mr.  Robbins  made  his  acquaint- 
ance. Mr.  Stephen  Dodge  seems  to  have 
been  in  the  dry-goods  business  in  Newport 
afterwards  on  his  own  account.  Both  David 
L.  and  Stephen  Dodge  were  earnestly  relig- 
ious men. 

^  They  had  a  right  to  appear  cold,  as  any 
one  can  testify  whose  memory  reaches  back 
to  the  time  when  people  gathered  in  the 
depths  of  winter  in  meeting-houses  utterly 
unwarmed. 

^  Mar}',  daughter  of  Bishop  Johnson. 
Bishop  is  a  given  name  here,  and  not  an 
ecclesiastical  title.  This  Bishop  Johnson 
was  admitted  to  the  church  in  1S09,  the  first 
year  of  Mr.  Robbins's  ministry. 

*  Widow  of  Rev.  Allen  Olcott. 


t8l2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


503 


17.  Finished  the  first  draft  of  my  fifth  number  of  my  Historical  View  of  the 
Pla7iters  of  Ne7u  England.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  4°.  On  the  14th 
wrote  to  Mr.  Rowland,  Windsor.  Visited  the  school  at  the  Mill.  Tolerable 
sleighing.     Thermometer  at  noon,  12°  ;  at  bed-time,  7°. 

18.  Thermometer  at  smirise,  2^  °  below  zero.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in 
arranging  his  papers.  Thermometer  at  noon,  2°.  In  clear  sunshine  there  is 
no  appearance  of  thawing.  In  the  evening  the  thermometer  4°  below  zero. 
Towards  evening  walked  to  Windsor  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.  The 
river  very  strong.  Saw  several  sleighs  traveling  upon  the  river.  Tarried  at 
Mrs.  McLean's. 

19.  Very  stormy,  with  extreme  cold.  On  account  of  the  weather  I  thought 
best  to  return  home.  Walked  home.  We  had  no  meeting.  I  went  out,  but 
saw  no  other  person.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  a  little  above  zero.  Half 
after  ten,  when  I  came  home,  1°  below  zero.  At  noon  and  at  10  p.m.,  2° 
above  zero.  It  was  not  over  3^°  in  the  day.  Read  the  Bible.  Read 
Universal  History.  It  snowed  moderately  all  day.  The  coldest  storm,  I  am 
persuaded,  I  ever  saw.' 

20.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  and  at  bed-time,  about  6°.  It  rose  to 
about  14°.  It  continued  to  snow  the  most  of  the  day.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  a  man  in  the  border  of  East  Hartford.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  arrandns 
his  papers. 

21.  It  is  clear,  but  the  cold  continues  most  intense.  Thermometer  in  the 
morning,  4°.  It  did  not  rise  above  9°.  Read  Universal  History.  In  the 
evening  it  was  at  2°.  I  believe  I  was  misinformed  about  the  thermometer 
Sabbath  morning.  From  what  I  hear  from  others,  I  conclude  my  thermom- 
eter must  have  been  about  7°  below  zero. 

22.  Read  in  Universal  History  two  hundred  and  forty  pages.  Finished 
the  third  volume  which  I  began  Saturday  evening.  At  sunrise  the  thermom- 
eter was  6°  below  zero.  At  noon  4°  above  zero.  At  sundown,  zero.  It  did 
not  exceed  6°  or  7°  in  the  day.  Between  eight  and  nine  o'clock,  p.  m.,  it  was 
10°  below  zero.  I  presume  I  never  saw  so  cold  a  time.  It  then  rose,  and  at 
midnight  was  2°  above  zero.  The  day  was  clear,  and  the  evening  very  clear 
and  still.  I  suppose  my  thermometer  is  3°  or  4°  higher  than  the  true 
standard. 

23.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  12°.  The  weather  is  much 
moderated.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  good  sleighing.  Good  crossing  on  the 
ice.  Read  the  Magazitu.  My  New  Year's  piece  appears  better  than  I 
expected.^ 


'  The  general  import  of  the   entries   for  had  no  public  service.     This  Sunday  was  an 

January  i8th   and    19th   is   as  follows :     He  extraordinary  day,  because  of  a  fact  before 

went  over  on  foot  to  Windsor,  two  miles  or  noticed,   that   a  snow-storm    was  prevailing 

more,  on  Saturday  night,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Row-  with  the  thermometer  in  the  region  of  zero, 
land  was  expecting  to  go  to   East  Windsor  ^  This    New  Year's  article,  as  stated  be- 

Sunday  morning.     But  owing  to  the  extreme  fore,  covers  some  pages,  and  is  followed  im- 

cold,  the  exchange   was  given    up,  and   Mr.  mediately  by  the  fourth  article  of  his  series 

Robbins  walked  home  in   the   morning,  but  on  the  Early  Planters  of  New  England. 


504  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

24.  Copied  my  fifth  number  of  my  Historical  View}  I  cannot  write  more 
than  two  quarto  pages  in  an  hour.     Visited.     Sat  up  late  and  wrote. 

25.  It  thaws  considerably.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Carried  down  a  quantity 
of  newspapers  to  be  bound.  Read  Clarke's  Commentary.  It  is  a  work  of  great 
learning  and  value. 

26.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Windsor  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.  Ver}' 
good  crossing.  Mr.  Rowland  went  to  East  Windsor.  It  thawed  fast  all  day. 
The  roads  very  wet.  Preached  from  Luke  xix :  10,  Ps.  li :  18.  Meeting 
quite  full.  The  people  here  have  a  very  large  and  promising  singing-school. 
At  evening  returned.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father,  and  one  from  Mr. 
Battell. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  sleighing  pretty  poor.  Wrote  to  my  brother 
N.      Read   Universal  History.     Had  company. 

28.  Read  Universal  History.  At  evening  walked  and  visited.  Congress 
appear  to  be  in  great  confusion.'^ 

29.  Rode  early  to  Glastonbury  to  attend  our  ministers'  meeting.  We  had 
a  good  meeting.  Preached  on  Hos.  xiii :  9.  Exhibited  for  criticism  the  notes 
of  a  sermon.     At  evening  rainy. 

30.  Rode  home.  Rainy  and  wet.  Read  Universal  History.  The  sleigh- 
ing quite  poor. 

31.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Stephen  Dodge,  New  York.  Read  Universal  History. 
I  read  one  volume  last  week,  and  I  have  another  this  week.  I  never  knew 
much  before  about  Asiatic  history.  At  evening  put  my  thermometer  into 
well  water  and  it  rose  to  46°.  In  the  water  of  the  same  well  in  the  heat  of 
last  summer  it  was  at  49°.^ 

February. 

1.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  i:  10.  I  cannot  write  much  more  than  a 
page  in  an  hour. 

2.  Wrote  short  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Isa.  1 :  10.  After- 
noon, on  John  i :  10.     At  evening  had  a  conference.     Forenoon  very  cold. 

3.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  It  thaws  very  much  and  is  very  bad 
going. 

4.  Last  night  a  short  and  very  violent  rain.  Was  up  on  account  of 
nervous  affections.  Cold  and  tedious.  Rode  to  Granby  and  attended  our 
Association.  Very  bad  riding.  Had  difficulty  in  crossing  the  river.  More 
members  of  the  Association  (eleven)  are  present  than  I  expected. 

5.  The  Associational  session  was  very  agreeable.  Rode  to  Windsor. 
Could  not  cross  the  river  on  account  of  the  rise  of  the  water.  Tarried  at  Mrs. 
Ellsworth's.* 


'  This  for  the   February  number  of  the  first  thought  seem  strange,  but  the  earth,  as 

Magazine.  far  down  as  the  bottom  of  an  ordinary  well, 

*  The  questions  then  before  the  country  cannot  be  very  different  in  temperature  in  the 

were  very  perplexing.  winter  and  summer. 

^  The  result  of  this  experiment  might  at  *  Mrs.  Oliver  Ellsworth. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  505 

6.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Rode  home  by  Hartford  Bridge.'  Thermom- 
eter this  morning  at  6°.  Read  Dr.  Dwight's  statistical  of  New  Haven.^  It 
manifests  considerable  pride  and  pedantry. 

7.  Wrote  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  accounts.  It  thaws  again.  Paid  a  tailoress, 
$1.50. 

8.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  Clarke's  Commentary,  He  is  learned 
and  judicious,  but  not  a  very  good  divine.  Last  night  and  in  the  fore- 
noon rainy,  some  of  the  time  very  violent.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
father. 

9.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Eph.  iv :  24.  Thin  meeting.  Recom- 
mended, by  desire,  an  attention  to  the  inoculation  for  the  kine-pox.  Read 
the  Bible.  At  evening  wrote  a  letter  to  Joel  King,^  a  member  of  this 
church. 

10.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Rode  to  Hartford.  I  have  never  seen  the  river 
so  high  as  now,  yet  the  ice  remains.  There  is  much  solicitude  for  the  bridge. 
The  water  rose  with  astonishing  rapidity.  It  ceased  rising  about  sun-down.* 
Prayed  at  a  funeral  at  Hartford.     At  evening  walked  out. 

11.  Read  Winthrop's  yournal^  and  other  early  histories  respecting  this 
State.     It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.     At  evening  walked  out. 

12.  Read  the  old  histories,  and  began  another  number*  for  the  J/f^^af^m^. 
Quite  cold  and  tedious.  The  thermometer  was  near  10°  the  most  of  the  day. 
At  evening  rode  out.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

13.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  sixth  number  of  my  Historical  View. 
Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  2°. 

14.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.     Walked  and  visited.     Rainy. 

15.  Finished  copying  my  piece  for  the  Magazine  J  Read  the  Bible.  My 
Magazine  numbers  require  the  study  of  about  a  week  each.® 

16.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Isa.  xxviii :  18.  Quite  cold.  Yesterday 
it  was  quite  warm,  and  the  last  snow  mostly  went  off.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.     Much  fatigued. 


'  This  was  a  circuit  journey  of  about  thir-  ground  of  mountains,  and  in  times  of  rapidly 

teen   miles,  while   the  direct  journey  would  melting  snows  on  these  mountains,  the  water 

have  been  from  two  to  three  miles.  rises,   even   in   the   broad-spreading  valleys 

-  The   title,    as   given    in    a    list   of   Dr.  about  Windsor  and  Hartford,  as  rapidly  as  a 

Dwight's  published  works,  is  "  A  Statistical  foot  an  hour. 

Account  of  the  City  of  New  Haven."     From  ^  Jcnirnal   of  the  Elder   Gover^ior    John 

Mr.  Robbins's   added   remark    he   evidently  Winthrop.     This  Journal  covers  the  period 

thought  it  a  little  over  boastful.     But  it  is  to  in  the  history  of  the  Massachusetts  Colony 

be  remembered  that  Mr.  Robbins's  home  now  from  March  29,  1630,  to  January  11,  1649. 

was  very  near    Hartford,  and  Hartford  and  *"  This  was  the  article  for  the  March  num- 

New  Haven    have  always  been  able   to   see  ber  of  the  Magazine. 

each  other's  weaknesses  and  short-comings.  ^  His   practice,   which   is   that    of    many 

'  Mr.  Joel  King  was  received  as  a  mem-  writers,  was  to  make  a  first  draft,  and  then 

ber  of  the  church  during  the  first  year  of  Mr.  copy    with   corrections,   additions,   and    im- 

Robbins's  ministry  at  East  Windsor,  but  what  provements. 

was  the  nature  of  the  correspondence  between  *  As  an   article  had  to  be  furnished  for 

them  we  do  not  know.  every  month,  it  added  no  small  amount   of 

*  The  Connecticut  River  has  a  great  back-  care  and  labor  to  his  ordinary  duties. 


5o6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ||l8l2- 

17.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Last  night  we  had  considerable  snow.  Walked 
and  visited. 

18.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  The  season  is 
singularly  variable.     Many  people  have  colds,  etc. 

19.  Wrote  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  accounts.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Capt.  Loomis,'  of 
New  Connecticut,  informing  him  of  the  death  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Gaylord, 
of  Torringford.     At  evening  walked  and  visited. 

20.  Wrote  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  accounts.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and 
performed  a  marriage.'     Pretty  poor  sleighing.     Very  cold. 

21.  This  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  9°.  Read  Universal  History. 
At  evening  visited. 

22.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Jer.  xxiii :  33.  Wrote  it  in  less  than  eight  succes- 
sive hours.     Read  Clarke's  Commentary. 

23.  It  snowed  all  day.  Preached  with  short  notes  from  2  Peter  i :  5,  6,  7. 
We  have  had  singularly  unpleasant  Sabbaths  through  the  winter.  Read  the 
Bible. 

24.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  cold.  The  sleighing  very  good. 
Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  making  a  rate-bill. 

25.  This  morning  the  thermometer  was  about  zero.^  At  nine  o'clock,  when 
the  sun  shone  perfectly  clear,  it  was  at  4°.  Read  Universal  History.  The 
account  of  Hindostan  is  very  valuable.  I  think  I  feel  the  effects  of  long  and 
pretty  close  study  for  a  good  many  weeks.  The  list  belonging  to  our  society 
is  greater  than  it  was  last  year." 

26.  Read  Universal  History.  Cold  and  very  blustering.  At  evening  Mr. 
Skinner,^  of  Berlin,  came  here  and  tarried.  Sat  up  late  and  saw  the  total 
eclipse  of  the  moon.® 

27.  Thermometer  this  morning  2°  below  zero.  The  ruling  party  in  Con- 
gress have  involved  themselves  in  wretched  embarrassments.  Read  Universal 
History.  This  morning  Erastus  Wolcott,  of  defective  intellect,  was  found  in 
the  field  frozen  and  dead.     Visited  the  afflicted  family. 

28.  Read  in  my  historj^,  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  pages.  Finished  the 
sixth  volume.  Visited  a  child  very  sick.  The  sleighing  is  very  much  used. 
The  eastern  and  southern  nations  of  Asia,  I  apprehend,  have  changed  ver}- 
little  in  two  thousand  years. 

29.  Worked  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  tax-bill.     Attended  the  funeral  of  Erastus 


'  There  were  many  persons  of  the  name  ^  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,  of  that  part  of 
Loomis  in  Windsor  and  East  Windsor,  and  Berlin  which  is  now  the  flourishing  city  of 
quite  a  number  of  this  name  from  Windsor  New  Britain.  He  has  been  before  men- 
were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Torrington.  tioned.      He   is  afterwards    to   marry   Miss 

-  The  persons  united  were  Nathaniel  But-  Ursula   Wolcott,   daughter   of    Mr.    Samuel 

ler  and  Orral  Skinner.  Wolcott,  of  East  Windsor. 

^  Mr.  Robbins's  record  shows  a  very  hot  *  In    Isaiah   Thomas,   Jr.'s   Almanac   for 

summer  in  iSii,  and  a  verj-  cold  winter  181 1  1S12,  this  eclipse  is  thus  described  : 

and  1S12.  Beginning  February  26,  11  h.  and  12  m. 

*  New  families  were  forming,  and  perhaps  Beginning  of  total  darkness,  27,  o  h.  \~\  m. 

some  of  the  men  who  certificated  have  come  End  of  total  darkness,  2  h.  2\  m. 

back.  End  of  the  eclipse  3  h.  8  m. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR,  507 

Wolcott.'  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  I  am  gratified  to  hear  that 
my  friends  at  Norfolk  are  well  pleased  with  my  pieces  in  the  Magazine.  This 
week  has  been  very  good  sleighing.  We  have  had  none  other  very  good 
through  the  season.^  We  have  had  an  unusually  cold  and  tedious  winter. 
Read  the  Bible. 

March. 

1.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  with  them  on  Acts  xiii :  12,  ana  on  Jer. 
xxiii :  t^T)-  The  latter  is  a  very  impressive  subject.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Very  cold. 

2.  This  morning  the  thermometer  was  10°  below  zero.^  The  coldest 
morning  that  we  have' had  this  winter.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Twelve 
o"cloGk  at  night  the  thermometer  5°  below  zero. 

3.  Thermometer  this  morning,  2°.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  got  a  sum  of 
money  from  the  bank  for  Mr.  Battell  to  pay  the  people  here  for  the  cheese 
which  he  had.*  Saw  a  man  from  Norfolk.  Paid  for  crossing  the  bridge,  for 
a  quarter,  $1.01-^  Worked  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  tax-bill.  Visited  a  family  who 
have  lost  a  child.  The  sleighing  very  good.  Yesterday  received  a  letter 
from  my  brother  James. 

4.  The  thermometer  this  morning  at  sunrise,  if  '^Mr.  Wolcott  is  not 
mistaken,  and  he  is  confident  that  he  is  not,  was  12°  below  zero.^  That  is 
colder  than  it  has  been  through  the  winter.  Went  to  Windsor  and  attended 
our  ministers'  meeting.  The  lecture  was  a  singing  lecture.^  They  have  a 
very  great  number  of  singers.  I  counted  seventy-seven  females.*  Returned. 
The  river  makes  an  astonishing  and  sublime  appearance.  It  is  perfect 
mountains  of  ice. 

5.  Worked  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  tax-bill.  It  thaws  very  much.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  50°.'      At  night  rode  to  Mr.  Yates's  and  returned. 

6.  Looked  over  the  early  histories  of  New  England.'"  Walked  out  and 
visited. 


'  This   Erastus  Wolcott   was   the  son  of  eter  not  infrequently  falls  in  these  portions 

Capt.  Erastus  Wolcott,  and  was  twenty-seven  of  New  England.     The   remarkable   feature 

years  old  at  the  time  of  his  father's  death.  of  that  winter  was  that  there  were  so  many 

-  Great  falls  of  snow  do  not  always  make  nights  and  days  when  the  thermometer  was 

good  sleighing.  down  to  zero  or  below. 

^  The  long-continued  cold  of  this  winter,  ^  Instead  of  a  sermon, 

and  the  long-continued  heat  of  the  previous  ^  That,  with  a  corresponding   number  of 

summer,  mark   the  years   181 1    and  1812  as  male   singers,  would   certainly  make  a  very 

peculiar  in  this  respect.  large  country  choir. 

*  He  acts  as  a  local  agent  for  his  brother-  '  A  rapid  change  from  the  morning  before, 

in-law  in  the  East  Windsor  region   for  this  when  the  thermometer  was  reported  12°  below 

trade  in  cheese.  zero. 

^  One  dollar  and  one  cent  seems  to  be  a  '°  By  this  remark  he   refers  expressly  to 

curious  sum  to  fix  upon  for  a  quarter  ticket  such   books   as   he   has   already  mentioned, 

on  the  bridge.     But  so  it  stands  in  the  diary.  'blioxioxCs.New  England  Manorial,'^  \r\'OKio^''% 

The  last  payment  of  this  kind   was   eighty-  Journal,  etc.     We  have  many  works  now  on 

eight  cents  a  quarter.     Every  time  the  fare  this  general  subject  which  were  not  in  exist- 

seems  to  rise.  ence   in    1S12.     Dr.  Robbins  had   to  do  his 

^  Even  this  is  not  so  low  as  the  thermom-  work  without  these  modern  helps. 


5o8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

7.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  Clarke's  Commentary.  Visited  two 
persons  very  sick  with  fevers. 

8.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  iii :  5.  At  evening  it  snowed.  Fin- 
ished Mr.  Wolcott's  rate-bill.  The  society  list  is  $23,406.64.  There  are 
forty-three  certificate  lists  amounting  to  $6,841.41. 

9.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Several  people  here  are  unwell.  It 
thaws  considerably. 

10.  Began  to  write  another  number '  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  rode 
to  Windsor  and  visited  old  Mrs.  Wolcott  ^  and  returned.  Quite  cold.  Crossed 
with  a  sleigh  on  the  ice. 

11.  Last  night  Mr.  Sargeant  came  here  and  tarried.  I  think  his  hypo- 
chondriac affections  will  destroy  his  usefulness.^  Visited  the  sick.  Afternoon 
rode  with  two  others  and  visited  the  school  at  the  Mill.  The  sleighing  is 
about  done. 

12.  Wrote  on  my  piece  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  walked  out.  Mrs. 
McClure  is  very  unwell. 

13.  This  number  for  the  Magazine  costs  me  more  labor  than  any  one 
preceding.  Visited  the  sick.  Bad  going.  The  snow  goes  off  very  gradually. 
It  thaw's  but  little.     I  spend  some  time  in  teaching  arithmetic."* 

14.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Mark  i :  40.  I  have  performed  a  good  deal  of 
labor  in  my  study  this  week. 

15.  Wrote  short  notes  and  preached  on  i  John  iii :  12,  and  on  Mark  i :  40. 
Visited  the  sick.  They  appear  to  be  mending.  People  came  to  meeting  in 
sleighs  and  carriages. 

16.  Carried  to  Hartford  another  number  for  the  Magazine.  Very  bad 
riding.     Visited. 

17.  Read  Universal  History.  Am  considerably  hindered  by  company. 
At  evening  walked  out.  Mr.  Reed,  of  this  place,  has  begun  to  engrave  a 
valuable  map  of  this  State.' 

18.  Read.  Am  instructing  the  young  ladies  in  the  house  in  arithmetic* 
Very  cold.     At  evening  walked  out. 

19.  Read  Uiiversal  History.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  young 
child.'  Visited  sick  people.  There  are  a  number  of  people  sick,  and  many 
complaining  of  colds,  etc. 

20.  Attended  to  instruction.     Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant 


'  The  seventh  of   his  series  on  the  New  *  To  Mr.  Wolcott's  Cuildren  probably. 

England  Planters.  s  xhig  „,as  Dea.  Abner  Reed,  an  engraver, 

^  Old  Mrs.  Wolcott  was  the  widow  of  Dr.  who  a  few  j-ears  later  removed  to  Conneaut, 

Alexander  Wolcott.     She  was  his  third  wife,  Ohio,  and  was  living  there  later  than  1855. 
and   her  maiden   name  was  Mary  Richards.  '  This  settles  the  question  as  to  who  were 

She    died    October    23,    1817,   aged   ninety-  his   pupils.      Miss    Frances    Wolcott,    then 

three.      She   lived  with  her  son,  Dr.  Chris-  eighteen,  and  Miss  Ursula  Wolcott,  sixteen, 

topher  Wolcott,  of  Windsor.  were  taking  arithmetic  lessons.     He  taught, 

^  This  Rev.  Samuel  Sargeant,  who  calls  so  at  different  times,  all  four  of  Mr.  Wolcott's 

frequently,   could   not,  with   his   tendencies,  children, 
have  been  a  very  welcome  visitor.  ?  jj^  thg  family  of  Mr.  Elijah  Bumham. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  509 

child,  in  the  edge  of  East  Hartford.     With  the  other  committee-men,  visited 
and  catechised  a  school. 

21.  Visited  the  sick.  Mrs.  McClure  and  several  others  are  quite  sick. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  He  writes  that  there  is  now  a  great  depth 
of  snow  there.  It  goes  here  very  slowly.  Yesterday  received  of  Mr.  Wol- 
cott,  $50.00.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

22.  Wrote  on  my  notes,  and  preached  from  Isa.  vi :  9,  10.  It  is  a  pretty 
difficult  subject,  and  I  wish  I  had  managed  it  better  than  I  did.  Baptized  a 
child.'     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

23.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  a  school  which  performed  very 
well.     The  snow  is  going  off,  and  the  riding  ver}'  bad. 

24.  Visited  with  the  inspectors  two  north  schools.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers,  and  one  from  my  brother  James  enclosing  a  bill  of 
$50.00.     Quite  cold. 

25.  Visited  the  south  middle  school.  I  have  now  visited  and  catechised 
all  the  schools,  excepting  one,  in  Wapping,  which  is  yet  to  be  done.^  I  think  I 
have  never  known  them  to  do  so  well  in  any  one  season.  I  find  it  to  be  a 
very  laborious  task.  Afternoon,  began  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Jer.  xxxi :  18. 
Began  after  four  o'clock.  I  don't  know  that  I  have  ever  been  so  closely 
limited  for  time. 

26.  Wrote  very  steadily,  and  in  the  evening  finished  my  sermon.  Attended 
some  to  teaching  arithmetic. 

27.  Endeavored  to  attend  to  the  proper  duties  of  the  day  as  a  Fast. 
Preached  from  Jer.  xxxi :  18.  Meeting  pretty  full ;  and  in  the  afternoon  quite 
solemn.  At  evening  walked  out.  Am  very  tired.  I  am  doubtful  whether  I 
ought  to  omit  eating  dinner  on  a  Fast  day.^ 

28.  Yesterday  was  the  first  warm  day  that  we  have  had.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  nearly  70°,  and  excepting  some  old  drifts,  the  snow  is  mostly 
gone.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Afternoon  visited  and  rode  to  Mr. 
Bartlett's.     A  very  hard  rain.     The  riding  exceeding  bad. 

29.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  down  to  my  society.  Preached  from  Mai.  iv :  5,  6, 
and  Mark  i :  40.  Quite  cold.  Meeting  very  thin.  At  evening  returned. 
Settled  accounts  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  and  received  of  him  for  the  society  what 
remained  due  on  my  order  of  last  May,  amounting  to  $144.50.  Of  this  sum 
$9.79  were  interest.  I  have  interest  in  ninety  days  after  my  salary  becomes 
due.'*     It  snowed  some  the  most  of  the  da}'. 

30.  Set  out  for  New  Haven.  The  riding  very  bad.  Quite  cold.  There 
was  flying  snow  the  most  of  the  day.     Rode  to  North  Haven.     Tarried  with 


'  Elizabeth  H.Charlton,  daughter  of  Jesse  eration.     There  is  much  less   discussion   of 

Charlton.  the  kind  now  than  there  used  to  be. 

-  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  have  had  seven  *  The   times  were    hard,   otherwise    one 

schools  under  his  care.  might   well   inquire  why  his   money   should 

3  That  same  question  has  been  discussed  not  begin  to  be  on  interest  from  the  day 
publicly  and  privately  in  a  great  many  New  it  was  due,  rather  than  "ninety  days  after- 
England  households  from  generation  to  gen-  wards." 


2 10  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

Dr.  Trumbull.'     I  think  he  will  never  finish   his  history  of  Connecticut.     I 
lament  very  much  at  the  prospect. 

31.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Saw  a  number  of  old  friends.  People  here 
have  not  begun  gardening.  There  is  a  recent  collection  of  minerals  at  col- 
lege which  is  very  extensive  and  valuable.  Dined  with  Mr.  Merwin.^  Paid 
my  second  instalment  to  the  Eagle  Bank,  amounting  to  150  dollars.  Pur- 
chased half  a  ream  of  fine  letter  paper  for  sermons.  Towards  evening  left 
town,  and  rode  to  Leet's  Tavern.^  The  turnpike  road  along  here  is  not 
settled. 

April. 

1.  Rode  early.  This  turnpike  is  very  much  injured  by  the  late  winter. 
In  Wallingford  "•  saw  people  ploughing,  the  first  I  have  seen.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford,  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  In  the  evening  rode  home. 
I  am  much  worried,  but  I  believe  my  journey  will  be  serviceable.  Paid  a 
merchant  taylor  at  Hartford,  $8.65. 

2.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman.  Visited  a 
school.  I  have  now  visited  all  our  schools  (seven)  twice,  and  the  last  time  I 
catechised  them.  Sent  to  Mrs.  Olcott,  of  Orford,  for  books,^  $10.00.  Sent 
to  Mr.  Haskell,^  for  which  I  took  his  note,  $50.00. 

3.  Since  Monday  we  have  had  pleasant  spring  weather.  Manured  my 
asparagus  beds.  Instructed  in  arithmetic.  Yesterday  I  preached  at  the 
funeral,  without  any  notes,  from  John  vi :  68.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacra- 
mental lecture,  with  short  notes,  on  Matt,  v :  8.     Visited  a  sick  woman. 

4.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xvi  :  4.     Had  considerable  interruption. 

5.  Wrote  short  notes,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xxvii:  14; 
afternoon  from  Matt,  xvi :  4.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Meeting  pretty 
full.     At  evening  had  a  very  good  conference.     Very  tired. 

6.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  riding  is  pretty  good.  The  river  is  rising. 
Our  government  ^  appear  to  be  perfectly  infatuated.  The  State  of  New 
York  now  exhibits  a  striking  scene  of  Democratic  confusion.*  People  do 
not  yet  begin  gardening.  Read  Magazine.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Col.  R.  White, 
Danbur)\ 

7.  Worked  some.  Looked  over  the  early  histories  of  New  England. 
Walked  out  and  visited  several  families. 


'  Dr.  Benjamin  Trumbull  had  then  been  rather  dry  and  sandy,  and  capable  of  being 

pastor  at  North  Haven  nearly  fifty-two  years.  worked  early  in  the  spring. 
The  first  volume  of  his  History  of  Coiinecti-  ^  Mrs.  Allen  Olcott.     This  has  been  done 

cut  was   published  in    1797.      Mr.  Robbins  before.     Mr.  Robbins  is  taking  some  of  the 

thought    very  naturally    that  he  would   not  books  from  her  late  husband's  library, 
live  to  complete  the  work,  but  he  did.     The  ^  Mr.   Eli   B.   Haskell,  at  East  Windsor 

second  volume  was  issued  in  1818,     and  he  Hill, 
died  in  1820.  ^  He  uses    government  in  the   plural,  as 

"^  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin,  pastor  of   North  embracing   all  the  individuals  who  are  ccin- 

Church,  New  Haven,  1S05-1S31.  ducting  it. 

^  On  the  turnpike  to  Hartford,  a  few  miles  ^  Hon.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  was  elected 

out  of  New  Haven.  Governor  of  New  York  continuously  year  by 

*  The  soil  in  Wallingford  is,  in  general,  year,  from  1S07  101817. 


[8 1 2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


5" 


8.  Began  to  write   another  number  for  the  Magazine.^     Wrote  consider- 
ably.    Am  considerably  hindered  by  teaching  arithmetic. 

9.  Wrote.     Ploughed  my  early  garden."     Walked  out  and  visited. 

10.  Finished  my  eighth  number  for  the  Magazine.  We  had  a  very  hard  and 
refreshing  rain.     The  ground  has  been  quite  dry,  and  vegetation  did  not  start. 

11.  Wrote  all  day,  copying  my  piece  for  the  Magazi?ie.  Planted  early 
peas.  The  ground  is  very  cold.  Congress  have  laid  another  embargo.  They 
appear  to  be  the  most  perfectly  menial  slaves  of  the  President.^ 

12.  Very  cold.  Preached  from  Luke  xii :  32.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Read  the  Bible. 

13.  Last  night  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Was  obliged  to  be 
up  a  considerable  time.  It.  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Prayed  at  the 
opening  of  the  Freeman's  Meeting.*  Votes  for  Governor  Griswold,  202 ; 
Boardman,  19.'     The  meeting  very  harmonious. 

14.  The  snow  this  morning  was  over  shoes.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  The 
snow  went  off  very  fast.  Many  old  snowdrifts  remain  here.*  My  parents 
quite  well.  My  brother  James  arrived  here  this  evening.  The  season  is 
remarkably  late. 

15.  Warm.  My  brother  Frank  has  concluded  to  stay  at  Westfield  till  next 
fall.^  My  parents  are  increasing  their  dairy.  My  parents'  portraits  are  taken 
very  well. 

16.  The  ground  settles  quite  fast.  Afternoon  preached  for  my  father  from 
Jer.  xxiii :  33.     Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.     Sally  and  her  children  are  very  well. 

17.  Something  rainy.  The  grass  begins  to  start.  There  is  a  bad  epidemic 
in  the  neighboring  towns  west.  Several  persons  in  the  vigor  of  life  have 
died.  Settled  with  Mr.  Battell  —  Frank  had  paid  him  for  me  for  a  coat,  $8.00. 
Paid  him  in  father's  sermons,  for  the  printing  of  which  I  had  paid  $26.00. 
The  sum  from  Frank  is  now  received.  Received  of  James  for  sermons,  .50. 
Mr.  Battell  owes  me  on  book,  $8.87.  The  late  Freeman's  Meeting  was  gen- 
erally very  harmonious.  Democracy  scarcely  appeared.  Received  of  brother 
James,  $20.00. 

18.  Traded  considerably.  Rode  to  East  Windsor.  Little  Joseph  Battell 
came  down  with  me.     He  came  to  Hartford  in  the  stage. ^     Very  warm  and 


'  This  was  the  eighth  article  in  the  series,  ''  On  those  hills  of  Western  Connecticut 

to  be  published  in  the  number  for  May,  18 12.  the  snows  of  the  winter  lingered  much  longer 

^  He  had  a  garden  of  his  own,  of  which  than  in  the  valley ;  and   many  storms  that 

he  took  care  for  the  love  of  it.  were  rain  along  the  Connecticut  River  were 

^  On  political  matters  his  judgments  were  snow  at  Norfolk. 
severe.  '  His  study  of  theology  was  long  deferred. 

*  The  Freeman's  Meeting  that  year  was  He  was  already  nearly  four  years  out  of  col- 
held  at  the  meeting-house  of  the  South  lege,  but  he  seems  to  have  enjoyed  his  work 
Parish.  as  a  teacher. 

5  This  was  a  very  small  vote  for  a  town  of  *  Mr.  Robbins  doubtless  made  a  horse- 
more  than  3,000  inhabitants.  But  the  vote  back  journey.  Little  Joseph  probably  found 
shows  that  there  was  really  no  party  contest.  some  one  in  the  stage  to  look  after  him.  He 
The  Democratic  candidate  for  Governor  was  was  just  six  years  old,  having  been  born 
Elijah  Boardman,  native  of  New  Milford.  April  17,  1S06. 


CI2  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

faint.     At  night  something  rainy.       My  brother  James  went  off  for  Lenox 
this  morning.     Am  ver}-  much  fatigued. 

19.  Rode  to  East  Hartford,  on  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates.  Preached 
from  Mark  i :  40,  and  John  i :  10.  Quite  warm.  At  evening  returned.  Much 
troubled  with  nervous  affections,  and  unwell. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  little  Joseph.  The  water  \ery  high.  It  runs 
nearly  a  foot  deep  over  the  East  Hartford  causeway.  Read  Buchanan's 
Researches.^  On  the  i8th  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  The 
meadows  are  perfectly  inundated. 

21.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xxvii  :  4.  Cold.  Vegetation  advances  very 
little.     Dr.  Tudor  deposited  with  me  his  will." 

22.  Little  Joseph  began  to  study  his  Accidmce.^  Rode  to  Scantic  and 
preached  a  singing  lecture  for  brother  Bartlett.  Preached  the  sermon  on  Ps. 
xxvii :  4.     They  sing  very  well.     Ursula  *  went  with  me. 

23.  Instructed  in  arithmetic.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxiii :  4. 
Walked  out  and  visited  several  families. 

24.  Wrote.  I  can  write  but  little  when  I  am  attending  to  arithmetic 
instruction.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank,     \^'alked  out  and  visited. 

25.  Wrote.  Afternoon  Dr.  Marsh ^  called  on  me  for  an  exchange.  Rode 
to  Weathersfield.     The  water  has  fallen  some.     Had  a  little  asparagus. 

26.  Quite  cold.  Preached  from  Luke  ii :  7,  and  Luke  xix :  10.  This 
meeting-house  is  quite  hard  for  speaking.^  The  congregation  is  very  large. 
Eat  fresh  shad.  Towards  night  rode  to  Hartford,  and  in  the  evening 
preached  for  Dr.  Strong  to  a  numerous  collection  of  people  in  the  theatre.^ 
Preached  without  notes  from  Num.  x  :  29.  There  appears  to  be  some  atten- 
tion to  divine  things  here  more  than  common. 

27.  Rode  to  Orford,  visited  Mr.  Sargeant.  He  is  about  leaving  this 
place. ^  Rode  home.  Saw  blossoms  on  the  daffos.  Quite  cool.  \\'rote  to 
my  father.  I  have  bought  a  number  of  books  which  were  the  late  Mr. 
Olcott's,  of  Orford.'     Wrote.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

28.  Visited  sick  persons.  Crossed  the  water  in  the  meadows  in  a  boat. 
Found  it  pretty  hard.     Read  Universal  History.     Tarried  out. 

29.  Remarkably  cool  for  the  season.     Mr.  Haskell  is  building  a  very  good 


*  Christian   Researches    in    Asia,   by    Dr.  *  Mr.  Robbins  enjoyed  having  Mr.  Wol- 
Claudius    Buchanan,  was  published    only  a  cott's  daughters  for  traveling  companions, 
short  time  before  Dr.  Robbins  was  reading  ^  Rev.  John  Marsh,  D.  D. 
the  book.     It  was   not   until  1808  that    Dr.  *  That  is,  the  meeting-house  at  Wethers- 
Buchanan   returned  from   the  East  to  give  field. 

himself  to  the  preparation  and  publication  of  ^  It   has   often  happened   of   late,  in  our 

his  books.     He  died  in  181 5.  large  cities,  that  the  gospel  has  been  carried 

^  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor  was  at  this  time  eighty  into  theaters.     We  were   not  aware   that  it 

years  old,  and  sixty-two  years  from  his  gradu-  was  practiced  so  far  back  in  our  New  Eng- 

ation  at  Yale  College.  land  history. 

^  The  children  of  this   generation   might  ^  He  has  been  supplying  there  for  some 

not   understand  what  this  word   means.     It  time. 

was  the  name  of  a  little  book  containing  the  9  He  had  bought  at  different  times  before, 

simplest  rudiments  of  grammar.  but  has  been  making  additional  purchases. 


l8l2.] 


PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR. 


513 


house.     Visited.     Received  a   letter  from   brother   Frank.     Read    Universal 
History.     Worked  considerably. 

30.  Wrote  a  piece  on  the  Sacred  History  of  Lamech,  of  the  family  of 
Cain,  for  ministers'  meeting.  A  man  in  this  town  in  prime  of  life  was 
drowned  last  night.  He  was  found  this  morning  in  Podunk  River. 
Visited  the  afflicted  family.  Planted  peas  and  potatoes.  The  house'  of 
Mr.  Edwards,  the  first  minister  in  this  town,  in  which  the  great  President 
Edwards  was  born,  was  taken  down.  It  was  in  its  day  a  very  expensive 
house,  decorated  with  many  elegant  ornaments.  The  roof  was  very  steep, 
and  it  is  said  it  has  had  but  one  covering  of  shingles.  It  must  have  stood 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty  years. 


May. 

1.  ■  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  poor  man  who  was  drowned  yesterday.^ 
Vegetation  is  very  backward.  Read  Universal  History.  The  people  are  just 
beginning  their  gardens.     April  has  been  very  cold  ^  as  well  as  March. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Experimental  Religion,  from  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  I 
believe  I  have  never  devoted  so  many  close  thoughts  to  a  sermon  of  equal 
length.     Rode  to  Hartford.     The  water  is  yet  quite  high.     Wrote  pretty  late. 

3.  Rainy  all  day.  On  that  account  we  omitted  the  appointed  con- 
tribution.* Preached  with  notes  from  Hab.  ii :  2,  and  from  Heb.  xiii :  2. 
A  black  woman  ^  died  with  a  short  illness.  At  evening  visited  at  the 
house. 

4.  It  snowed  hard  all  day.  The  season  is  very  remarkable  and  distress- 
ing. Many  people  are  out  of  hay.  Above  us  it  is  much  more  scarce  than 
here.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  black  woman  who  died  yesterday.  The 
military  company  did  not  parade  on  account  of  the  storm.  Wrote  a  letter  to 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Terry,  of  Hartford.     Read. 

5.  Very  windy  and  cold.  The  snow  went  off.  Set  out  some  grape-vines. 
Read  Universal  History.     Visited. 

6.  Our  ministers'  meeting  met  here.     Read  the  piece  which  I  wrote  last 


'  This  house  was  built  probably  in  1694 
by  Richard  Edwards,  of  Hartford,  for  his 
son  Timothy,  at  the  time  when  he  began  his 
labors  as  the  first  minister  of  East  Windsor. 
The  house  stood  on  the  east  side  of  the  broad 
street  leading  from  East  Windsor  Hill  to 
Hartford,  about  three  fourths  of  a  mile  below 
the  Hill.  The  church  where  Mr.  Edwards 
preached,  and  the  burying-ground  where  his 
dust  reposes,  were  on  the  west  side  of  the 
street,  diagonally  opposite  from  the  house. 
Here  his  illustrious  son  Jonathan  first  opened 
his  eyes  to  look  upon  the  wondrous  works  of 
that  God  whom  he  so  adoringly  studied  and 
commended  to  men. 

If  this  house  was  taken  down  in  1812,  it 


had  stood  probably  one  hundred  and  eighteen 
years,  possibly  only  one  hundred  and  seven- 
teen. 

^  Mr.  Cornelius  Wolcott,  aged  forty-six. 

^  The  same  story  still  continues,  but  now 
people  say,  "  Our  springs  are  very  different 
from  what  they  used  to  be."  The  true  thing  to 
say  is,  "  Our  seasons  differ  very  much  one  from 
another,  but  in  the  long  run,  they  are  very 
much  as  they  used  to  be." 

*  The  one  appointed  annually  on  the  first 
Sabbath  of  May  for  the  Connecticut  Mission- 
ary Society. 

5  Her  name  was  simply  Polydore,  aged 
fifty-three,  which  suggests  that  the  age  of 
slavery  in  New  England  was  not  far  back. 


514  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

week  on   the    History  of  Lamech.     At  evening  rode  out  and  visited.     Mr. 
Yates  preached.' 

7.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Agreed  for 
the  printing  of  another  edition  of  my  father's  Half  Century  Sermon^  Snow  is 
to  be  seen  on  the  mountains.  Began  the  ninth  number  of  my  Historical 
Vieio  of  the  Puritans  for  the  Magazine.     Walked  home  from  Hartford. 

8.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  piece  for  the  Magazine.  It  is  said  to  be  very 
distressing  at  the  northward  for  want  of  hay.  At  evening  walked  out  and 
visited. 

9.  Wrote  on  my  Magazine  biography.  Read  Universal  History,  one 
hundred  pages  in  four  hours.     Read  Clarke's  Commentary. 

10.  Read  the  Bible.  Preached  from  Rev.  xxii :  17,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2. 
The  forenoon  sermon  referred  to  the  missionary  business.  We  had  our 
contribution  for  the  Missionary  Society.  We  collected  $36.14.^  It  was 
beyond  ray  expectation,  and  I  think  very  liberal.  There  was  one  bill  of  five 
dollars  and  a  half  eagle.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Visited  a 
woman  very  low  with  a  decline.     Baptized  a  child. 

1 1 .  Visited  Mrs.  Loomis,*  a  neighbor.  A  little  before  one  o'clock,  while  I 
was  present,  she  expired.  She  has  been  in  a  decline  for  half  a  year.  Saw 
blossoms  on  some  of  the  trees.  The  first  I  have  seen.  I  suspect  they  have 
never  been  later.     Wrote. 

12.  Wrote  transcribing  my  piece  for  the  Magazine.  The  issue  of  the 
Massachusetts  and  New  York  elections  seem  to  have  confounded  the  general 
government.^     Walked  out. 

13.  Wrote.  The  weather  is  more  like  spring.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
the  late  Mrs.  Loomis.^  The  family  are  half  in  New  Connecticut,  and  present 
an  interesting  spectacle. 

14.  I  think  it  probable  that  we  have  never  seen  vegetation  so  backward  at 
the  election,  though  as  late  as  it  can  be.^  Rode  to  Hartford.  In  the  morning 
attended  the  meeting  of  the  Bible  Society.  Mr.  Welch*  delivered  a  very 
good  sennon.  The  election  was  unusually  pleasant  and  brilliant.  The 
Governor,  on  account  of  ill-health,  was  not  present.  Attended  the  meeting  of 
the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Mr.  Battell  and  Sally  and  brother  Nat  rode 
home  with  me.     Father  did  not  feel  sufficient  resolution  to  come. 

15.  Rode  out  with  my  brothers.  After  dinner  they  went  off.  Finished 
copying  my  Magazine  piece. 


'  In  connection  with  these  ministers'  meet-  *  Mrs.  Esther  Loomis  was   probably  the 

ings,  there  seems  always  to  be  a  public  preach-  wife   of  that   Capt.    Loomis   to   whom    Mr. 

ing  service  in  the  church.  Robbins  wrote  a  little  while  before  concern- 

^  The  sermon  was  more  in  demand  than  ing  the  death  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Gaylord, 

was  supposed  when  it  was  first  published.  of  Torringford. 

'  For  such  times  as  people  were  then  living  ''  He  means  that  election  that  year  was  as 

in,  this  should  be  called  a  good  contribution.  late   as  it  could  be.     Election   days   ranged 

*  Mrs.  Esther  Lctomis,  aged  fifty-six.  from  May  8th  to  14th. 

'  That  is,  there  was  more  of  a  Federalist  °  Rev,  Moses  C.  Welch,  D.  D.,  of  North 

vote  than  had  been  expected.  Mansfield.    Pastor  there  17S4-1824. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


515 


16.  A  very  cold  rain.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Carried  down  my  ninth 
number  for  the  Magazine.  Delivered  our  missionary  contribution.  Paid  my 
annual  contribution  to  the  Annuity  Society,  $5.00.  Received  from  the  printer 
two  hundred  of  a  second  edition  of  my  father's  Half  Century  Sermofi  for 
$15.00.     Read  Universal  History. 

I'j.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Just  before  meeting  time  Mr.  David 
Austin '  came  here.  He  preached  in  the  forenoon,  and  very  well.  Between 
meetings  he  rode  to  Scantick.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  with  notes  on 
Rom.  viii :  29.  At  evening  had  a  full  conference.  Read  Bellamy's  Works, 
which  I  have  just  procured.^ 

18.  Visited  sick  people.  We  have  two  or  three  instances  of  severe  fevers. 
Afternoon  worked  at  my  library.     Quite  rainy  and  very  cold. 

19.  Rode  to  Westfield  and  carried  Mr.  Wolcott's  son '  to  attend  that 
academy.  My  brother  Frank  appears  to  be  useful  in  his  employment.  The 
academy  is  very  flourishing.  There  is  a  precious  revival  of  religion  here. 
Forty-eight  have  been  added  to  the  church.  Preached  in  the  evening  in  the 
academy,  without  any  notes,  from  Num.  x  :  29.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Knapp,  who 
is  considerably  unwell.  This  morning  paid  for  Bellamy's  Works  and 
Meickle's  Traveller*  $7.75. 

20.  Left  Westfield  and  rode  home.  Tudor  was  homesick,  but  I  trust  he 
will  do  well.  Dined  at  Esq.  Leavitt's,^  Suffield.  The  militia  are  making 
their  detachments  according  to  the  orders  of  the  government.* 

21.  Wrote.  Read  Universal  History.  It  is  almost  constantly  cloudy,  wet, 
and  cold. 

22.  Visited  eighteen  families.  Quite  tired.  Saw  a  few  apple-tree  blos- 
soms, the  first  which  I  have  seen.  I  suspect  we  have  never  known  them 
later.     I  think  my  visits  are  very  beneficial, 

23.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  ninety  pages  in  less  than  three  hours. 
Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxiii :  4,  which  I  began  some  time  ago. 

24.  Finished  the  writing,  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxiii :  4. 
Meeting  quite  full.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  new  hat  from  Danbury,  for  which  I 
paid  $10.00.  It  is  all  beaver.  The  Assembly  have  but  little  business.  The 
Governor  does  not  attend.  Got  the  first  half  volume  of  the  Edinburgh 
Encyclopczdia^  for  which  I  am  a  subscriber.     Paid  for  it,  $4.00.     The  apple- 


'  Rev.   David   Austin  was  graduated   at  tions.      Mr.  Meikle  was  born  in  Carnwath, 

Yale  in  1779,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  in  Scotland,  in  1730,  and  died  in  1799. 

1780.     He  published  the  American  Preacher  ^  It  has  been  some  time  now  since  he  has 

in  four  volumes.     From  181 5  to  his  death  in  made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Thaddeus  Leavitt's. 

1831,  he  was  settled  at  Bozrah,  Ct.  ^  This  indicates  a  state  of  preparation  for 

^  The    Works  of  Joseph  Bellamy,  in  three  war,  which  is  soon  coming, 

volumes,  were  published  in  181 1.  '"Another  work   of  considerable   merit 

3  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott,  aged  thirteen.  which  began  to  appear  in  1810,  was  Erew- 

*  There  is  an  edition  of  the  works  of  Mr.  ster's  Edinburgh  Encyclofadia,  edited  by  the 

James  Meikle  in  four  volumes,  in  which  his  late  Sir  David  Brewster,  in  eighteen  volumes, 

Traveller  mske?,  nearly  one  volume.     It  con-  and  completed  in  1830." — Chambers's  Ency- 

sists  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  Medita-  clopcedia. 


5i6  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

tree   blossoms   are   generally   coming   out.      Had   peas.     Am   collecting   an 
account  of  the  state  of  the  churches  for  Association.     Visited  sick  people. 

26.  Set  out  on  a  circuit  to  collect  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  churches 
in  the  Association.  Rode  to  Farmington  and  Slmsbury.  Very  warm.  Vege- 
tation advances  very  rapidly.     The  apple-trees  are  generally  putting  out. 

27.  Rode  to  Barkhamsted,  Hartland,  and  Granby.  Much  oppressed  with 
the  heat.  People  have  suffered  much  this  spring  for  want  of  hay.  The 
apple-tree  blossoms  begin  to  appear  in  the  later  places.  The  account  of  the 
state  of  religion  is  pretty  gloomy. 

28.  Rode  to  West  Suffield,  to  Wintonbury,  and  home.  Got  something  wet 
with  rain.  The  lilacs  begin  to  be  out.  The  season  is  about  a  fortnight  later 
than  usual.     There  is  a  very  full  blowth  of  fruit  trees. 

29.  Wrote  a  report  for  the  Association  of  the  collections  which  I  have 
made  this  week.     Visited  a  man  very  sick. 

30.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xlvii :  4.  Visited  the  sick.  Quite  warm. 
Thermometer  was  at  82°.  This  has  been  a  remarkably  favorable  week  for 
vegetation. 

31.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  v  :  20.  After- 
noon on  Isa.  xlvii :  4.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer  about 
as  yesterday.     At  evening  walked  out.     Took  off  my  flannel. 

June. 

1.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  carried  Sula  to  Mrs.  Roys's  school.  The  Gov- 
ernor is  so  feeble  as  not  to  attend  the  Assembly,  though  he  is  in  town.  The 
thermometer  was  at  88°.     The  season  appears  remarkably  line. 

2.  Last  evening  Dr.  Perkins'  came  here  and  tarried.  Rode  to  Enfield 
and  attended  the  meeting  of  our  Association.  Presented  a  full  report  of  the 
state  of  the  churches.^  Mr.  McLean  *  preached.  The  heat  very  severe. 
The  thermometer  rose  to  94°.     At  night  a  hard  thunder-shower. 

3.  After  the  Association  rode  to  Westfield  for  the  purpose  of  seeing 
Tudor. ■•  He  has  been  very  homesick,  but  is  doing  tolerably  well.  I  think 
Frank  is  useful  here.  Left  Westfield  at  dusk,  and  rode  to  the  lower  part  of 
Suffield.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Much  cooler. 

4.  Rode  home.  The  wind  was  so  high  I  could  not  cross  our  ferry,  and 
was  obliged  to  go  round  by  Hartford.^  Very  tired.  Read.  Visited  sick 
persons. 

5.  Walked  and  visited  families.  Received  yesterday  a  letter  of  thanks 
from  Mr.  Horace  Loomis  ^  for  my  attention  to  their  family  in  their  late  afflic- 
tions.    Rode  to  Hartford  and  brought  up  Sula.' 


'  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford,  ^  Another  long  journey  in  place  of  a  very 

on  his  way  to  the  Association.  short  one.     The  Connecticut  River,  in  some 

^  The    result  of    his   tour   for  gathering  of  its  moods,  was   a  fact  not   to  be  trifled 

information.  with. 

^  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  of  Simsbury.  *  Capt.   Giles   Loomis,  in   New  Connec- 

*  Tudor  Wolcott,  whom  he  left  there  in  ticut. 
his  brother's  school.  '  Ursula  Wolcott. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  517 

6.  Read  E.  S.  Ely's '  Poems.  They  are  pretty  indifferent.  Afternoon 
began  a  sermon  on  Gen.  iii :  9.     Am  pretty  poorly  able  to  study. 

7.  In  the  morning  finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Preached  from 
John  vi :  35,  and  Gen.  lii :  9.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Quite 
warm. 

8.  Rode  and  carried  Sula  to  Hartford.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 
The  thermometer  about  87°.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  black  child."^  A 
small  shower.     The  ground  is  very  dry.     Planted  peas  and  watermelons. 

9.  Rode  out  with  old  Mrs.  Tudor.^  She  is  pretty  feeble.  Worked  in  the 
garden.  Afternoon  walked  out  and  visited.  Very  warm.  Thermometer  at 
90°.     Tarried  out. 

10.  Visited.  Traded  considerably.  Gave  Mr.  Haskell  an  order  on  the 
society's  treasurer  of  $11.04.  Began  to  write  another  number  for  the  Afaga- 
zine.     At  evening  walked  out. 

11.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Rainy  and  wet. 
Walked  out. 

12.  I  write  pretty  poorly.  I  fear  my  latter  numbers  of  the  Historical 
Vieto  will  not  be  as  good  as  the  former.  Rainy  and  cold.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  brought  up  Sula. 

13.  Finished  my  tenth  number  for  the  Magazine.*  Afternoon  rode  to 
Berlin,  New  Britain,  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Skinner.'  Wrote  to  my  brother 
Nathaniel. 

14.  Preached  from  John  i:  x,  and  Ps.  Ixxx :  2.  This  is  a  very  good 
congregation.  There  has  been  a  considerable  revival  of  religion  here  for 
a  year  or  two  past.     Visited  Dr.  Smalley.' 

15.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Read.  Wrote  some  satirical  remarks  on 
some  recommendations  of  E.  S.  Ely's  Contrast^  designed  to  reflect  on  the 
religious  sentiments  of  our  churches.  I  trust  I  am  not  influenced  by  any 
improper  motives. 

16.  Rode    to    Hartford.     Have  taken   considerable  pains  to  find  a  good 


'  Rev.   Ezra   Stiles   Ely,  D.  D.,  who  was  ''  To   appear   in   the   Magazine  for  July, 

graduated  at  Yale  in  1804,  was  one  of  twelve  1812. 

children  of  Rev.  Zebulon  Ely,  of  Lebanon,  ^  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,  as  before  hinted, 

all  of  whom  grew  to  mature  years.     Rev.  E.  finds   East    Windsor,  South    Parish,  a  very 

S.  Ely  was  first  settled,  in  1806,  at  Westches-  pleasant  and  natural  place  for  an  exchange, 

ter   parish  in   Colchester,  Ct.     Some   years  though   some   fifteen   or  sixteen  miles  away 

later,  he  was  called  to  a  Presbyterian  church  from  his  home. 

in  Philadelphia,  and  in  a  pastorate  of  twenty  *  As   before  stated,  this  is  the  parish  of 

years,  gained   considerable   distinction    as  a  Dr.  John  Smalley,  one  of  the  most  celebrated 

preacher    and    for    his    literary    ability.     It  of  the  Connecticut  divines  of  that  day,  then 

seems  that  he  ventured  in  early  life  to  pub-  seventy-eight  years  old,  and  in  the  fifty-second 

lish   a  volume   of    poems.      Dr.    Robbins's  year   of  his   ministry   at   Berlin    (now  New 

criticism    of   them   was    probably   just,    for  Britain). 

they  soon  disappeared  from   public   notice.  ^  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles  Ely,  just  before  men- 

^  Susan  Williams.  tioned,  published  in  181 1  ^  Contrast  between 

^  The  mother  of  Mrs.  Abiel  Wolcott,  who  Calvinism   and  Hopkinsianism.     This  was  a 

was  Ursula  Tudor,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  production  that  Dr.  Robbins  was  inclined  to 

Naomi  (Diggins)  Tudor.  ridicule. 


5l8  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

picture  for  a  piece  of  embroidery  for  Sula.  The  death  of  my  good  friend, 
Rev.  Mr.  Turner,'  of  New  Marlborough,  is  to  me  very  surprising  and  affect- 
ing. Paid  for  crossing  at  the  Hartford  Bridge  from  January  i  to  June  4, 
$1.37.  Yesterday  got  me  a  new  silk  hat.  Read  Encyclnpxdia.  A  very  fine 
season. 

17.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day. 
Heard  of  the  assassination  of  the  Prime  Minister  of  England.^ 

18.  Worked  considerably.  Mrs.  Wolcott  quite  unwell.  Made  a  tax  on 
Mr.  Wolcott's  bill.     Visited.     Warm. 

19.  Little  Joseph  gets  along  pretty  well  with  his  Accidence.  The  people 
are  building  a  fine  stone  bridge  over  Stoughton's  Brook. ^  Began  a  sermon 
on  I  Cor.  ii :  16.     Afternoon  walked  and  visited. 

20.  Wrote,  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  We  have  information 
that  Congress  have  passed  a  bill  to  make  war  with  England.*  I  fear  our 
country  is  given  up  of  God  to  sore  evils.  Am  exceedingly  hard  and  stupid. 
Paid  my  subscription  for  our  town  clock,  $1.00. 

21.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Ezek.  iii :  26,  and  from  i  Cor.  ii :  16. 
Cooler,  The  thermometer  yesterday  was  at  88°.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.  Very  tired.  I  think  this  people  have  quite  sufficient  confidence 
in  my  science  and  divinity. 

22.  Last  night  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
We  have  an  official  account  that  our  Government  have  proclaimed  war  against 
Great  Britain.  I  believe  they  know  not  why  they  have  done  it.  Procured 
some  liquor.^     Read  Encyclopcedia. 

23.  Rode  out  with  Mrs.  Wolcott.  She  is  quite  feeble.  Worked  in  the 
garden.     Read.     Visited  a  school.     Rode  and  visited. 

24.  Read  Encyciopcedia!'  The  minds  of  people  are  much  agitated  with  the 
prospects  of  war.  Walked  and  visited.  People  are  beginning  to  mow. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 

25.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Encyclopcedia.  I  am  much  pleased  with  the  work. 
Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  My  cousin,  Dr. 
Peter  G.  Robbins,*  from  Lynn,  came  here  with  his  mother-in-law,  and  tarried. 


"  Rev.  Nathaniel  Turner,  native  of  Nor-  "*  This  declaration  of  war  dates  from  June 

folk,  often  mentioned  before.  18,  1812.     Of  course,  it  was  a  sad  thing  to 

-  Spencer  Percival,  who  was  made  Prime  plunge  the  nation  into  war,  and   New  Eng- 

Minister  of  England,  October  30,  1809,  was  land  opposed  it.     But  it  is   difficult  now  to 

assassinated,  May  11, 1S12,  in  the  lobby  of  the  see  how  we  could  have  kept  our  self-respect 

House  of  Commons,  by  Bellingham.     It  was  as  a  people,  if  we  had  not  done  it. 

first  supposed  that  this  man  Bellingham  rep-  ^  This   brief  sentence   does   not  seem  to 

resented  others,   but   it  was   found   that  he  have  any  connection  with  the  preceding  one, 

acted   purely  out   of  personal  enmity  to  the  but  the  collocation  is  a  trifle  odd. 

Prime  Minister,  who  had  a  great  facility  in  *  This   is   the    Edinburgh    Encydoptedia, 

making  enemies.  which  he  is  receiving  now  as  it  is  published. 

^  Stoughton's  Brook  was  a  small  stream  ^  Mr.  Ezekial  Wadsworth,  of  Avon,  N.  Y., 

coming  from  the    east,   crossing    the    main  and  Elizabeth  Newbury, 

street,  and  pursuing  its  course  to  the    Con-  ^  Dr.    Peter    Oilman    Robbins    was    the 

necticut  River.  seventh  child  and  fifth  son  of  Dr.  Chandler 


l8l2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  519 

26.  My  cousin  went  off  for  Norfolk.  Read.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  brought  up  Ursula.     Tudor  returned  from  Westfield. 

27.  Something  rainy.  I  ride  almost  every  day  with  Mrs.  Wolcott.  I 
think  she  is  gradually  gaining.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

28.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  John  v :  39.  Afternoon  a  hard  shower 
during  the  exercise.  Mr.  Battell  came  here,  attended  meeting  with  us,  and 
returned  to  Hartford.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Received  of  Mr. 
Wolcott,  $50.00.     Had  green  peas. 

29.  Rose  before  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  rode  to  Hartford,  to  send 
to  New  Haven  by  Mr.  Battell.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Nat  with 
cash,  $25.00. .  Received  of  Mr.  Haskell  money  lent,  $50.00.  Sent  to  New 
Haven  my  third  instalment  for  the  Eagle  Bank,  $125,  Returned  and  rode 
to  Bolton  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Colton.*  A  number  of  ministers 
were  present.     Dr.  Williams,  of  Tolland,  preached.     Returned.     Very  tired. 

30.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Visited  a  school.  Rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to 
Warehouse  Point  to  visit  Gen.  Jenks.'^  He  is  very  low,  and  we  did  not 
see  him.  Visited  Mr.  Huse.^  His  wife  is  apparently  in  a  consumption. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my  father. 
At  evening  my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins,  and  his  mother,^  came  here  and  tarried 
on  their  return.     Very  cool. 

July. 

1.  In  the  morning  my  cousin  went  off  for  home.  Have  a  bad  crick  in  my 
back.     Read.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

2.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Visited  twelve  families.  It  is  a  time  of  great 
stupidity  with  us  with  regard  to  divine  things.  Paid  for  the  Mirror  news- 
paper' a  year,  $1.75.     Quite  poor  hay  weather. 

3.  Read.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  on  i  Cor.  xi : 
25.     Visited.     Several  children  are  sick. 

4.  Wrote  a  sermon  in  a  little  more  than  seven  successive  hours  on  Deut. 
xxxii :  39.     Very  warm.     The  thermometer  was  at  86°.     Visited. 

5.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Matt,  xxv  :  29,  and  from  Deut.  xxxii :  39. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  appeared  solemn.  Afternoon  I 
was  so  weary  and  afflicted  with  the  heat  that  I  could  scarcely  go  through  the 
exercise.  Attended  a  conference.  Our  Governor^  has  appointed  a  Fast  on 
account  of  the  perilous  condition  of  the  nation.     Thermometer  near  90°. 


Robbins,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.     He  was  born  used   to  be  related   in   Bolton  and  vicinity. 

December    10,    17S1.     He  was   a   physician.  His  ministry  was,  in  its  way,  strong  and  able. 

He  seems  at  this  time  to  have  had  his  home  -  Gen.  Charles  Jenks,  before  noticed, 

in  Lynn,  Mass.,  but  he  was  afterwards  living  ^  Rev.   Nathaniel   Huse,  Episcopal   min- 

in  Roxbury,  Mass.  ister. 

'  Rev.  George  Colton,  who  had  been  pas-  ■*  His  wife's  mother, 

tor  at  Bolton  from  1763  to  his  death  (1812),  ^  T\\z    Connecticut    Mirror,  was  started 

forty-nine   years,  was   a  notable  man  physi-  in  1809,   was  at  this  time   edited   by   Theo- 

cally  and  mentally.     He  was  of   uncommon  dore  Dwight,  and  was,  during   the    War  of 

hight,  of  strong,  quaint,  original   mind,  and  181 2,  the  leading  Federal  paper  in  the  State, 

amusing  stories  of   his   sayings   and   doings  *  Roger  Griswold. 


520 


DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


I8I2. 


6.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Got  two  large  volumes  of  newspapers  which  I 
have  had  liound.  Got  the  second  part  of  the  first  volume  of  the  Encydopcedia 
for  which  I  paid  $4.00.  The  appearance  is  that  our  war  grows  constantly 
more  unpopular.'     Thermometer  92°. 

7.  Wrote  a  review  of  Hall's^  Sermon  on  Eastern  Missions  for  ministers' 
meeting.  People  generally  in  their  haying.  Thermometer  rose  to  95!". 
Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 

8.  In  the  morning  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  He  sent  for  little 
Joseph,^  and  he  went  off.  I  think  he  has  done  well  since  he  has  been  here. 
Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  attend  our  ministers'  meeting.  No  other  members 
attended.  Read  my  review  written  yesterday.  Preached  from  Deut.  xxxii : 
39,     Returned,     Rainy. 

9.  Had  some  tobacco  set."  Rode  out  and  visited.  Performed  a  mar- 
riage.^    Quite  wet.     There  is  a  great  deal  of  hay  out  in  the  wet. 

10.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  It  is  feared  the  wet  weather  will  be 
injurious  to  the  grain.     The  people  are  singularly  stupid  about  divine  things. 

11.  Worked  in  the  garden.  A  child  in  the  neighborhood  is  ver}-  sick. 
Wrote  to  Miss  Charlotte  Verstille,  Andover.*  Afternoon  rode  to  Rocky  Hill  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Chapin.' 

12.  Mr.  Chapin  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  from  Ps.  li :  18,  and 
Ps.  Ixxxiv  :  2.  They  have  here  a  very  fine  new  meeting-house.  The  weather 
came  off  clear  after  having  been  cloudy  and  wet  for  four  days.  Some  people 
worked  at  hay.     Quite  tired. 

13.  Returned.  Read.  Our  last  General  Association  at  Sharon'  was 
pretty  light.     I  fear  they  have  injured  the  character  of  the  body.     Visited. 

14.  Wrote.  Looked  over  books  for  another  number  of  my  Historical  View. 
Walked  out  and  visited. 

15.  Rode  with  Tudor  to  Westfield.  Hindered  by  the  rain.  Saw  my 
brother   Frank.     His   school   is   quite   large    and   flourishing.      Left   Tudor, 


'  That  doubtless  would  be  the  impression 
from  the  New  England  point  of  view. 

^  Rev.  Gordon  Hall  sailed  from  Phila- 
delphia, Feb.  18,  181 2,  as  a  missionary  of  the 
American  Board  to  India.  Just  before  leav- 
ing the  country  he  preached  a  sermon  on  the 
duty  of  American  Christians  to  this  mission- 
ary work.  The  sermon  was  soon  after  pub- 
lished, and  this  was  the  sermon  on  which 
Dr.  Robbins  wrote  his  review. 

^  Little  Joseph,  now  six  years  old,  has 
certainly  had  a  large  experience  for  a  child 
of  his  years.  We  doubt  not,  however,  in 
such  a  family  as  Mr.  Wolcott's,  and  such  a 
teacher  as  his  Uncle  Thomas,  that  he  had 
excellent  care  and  instruction. 

♦  He  little  thought  when  he  had  those  few 
tobacco  plants  set  in  his  garden,  that  fift}-, 


sixty,  seventy  years  later  the  tobacco  crop 
should  be  the  chief  crop  raised  in  his  parish, 
and  far  up  and  down  the  river. 

^  James  Pelton,  of  Scantic  parish,  and 
Sophia  Gaylord,  of  the  South  Parish. 

*  Andover,  Ct. 

^  Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  D.  D. 

*  Sharon  was  a  little  out  of  the  way,  on 
the  hills  of  Western  Connecticut;  but  that 
was  no  reason  why  this  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Association  should  have  been  an  infe- 
rior one.  Officially,  it  was  strong  enough. 
Rev.  Elijah  Parsons,  of  East  Haddam,  was 
moderator ;  Rev.  Daniel  Dow,  D.  D.,  of 
Thompson,  and  Rev.  Andrew  Yates,  D.  D., 
of  East  Hartford,  were  scribes ;  and  Rev. 
William  L.  Strong,  of  Somers,  was  the 
preacher. 


lSl2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  52 1 

After  sundown  left  Westfield  and  rode  home.     Got  home  about  one  o'clock  in 
the  morning.     The  rain  here  has  been  very  hard. 

16.  Worked  some.  Began  to  write  the  biography  of  Gov.  Winthrop.  He 
was  the  first'  of  the  planters  of  New  England.     At  evening  visited. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  biography.^     Afternoon  worked  considerably  raking  hay. 

18.  Wrote  all  day  and  finished  my  eleventh  number  for  the  Magazme. 
Went  into  the  water. 

19.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Truth.  It  appeared  better  than  I  ex- 
pected.    The  text  is  Ex.  xxxiv :  6.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  carried  down  Sula.  Worked  the  most  of  the 
afternoon  raking  hay.     Got  quite  tired. 

21.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Ps.  cvi :  43,  44,  45.  I  write 
pretty  slow.     At  evening  walked  out. 

22.  Wrote  all  day.  My  sermon  costs  me  uncommon  labor.  At  night 
quite   rainy.     We  have   a  wet  season. 

23.  This  day  is  observed  in  this  State  as  a  Fast  on  account  of  our  present 
state  of  war.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cvi :  43,  44,  45.  I 
have  seldom  spent  so  much  labor  on  a  sermon.  Visited  sick  people.  Our 
meeting  I  think  was  fuller  than  has  been  common  on  Fast  days.  A  few 
people  worked  at  hay.^ 

24.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Was  out  late  in  the  evening.  People 
beginning  their  harvest. 

25.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Wrote  and  worked  at  my  papers.  Towards 
evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  for  an  exchange. 

26.  Mr.  Yates  is  gone  to  Springfield.  Mr.  Bartlett  preached  for  me.  He 
and  I  had  previously  agreed  on  an  exchange.  Preached  from  Jer.  xxiii :  7)2,^ 
and  Ps.  Ixxxiv  :  2.     At  evening  returned. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Ursula.  Carried  dinner  to  harvesters  and  con- 
tinued with  them  till  night.*     The  harvest  generally  very  good.     Laus  Deo. 

28.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Quite  warm.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day. 
At  evening  Rev.  Mr.  Johns ^  came  here  and  tarried.  We  hear  a  great  many 
rumors  of  news  which  turn  out  to  be  unfounded.* 

29.  Quite  warm.     Walked   and  visited.     Visited    a   school.     It  appeared 


'  He  does  not,  of  course,  mea.n  first  in  the  labor  and  vain  recreation  are  by  law  pro- 
order  of  time,  for  the  Pilgrims  of  Plymouth  hibited."  Some  people,  however,  attended 
were  here  ten  years  before  him,  and  Gov.  to  their  hay  on  the  Sabbath,  a  little  while 
Endicott  with  his  company  was  in  the  Massa-  before,  after  a  long  wet  time,  and  it  was  not 
chusetts  Bay  a  year  or  two  before.  He  therefore  strange  that  they  should  have  done 
meant   first  in   dignity   and   character.  the  same  on  this  Fast  day. 

^  Of  Gov.  John  Winthrop,  which  was  to  *  This  readiness  of  the  minister  to  make 

make  his  eleventh  article  in  the  series  of  the  himself  generally  useful  was  a  pleasant  trait 

Early  Planters,  etc.  of  his  character. 

^  The    State    Fast   days,  at  that  time,  in  '  This  was  Rev.  Evans  Johns,  the  Welsh 

Connecticut,  were   supposed   to  have  some-  minister,  who  had   been  dismissed  the  year 

thing  of  the  sanctity  of  the  Sabbath.     The  before  from  his  pastorate  in  Berlin, 
proclamation  appointing  one  generally  drew  ^  It  was  a  time  of  war,  and  such  rumors 

to  a  close  with  the  sentence,  "  All  servile  were  natural. 


522  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

but   ordinarily.     There    appears  to  be  a  great  inattention  to  eternal    things 
among   us.     Tarried   out. 

30.  Visited  two  schools.  Our  grammar  school'  appears  better  than  it  has 
at  any  time  since  I  have  lived  in  town.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  We  have 
quite  a  wet  season.  People  have  some  difficulty  in  getting  in  their  grain. 
My  visits  appear  to  be  very  kindly  received. 

31.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Our  rains  this  year  generally  are  short. 
Visited  all  day.  Visited  fourteen  families.  People  feel  quite  gloomy  under 
the  aspect  of  our  public  affairs.  Our  great  danger  appears  to  be  a  want  of 
natural  union.  Democracy  is  making  an  effort  in  this  State  to  engage  the 
party  on  the  side  of  the  war.  It  rather  appears  that  our  government  is  not  in 
earnest  about  any  foreign  war.  We  have  no  help  but  in  the  God  of  heaven. 
We  have  no!  had  any  ver}^  hot  weather. 

August. 

1.  Came  home  at  noon,  having  been  about  visiting  since  Wednesday 
morning.  It  is  laborious,  but  I  hope  useful.  Afternoon  quite  wet.  Troubled 
with  nervous  affections.     Wrote. 

2.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Matt,  x :  7,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Ps. 
xlvi :   10.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Meeting  rather  thin. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Last  night  and  night  before  was  obliged  to  get  up 
and  take  opium  on  account  of  my  nervous  affections.  The  summer  is  remark- 
ably moderate  and  uniform  as  to  heat.  The  thermometer  rises  to  about  80° 
the  most  of  the  day,  and  the  nights  are  cool.     Wrote  to  my  brother  James. 

4.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Read  Universal  History.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Jennings,^  aged  eighty-seven,  and  the  oldest  person  in  the 
society.  A  \&xy  fine  year  for  gardens.  Gov.  HuU,^  with  an  arniy,  has 
entered  Upper  Canada  in  a  hostile  manner.  I  did  not  expect  they  would  go 
such  lengths. 

5.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  !Mr.  Wolcott  is  summoned  to 
attend  the  district  court  at  New  York  as  a  witness.     Worked  in  the  garden. 

6.  Worked  on  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  expenses  for  a  year  past 
have  not  been  so  great  as  in  two  preceding  years.*  On  the  4th  the  thermom- 
eter was  at  87°. 

7.  Mr.  Wolcott  and  Frances  went  off  for  New  York.  Am  much  affected 
this  week  with  debility  so  as  to  be  mostly  unable  to  study.  Read  Universal 
History.  The  Governor  has  issued  a  proclamation  on  the  situation  of  our 
public  concerns,  which  is  very  valuable.^  Rode  to  Hartford  and  brought  up 
Ursula.     I  think  she  does  well  at  her  school. 


'  The  same  which  he  sometimes  calls  the  of  Governor  came  from  the  fact  that  he  was 

academic  school  at  East  Windsor  flill,  still  Territorial  Governor  of  Michigan, 
under   the   care   of   Eleazar  T.  Fitch,  after-  *  He   ran   beyond   his    income    in    those 

wards  the  Yale  College  preacher.  years,  and  saw  the  necessity  of  contracting. 
^  Widow  Hannah  Jennings.  ^  Gov.  Roger  Griswold  was  a  Federalist, 

^  Gen.  William  Hull  was  born  in  Derby,  and  sympathized  with  the  Federalists  of  New 

Ct.,  1753,  and  died  in  Newton,  Mass.,  1825.  England.     His   proclamation  was   doubtless 

He  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1772.     His  title  of  a   conser\-ative  tj'pe. 


[8 1 2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


523 


8.  Very  warm  and  faint  weather.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Isa.  viii :  20. 
Wrote  pretty  poorly. 

9.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Gal. 
iii :  13,  and  from  Isa.  viii  :  20.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and  preached 
from  John  vii :   17.     Very  tired.     I  believe  that  the  thermometer  was  near  90°. 

10.  Mrs.  Wolcott  is  quite  unwell  with  a  severe  cough.  I  feel  quite  anxious 
about  her.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Ursula,  and  brought  her  home.  Mrs. 
Roys' is  quite  unwell.  Visited  an  old  woman  apparently  near  her  end.  Our 
Governor  has  issued  a  proclamation  enjoining  the  observance  of  the  Presi- 
dent's Fast.^ 

11.  Spent  the  day  as  an  anniversary.^  I  have  obtained,  by  divine  mercy, 
the  meridian  of  human  life.  Read  the  Bible.  Finished  the  Old  Testament. 
Wrote  considerably.     Very  rainy  all  day.     At  night  a  very  hard  rain. 

12.  Very  wet.  'R.e.^Sid  Universal  History.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Received 
a  letter  from  Miss  Charlotte  Verstille.'*  Wrote  to  Maj.  Holkins,'  Warehouse 
Point. 

13.  Heard  of  the  death  of  Capt.  Loomis,^  in  New  Connecticut,  who  went 
from  here  last  winter.  The  family  have  been  remarkably  broken  since  that 
time.     Wrote  the  biography  of  Gov.  Haynes.'     Quite  cool. 

14.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  number  for  the  Magazine.  Have  written 
this  in  two  days.     Worked  in  the  garden. 

15.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Visited.  An  aged  woman  died  this  after- 
noon.* At  evening  Mr.  Wolcott  and  Frances  returned  from  their  journey,' 
which  has  been  prosperous.     Our  western  army  makes  out  poorly. 

16.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  on  James  iv:  7.  Read  proclamations 
for  the  Fast.  The  Governor  has  issued  one  in  aid  of  the  President's.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
James. 

17.  A  very  hard  rain.  Attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mrs.  Elmer.  Wrote  to 
my  brother  James,     Visited.     Read  Johnson's  Tour  to  the  Hebrides.^" 

18.  Visited  all  day.  I  have  now  visited  all  the  families  in  the  society 
since  the  first  of  May ;  all  but  ten  or  twelve  I  had  visited  before  the  end  of 
July.     Two  that  had  moved  into  the  town,  within  a  few  months,  I  found  with- 


'  The  lady  keeping  the  school  where  Ur-  or  what  was  the  nature   of  the  correspond- 

sula  Wolcott  attended.  ence. 

^  The  Fast  a  short  time  ago  was  a  special  '  Holkins    is    another    way    of    spelling 

State  Fast,  in  view  of  the  prospect  of  war,  Hawkins. 

but  this  was  a  National  Fast,  though  supple-  ^  Capt.  Giles  Loomis,  whose  wife  and  a 

mented  by  State  authority.     We  see  the  same  married  daughter,   Mrs.  Gaylord,  had   died 

thing  in  substance  now.    The  President  ap-  since   he  left   East   Windsor  the  preceding 

points  the  National   Thanksgiving,  and  the  winter. 

Governors  appoint   State  Thanksgivings  on  ^  Gov.  John  Haynes,  first  Governor  of  the 

the  same  day.  Connecticut  colony. 

^  It  was   his  thirty-fifth  birthday,  half  of  ^  Widow  Sarah  Elmer,  eighty-seven, 

three-score  years  and  ten.  '  To  New  York. 

*  Before   mentioned,  as   of   Andover,  Ct.  '°  This   delightful    work    of    Dr.    Samuel 

We  have  not  as  yet  discovered  who  she  was,  Johnson   was   first   issued   in    1773. 


524  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

out  a  Bible.  I  shall  immediately  supply  them.  The  number  of  families  May 
I  St  was  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine.  Of  these  thirty-five  are  certificated. 
Walked   all   day  without   eating. 

19.  Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xxxii :  2  for  Fast.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hart- 
ford. Ursula  is  quite  sick  at  Mrs.  Roys's.  She  is  not  able  to  come  home. 
Wrote  late. 

20.  This  day  is  the  national  Fast  recommended  by  Mr.  Madison.  By  our 
people  it  was  well  observed.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun 
yesterday.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  an  old  Fast  sermon  on  Esther  iv  :  16. 
Mr.  Wolcott  went  to  Hartford  and  brought  home  Ursula.  She  appears  to  be 
some  better.  The  weather  is  remarkably  damp,  cloudy,  and  faint.  I  am 
pretty  feeble. 

21.  Last  night  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Had  to  be  up  and 
take  laudanum.  Wrote.  Read  Universal  History.  Though  cloudy,  ther- 
mometer  was   at   90°. 

22.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank,  and  wrote  one  to  him.  Last 
week  and  this  has  been  uniformly  cloudy  and  rainy.  Read  Universal  His- 
tory. Rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint.  Our  government  have 
now  established  a  cessation  of  arms.     They  have  no  plan  nor  object.' 

23.  Ver}' clear  after  the  rain.  Mr.  Flint  ^  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached 
from  Deut.  xxxii :  29,  and  Ps.  li :  18.  At  evening  returned  and  attended  a 
conference.  I  think  Mr.  Flint's  congregation,  generally,  is  not  larger  than 
mine. 

24.  Rode  to  Wapping,  visited  two  schools,  and  preached  a  lecture  from 
Matt,  ix :  9.  Yesterday  received  six  Bibles  from  the  Bible  Society  for  gratu- 
itous distribution.  Last  night  unable  to  sleep  with  nervous  affections. 
Received    a   letter  from   my   cousin    S.    P.    Robbins,    of    Marietta. 

25.  Read  an  account  of  the  a\\^ul  sanguinary  transactions  of  the  late  mob 
at  Baltimore.  I  have  not  expected  to  witness  such  things  in  our  countr}'. 
Read    Universal  History. 

26.  Wrote  a  paper  for  Ursula.  Set  out  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  and  Eveline^ 
for  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Northington,"*  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Hawley.*  Mrs. 
Wolcott  is  quite  feeble.  Thermometer  yesterday  was  at  90°.  Today  it  is  not 
quite  so  warm.     Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $4.00. 

27.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mrs.  Wolcott  bore  the  journey  pretty  well.  My 
parents  are  very  well.  It  is  quite  cool.  I  think  I  never  saw  corn  so  poor. 
There  is  a  great  deal  of  grass  unmowed. 

28.  My  parents   have  a  good   garden.     They  are  making  good  improve- 


'  Three  days  before  this  date,  Commodore  ^  Rev.  Abel  Flint,  D.  D. 

Isaac  Hull,  in  command  of  the  ship  Consfitu-  ^  Eveline  Wolcott  was  the  youngest  daugh- 

tion,   had   gained   a   decided   naval    victory,  ter  of  Mr.  Abiel   Wolcott,  being  then  eight 

capturing  the  British  ship  of  war  Guerriere,  years  old.     Later  in  life  she  was  Mrs.  Edgar 

which  was  so  damaged  in  the  fight  that  she  Bissell,  still  living, 

was  burned.     This  was  on  the  open  sea,  and  *  Now  Avon. 

the  news  of  the  affair  had  not  yet  reached  ^  Rgy.  Rufus  Hawley,  the  pastor  at  Avon, 

the  land.  1769-1826. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  525 

ments  about  the  house.     My  father  performs  his  ministerial    labors  without 
difficulty. 

29.  Wrote.  We  feel  quite  anxious  about  brother  Frank's  inclination  to 
continue  in  school  keeping.'  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Quite  warm.  This 
week  has  been  very  favorable  weather. 

30.  Preached  for  my  father  on  Ps.  li :  i8,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  I  suspect 
this  congregation,  ordinarily,  is  not  much  larger  than  mine.  Mrs.  Wolcott 
attended  meeting.  I  think  she  is  better  for  her  journey.  At  evening  con- 
versed considerably  with  brother  Nat.  I  fear  that  he  will  marry  injudiciously.^ 
There  is  said  to  be  considerable  seriousness  in  Cornwall  and  Kent  and  some 
places  adjacent,  but  in  this  and  the  neighboring  places  it  is,  as  with  us,  a  time 
of  great  stupidity  with  regard  to  divine  things. 

31.  Rode  with  my  brother  Samuel,  and  in  company  with  brother  and  sister 
Battell,  to  Lenox.  At  evening  attended  the  marriage  of  my  brother  James 
with  Maria  Eggleston.^  I  am  much  pleased  with  my  brother's  connection, 
and  with  his  bride.  In  the  morning  we  received  the  important  intelligence 
that  Gen.  Hull  and  his  army  are  made  prisoners.  I  conclude  it  is  true.  If 
so  our  nation  has  never  experienced  so  great  a  disgrace."  My  brother  had  a 
ver}^  agreeable  wedding.  A  summer  so  wet,  and  with  so  little  hot  weather,  is 
scarcely  remembered.' 

September. 

1.  My  brother  has  done  very  well  here  in  trade.  Esq.  Eggleston  treated 
us  with  much  attention  and  kindness.  James  and  Maria  went  off  to  Williams- 
town  to  Commencement.  Received  of  Pettibone  &  Robbins^  $9-54,  the 
balance  of  my  note  against  them.  Returned  to  Norfolk.  Last  night  there 
was  a  disgraceful  and  dangerous  conflict  at  Sheffield,  between  two  hundred 
United  States  troops  on  their  march  to  Albany  and  some  people  of  the  town. 
The  officers  were  very  faulty.'  My  father  did  not  feel  able  to  go  up  to  my 
brother's  wedding.     The  most  of  people  are  haying. 

2.  Paid  Mr,  Battell  $2.00.  Set  out  for  home  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  and 
Eveline.     Dined  at  brother  Ammi's.     Rode    to   Farmington,  tarried   at  Mr. 


'  Frank  has  now  been  out  of  college  for  as  also  in  Gen.  Hull's  own  writings,  consid- 

four  years,  and  he  ought,  as  his  family  think,  erations  are  presented,  by  which  the  public 

to  be  studying  theology.  mind  is  disposed  to  a  much  more  charitable 

^  Nathaniel  had  always  been  a  source  of  view  of  his  conduct  than  at  the  first, 
anxiety  to  his  family  with  reference   to   the  '  As  cold,  as  the  summer  before  was  hot. 

marriage  connections  which  he  was  disposed  ^  This  is  the  business  firm  with  which  his 

to  form.  brother  James  was  connected  in  Lenox. 

3  James  Watson  had  now  settled  down  in  '  It   is   a  curious   coincidence  that  there 

life,  and  was  to  become  one  of  the  substantial,  was,  this  very  year  (1812)  in  Sheffield,  Eng., 

leading  men  of  Lenox.  a  riot  in  which  eight  hundred  muskets  were 

*  On  the  15th  of  August,  181 2,  Gen.  Hull  destroyed.     This  riot  in  Sheifield,  Mass.,  was 

surrendered  Detroit  to   the   British  General  one  of  those  outbreaks,  probably,  that  had 

Brock.     In    1814,   for   this   act,   he    was   by  little   political   significance,  though  the  ele- 

court-martial  condemned  for  cowardice.     In  ment  of  party  feeling  may  have  been  in  it  to 

his  Life,  by  James  Freeman  Clarke,  D.  D.,  some  extent. 


-26  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

Gridley's.     The  public  feeling  is  much  excited  by  the  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull. 
The  most  of  the  people  are  evidently  pleased.' 

3.  Quite  warm.  Rode  home.  We  have  had  a  very  prosperous  journey. 
Mr.  McClure  carried  on  meeting  here  last  Sabbath.^  Deacon  Reed'  read 
two  sermons.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Perkins'*  to  convoke  our  Consocia- 
tion for  the  ordinary  meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 
Read  newspapers. 

4.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  i:  23,  24.  Wrote  poorly.  My  thoughts 
were  very  absent.     Rode  to  Hartford  and  brought  up  Ursula. 

5.  Rainy  and  cold.  Had  a  fire  in  my  chamber.  Wrote  all  day.  We 
have  had  the  official  account  of  the  surrender  of  Fort  Detroit  and  North  West- 
ern army  to  the  British.  It  is  a  most  disgraceful  event.  Never  was  a  war 
undertaken  with  such  poor  preparation,^ 

6.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  i :  23,  24.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  We  have  a  very  remarkable  account  of  a  revival  of 
religion  in  Bristol/  Rhode  Island. 

7.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $40.00.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  Cook 
$30.00.  Our  war  is  like  to  be  a  terrible  disgrace  and  injury  to  our  country. 
People  generally  conclude  the  present  crop  of  corn  will  be  as  poor  as  ever 
known.     Began  and  wrote  considerably  on  a  long  letter  to  brother  Frank, 

8.  Borrowed  from  Hartford  Bank,  $147.67,  for  which  I  yesterday  gave 
them  my  note  of  $150.00.  It  must  be  paid  in  ninety  days.  Rode  to  New 
Haven.  I  went  from  Hartford  to  New  Haven  in  seven  hours.  Attended  the 
public  exercises  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society,  which  were  a  poem  and  an  oration, 
very  good.  I  think  I  have  never  heard  so  good  a  poem  in  that  town.  Quite 
tired.  At  evening  attended  the  speaking  for  premiums.  They  spoke  unusu- 
ally well. 

g.  The  weather  is  very  fine.  The  public  performances  were  but  ordinar}^ 
There  are  not  so  many  people  at  the  Commencement  as  there  have  been  gen- 
erally for  a  few  years  past.  Very  few  strangers  or  characters  of  distinction. 
After  the  exercises  rode  to  East  Haven  and  returned.  Paid  Mr.  Moulthrop 
$5.00.  This,  with  $25.00  paid  him  by  my  father  and  brother  last  winter, 
which  I  have  endorsed  on  their  notes,  makes  $30.00  which  I  have  paid  for  my 
parents'  portraits.^  At  evening  Mr.  Miller^  preached  a  very  good  sermon  at 
the  Concio  ad  Clerum.     There  are  not  so  many  ministers  in  town  as  usual. 


'  That  is,  they  were  glad  to  have  the  gov-  pastor  from    1785   to  181 5,  colleague  pastor 

eminent  meet  with  calamities,  and  disposed  from   181 5  to   1828,  when   he  resigned,  but 

to  say,  "  I  told  you  so."  preached  occasionally  until  his  death  in  1837, 

^  He  presided  and  took  the  general  over-  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.     His  ministry  was 

sight.  a  very  successful  one. 

'  Dea.  Abner  Reed,  before  noticed  as  an  '  It  seems  that  the  same  artist,  Mr.  Reu- 

engraver.  ben  Moulthrop,  who  took  Dr.  Robbins's  pic- 

•♦  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins.  ture  (now  in  Connecticut  Historical  Rooms), 

'  Wisdom  must  be  gained  by  experience,  had  taken  also  those  of  his  father  and  mother, 

and  "  All's  well  that  ends  well."  now  at  Norfolk. 

*  This  revival  occurred  under  the  ministry  *  Rev.  William  F.Miller,  dismissed  iSii 

of  Rev.  Henry  Wight,  D.  D.,  who  was  sole  from  Bloomfield  (Wintonbury). 


l8l2.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  527 

10.  Paid  to  Eagle  Bank  my  fourth  instalment  of  $125.00,  which  will  be- 
come due  on  the  27th  instant.  Paid  Howe  what  I  owed  him,  $8.75.  Let  him 
have  a  dozen  of  my  father's  sermons.  Bought  another  half  ream  of  fine  letter 
paper  like  that  which  I  purchased  April  30th.  The  ream  cost  $10.00.*  I  con- 
clude it  will  last  me  for  sermons  and  letters  six  or  eight  years.  I  have  seldom 
found  any  of  this  size.  Bought  some  valuable  books.  Attended  the  meeting 
of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.  Attended  a  meeting  at  which  Dr.  Backus  preached.^ 
Left  New  Haven  at  noon  and  rode  home.  The  weather  is  very  pleasant,  but 
like  all  the  preceding  part  of  the  year  it  is  not  warm.  In  the  morning  visited 
Mr.  Mix's  museum,  which  is  a  great  curiosity. 

11.  Wrote.     Read  Universal  History.     Attended  a  little  time  at  a  training. 

12.  Finished  my  letter  to  brother  Frank.  Wrote  to  brother  Samuel  and 
Mr.  Battell.  Mr.  Sheldon,^  now  preaching  at  Orford,  came  here  for  an 
exchange.     Rode    to   Orford.     Quite   warm. 

13.  Preached  from  i  John  iii :  3,  and  Jer.  xxiii :  -i,:},.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  Baptized  four  children.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  The 
prospects  of  this  society  I  think  are  rather  more  encouraging  than  they  have 
been.     At  evening  rode  home.     Very  tired. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Ursula.  Paid  for  the  third  half  volume  of  the 
Encydopcedia,  $4.00."  Sent  to  my  mother  my  old  great  coat.  Sent  to  my 
father  four  pounds  of  white  paint,  for  which,  with  pot,  etc.,  I  paid  $1.55.  Got 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Delaplaine,  of  Philadelphia,  publisher  of  the  Encydo- 
pcedia.    Visited. 

15.  Read  Encydopcedia.     The  ground  is  very  dry.     Visited. 

16.  Read  Mather's  Magnalia.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford,  and 
attended  a  regimental  training.'  They  performed  remarkably  well.  The  dust 
very  oppressive.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and  heard  a  sermon  from  Dr. 
Worcester,  of  Salem.  The  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  are  now  in  session 
there.^     My  brother  James  and  his  lady  came  here  and  tarried. 

17.  My  brother  and  sister  went  away  after  dinner.  Had  company. 
Wrote.     Quite    cool    and   dry.     Walked   out. 


*  Paper,  books,  and  clothing  were  higher  '  The   writer  of  these   notes   attended   a 

then   than  now,   but   articles   of  food  were  regimental  training  in  East  Hartford,  sixteen 

much   cheaper.  years  later  (182S),  ending  with  a  sham  fight 

^  This  was  Dr.  Azel  Backus,  born  in  Nor-  in  the  meadows.    He  made  a  journey  on  foot, 

wich,  Ct.,  Oct.  13,  1765,  graduated  at  Yale,  back  and  forth,  of  about  twenty-six  miles  to 

1787,  and   settled   at  Bethlem,  Ct.,  as   sue-  doit.     But  the  occasion  was  great,  and  weari- 

cessor   of   Dr.   Joseph   Bellamy,    1791-1812.  ness  a  trifle. 

In  the  latter  year  he  was  chosen  President  *  This   was   the  third  annual   meeting  of 

of  Hamilton  College,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died  the  American  Board  of   Commissioners  for 

in    1816.      He   and   his   uncle,   Dr.   Charles  Foreign  Missions.     The  first  meeting  was  at 

Backus,  of  Somers,  both  died  in  the  midday  Farmington,   Ct.,    1810,   and   the   second   at 

of  life.  Salem,   Mass.     This   was  the    day   of  small 

3  Rev.  Luther  Sheldon,  graduated  at  Mid-  things,  but  now  the  society   is    known  and 

dlebury   College,   Vt.,  in    1808,  a   native   of  honored   over   the  whole  earth.     The  trans- 

Somers,  Ct.  forming  power  of  this  agency  may  be  seen  in 

*■  Eight  dollars  a  volume.  many  lands,  and  in  the  islands  of  the  sea. 


528  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

18.  Began  another  number  for  the  Magazine}     Wrote  all  day. 

19.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Lev.  xxvi :  41.  I  hope  to  be  enabled  through 
grace  to  accept  of  the  punishment  of  my  iniquity.^ 

20.  This  morning  there  was  some  frost.  The  first  we  have  had.  Wrote 
notes  and  preached  from  Mai.  xxvii:  54,  and  from  Luke  xxvi :  41.  Something 
rainy.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  some  new  books  brought  from  New 
Haven.  We  have  an  account  of  another  great  victory  over  the  French  gained 
by  Lord  Wellington  in  Spain. ^  Rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  Freeman's 
Meeting.  The  highest  Federal  vote  for  nomination  was  two  hundred  and 
fifty-one.  The  Democratic  nomination  was  not  called.  There  were  but 
twenty-.seven  Democratic  votes  for  a  representative.  Ver\-  cool.  It  is  thought 
however  that  the  corn,  which  is  very  green,  is  not  injured  by  the  frost. 
Looked  over  Shuckford's  Connections.''  The  histor}^  is  not  brought  so  low  as 
the  title  indicates. 

22.  My  new  books  make  a  valuable  addition  to  my  library.  Wrote  all  day 
on  my  twelfth  number 'for  the  Magazine.  I  have  gone  further  already  with  this 
than  I  expected  when  I  undertook  it. 

23.  Finished  my  Magazine  number.  Attended  the  training  of  a  regiment 
of  cavalry  which  met  in  this  place.  The  last  week  and  this  have  been  a  very 
fine  season  for  military  reviews.     This  morning  there  was  a  good  deal  of  frost. 

24.  Read  Universal  History.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  performed 
a  marriage.^     Quite  cold. 

25.  Read  Universal  History.  The  history  of  the  Jews  is  ver}'  valuable. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Very  dry  and  dusty. 

26.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Nathaniel.  I  feel  concerned  about  him 
in  his  present  situation.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

27.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  from  Mark  xi :  20.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     The  meeting  was  quite  full. 

28.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel*  On  the  15th  wrote  to  my  father. 
Rode  to  Hartford  with  Ursula.  Visited  a  school  which  has  done  well  this 
summer.     Visited  a  woman  in  a  consumption.     Very  low. 


'  The  thirteenth  number.     He  had  filled  the  wicked."     "  But   are   we   not  wicked  ? " 

out  a  year  beginning  in  October,   181 1,  and  asked  Dr.  S.     "Not  very,"  was  the  quick  and 

commenced  another.     He   makes  a  mistake  pleasant  reply, 

in  calling  it  the  twelfth.  ^  This   must  refer  to   the  great  battle  of 

°  This  remark  of  Dr.  Robbins  reminds  us  Salamanca,   fought   July   22,  18 12,  in  which 

of  an  incident  related  by  Rev.  Daniel  Butler,  Wellington  totally  routed  the    French  army 

of  genial   memories.      As   secretary   of   the  under  Marshal    Marmont,  leaving   six   thou- 

Massachusetts  Bible  Society  he  was  spending  sand  men  dead,  wounded,  and  missing,  and 

a   Sabbath   with    the    venerable    Dr.    R.    S.  taking    more    than   seven    thousand    prison- 

Storrs,  of  Braintree,  Mass.,  then  in  his  old  ers. 

age.     As  the  Sabbath  evening  drew  on,  one  "*  This  was  a  work  of  Rev.  S.  Shuckford, 

of  the  Psalms  was  read  by  a  member  of  the  a  learned  divine. 

family,  and  remarks  were  made.     In  reply  to  ^  Chester   Pitkin,  of   East  Hartford,  was 

something  that  had  been  said,  the  gentle  and  united  in  marriage  with  Nancy  Ufford. 

half  playful  wife,  bowed  under  the  infirmities  *  His  brother  Samuel,  as  we  urderstand 

of  age,  said,  "  That  does  not  mean  us,  it  means  it,  was  still  in  Norfolk. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


529 


29.  Went  to  Windsor  on  foot  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  Mr.  Gaylord,' 
of  Hartland,  preached  very  well.  We  did  not  have  much  business.  The 
state  of  religion  within  our  limits  is  gloomy.     Tarried  at  Mrs.  McLean's. 

30.  The  Consociation  finished  their  business  before  noon.  Set  out  to  walk 
to  Hartford.  Got  a  ride  in  a  wagon.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  worse  dust.  We 
have  had  some  frost,  I  believe,  every  morning  for  about  ten  days.  Purchased 
some  books  at  Hartford  at  vendue,  for  which  I  paid  $6.80.  Purchased  also  at 
vendue  a  fine  orange-tree  for  $1.10,  and  a  good  lemon-tree  for  $1.00.  Rode 
home  in  a  wagon.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  believe  the  frosts  have  not 
killed  the  corn,  though  its  color  is  changed. 

October. 

1.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Hos.  viii :  14.  Afternoon  visited  a 
school.  They  have  done  very  well  this  summer,  particularly  in  the  catechism. 
Visited  sick  persons.  Paid  for  a  new  singing-book,  for  which  I  was  a 
subscriber,  $1.25. 

2.  Wrote  on  a  sermon.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture,  with  notes,  from 
Rom.  xiii :  11.  Visited.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  was  at  78°.  Yes- 
terday it  was  nearly  the  same. 

3.  Quite  a  rainy  day.  We  have  not  had  scarcely  any  before  since  about 
the  20th  of  August.  Wrote  in  six  hours  and  a  half  a  sermon  on  Luke  viii:  15. 
I  never  wrote  one  in  so  short  a  time.     It  is  not  as  long  as  I  generally  write. 

4.  Wrote.  On  account  of  the  rain  preached  with  notes  on  i  John  iv  :  11. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  The  meeting  pretty  thin.  Afternoon  Mr.  A. 
Loomis'^  preached  for  me.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Ursula.  Brought  up  my  orange  and  lemon- 
trees.  I  hope  to  keep  them  from  the  frost.  I  think  I  bought  them  cheap. 
One  was  $1.10,  the  other  $1.00,  including  the  pots.  The  orange  is  three  feet 
and  three  inches,  and  the  lemon  two  feet  and  five  inches  above  the  earth  in 
which  they  grow.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

6.  Last  night  there  was  a  hard  rain.  Rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  West- 
field.  The  academy  had  a  very  good  exhibition.  I  believe  Frank  to  be  a 
very  good  preceptor.  Quite  cold  and  windy.  Saw  Mr.  Weeks,^  of  Vermont. 
This  academy  has  had  this  summer  nearly  an  hundred  students.  My  brother 
has  agreed  to  continue  half  a  year  longer.* 

7.  Rode  home  by  Springfield.  It  being  a  regimental  day  we  could  not  go 
into  the  armory.^  Vegetation  is  generally  stopped  by  the  frost.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 


'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Gaylord,  of  West  Hart-  graduate  of  Dartmouth  College,  1795,  pastor 

land.  at  Pittsford,  Vt.,  1807-1814. 

^  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis,  son  of  Dea.  Amasa  *  He  could  not  easily  tear  himself  away 

Loomis,  of  Dr.  Robbins's  church.     Rev.  Mr.  from  a   school  which  he    had  conducted  so 

Loomis,  who  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1807,  prosperously. 

was  not  yet  settled  over  any  parish,  but  had  ^  The  United  States  armory  was  located 

been    employed    on    missionary   service    in  in    Springfield   in    1795,  and   ever  since   has 

Ohio.  been  busily  employed,  though  much  more  so, 

3  Rev.   Holland  Weeks,   before   noticed,  of  course,  in  time  of  war  than  of  peace. 


C30         *  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

8,  Read   Universal  History.     Very  cold  for  the  season.     Have  a  steady 
fire  in  my  chamber. 

9.  Read    Universal  History.     Rode  to  Hartford  and  brought  up  Ursula. 
She  has  now  finished  her  school  there,  having  attended  fourteen  weeks.' 

10.  Last  evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried.  This  morning 
he  went  off  to  Norfolk.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Finished  the  tenth  volume  of 
Modern  Universal  History.  This  morning  we  had  a  severe  frost.  Began 
another  number  for  the  Magazine. 

11.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  morning  from  Isa.  Ixi :  2.  Finished 
and  preached  a  sermon  on  Hos.  viii ;  14.     Attended  the  conference. 

12.  Something  rainy.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  corn  comes  in  better  than 
was  feared.     Visited. 

13.  Wrote  a  number  for  the  Magazine.  Severe  cold.  We  have  very 
favorable  accounts  of  the  encounters  of  the  Russian  with  the  French  armies.^ 

14.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Preached 
from  Hos.  viii  :   14.     All  the  members  attended.     Looked  over  old  magazines. 

15.  Finished  my  fourteenth  number  for  the  Magazine.  My  orange  and 
lemon-trees   do   very  well.     Visited. 

16.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  to  Orford.  Brought  home  a  number  of 
valuable  books  which  I  have  purchased  from  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Olcott's  library.^ 
At  night  my  brother  N.  came  here.     Got  wet  with  rain. 

17.  Last  evening  I  caught  a  cold.  Wrote  on  the  subject  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions.    Wrote  notes  for  preaching.     My  brother  continues  here.* 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  2  Peter  iii :  9.  In 
the  forenoon  preached  from  Luke  viii :  15.  Am  much  troubled  with  my  cold. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

19.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Talcott  Mountain.  He  leaves  his  horse  to 
be  sold.  Received  from  him,  $10.00.  Paid  my  merchant  tailor,  $5.00.  For 
a  silk  hat,  procured  last  June,  $2.75.  The  late  elections  in  the  Middle  States 
have  been  very  favorable  to  Federalism.  Quite  cold.  Saw  at  Hartford  a 
large    elephant.     It   is   a   great   curiosity.^     Paid    Mr.   Haskell,   $1.00. 

20.  Wrote  laboriously  from  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  till  after  twelve  at  night,  on 
the  subject  of  Foreign  Missions.  I  verily  believe  the  present  state  of  that 
business  in  this  country^  to  be  injurious  and  dangerous,  as  turning  off  public 
attention  from  our  own  country.^ 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.     A  number  of  people  met  for  the  purpose  of  form- 


'  It  did  not  take  so  long  to  finish  a  young  from   which   it  never  recovered.      But  this 

lady's  education  then  as  now.  news  could   not   have  reached  Mr.  Robbins 

^  By  favorable   accounts   he   must   mean  when  he  made  this  entry  in  his  diary, 
that  he  had  heard  of  the  defeat  of  the  French  ^  He  continues  to  buy  books  of  Mrs.  Ol- 

by  the  Russians.     But   from   the   middle  of  cott,  and  it  was  probably  good  fortune  to  her 

7uly  to  the  early  part  of  September  there  had  thus  to  sell  them, 
been  a  series  of  battles  in  which  the  French  *■  His  brother  Nathaniel. 

were  victorious,  the  last  one  being  the  battle  *  Mr.  Barnum  was  not  about  then, 

of  Borodino,  September  7th.     On  the  15th  of  *  There  have  been  many  people  that  have 

Sept.,   1812,  the   Russians  burned   Moscow,  reasoned  in  the  same  way,  but  without  just 

and  this  was  a  disaster  to  the  French  army  cause.   ■ 


[8l2.] 


PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


531 


ing  an  Auxiliary  Foreign  Mission  Society.  I  presented  an  address  which  I 
have  written  in  opposition  to  the  measure.  After  much  debate  the  meeting 
was  adjourned  to  the  fourth  day  of  next  February.' 

2  2.  Rode  to  Westfield  with  Tudor,  left  him  with  my  brother  Frank  and 
returned.^     In  the  evening  performed  a  marriage.^ 

23.  Wrote.     Visited.     Read  Universal  History.     A  hard  rain. 

24.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  sick  persons.  Read.  We  have  an 
account  of  an  action  of  our  army  with  the  British  near  Niagara,  in  which  our 
troops  were  badly  beaten.'*  The  frowns  of  heaven  appear  to  be  upon  this  war. 
Read  the  Bible. 

25.  Read  the  Bible.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Mark  xvi :  16.  The 
meeting  very  full.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Warm  and  pleasant. 

26.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  my  father.  On  Saturday  wrote 
one  to  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley,  Northington.^  Read  Universal  History.  Heard  of 
the  melancholy  news  of  the  death  of  Gov.  Griswold.^  He  died  yesterday,  very 
suddenly,  sitting  in  his  chair.  I  think  it  to  be  a  ver}^  great  frown  of  heaven 
upon  our  State.     Quite  rainy. 

27.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Found,  unexpectedly,  some  persons  quite 
serious.     Laiis  Deo. 

28.  Read.  Finished  the  twelfth  volume  of  Universal  Modern  History,  \v\i\c^ 
makes  half  of  the  work.  I  am  something  back  of  my  assigned  task,  a  volume 
a  month.     We  had  a  very  hard  rain.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.' 

29.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  I  fear  the  freemen  of  the  State 
will  be  much  divided  in  the  choice  of  a  Governor.  I  have  fears  about  the 
maintenance  of  our  Evangelical  Magazine.^ 

30.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  families  sick  and  others.  The  pros- 
pects of  the  people  there  are  very  discouraging. 

31.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxvi :  10.  Wrote  very  poorly.  The  Assembly 
have  paid  a  great  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  Governor.  Warm.  Received 
for  my  brother's  horse,  which  is  sold,  $150.00.'  The  country  is  much  agitated 
respecting  the  approaching  Presidential  election. 


'  The  position  of  the  meeting  would  be 
called  strange  now. 

^  Dr.  Robbins  seems  to  have  the  care  of 
the  education  of  all  the  children  of  th^ 
family. 

3  The  parties  united  were  Guy  Stoughton 
and  Esther  Diggins.  Diggins  was  an  old 
name  in  East  Windsor,  furnishing  one  gradu- 
ate of  Yale  College,  John  Diggins,  1740,  who 
was  fitted  for  college  by  Rev.  Timothy 
Edwards. 

*  This  was  a  battle  which  was  not,  by  any 
means,  all  on  one  side.  It  is  known  as  the 
battle  of  Queenstown  Heights,  and  though 
the  Americans  were  finally  repulsed,  with 
heavy  loss,  the  British  lost,  it  is  believed,  as 


heavily,  including  their  Gen.  Brock,  who  was 
killed. 

5  Avon. 

*  Gov.  Roger  Griswold,  then  in  office, 
died  at  his  home  in  Norwich,  Ct.,  Oct.  25, 
181 2.  He  was  the  son  of  Gov.  Matthew  and 
Ursula  (Wolcott)  Griswold,  and  was  one  of 
the  truly  able  men  of  the  country. 

'  Between  Curtiss  Skinner  and  Ann  New- 
bury. 

^  The  Evangelical  Magazine  continued  till 
1815. 

9  His  brother  Nathaniel  had  a  valuable 
horse  to  bring  a  price  like  that  in  those 
years.  His  principal  care  was  for  blooded 
sheep,  but  he  also  liked  a  good  horse. 


532 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[l8l2. 


November. 

1.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon,  on  Acts  vii :  42.  After- 
noon, on  Ps.  cxvi :  10.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping,  preached  from  i  Cor. 
ii :  2,  and  baptized  three  children.'  Quite  cool.  Very  tired.  At  the  close  of 
the  afternoon  service  spoke  of  the  death  of  the  Governor.  I  think  our  meet- 
ings have  been  fuller  this  fall  than  they  were  in  the  summer. 

2.  Wrote.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Warm  for  the  season. 

3.  Read  in  Universal  History,  two  hundred  and  fifty  pages.  I  do  not 
commonly  read  twenty-five  pages  in  an  hour.     Wrote  to  my  father. 

4.  Walked  and  visited.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Ban- 
croft,^ after  which,  walked  to  Windsor  and  met  with  our  ministers'  meeting. 
They  had  got  about  through  with  their  business  when  I  reached  there.  Re- 
turned. 

5.  Read  Universal  History.  Finished  the  thirteenth  volume.  I  have 
read  a  volume  this  week  and  one  last  week. 

6.  Began  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vi :  22.  Wrote  all  day.  Quite  warm.  At 
evening  walked  out. 

7.  Wrote  steadily.  Finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  The  elec- 
tions indicate  a  great  change  of  public  opinion  in  the  country.^  Received  a 
letter  from  my  father. 

8.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  severe  frost.  Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  22. 
Full  meeting.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  President's  Mes- 
sage indicates  a  determination  to  prosecute  the  war. 

9.  Quite  cold.     Rode  to   Hartford.     Got  some   new  books, 
great  hopes  that  Mr.  Madison  will  not  be  reelected." 
Massachusetts  is  astonishing. 

ID.     Walked  and  visited.     In  the  evening  read  in   Universal  History,  one 


There   are 
The  political  change  in 


hundred  and  fifty  pages. 
Haven.^ 


Received   a   letter  from  Howe   &  Deforest,  New 


'  Flavel  and  Edward  Grant,  sons  of  Mr. 
David  Grant,  and  Horace  Skinner,  son  of 
Oliver   Skinner,   Jr. 

^  Mrs.  Lydia  Bancroft,  sixty-seven. 

^  James  Madison,  fourtli  President  of  the 
United  States,  was  a  classmate  at  Princeton, 
in  the  class  of  1771,  of  Rev.  Samuel  Spring, 
D.  D.,  of  Newburyport.  In  the  month  of 
September  of  this  year,  18 12,  Mr.  Madison 
wrote  a  letter  to  Dr.  Spring,  in  which  occur 
the  following  sentences :  "  I  recollect  our 
collegiate  friendship  with  the  same  impres- 
sions which  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  you 
still  retain.  .  .  We  all  feel  the  weight  of  the 
times,  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  all  cannot 
unite  in  measures  opposed  to  them.  If  it 
were  proper  for  me,  it  might  not  be  agreeable 
to  you  to  discuss  the  subject ;  but  I  will  not 
conceal  the  surprise  and  pain  I  feel  at  dec- 
larations from  any   part   of    the   American 


people,  that  measures  resulting  from  the  na- 
tional will,  constitutionally  pronounced,  and 
carrying  with  them  the  most  solemn  sanc- 
tions, are  not  to  be  pursued  into  effect  with- 
out the  hazard  of  civil  war.  This  is  surely 
not  the  legitimate  course.  Neither  is  it  the 
language  on  other  occasions  heard  from  the 
same  quarter." 

This  seems  more  calm,  wise,  and  patriotic 
language  than  some  which  we  find  in  this 
diary,  and  widely  in  the  writings  of  New 
England  men  of  that  period. 

'*  In  political  matters,  it  is  plain  to  be  seen 
that  Mr.  Robbins's  "wish  was  father  to  his 
thought."  Mr.  Madison  was  reelected  in 
1813,  receiving  128  of  the  total  217  electoral 
votes  =  128  to  89.  In  his  first  election  he 
received  122  of  the  total  175=  122  to  53. 

5  A  new  name  in  the  book  firm  which 
used  to  be  Howe  &  Beers. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST  WINDSOR.  533 

11.  Visited.  Read.  Had  a  bad  turn  of  cholic.  I  have  been  troubled  of 
late  with  inattention  in  reading. 

12.  Worked.  Walked  and  visited.  Read  Universal  History.  The  pros- 
pect of  our  Presidential  election  appears  extremely  uncertain.  I  think  we  have 
some  evidence  of  the  presence  of  the  good  spirit  of  God  among  us  of  late. 

13.  Began  another  number  for  the  Magazine.  Wrote  to  Howe  &  Deforest, 
New  Haven.  Quite  cool.  Walked  out.  In  the  evening  it  snowed  some. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hawley,  of  Northington. 

14.  Wrote  on  my  Magazine  number.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father. 
Quite  cool.     Wrote  over  old  notes  for  preaching. 

15.  Preached  with  notes  from  i  John  iv :  i.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.     Pretty  thin. 

16.  Rode  to  Farmington  on  business  for  brother  Samuel.  Wrote  a  letter 
to  him.  Returned.  There  is  a  great  quantity  of  cider'  made  this  fall. 
Wrote.  Had  some  new  clothes  made.  A  surtout  cost  about  twenty-one  dol- 
lars. On  the  loth  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers.  On  the 
i6th  received  of  my  brother  N.  $15.00. 

17.  Worked  clearing  and  manuring  my  asparagus  beds.  Received  of  Mr. 
Wolcott,  $5.00.  Paid  for  Owen's'^  Commentary  oji  the  Hebrews,  $6.00.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Yates.  Wrote  to  my 
brother  James.     Visited. 

18.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  Magazine  number  and  finished  it.  It  is  w^holly 
occupied  with  the  life  of  Mr.  Hooker,^  who  was  a  very  great  man.  It  has 
been  a  very  difficult  number  to  write. 

19.  Rode  to  Bolton  and  back.  Their  situation  about  society  matters  is 
pretty  critical.''  Ursula  went  with  me.  Paid  Mrs.  Olcott,  of  Orford,  what  I 
owed  her  for  books,  $15.00.     I  have  paid  her  in  the  whole,  $45.00.     Very  cold. 

20.  Walked  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  We  have  a  very  pleasing 
prospect  of  an  addition  to  the  church.     Read  Universal  History. 

21.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ex.  ix  :  20.  Assisted  the  church  committee  in 
examining  two  young  women  for  admission  to  the  church.  Talked  seriously 
with  this  family. 

22.  Preached  with  notes  on  Matt,  xxvi :  42,  and  from  Ex.  ix :  20.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Very  cold.     Very  tired. 

23.  Worked  all  day.  Got  out  my  artificial  manure  for  my  garden.  Read 
Universal  History.  The  mourning  color  among  the  Mahometans  of  Barbary  is 
blue.     This  morning  and  yesterday  the  thermometer  was  below  20°. 


'  The  cider,  when  plenteous,  was  regarded  ^  Thomas  Hooker,  of  Hartford,  than  whom 

as  one  of  the  blessings  of  a  kind  Providence.  there  was  no  greater  man  among  the  early 

^  Ur.  John  Owen,  1616-16S3,  one  of  the  settlers  of  New  England, 
greatest   of   England's  Puritan  divines.     He  *  It  will   be  remembered  that  Rev.  Geo. 

was     a    very    voluminous    writer,    and    his  Colton,  who  had  been  pastor  at  Bolton  for 

work  on  the  Epistle  to   the  Hebrews,  which  nearly  fifty  years,  died  in  the  previous  June, 

first  began  to  appear  in  166S,  is  regarded  by  and    nearly   three   years   passed   before   the 

many  as  the  most  important  of  his  publica-  people  were   united  upon   any  one  for   his 

tions.  >  successor. 


534 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 


24.  Last  night  there  was  a  very  violent  wind  and  rain.  Began  a  sermon 
for  Thanksgiving.     Visited  a  woman  very  low  with  the  consumption. 

25.  Quite  cold.  Finished  my  Thanksgiving  sermon.  I  think  it  the 
poorest  I  have  written  since  I  have  been  here.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
brother  James.  For  twenty-nine  past  Thanksgivings  our  country  has  been  in 
peace.' 

26.  Thanksgiving.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  16°.  Preached  from 
Hosea  xi :  8.     Our  family  is  quite  small.     At  evening  walked  out. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  It  appears  likely  that  Mr.  Madison  will  be  re- 
chosen,  though  we  have  thought  it  very  doubtful.     Read  Encydopcedia. 

28.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Loomis.^  Rode  to  Ellington 
on  an  exchange.  Quite  cold.  We  had  a  large  and  very  solemn  funeral.^  Mrs. 
Brockway  *  has  been  long  confined  with  ill-health. 

29.  A  hard  rain  all  day.  Very  few  people  at  meeting.  I  believe  not 
more  than  twenty.  Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  22.  At  evening  rode  home. 
Mr.  Flint  ^  preached  today  for  me.  This  afternoon  he  preached  and  attended 
a  funeral  at  Wapping.     Visited  a  young  man  very  sick. 

30.  Visited  sick  people  in  the  neighborhood.  I  have  seldom  or  never 
known  so  many  sick  persons  in  this  place.  Worked  considerably.  Completed 
my  fall  work  of  digging  of  manure,  fixing  trees,  etc.  At  evening  read.  Fin- 
ished the  fourteenth  volume  of  Modern  Universal  History.  I  have  now  com- 
pleted three  years  since  I  began  the  work,  and  set  my  task  to  read  a  vol- 
ume a  month.  A  year  ago  I  was  in  arrear  six  volumes  ;  I  am  now  four. 
Am  considerably  gloomy  and  dejected. 

December. 

1.  Wrote  a  review  of  Dr.  Dwight's  Fast  6>/-;/;^^?  *  for  ministers'  meeting. 
Wrote  my  brother  Samuel.     Gave  to  my  father's  boy,  Rossiter,^  .75. 

2.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was  held  here.  The  lecture  was  ver}-  thin.^ 
It  snowed  moderately  the  most  of  the  day.  There  came  considerable  snow 
night  before  last.  Read  to  the  meeting  the  piece  I  wrote  yesterday.  Mr. 
Bartlett  preached.     Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $35.00. 

3.  It  continues  to  snow,  though  very  moderately.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
We  have  the  painful  account  of  a  great  victory  of  the  French  in  Russia.' 
Paid  to  Hartford  Bank  the  first  instalment  of  what  I  borrowed  last  September, 
$31.86.     Wrote  to  my  father.     Visited. 


'  He  reckons  from  the  dose  of  the  Revo-  ^  The  boy  whom   Dr.  Robbins   procured 

lutionary  period,  1783.  some  time  before  to  assist  his  father,  and  of 

^  Mrs.  Olive  Loomis,  thirty-three.  whom  we  have  before  heard  good  report. 

3  This  sentence  should  have  been  entered  ^  This   confirms   the   previous   statement 

before  the  last  two.  that  these  ministers'  meetings  uniformly  in- 

*  Mrs.  Diodate  Brockway.  eluded  a  public  preaching  service. 

5  Rev.  Abel  Flint,  D.  D.  9  People  here  were  probably  just  hearing 

*  This  was  the  sermon,  in  two  parts,  de-  of  the  battle  of  Borodino.  Moscow  had  been 
livered  in  the  chapel  of  Yale  College,  by  in  ashes  more  than  two  months,  but  they  had 
President  Dwight,  on  occasion  of  the  late  not  heard  of  it  yet.  England  was  a  great 
National  Fast.  way  off,  but  Russia  much  farther. 


l8l2.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  535 

4.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Walked  and  visited.  My  visits  to  the  sick  and 
mourners  take  a  good  deal  of  time.     Caught  some  cold. 

5.  Last  night  was  in  bed  more  than  eleven  hours,  and  slept  the  most  of 
the  time.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25.  Am  considerably  interrupted 
by  calls  and  company. 

6.  A  pleasant  day  after  many  that  were  stormy.  Preached  with  notes  on 
Matt,  v :  4,  and  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  I  never  saw  so  many  mourn- 
ers here  at  once,  as  today.  Received  Julia  and  Helen  Wolcott '  as  members  in 
the  church.  I  pray  for  becoming  thankfulness.  We  had  a  very  solemn  meet- 
ing.    At  evening  had  a  very  serious  conference.     I  beg  for  the  divine  blessing. 

7.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  We  have  the  account  of  the  capture  of  a 
large  English  frigate  ^  by  one  of  ours.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  my 
cousin  P.  G.  Robbins. 

8.  Read  in  Universal  History,  three  hundred  pages.  I  think  the  two 
sieges  of  Rhodes  by  the  Turks  exceed  anything  of  the  kind  I  have  met  with 
in  history.^     Warm  and  wet. 

9.  Visited  the  sick.  A  woman  with  the  consumption  appears  to  be  near 
her  end.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.'* 

ID.  Read  Universal  History.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Visited.  Today  and 
Tuesday  I  have  read  a  volume  of  my  history.  The  history  of  the  Knights  of 
Malta  is  uncommonly  entertaining.     Performed  a  marriage.' 

11.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  about  20°.  Walked  to  Hartford. 
Mr.  Yates  has  lost  his  eldest  son  with  a  fever.  Fourteen  years  old.  Preached 
a  sacramental  lecture  on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25,  for  Dr.  Strong.  Rode  home.  The 
ground  is  hard  frozen  and  very  rough.  Wrote.  We  have  news  of  astonishing 
war  events  in  Russia.  The  desolations  are  terrible.  I  am  in  great  hopes  the 
projects  of  the  French  Emperor  will  be  frustrated.* 

12.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  10°.  The  ground  is  very  hard  frozen. 
Received  a  letter  from  Howe  &  Deforest.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Wrote 
an  addition  to  a  funeral  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vii:  29,  31.  I  think  I  cannot  do 
so  much  business  in  the  winter  by  day  as  in  the  summer. 

13.  Preached  in  the  forenoon,  with  notes,  on  Matt,  xxii  :  42.  Afternoon 
rode  to  East  Hartford,  and  preached  for  Mr.  Yates''  in  his  affliction,  from 
I  Cor.  vii:  29-31.  At  evening  returned  and  attended  the  conference.  Very 
tired.  Read  newspapers.  I  think  we  have  never  had  so  good  ground  of  hope 
as  now,  that  Bonaparte  will  be  beaten  in  war.^ 

'  Julia  and  Helen  Wolcott,  daughters  of  ••  The  parties  were  Joel  King  and  Chloe 

Erastus  Wolcott,  Jr.  Grant. 

^  This  is  the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  *  Jeremiah  Antrim,  of  Somers,  and  Anna 

Guerriere  by  the  Constitution^  under  Commo-  Ellsworth. 

dore  Isaac  Hull,  Aug.  19,  nearly  four  months  ''  The  news  from  Moscow  begins  to  come 

before.     So  slowly  did  news  get  in.  in. 

^  Rhodes,  an  island  near  Asia  Minor,  was  ^  He  gave  up  his  own  afternoon  service 

held  by  the  Knights  Hospitalers,  from  1309  to  help  his  brother  in  distress, 

to  1522,  when  after  a  long  siege  it  was  taken  *  This  is  the  Moscow  news  without  doubt, 

by  the  Turks,  and  the  Knights  took  posses-  and  his  conclusion  is  correct.     Napoleon  will 

sion  of  Malta.  never  really  recover  from  this  blow. 


536  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l8l2. 

14.  Visited  two  schools.  Visited  the  sick.  The  school  visitors  are  lax  in 
attending  to  their  duty. 

15.  Read  Universal  Histoi-y.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  dressing  a  piece 
of  cloth  for  my  niece,  E.  Lawrence,'  $1.87,  and  for  cutting  her  coat,  .50.  The 
thermometer  this  morning  was  at  12°.  Received  a  letter  from  P.  B.  Gleason,^ 
Hartford.     Last  evening  received  an  almanack,  sent  by  my  brother  James. 

16.  The  ground  is  bare  and  dry,  and  going  exceedingly  good.  Visited  two 
schools.  Could  have  but  one  visitor  with  me.  Read  Magazifie.  At  evening 
rode  to  the  border  of  East  Hartford  and  performed  a  marriage.'     Very  cold. 

17.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  10°.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Reckoned  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  and  received  a  note  of  him  as  society  collector, 
$252.71.  Paid  him  in  a  number  of  small  old  charges  which  I  had  against  him, 
$12.85,  which,  with  what  I  did  for  him  last  winter  in  making  tax-bills  and 
arranging  his  papers,  he  received  for  the  use  of  his  horse  and  carriage,  etc., 
which  I  have  had  for  a  year.     I  give  him  for  my  living  $104  a  year.* 

18.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  their  two  schools.  Visited  sick  people. 
Very  pleasant  weather.     Much  tired. 

19.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $125.00.  On  the  17th  received  of  Mr. 
Wolcott  an  order,  which  I  had  given  on  the  society  treasurer,  of  $6.75,  and 
a  due-bill  which  I  had  given  for  books,  of  $9.35.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  New 
Year's  address  for  the  Magazine.^ 

20.  Preached  an  old  written  sermon  on  Isa.  xxvi :  4.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference.     Cold  and  tedious. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  parents,  and  one  to  Charles 
Sherman,*  of  New  Haven.  Sent  my  fifth  instalment  to  the  Eagle  Bank  of 
$125,00.  The  wind  very  severe  and  cold.  Visited.  The  society  had  theji 
annual  meeting ;  very  harmonious.  No  certificates  have  been  given  in  during 
the  past  year.     Read  Clarke's  Commmtary. 

22.  Wrote  the  life  of  Mr.  Stone'  for  a  part  of  my  next  Magazine  number. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  Polly  Loomis.  She  has  died  of  a  consumption,  after 
a  very  long  decline. 

23.  Wrote  the  life  of  Mr.  Davenport.*  He  was  a  very  great  man.  I  have 
written  this  number  for  the  Magazine  in  two  days.  Studied  quite  late.  In  the 
afternoon  performed  a  marriage.' 


'  Eliza  Lawrence,  daughter  of  his  sister  ''  This   was   the   Charles    Sherman,   who 

Elizabeth.    She  is  getting  ready  to  be  married.  some  years  before  sent  out  a  circular  to  the 

^  The  publisher  of  the  Connecticut  Evan-  clergy.     Later  he  moved  to  Suffield. 
gelical  Magazine.  '  Samuel  Stone,  who  was  colleague  pastor 

^  Chauncey  Heath,  of  Scantic,  and  Lydia  with  Thomas  Hooker.     They  were  the  first 

Eurnham,  of  East  Hartford.     He  was  called  ministers  of  Hartford.     Thomas  Hooker  died 

to  this  service  probably  because  of  Dr.  Yates's  in  1647.     Samuel  Stone  in  1663.   The  two  men 

recent  affliction.  were  intimate  before  coming  from  England. 

*  Now  that  there  is  no  horse,  the  board  is  ^  John   Davenport,  the   first   minister   of 
two  dollars  a  week.  New  Haven,  who   came   over  in    1638,  and 

*  Besides  his  article  on  the  New  England  died  in  1670, 

Planters  he  writes  the  New  Year's  address,  9  Elijah    Blodgett,    Jr.,   of    Scantic,   and 

which  is  an  article  of  considerable  length,  Elizabeth  Stocking, 


l8l2.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  537 

24.  Copied  my  New  Year's  piece  for  the  Magazine.     Visited  the  sick. 

25.  Rode  with  Dr.  Tudor  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  Episcopal  Christmas 
meeting,  Mr.  Chase  preached  pretty  well.  He  appears,  however,  to  be  an 
Arminian.  I  believe  my  historical  view  in  the  Magazine  does  good.  Very 
cold.     Read  Clarke's  Commentary. 

26.  Read  Utiiversal  History.  At  evening  young  Mr.  Marsh,'  of  Wethers- 
field,  came  and  kindly  offered  to  assist  me  tomorrow.  Read  Clarke's  Cojtimen- 
tary.  It  is  very  valuable  for  its  learning,  but  he  is  an  Anninian  and  I  suspect 
a  Universalist.  Read  the  Bible.  The  thermometer  this  morning  at  eight 
o'clock  was  at  5°. 

27.  Mr,  Marsh  preached  very  well.  I  trust  he  will  be  very  useful.  Very 
cold.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Read  in  the 
Universal  History.,  one  hundred  pages,  I  have  to  take  considerable  care  of 
my  orange-trees. 

28.  We  have  favorable  accounts  from  Russia.  I  hope  Providence  is  about 
to  limit  the  successes  of  the  French  Conqueror.  On  the  25th  heard  of  the 
surprising  death  of  Rev,  Mr.  Crossman,^  of  Salisbury.  He  had  a  good  constitu- 
tion and  was  in  the  midst  of  his  days.  On  the  2sth  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Battell.     Wrote  to  Rev.  T.  Williams,'  Providence.     Visited  the  sick  and  others. 

29.  On  the  24th  received  a  present  of  a  valuable  load  of  wood  from  Wap- 
ping.  Today  I  have  had  two  more.  Wrote  to  my  cousin,  Dr.  Robbins,*  of 
Lynn.  Visited  a  young  woman  very  sick  with  the  prevailing  fever.  Very 
pleasant  weather  for  the  season.  Apprehensive  that  I  should  be  taken  up  the 
remainder  of  this  week,  I  observe  this  day  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer 
and  praise  in  view  of  the  closing  and  beginning  year. 

30.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  attended  a  ministers'  meeting.  The  riding  very 
good.  Mr.  Haskell's  ^  new  buildings  in  this  place  constitute  one  of  the  finest 
seats  in  this  county.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  sickness  in  the  vicinity.  The 
change  of  political  sentiment  in  the  country  in  six  months  is  beyond  all  ex- 
pectation. At  this  time  I  am  persuaded  Mr.  Madison  could  not  be  chosen 
President.  Every  expedition  of  the  war  is  unaccountably  disastrous ;  there 
appear  to  be  no  men  of  business  in  the  employment.* 

31.  Returned  very  early  on  account  of  the  sick.  Several  in  this  neighbor- 
hood are  very  low.  Attended  them  considerably.  I  feel  a  little  apprehen- 
sive of  taking  the  fever.  Read  Universal  History,  Attended  to  my  orange- 
trees.  The  nights  scarcely  freeze.  Began  the  seventeenth  volume  of  Modern 
Universal  History,  and  read  one  hundred  pages. 


'  Rev.   John   Marsh,   Jr.,  afterwards   the  at  Yale  in  iSoo,  and  passed  away  recently 

great  temperance  advocate.  (1876)  aged   ninety-seven.     He  also  assisted 

^  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Grossman,  already  fully  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  on  the  Magazine. 
noticed.      He   was   settled  in    Salisbury   in  *  Peter  Oilman  Robbins,  M.  D. 

June,  1797.  ^  Eli  B.  Haskell's  buildings.  East  Wind- 

^  Here  first  appears  in  this  diary,  a  name  sor  Hill, 
that  we  have  been  expecting  to  find  for  some  ''  Another  rather  unfair  judgment,  but  he 

time.  Rev.  Thomas  Williams,  a  man  of  unique  probably  gave   utterance   to   the   prevailing 

character  and  experience.     He  was  graduated  opinion   around  him. 


1813- 

January. 

1.  The  new  year  finds  me  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  great  mercies  of  God. 
Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Micah  vii :  8.  Visited  the 
sick.     Completed  my  last  diary.     Read  the  Bible. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  onPs.  xc:  12.  Afternoon  and  evening  a  very  hard 
rain.     The  thermometer  was  nearly  up  to  temperate. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  John  x:  27,  and  after- 
noon from  Ps.  xc :  12.  Administered  the  sacrament.  We  had  a  solemn  day. 
After  meeting  performed  a  marriage  at  Mr.  Olcott's,'  At  evening  attended 
the  conference. 

4.  Prepared  and  begun  this  diary.  Will  a  merciful  God  enable  me  to 
finish  it,  and  to  record  his  great  mercies.  On  the  first  received  three  valuable 
loads  of  wood^  from  Wapping.  Completed  my  preaching  account  to  this 
time.  Visited  the  sick.  About  some  of  them  I  feel  much  concerned.  Pre- 
paring for  my  journey, 

5.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Quite  cold  and  a  severe  northwest  wind.  The 
ground  very  hard  and  rough.  My  father  is  sensibly  better  than  a  year  ago. 
There  is  very  little  snow. 

6.  There  is  a  favorable  prospect  here  of  a  new  meeting-house.  Walked 
and  visited.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  in  father's  Half  Century  Sermons,  for  which  I  am 
accountable  to  the  printer,  $11.25.  -P^i^  ^"^^  otherwise,  $1.17.  He  gave  me 
the  balance  of  money  I  held.  Received  for  little  Joseph's  expenses,  $1.64. 
Received  a  new  note  of  ray  father.  Towards  evening  my  brother  James  and 
his  wife  and  my  brother  Frank  came.  At  evening  my  niece  Elizabeth  Law- 
rence was  married  to  Henry  Olmstead.^  We  had  a  large  and  ver}'  agreeable 
wedding.  All  the  children  of  my  parents  were  present.  The  prospects  of  the 
young  couple  are  very  favorable. 

7.  Looked  at  Eliza's"  new  house  and  furniture.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's. 
We  have  great  cause  of  gratitude  to  God  for  his  mercies,  and  of  deep  repent- 
ance for  our  forgetfulness  of  him.  It  thaws  considerably.  Received  of 
brother  James,  on  his  note,  $10.00. 


'  The    parties   joined   in   marriage   were  the  idea  that  loads  of  wood  were  very  accept- 

Reuben  Olcott  and  Clarissa  Olcott.  able  gifts  to  him. 

^  A  load  of  wood  was  always,  in  the  old  ^  Henry  Olmsted,  who  was  united  in  mar- 
farming  days  of  New  England,  a  graceful  and  riage  with  Elizabeth  Lawrence,  was  a  partner 
natural  gift  to  the  minister.  Mr.  Robbins,  of  Mr.  Joseph  Battell  in  his  store,  and  was  a 
not  being  a  married  and  housekeeping  man,  native  of  East  Hartford.  Elizabeth  Law- 
the  people  at  first  did  not  bring  him  wood.  rence  was  the  daughter  of  Grove  and  Eliza- 
But  if  he  did  not  keep  house,  be  had  to  keep  beth  (Robbins)  Lawrence, 
a  fire,  and  at  length  they  seem  to  have  caught  *  Eliza,  short  for  Elizabeth.  ^ 

539 


540  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

8.  Most  severe  cold  and  tedious.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  Could  ride  but 
four  or  five  miles  without  stopping.  Tarried  at  Mrs.  Case's.'  Froze  one  of 
my  ears. 

9.  Rode  home.  The  thermometer  this  morning,  as  I  am  informed,  was 
10°  below  zero.  Yesterday  morning  it  was  6°  below  zero,  and  was  near  zero 
through  the  day.  There  have  been  two  deaths  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
prevailing  epidemic,  typhus  fever,  during  my  absence.^  Wrote  a  large  addi- 
tion to  an  old  sermon.     Was  up  late. 

10.  Wrote.  Finished  the  addition  to  my  sermon  and  preached  on  Ps.  xc : 
9.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Betsey  Diggins.  Addressed  the  young  people, 
particularly  in  preaching.  The  occasion  was  unusually  affecting  and  solemn. 
I  pray  that  it  may  be  accompanied  with  the  divine  blessing.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference. 

11.  Took  some  cold  being  out  last  evening.  The  night  was  very  cold. 
Thermometer  this  morning  5°  below  zero.  Last  night  was  very  much 
fatigued.  Walked  to  Hartford  and  returned.  Was  carried  a  part  of  the  way. 
Procured  another  half  volume  of  the  Encydopcedia,  $4.00.  Paid  my  annual 
contribution  to  the  Bible  Society,  $3.00.  Paid  for  a  book,  .75  ;  for  an  iron 
ball,  .70  ;  to  a  merchant,  $1.19.  Visited  the  sick  and  afflicted.  Wrote  to  my 
brother  Samuel.  We  have  the  most  important  and  pleasing  news  from  Europe, 
respecting  the  reverses  of  the  French  in  Russia,  that  has  been  received  for 
many  years. ^ 

12.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Read  Encydopcedia.  My  orange  and  lemon- 
trees  were  frozen  during  my  absence  last  week.  I  fear  they  are  sensibly 
injured.     Wrote. 

13.  Read  in  Universal  History,  three  hundred  pages.  I  hardly  read  twent)'- 
five  pages  in  an  hour.  Finished  the  seventeenth  volume.  The  history  of  Spain 
is  very  valuable.  The  long  contests  with  the  Moors  stimulated  the  Spanish 
character  during  the  dark  ages.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  P.  G. 
Robbins.'* 

14.  Visited  the  sick.  W^ote  to  my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins.  At  evening 
rode  to  Orford  and  married  Esq.  Alvord,  of  Bolton,  to  Mrs.  Olcott.* 

15.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  the  most  of  the  day.  Towards  night  shoveled 
paths.  The  snow  I  think  is  more  than  a  foot  deep.  Read  Universal  History. 
Visited. 

16.  Read  Universal  History.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  7°  below 
zero.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  notes  and  preached  from  Isa.  xxvi:  20.  At  evening  we 
had  a  very  full  and  serious  conference.  My  nerves  considerably  affected. 
Was  up  quite  late. 


'  Where  he  used  to  board  when  preaching  *  Dr.   Peter   Oilman   Robbins,   of    Lynn, 

in  Simsbury.  Mass. 

'  Samuel  Gager  and  Betsey  Diggins.  s  Samuel  Alvord,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  Cynthia 

^  After  the  burning  of  Moscow  in  Septem-  Olcott.     We   understand  Mrs.  Olcott  to   be 

ber,   1S12,   the   French  army  undertook   its  the  widow  of  Rev.  Allen  Olcott,  whose  death 

journey  home  with  very  disastrous  results.  we  recorded  in  181 1. 


1813.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST  WINDSOR. 


541 


18.  Instructed  Mr.  Tudor's '  school.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I  hope 
some  of  our  certificate  people  will  rejoin  us. 

19.  Rainy.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  some 
second-hand  books.  Paid  towards  them,  $1.12.  Reckoned  with  Cooke,  and 
gave  him  a  note  of  $7.26.     Quite  bad  riding.     Visited  the  sick. 

20.  Last  night  it  snowed.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  cold  and 
tedious.     Tarried  at  Capt.  Russell's. 

21.  Last  night  was  quite  unwell.  Was  up  a  considerable  part  of  the 
night.  Visited.  Dined  at  Mr.  Haskell's.  His  house  is  very  elegant. 
Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  performed  a 
marriage.''  The  sleighing  is  pretty  good.  Am  quite  feeble.  My  brother 
Samuel  was  here  yesterday,  but  was  in  haste  and  did  not  stay.  I  did  not  see 
him. 

22.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  sleighing.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
Nathaniel  enclosing  cash,  $20.  At  noon  Mr.  Skinner,^  of  Berlin,  came  here 
and  spent  the  afternoon  and  night  with  me.  Visited  a  young  woman  in  a 
dying  state.     She  expired  soon  after. 

23.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  20.  I  write  pretty  poorly.  We  have 
constant  accounts  of  the  success  of  the  Russians. 

24.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  Ixiii :  5.  Afternoon 
on  Rev.  iii :  20.  It  snowed  and  rained  all  day.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the 
young  woman  *'  lately  deceased.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Began  another  number 
for  the  Magazine. 

25.  Wrote  on  my  Magazine  number.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  It 
thaws  considerably. 

26.  Wrote  very  steadily.     It  snowed  all  day.     At  evening  walked  out. 

27.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  seventeenth  J/a^^tsm^  number.  This  one 
of  remarks  has  cost  me  more  close  thought  than  any  preceding  one.^  Visited. 
I  hope  the  epidemic  among  us  abates.  Thermometer  this  morning  7°  below 
zero.  Clear  and  very  cold  all  day.  Mr.  Gleason^  came  here  from  Hartford 
after  my  Magazine  manuscript. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Wethersfield  and  returned.  Ursula  went  with 
me.  The  sleighing  is  very  fine  and  very  much  improved.  Paid  for  my  look- 
ing-glass, $5.00.  Paid  Cooke,  $9.00.  Paid  Hale,  $2.31.  Yesterday  received 
of  Mr.  Charles  Sherman,'  of  New  Haven,  a  letter  enclosing  5 17. 50,  the  first 
dividend  on  my  bank  shares.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  4°  below 
zero. 


■  Oliver  Tudor,  brother  of  Mrs.  Wolcott  Stone,  John  Haynes,  are  much  more  easily 

with  whom  he  was  boarding.  written  than  one  of  general  reflections  suit- 

-  Austin    Payne,    of    Bristol,    and    Anna  ably  embracing  them  all. 
Stoughton,  of  Wapping.  *  Mr.  Gleason  was  the  publisher  of  Con- 

5  Rev.  Newton  Skinner.  necticut  Evangelical  Magazine. 
•  *  Mabel  Gager,  aged  nineteen.  '  Mr.  Charles  Sherman,  who  has  been  once 

5  Continuous  historical  sketches,  such  as  or  twice  mentioned,  seems  to  have  been  em- 
he  had  written  of  John  Winthrop,  John  Cot-  ployed  in  the  Eagle  Bank  of  New  Haven, 
ton,  John  Wilson,  Thomas  Hooker,  Samuel  apparently  as  cashier. 


542  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^^3- 

29.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Very  cold  and 
tedious.     Paid  the  post  office,  .96.     Last  night  it  snowed  considerably. 

30.  Most  severe  cold.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°  below  zero.  Fin- 
ished the  eighteenth  volume  of  Universal  History.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 
Thermometer  at  noon  and  at  sundown  4°,  after  which  it  sunk  constantly 
through  the  evening,  and  at  eleven  o'clock,  when  I  went  to  bed,  it  was  com- 
pletely 13°  below  zero.  The  evening  was  perfectly  clear  and  still.  Mr. 
Wolcott  purchased  the  adjoining  place  for  $1,800.     Read  the  Bible. 

31.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  on  Gal.  vi :  8.  In  the  forenoon  was 
very  short.  Thermometer  this  morning  10°  below  zero.  The  weather  soon 
moderated.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  wrote  a  letter  for  Widow  Wolcott. 
Read   Universal  History. 

February. 

1.  Devoted  this  day  to  fasting  and  prayer.  At  evening  walked  to  Mr. 
Yates's,  and  tarried.     I  think  Mr.  Yates  will  be  a  useful  instructor  in  divinity.' 

2.  Rode  to  Mr,  Hawley's,  Northington,  to  attend  Association.  The 
Association  licensed  two  candidates,^  Mr.  Yaffes's  students.  Mr.  Flint  preached 
very  well. 

3.  The  Association  discussed  the  subject  of  Foreign  Missions,^  in  which  I 
took  no  part.  The  business  moves  tardily.  The  Association  was  pretty  full. 
Rode  home.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin,  and  one 
from  my  brother  Samuel.     The  sleighing  is  very  fine. 

4.  Read  Mather's  Magnalia.  Wrote.  At  evening  my  cousin  Eliza  and 
Mr.  Olmstead  came  here.     Had  a  good  deal  of  company. 

5.  The  weather  moderates  much.  It  thaws  considerably.  Visited. 
Towards  evening  my  cousins  went  away.  Mr.  Battell  and  Olmstead  latterly 
have  been  very  prosperous  in  trade."* 

6.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlii :  7.  The  snow  fails  but  little  with  the  thaw, 
the  ground  is  so  severely  frozen. 

7.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ex.  xii :  21.  Afternoon, 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  These  discourses  appeared  very  interesting  to 
the  people.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  In  the  evening  there  was 
a  severe  thunder-storm.     The  rain  was  not  great. 

8.  Walked  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a  school. 
Am  pretty  severely  tried.     There  is  a  great  deal  of  water  in  the  road. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  sleighing  is  poor,  though  there  is  very  little 
bare  ground.  Paid  a  merchant,  $3.55.  Gave  to  the  agent  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  for  the  promotion  of  the  trans- 


'  He  was  instructing  theological  students.  ^  There    was    a    slowness   to   adopt  the 

*  Cornelius  B.  Everest  and  Cyrus  Yale.  cause  of  foreign  missions,   at   first,   lest   it 

The  former  was  a  native  of  Cornwall,  a  grad-  should  impede  the  work  of  home  missions, 
uate  of  Williams  College,  181 1,  and  served  *  It  required  great  wisdom  and  energy  to 

in  the  ministry  at  Poquonnock,  Norwich,  and  organize  and  carry  forward  such  a  trade,  but 

Windham.     The  latter  was  of  the  same  class  when  so  organized  there  was  far  less  compe- 

at  Williams,  and  was  minister  at  New  Hart-  tition   to   contend    against   than   now.      Mr. 

ford  between  thirty  and  forty  years.  Battell  made  this  trade  successful. 


1813.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  543 

lation  of  the  Scriptures  in  Oriental  languages,  $5.00.  Dr.  Mozeley,  of  Whites- 
town,  came  here  and  tarried.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.*  We  have 
an  unusual  number  of  young  families  in  this  place. 

10.  Rode  to  Glastonbury  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Read  my 
essay  on  the  books  of  Nehemiah  and  Esther.'^  Returned.  The  sleighing  is 
pretty  poor.  We  have  frequent  reports  of  the  disasters  of  the  French  in 
Russia.^ 

11.  Wrote.  Began  the  eighteenth  number  of  my  Historical  View.  These 
numbers  appear  to  be  more  highly  esteemed  than  I  ever  expected.  We  have 
an  account  of  two  brilliant  victories  of  the  Russians  over  the  French.  Mr. 
Wolcott  had  a  good  deal  of  trouble  in  buying  a  piece  of  land.     Visited. 

12.  Wrote  all  day.  I  feel  pretty  poo-rly.  The  thermometer  has  been  near 
the  freezing  point  the  most  of  this  week.  I  fear  I  shall  not  do  our  ancestors 
justice  in  my  remarks. 

13.  Wrote.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  rode  to  Simsbury  to  ex- 
change with  Mr.  McLean.*     Met  him  going  to  East  Windsor.     Quite  cold. 

14.  Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  24,  25,  and  Ps.  cxlii :  7.  The  meeting  very 
full.  I  think  the  fullest  I  have  ever  seen  here.  The  state  of  this  society  is 
much  improving.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  a  school-house,  on  Ex.  xii :  21. 
Tarried  at  Mrs.  Case's.^ 

15.  Rode  home.  Traded,  $4.15  ;  this,  is  principally  to  be  given  to  this 
family.     Read.     Had  company. 

16.  Wrote  on  my  Magazine  number.  Afternoon  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin, 
came  here  and  tarried.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Storrs,* 
Longmeadow. 

17.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  returned.  The  sleighing  is  pretty  good. 
The  crossing  of  the  river  is  very  fine.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell, 
enclosing  a  draft  on  the  bank  of  $150.00,  sent  by  my  brother  Samuel  to  pay 
my  father's  note.  I  am  very  glad  of  it.  It  is  something  sickly  at  Norfolk. 
A  family  in  this  neighborhood  removed  for  the  Whitestovvn  country. 

18.  Quite  cold.  Finished  my  eighteenth  Magazi?ie  number,  and  carried  it 
to  Hartford.  The  river  is  very  hard  frozen.  Wrote  a  letter  for  Ursula,  now  at 
Windsor. 

19.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  a  little  below  zero.  Wrote. 
Visited.  We  have  an  account  of  the  capture  of  another  English  frigate  by 
one  of  ours.^ 


'  Peleg  S.  Marsh,  of  Vermont,  and  Mary  battle    of    Krassnoi,  November    16-1S,    the 

Mills.  French   were   defeated,   as   also   in    that   of 

^  These  were  the  writings  which  occupied  Beresina,    November    25-29.     And    besides 

his  thought  and  time  a  year  or  two  before.  all  these  defeats  winter  was  pressing  hard  on 

^  It  is  difficult  to  connect  the  news  on  this  the  retreating  forces, 

side    the    water  with    particular  events    in  ■«  Rev.  Allen  McLean. 

Russia,   only  disasters  were   now  gathering  '  His  old  boarding-place, 

thickly  around   the  French   army.     October  *  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs. 

19  and  20,  1812,  Polotsk  was  retaken  by  the  ^  This  refers  to   the  action,  October  25, 

Russians.     In  the  battle  of  Witepsk,  Novem-  1812,  between  the  United  States  and  the  Eng- 

ber   14,  the   French  were  defeated.     In  the  lish  frigate  Macedonian,  in  which  the  latter 


544  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l^^S- 

20.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  8°.  Read  Universal  History. 
Wrote  a  letter  to  Tudor,'  at  Westfield.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

21.  Preached  with  notes  on  Isa.  lii :  7.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    The  roads  are  very  icy. 

22.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  U?iiversal  Hist07-y.  Wrote  to 
my  brother  Frank.     Ursula  is  sick  at  Windsor. 

23.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  to  Hartford.  At  evening  rode  with 
Mr.  S.  Wolcott  to  Windsor  and  saw  Ursula.  She  has  a  bad  rash,  but  appears 
to  be  getting  better.     Quite  cold. 

24.  Rode  to  Scantick,  and  attended  the  ministers'  meeting  of  the  circle^ 
above  here.     The  sleighing  is  very  good. 

25.  Rode  home.  My  brother  Samuel  came  here  this  morning,  but  stayed 
a  short  time  and  was  gone.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father.  At  evening 
walked  out. 

26.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Quite  cold  and  tedious.  I  own  a  good 
many  books.     It  is  a  time  of  great  stupidity  with  us. 

27.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  4°  below  zero.  Read  Universal 
History.  Finished  the  nineteenth  volume.  Read  the  Bible.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother  Frank. 

28.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Windsor  for  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland. 
He  went  to  East  Windsor.  The  crossing  is  very  good.  Preached  with  notes 
f rom  Ex.  xii :  21,  "and  from  Ps.  cxlii:  7.  It  thawed  very  much.  At  evening 
rode  to  Simsbury.  Last  evening  Ursula  ^  returned  from  Windsor.  She  is 
recovering  from  her  sickness.     Much  fatigued. 

March. 

1.  In  the  morning  it  rained  considerably.  Got  wet.  Rode  to  Norfolk. 
My  brother  Nat  is  in  a  very  bad  situation.  I  fear  his  character  has  gone 
irrevocable.  My  parents  are  pretty  well.  There  is  not  much  more  snow  here 
than  at  East  Windsor. 

2.  Last  night  it  snowed.  Quite  tedious.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Drank 
tea  at  Mr.  Olmstead's.  Paid  my  father  $5.75,  and  gave  up  his  note  which  I 
held.  The  sum  which  I  received  from  him  on  the  17th  ult.  was  so  much  over 
the  amount  of  the  note.  Received  a  new  note  of  brother  Nat.  I  fear  he  will 
run  out  as  to  property. 

3.  Quite  cold.  Set  cyt  for  home.  Rode  to  Colebrook ;  a  violent  snow- 
storm came  on  and  I  tarried  at  my  brother  Ammi's.     Read  Silliman's  J^ournai.* 


was  compelled  to  surrender.  But  Mr.  Rob-  Bartlett's,  went  with  the  upper  circle  of  minis- 
bins  is  not  careful  to  record  all  our  victories.  ters,  and  the  south  parish  with  the  lower. 
October  18,  the  British  sloop  Frolic  was  ^  Ursula  Wolcott  was  doubtless  on  a  visit 
taken  by  the  American  sloop  Wasp.  On  the  to  her  kindred  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
14th  of  January  our  forces  gained  a  victory  when  she  was  taken  sick. 
over  the  English  and  Indians  at  Frenchtown,  "*  This  could  not  have  been  what  is  now 
on  the  River  Raisin.  known  as  Silliman's  Journal,  a  scientific 
'  Tudor  Wolcott.  periodical,  since  that  was  not  commenced  till 
^  Another  statement  showing  that  the  iSiS.  It  refers  probably  to  some  record  of 
north  parish    of    East   Windsor,   Rev.   Mr.  travel. 


l8i3.] 


PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


545 


4.  Rode  home.  It  thawed  very  much.  The  river  is  still  sound.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  brother  Frank.     The  sleighing  is  better  than  on  the  hills. 

5.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi :  20.  At  evening  walked  out. 
Very  cold. 

6.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  near  eleven  pages.  Thermometer  this  morning 
was  near  zero,  and  at  evening  was  at  4°.  We  have  constant  accounts  of  the 
defeats  and  destruction  of  the  mighty  French  army.' 

7.  Very  cold.  Thin  meeting.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixvi :  2. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Mills,  of  New  Haven,  and 
Mr.  Loudon,^  of  Litchfield. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford ;  the  most  of  the  way  on  the  river.  The  sleighing 
on  this  side  of  the  river  is  still  good.  Received  my  note  at  the  bank,  and 
paid  ^21.50.     Visited. 

9.  Read.  Afternoon,  visited  the  school  on  Long  Hill.  For  their  oppor- 
tunities they  performed  remarkably  well.  Read  British  Classics?  Mr.  Clark, 
of  Northampton,  called  on  me. 

10.  For  several  days  it  has  been  very  cold.  It  now  thaws  and  the  snow 
wastes  rapidly.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  evening 
it  rained  considerably.     Received  a  letter  from  Master  Tudor.'* 

11.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  several  families.  At  night  it  rained 
hard.     The  people  here  appear  to  be  much  pleased  with  being  visited. 

12.  Visited  two  schools.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture,  without  any 
notes,  at  the  house  of  some  old  people,  from  John  iv :  15.  It  was  well 
attended.     The  sleighing  is  mostly  gone. 

13.  Returned  from  Wapping.  Cold.  Read  Universal  History.  Assisted 
in  examining  a  young  woman  for  our  communion.     Wrote. 

14.  Finished  and  preached  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi :  20.  The  congregation 
very  attentive.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Wrote  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Emmons,'  Franklin,  Mass.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  We  have  had 
sleighing  without  intermission  since  the  15th  of  January.  The  most  of  the 
time  it  has  been  very  good.     It  failed  about  the  middle  of  last  week. 

15.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Durham  and  tarried 
with  Mr.  Smith.^  At  Middletown  called  on  Mr.  Warner.  They  are  building 
there  a  very  large  and  elegant  hotel.     Mr.  Smith  is  useful  here. 

16.  Very  bad  riding.     It  snowed  considerably.     There  is  considerable  old 


'  It  was  wasting  away  under  the  accumu- 
lated disasters  of  its  retreat  from  Russia. 

-  Mr.  Lawrence  Loudon. 

^  He  bought  a  set  of  the  British  Classics, 
it  will  be  remembered,  some  years  before. 
The  edition  of  this  work  published  in  1S13, 
in  New  York,  consisted  of  ninety-four  vol- 
umes. 

*  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott,  at  school  at 
\Vestfield. 

5  Dr.    Nathaniel    Emmons,    a    native    of 


East  Haddam,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1767, 
had  been  pastor  in  Franklin,  Mass.,  forty 
years,  when  this  letter  was  written.  He  was, 
at  that  time,  the  most  notable  private  theo- 
logical teacher  in  New  England,  and  we  con- 
jecture that  the  object  of  this  letter  was  to 
see  whether  Dr.  Emmons  would  take  his 
brother,  Francis  Le  Baron,  into  his  familv  as 
a  student.  He  instructed  but  few  students 
after  this  date. 

*  Rev.  David  Smith,  D.  D. 


546  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

snow,  but  no  sleighing.     Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  Branford.'     Tarried  with 
old  Mr.  Stent.*    Visited  old  Mr.  Noyes/  of  Northford. 

17.  Visited  all  day.'*  Called  at  a  good  many  places.  Rainy  and  wet. 
Tried  to  find  a  copy  of  Mather's  Magnalia,  but  failed.  Tarried  at  Capt.  W. 
Lindly's. 

18.  Very  wet  and  muddy.  The  people  here  have  taken  down  their  two 
meeting-houses  on  the  green.*  The  spirit  appears  a  little  trifling.  Paid  an 
instalment  at  the  Eagle  Bank,  $125.00.  Bought  books.  Towards  evening, 
after  making  a  number  of  visits,  rode  to  North  Haven.  Was  very  fortunate  in 
finding  a  Magnalia^  at  the  booksellers.  There  is  yet  considerable  old  snow. 
The  frost  does  not  break  through.     It  is  quite  sickly  in  New  Haven. 

19.  Tarried  last  night  at  a  tavern.  Rode  home.  Verj-  muddy  traveling. 
The  ice  is  not  yet  moved  in  the  river.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
Samuel. 

20.  Walked  out.  Assisted  in  examining  a  man  for  our  communion. 
Wrote  over  old  notes  for  preaching. 

21.  Wrote  on  my  notes  and  preached  with  them  from  Rom.  viii :  29.  In 
the  afternoon,  at  meeting,  I  found  that  I  had  preached  from  that  text  here 
before.  I  was  considerably  disconcerted,  but  believe  it  Avas  not  perceived. 
It  was  last  May,  one  sermon  to  a  thin  meeting.  I  doubt  whether  it  will  be 
remembered  by  any.  Propounded  two  persons  for  our  communion.'  At  even- 
ing attended  the  conference.     Rode  to  meeting  in  a  carriage. 

22.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel.  Began  the 
nineteenth  number  of  my  Historical  View.     Dined  out. 

23.  Warm,  like  spring.  Trjang  to  re-animate  my  orange  and  lemon-trees. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.     Wrote  the  most  of  the  day. 

24.  Last  evening  received  some  books  from  New  Haven.  They  make  a 
valuable  addition  to  my  library.  Cold  and  tedious.  Late  at  night  finished 
my  Magazine  number.^     Instructed  in  arithmetic. 

25.  The  thermometer  this  morning  I  believe  was  as  low  as  10°  all  day. 
\exy  cold  all  day.  At  bed-time  it  was  at  12°.  Read  Universal  History. 
Visited. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited.     Visited  our  south  school.     Read. 


'He  was  now  in   the   parish  where   his  ^  They  were  probably  replaced  by  the  two 

grandfather  Philemon  had  been  so  long  the  Congregational  meeting-houses  now  standing 

pastor.     His  grandfather  had  been  dead  now  on  the  green. 

thirt)'-two  years.  *  This,  of  course,  was  a  copy  of  the  Eng- 

^  Old  Mr.  Stent  was  probably  one  of  his  lish  edition,  folio,  of  1702,  since  no  other  had 

grandfather's  parishioners,  who  liked  to  talk  yet  been  published.     As  already  hinted,  Dr. 

over  the  old  times.  Robbins  himself  was  to  superintend  the  pub- 

^  Rev.    Matthew    Noyes,    who    lived    to  lication  of  the  first  American  edition,  which 

preach    his   half  century    sermon.     He   was  is   quite   commonly  known   as  the  Hartford 

pastor  at  Northford,  1790-1839,  a  graduate  edition, 

of  Yale  in  1785.  '  Benjamin  Cooke  and  Lavinia  Praan. 

*  He  is  now,  as  we  understand  the  narra-  '  His    next    number    will    complete    the 

tive,  at  New  Haven,  the  place  which  he  left  series,  which  has  been  running  since  October 

home  to  visit.  i,  iSii. 


1813.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


547 


27.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  14,  Rode  out.  Was  up  late.  Wrote 
easy  and  rapid. 

28.  A  very  violent  rainy  day.  Very  few  hearers.  Expounded  the  first  two 
chapters  of  Matthew,  and  preached  with  notes  on  i  Cor.  ii :  10.  At  evening 
rode  to  Wapping  and  married  a  couple.'     The  small  streams  very  high. 

29.  Returned  from  Wapping.  Very  pleasant.  The  frost  is  mostly  out  of 
the  ground.  Worked  some.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Very  bad  riding. 
The  river  rises  very  fast.  The  Middle  States  are  blocked  up  by  the  enemy's 
squadron.  We  have  accounts  of  almost  the  entire  ruin  of  the  French  Grand 
Army.^     Paid  for  books,  $4.00. 

30.  Worked  all  day  on  Mr.  Wolcott's  tax-bill.^  At  night  our  nearest 
neighbor  had  a  ball  in  his  house,  which  gave  me  great  pain.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin. 

31.  Read  Universal  Histo}-y.  The  list  of  our  society  appears  to  be  increas- 
ing.    Had  company.     Instructed  in  arithmetic. 

April. 

1.  Walked  and  visited  two  schools.  One  of  them  has  done  ver}'-  well  this 
season.     The  other  visitors  attend  but  indifferently. 

2.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin,  and  to  Mr.  Hosmer,  of  Middletown. 
Afternoon  visited  a  school  which  performed  very  well.  I  have  now  visited  and 
catechised  our  seven  schools."*     It  snowed  considerably. 

3.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  ii :  16.  Instructed  in  arithmetic.  Our  for- 
eign news  is  highly  gratifying  and  important.^ 

4.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Mark  xiii :  37.  After- 
noon, the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Received  two  persons  to  our  commun- 
ion. Dr.  Hull,  of  Utica,  came  to  see  me  and  tarried.  He  appears  to  be  an 
excellent  physician.     He  is  in  pursuit  of  a  wife.* 

5.  Spent  the  forenoon  with  Dr.  Hull.  He  went  away.  Set  out  on  my 
journey  to  Westfield.  Frances^  went  with  me.  Rode  to  Sufitield.  Tarried 
with  Mr.  Gaylord.     The  riding  some  of  the  way  is  very  bad. 


'  William  Goodwin  and  Tryphena  Grant.  (Mr.  Bartlett's)    parish.     By  the  law  of  the 

Wapping  seems  to  be  the  part  of  his  parish  State,  at  that  time,  the  oversight   of   these 

to  be  relied  upon  for  a  steady  supply  of  mar-  schools  was  by  the  parishes,  rather  than  by 

riages.  the  towns.     A  large  number  of  Connecticut 

^  President  Madison,  in  a  letter  written  to  towns  at  that  time  contained  two,  three,  and 

Thomas  Jefferson,  January  27,  1813,  says:  four  parishes. 

"  Bonaparte,  according  to  his  own  shew-  ^  The  American  people  at  that  time  close- 

ing,  is   in  serious   danger;  and  if  half   the  ly  sympathized   with   the   English    in    their 

official  accounts  of  the  Russians  be  true,  his  views  of  Napoleon. 

own  escape  is  barely  possible,  and  that  of  ^  It  is  rather  implied  that   he   bent  his 

his  army  impossible."  steps  to  East  Windsor  on  that  errand. 

^  The  tax-bill  so  often  spoken  of  is  the  ^  Frances    Wolcott,   now  nineteen  years 

parish  and  not  the  town  bill.  old.     Mr.   Robbins   seemed   to   regard    Mr. 

*  Seven  was  the  number  of  district  schools  Wolcott's  daughters  as  graceful  accompani- 

in  the  south  (Mr.  Robbins's)  parish  of  East  ments  on  his  journeys.     But,  besides,  she  was 

Windsor.     There  were    at    the    same   time  going  now  up  to  the  exhibition  of  the  acade- 

Beven  or  eight  district  schools  in  the  north  my,  where  her  brother  Tudor  was. 


1548  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

6.  There  are  a  number  of  persons  here  quite  sick,  and  there  have  been 
several  deaths  of  the  prevailing  fever.  Rode  to  Westfield.  Afternoon 
attended  the  exhibition  of  the  academy.  The  exhibition  was  very  good,  the 
academy  is  flourishing.  The  trustees  appear  quite  unwilling  to  have  my 
brother  leave  it.'     The  mud  is  pretty  bad. 

7.  Rode  home.  Brought  home  Tudor.  I  think  he  has  done  very  well 
there.  Mr.  Battell  came  down  with  me.  Quite  warm.  Rode  without  an  out- 
coat. 

8.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Dr. 
Emmons,  of  Franklin,  and  the  evening  before,  one  from  my  brother  James. 
In  the  morning  Mr.  Battell  went  off  for  home.  Read.  At  evening  walked 
out.     Mr.  Hitchcock,  our  nearest  neighbor,  moved  to  Hartford. 

g.  Worked  all  the  forenoon  setting  out  a  large  elm  in  the  street.  Worked 
on  Mr.  Wolcott's  tax-bills.  Wrote  notes,  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture 
on  Ps.  Iv  :  22. 

10.  Finished  Mr;  Wolcott's  tax-bills.  The  whole  list  of  our  society  is 
$24,927.72.  There  are  forty-one  certificate  lists  amounting  to  $7,017.17,  leav- 
ing to  the  society,  $17,910.55.  It  is  larger  than  last  year.  Quite  warm.  Wrote 
notes  for  preaching.  ^ 

11.  Preached  with  notes  on  Micah  iv  :  5,  and  from  Rom.  vii :  14.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  It  is  a  time  of  deadness  with  our  church.  I  fear  I 
am  as  unfaithful  as  any  one.  At  evening  we  had  a  full  and  attentive  confer- 
ence.    Very  tired. 

12.  Set  out  some  grape-vines.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freeman's 
Meeting.  Brother  Huse  attended  with  us.  The  votes  for  Governor  were : 
Smith,-  183;  Goodrich,^  23;  Boardman,"*  74;  scattering,  4=284.     Visited. 

13.  Read  Magazine.  Rainy.  Read  Utiiversal  History.  A  child  in  the 
neighborhood  very  sick  with  the  prevailing  epidemic  fever. 

14.  Began  a  sermon  for  Fast  on  Neh,  i :  4.     Rode  to  Hartford.     Rainy. 

15.  Wrote  almost  twelve  pages  on  my  sermon.  Wrote  with  little  inter- 
mission, from  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  to  ten  p.  m.  At  night  troubled  with  the  head- 
ache. 

16.  Fast.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Neh.  i:  4.  Afternoon  meeting  was 
pretty  full,  and  quite  serious.  Was  much  affected  myself.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference. 

17.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Nat,  inclosing  $20.00.     Worked  in 


'  The  six  months,  which  he  consented  to  re-  ^  Elizur  Goodrich,  of    New  Haven,  was 

main,  after  expecting  to  leave,  had   expired,  also  a  candidate  on  the  Federal  side. 
but  he  enjoyed  his  work,  and  loved  to  linger.  *  The  Democratic  candidate,  as  we  under- 

^  John  Cotton  Smith,  LL.  D.,  was  chosen  stand,  was  Elijah  Boardman,  of  New  Mil- 
Governor  in  place  of  Hon.  Roger  Griswold,  ford.  He  was  one  of  the  large  purchasers  of 
deceased.  He  was  the  regular  Federal  nomi-  the  New  Connecticut  lands.  He,  with  some 
nee.  He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1783,  was  others  associated  with  him,  took  sixty  thou- 
a  native  of  Sharon,  Ct.,  where  his  father,  sand  dollars'  worth  of  these  lands.  His  fam- 
Rev.  Cotton  Mather  Smith,  had  been  pastor,  ily  generally  was  Federalist,  but  he  was  a 
1755-1806.  Democrat. 


[813.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


549 


the  garden.     Set  a  grape-vine.     Rode  to  Suffield  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Gay.' 
The  riding  is  very  good. 

18.  This  congregation  is  not  much  more  than  half  as  large  as  mine. 
Preached  from  Rom.  vii :  14,  and  Heb.  xi :  24,  25.  This  town  is  almost 
ruined  by  religious  sectarianism,  which  has  prevailed  here  seventy  years.  At 
evening  rode  home.  Very  much  fatigued.  People  begin  a  little  at  gardening. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Yates. 

19.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Horace  Higley,  of  Winchester.  Looked  over  old  election 
sermons.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford,  and  attended 
the  funeral  of  a  soldier.  He  belonged  there  and  was  lately  enlisted.  His 
company  came  up  from  Hartford  and  attended  the  funeral  in  military  form. 
They  appeared  very  well.     At  evening  walked  out. 

20.  Planted  peas.  Read  the  Life  of  Sir  William  Jones?-  Began  the 
twentieth  and  last  number  of  my  Historical  Vie7v,  Instructed  in  arithmetic. 
At  evening  walked  out  and  visited. 

21.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Read  a 
sermon  for  remarks.^  Bought  some  religious  tracts  to  give  away.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Procured  the  fifth  half  volume  of  the  Encyclopczdia.  Returned.  A 
pretty  hard  shower. 

22.  Wrote  steadily.  Instructed  in  arithmetic.  At  evening  walked  out. 
The  spring  is  quite  favorable. 

23.  Had  the  first  cutting  of  asparagus.  Finished  the  twentieth,  which  is 
the  concluding  number  of  my  Historical  View  of  the  First  Planters  of  JVew  Eiig- 
latid.  These  numbers  have  been  published  monthly,  in  succession,  in  the  Con- 
necticut Evangelical  Magazine.  They  contain,  generally,  eight  or  nine  pages 
each.  The  work  has  been  much  longer  than  I  expected  at  the  commence- 
ment. So  far  as  I  know,  it  has  been  well  received.  Each  number  has  cost 
me  nearly  a  week's  study.  I  hope  it  has  not  been  useless  to  myself  or  to 
others.     I  thank  God,  who  has  enabled  me  to  complete  the  work.     Rainy. 

24.  On  the  2ist  saw  blossoms  on  the  daffos.  There  is  some  serious  atten- 
tion in  East  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Rode  to 
Wilbraham  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Warren. ■*  Met  him  on  the  way.  Wet  and 
cold. 

25.  This  appears  to  be  quite  a  good  society.  The  meeting  was  full  and 
attentive.  Preached  from  Ps.  cxlii :  7,  and  Lev.  xxvi :  41.  Preached  again 
in  the  evening,  without  notes,  from  Num.  x  :  29.     Very  tired. 


'  Rev.  Ebenezer  Gay,  the  second  minister  An  edition  of  his  works  was  published  by 

of  the  name  in  Suffield.    As  has  been  already  Lady  Jones  in   1799.     A  fuller  edition  with 

stated    in  a   previous   note,  Ebenezer    Gay,  his  life  was  published  in  1S07  by  Lord  Teign- 

D.  D.,  the  father,  1742-1796,  and  Rev.  Eben-  mouth.     This  was  probably  what  Mr.  Robbins 

ezer,  the  son,  pastor,  1 793-1837,  cover  with  was  reading. 

their  ministries  a  century  \y\x\i\nfive  years,  or  ^  Or,  as  we  might  now  say,  for  criticism, 

if  the  three  years  be  added  when  they  were  "•  Rev.   Moses   Warren,   pastor  in   South 

joint  pastors,  within  two  years.  Parish  of  Wilbraham,  178S-1829.     He  was  a 

^  Sir  William  Jones,  the  famous  Oriental  native  of  Upton,  Mass.,  graduate  of  Harvard 

scholar,  died  in  1794,  at  the  age  of  forty-eight.  in  17S4. 


550  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

26.  Visited  some  acquaintance.  Rode  home  through  Somers  and  Elling- 
ton. Visited  Mrs.  Backus.'  Agreed  with  her  for  some  books.  Mrs.  Brock- 
way*  is  very  poor.  Visited  some  poor  women  in  Wapping.  The  grain  appears 
very  well.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 

27.  A\'rote  to  my  brother  Frank.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Planted  peas. 
At  evening  walked  out. 

28.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Read  the  Life  of 
Sir  Williafn  jfones.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^ 

29.  Received  last  evening  a  letter  from  Esq.  Sterling,  of  Salisbury.  In  the 
morning  rode  to  the  lower  part  of  Scantick  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  freshet  this  morning  has  not  been  high. 
Paid  a  merchant  tailor,  $10.00. 

30.  Wrote  to  Esq.  Sterling.  Read  the  Life  of  Sir  William  Joties.  At 
evening  walked  out.     A  member  of  the  church  conducts  badly. 

May. 

1.  Visited  a  man  sick  with  the  prevailing  fever  of  the  countr}-.  Wrote  a 
double  sermon  on  Matt,  xxii :  16.  I  began  after  nine  o'clock,  and  expected 
to  have  had  but  a  single  sermon.  Towards  night  I  found  I  should  do  great 
injustice  to  the  subject  without  extending  it  to  another  sermon.  I  went  on, 
beginning  the  second  at  a  quarter  after  eight  in  the  evening,  and  finished  it  a 
quarter  after  three  in  the  morning.  I  believe  I  never  wrote  so  much  in  one 
day.     About  midnight  drank  a  cup  of  tea. 

2.  Preached  on  Matt,  xxii :  16.  The  subject  appeared  interesting.  Felt 
very  feeble  and  unable  to  speak.''  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Am 
exceedingly  fatigued. 

3.  Two  young  men  called  on  me  from  Hartford,  wishing  to  publish  in  a 
volume  my  late  numbers  written  for  the  Magazine?  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Afternoon  attended  a  little  while  at  a  training. 

4.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  Marietta.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Gleason  concludes  to  issue  proposals  for  publishing 
my  Magazine  numbers.*  I  do  not  feel  very  willing  for  it,  but  Mr.  Strong  and 
Mr.  Flint  ^  say  it  may  be  done.     Rainy. 

5.  There  seems  to  be  every  disposition  in  the  north  of  Europe  to  take 
advantage  of  the  reverses  of  the  French.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Took 
pains  to  engage  the  people  for  our  approaching  contribution.     Wet. 


'  Widow  of  Rev.  Charles  Backus,  D.D.  *  Mr.  Gleason  is  the  man  who  had  already 

*  Wife  of  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway,  pastor  published  the  articles  in  the  Connecticut 
at  Ellington,  1799-1849.  Evangelical  Magazine. 

3  The  parties  in  marriage  were  William  ^  The  testimony  of  these  men  would  have 

Phelps  and  Chloe  R.  May.  great  weight.      Indeed,   at   that   time,  there 

•♦  Query.      Did   his   day's   work   the   day  were    not    many    men    who    had     carefully 

before  have  anything  to  do  with  it?  studied  the  subject  of  our  early  New  Eng- 

*  Whether  this  call  was  from  the  same  land  history,  and  Dr.  Robbins's  articles  had 
source  as  the  one  soon  to  follow,  does  not  a  great  value.  He  was  careful  in  the  use  of 
appear,  but  probably  not.  such  materials  as  he  had. 


1813.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


551 


6.  Read  U?iiversal  History.  Quite  cold  and  rainy  all  day.  Visited.  Saw 
some  blossoms  on  the  4th,  but  the  season  now  is  unfavorable  for  the  fruit. 

7.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  walked  and  visited.  The  people 
do  pretty  well  taking  fish.' 

8.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xix :  30.  Very  rainy,  as  it  has  been  now 
for  five  days. 

9.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the -afternoon  from  Job  xxii :  23.  In  the 
forenoon  Mr.  A.  Loomis  ^  preached  for  me.  He  is  about  to  be  settled  at  New 
Salem,  Colchester.^  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  We  had  our  mis- 
sionary contribution,  and  collected  $32.52.  It  is  something  less  than  last 
year,  on  account,  I  believe,  of  some  people  being  out  of  town.  In  two 
instances  there  were  two  dollars,  eight  single  dollars,  and  the  rest  in  small 
money. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford,  Wethersfield,  and  Farmington.  Am  trying  to  col- 
lect an  account  of  the  state  of  the  churches  for  Association.  Am  pretty  fortu- 
nate in  collecting  an  account  of  election  sermons.  The  prevailing  epidemic 
is  pretty  bad  at  Wethersfield  and  at  New  Haven.  Seven  have  died  at  Weth- 
ersfield in  a  week.     College  is  broken  up.     Warm  and  very  pleasant. 

11.  Very  warm.  Looked  over  Mr.  Pitkin's*  pamphlets.  Found  some 
valuable  things.  Rode  to  Simsbury,  Wintonbury,  and  home.  Got  home  late. 
Saw  apple-tree  blossoms.  It  seems  our  northern  army  have  gone  to  Upper 
Canada  and  taken  Little  York.'     It  seems  to  be  generally  regretted. 

12.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  The  Governor  came  into  town 
with  a  very  handsome  escort.  Saw  my  brother  Nat.  My  father  is  unwell 
with  a  swelled  face.     He  did  not  preach  last  Sabbath. 

13.  Election.  Rode  to  Hartford  early.  The  day  remarkably  fine.  Attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Bible  Society.  The  collection  of  clergy,  and  of  people 
generally,  very  great.  Mr.  Lee's  ^  sermon  was  heterogeneous,  and  contained 
some  undesirable  things.  The  Governor  has  a  much  larger  majority  than  was 
expected.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  The 
business  of  the  day  was  finished  very  early.     Rode  home. 

14.  Rode  to  East  Hartford.  Walked  to  Hartford  and  back.  Conversed 
with  the  members  of  the  Legislature  respecting  a  judge  of  probate  for  this 
district.     Preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Yates,  without  any  notes,  on  Job  xxii : 


'  This  was  the  season  for  taking  shad.  was   captured  by    an   American    expedition 

^  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis,  son  of  Dea.  Amasa  under  Gen.  Pike,  on  the  27th  of  April,  1S13. 

Loomis.  The  Americans  were  about  1,700  strong;  the 

^  The  town  of  Colchester  then  comprised  British  numbered  850  (including  100  Indians) 

three  parishes,  Colchester  proper,  Westches-  under    Gen.    Sheafe.     The    American    loss 

ter,  and  New  Salem.     New  Salem  is  now  the  occurred  principally  from   the  explosion  of 

town  of  Salem.  the  British  magazine,  which  had  been  set  on 

•*  Rev.   Timothy   Pitkin,   who    had    been  fire.     There  were  52  killed  and  22S  wounded, 

pastor  at  Farmington,    1752-1785,   but  who  Gen.  Pike  was  killed.     The  British  lost,  no 

died  at  Farmington   two  years   before,  and  killed,  300  wounded,  and  36  military  and  4 

his  books  and  pamphlets  had  not  probably  naval  officers,  and  250  privates  became  pris- 

been  scattered.  oners.  —  Haydn's  Dictionary  of  Dates,  p.  516. 

5  "  York    (Toronto),    in   Upper  Canada,  ^  Rev.  Chauncey  Lee,  D.D.,  of  Colebrook. 


552 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1813. 


23.     At  Hartford  met  with  the  directors  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society. 
Walked  home.     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

15.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Acts  xxiv :  14.  Hindered  considerably  by  com- 
pany.    Quite  cool. 

16.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  morning  on  Judges  vi :  13.  Afternoon 
from  Matt,  xix :  30.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  After  conference 
rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.'  •  Ver}-  tired. 

17.  Set  out  on  a  journey  with  Ursula.  I  go  partly  on  my  own  business, 
and  partly  for  the  benefit  of  her  health.  She  has  been  unwell  since  about  the 
I  St  of  Januar}-.  Rode  to  Haddam.  A  very  fine  season.  Paid  at  Hartford 
for  a  watch-chain,  $3.00.  For  a  whip,  $2.00.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  a 
lecture  appointed  for  me,  from  Rom.  i:  16.  Tarried  at  Mrs.  Brainerd's.^ 
The  apple-trees  in  their  early  blossoms. 

18.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  Saybrbok.  Ursula  bears  the  journey  very  well. 
Dined  with  Mr.  Hotchkiss.-'  Crossed  the  river  to  Lyme.  Very  kindly  enter- 
tained at  the  Griswolds.     This  situation  is  remarkably  fine. 

19.  Looked  over  old  election  sermons.  Judge  Griswold  has  a  valuable 
collection  of  them.  Am  able  to  complete  my  list.  Went  out  on  the  water. 
Quite  cool.  The  Governor's  widow  and  children  are  a  very  excellent  family.* 
Have  a  prospect  of  getting  some  valuable  old  books. 

20.  Left  Lyme  and  rode  to  New  London.  I  had  no  idea  that  this  was  so 
rough  a  countr}'.  Got  some  information  about  old  sermons,  etc.  The  first 
printing-press  in  this  State  was  erected  in  this  town,^  in  17 10.  Rode  to  Nor- 
wich. Called  on  Mrs.  Hooker.^  Her  situation  is  verj-  melancholy  and  trying. 
Ursula  found  some  school  acquaintance.     Preached  in  the  evening  without 


'  William  Bliss,  of  Hartford,  and  Cynthia 
Wolcott.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Mr. 
Albert  Wolcott. 

^  Where  he  had  boarded  years  before, 
when  preaching  at  Haddam.  Ten  ministers 
of  the  name  raised  up  from  this  one  par- 
ish. 

^  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Hotchkiss,  pastor  at 
Old  Saybrook,  1 783-1 844. 

*■  Ursula  Wolcott,  Dr.  Robbins's  travel- 
ing companion,  ought  to  feel  at  home  among 
the  members  of  the  Griswold  family  in  Lyme. 
Fifty  or  sixty  years  before,  another  Ursula 
Wolcott,  daughter  of  Colonial  Governor 
Roger  Wolcott,  had  married  Matthew  Gris- 
wold and  gone  to  live  in  Lyme.  He  had 
been  Governor  and  judge,  and  had  died  in 
1799.  His  son  Roger  had  been  Governor 
and  judge,  and  had  died  the  year  before, 
1812,  at  Norwich.  The  family  of  Griswolds, 
where  they  were  visiting,  was  Judge  Matthew 
Griswold,  who  was  an  eminent  jurist,  and 
maintained  for  many  years  a  law  school,  in 


which  a  large  number  of  the  eminent  lawyers 
of  the  countr}'  were  educated. 

^  Xew  London. 

*  This  is  no  other  than  the  widow  of  Rev. 
Asahel  Hooker  whom  we  have  so  often  had 
occasion  to  notice  as  an  able  divine  and  favor- 
ite theological  instructor,  settled  in  Goshen. 
He  was  compelled  to  leave  the  cold  hills  of 
Litchfield  County,  because  of  sensitive  lungs, 
and  was  settled  in  1S12  over  one  of  the 
churches  of  Norwich.  There  he  died,  April 
ig,  1S13,  at  the  age  of  fifty,  cut  oft  in  the 
midst  of  his  years.  Mrs.  Hooker  was  left 
with  three  children,  all  of  whom  lived  to  old 
age,  and  have  passed  away  during  recent 
years,  Dr.  Edward  W.  Hooker,  formerly 
of  Hartford  Theological  Seminan,',  Mrs. 
Mary  Cornelius,  wife  of  the  able  and  elo- 
quent Dr.  Elias  Cornelius,  secretary  of  the 
American  Education  Society,  and  also  of  the 
American  Board.  The  other  daughter  was  the 
wife  of  Rev.  Dr.  Solomon  Peck,  secretary  of 
the  Baptist  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 


1 8 13.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  553 

notes  from  Num.  x  :  29.     This  place  (the  Landing)  is  the  most  compact  built 
place  in  this  State.     Tarried  at  Mrs.  Hooker's. 

21.  In  the  morning  called  on  some  acquaintance.  This  season  here  does 
not  appear  to  be  quite  so  forward  as  on  Connecticut  River.  Rode  to  Wind- 
ham. I  think  Ursula  is  better  for  the  journey.  Our  journey  is  very  pleasant. 
Rode  to  Tolland.  Some  of  the  road  is  pretty  poor.  We  are  obliged  to  travel 
circuitously  to  keep  the  turnpikes.  I  think  Windham  County  preferable  to 
New  London. 

22.  Ursula  found  acquaintance  at  Tolland.  Rode  home.  Our  journey 
has  been  very  prosperous ;  we  have  had  very  fine  weather,  and  have  found 
many  friends.  A  sickly  young  man  and  a  black  man '  have  died  here  this 
week.  The  latter  of  the  epidemic  fever.  Received  a  letter  from  my  father, 
one  from  Mr.  Battell,  and  one  from  my  brother  James.  My  father  is  quite 
feeble.  Rode  to  Mr.  E.  Bissell's  to  confer  with  him  about  his  son's  going  to 
live  with  brother  James.     The  road  is  very  dusty. 

23.  Wrote  notes  in  the  morning  and  preached  on  Ps.  xx.wii :  34.  Baptized 
a  child.^  Afternoon  from  Acts  xxiv  :  14.  After  meeting  attended  the  funeral 
of  the  black  man  who  died  yesterday.  At  evening  wrote  to  Mr.  Rowland,  of 
Windsor,  and  to  Mr.  Wadsworth,  of  Geneseo.  Am  considerably  hoarse  with  a 
cold. 

24.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Edward  Bissell  ^  went  off  to  live  with 
him  as  a  clerk.  Very  warm.  My  orange  and  lemon-trees,  which  I  feared  were 
killed  with  the  frost,  appear  to  be  reviving.  Visited  a  sick  man.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  88°.     Worked  in  the  garden.     The  heat  very  oppressive. 

25.  Visited  the  family  lately  bereaved  by  death.  Worked  some.  Wrote 
on  my  list  of  election  sermons.     The  thermometer  was  at  85°. 

26.  Wrote.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was  held  here.  Mr.  Yates  preached. 
After  meeting  walked  to  Windsor  and  back.  Mr.  Rowland's  family  have 
been  ver^'  sick,  but  are  getting  better. 

27.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Looked  over  the  ancient  State  records  to 
find  an  account  of  election  sermons.  In  early  times  they  are  not  generally 
noticed  in  the  records.  Found  a  great  number  of  acquaintance.  Treated 
very  politely  by  Mr.  Secretary  Day.*  Tarried  at  Hartford.  Read  the  Presi- 
dent's Message. 

28.  Completed  my  list  of  election  sermons  and  gave  it  to  the  printer  to  be 
inserted  as  an  appendix  to  the  sermon  of  this  year.'  Many  gentlemen  appear 
glad  that  I  have  done  it.  Received  of  the  bank,  for  a  note  which  I  gave  in 
yesterday,  $295.35.     Paid  a  note  which   they   held   against   me   of   $100.00, 


'  Calvin    Wood,    aged    twentv-five,    and  He  was  Secretary  of  State  in  Connecticut, 

Walter  A.  Black,  aged  thirty-eight.  from  iSio  to  1S35. 

^  Clarissa,  daughter  of  Bishop  Johnson.  '  Those   interested  in  such  matters  may^ 

3  This  was   the   son   probably   of   Elijah  take   note  that  the  list  of  previous  election 

Bissell.     He  lived  afterward  in  Detroit.  sermons,  which  Dr.  Robbins  had  taken  such 

*  Thomas    Day,    LL.D.,   brother   of    Dr.  pains  to  compile,  may  be  found  as  an  appen- 

Jeremiah  Day,  President  of  Yale  College,  and  dix  to  the  sermon  of   Rev.  Chauncey  Lee, 

son  of  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  of  New  Preston.  D.  D.,  preached  in  1813. 


554  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1813. 

Sent  to  the  Eagle  Bank  of  New  Haven,  for  my  next  instalment,  $125.00. 
Paid  Gleason,  $10.00.  Walked  home.  Visited  a  sick  man.  I  fear  he  will  not 
live.     Cool.     Had  a  little  fire  in  my  chamber. 

29.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  15.  Visited  the  sick  man.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother  James.  I  am  alarmed  at  the  account  of  my  father's 
poor  state.  I  fear  that  he  will  not  enjoy  much  more  health.  Paid  for  a  book, 
the  Echo^  $i-o5-     Was  up  late. 

30.  Wrote  and  preached  in  the  morning  on  Luke  ii :  32.  Afternoon,  the 
sermon  written  )'esterday.  Meeting  quite  full.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    Very  thin. 

31.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Visited  sick  persons.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Rode 
to  Orford.  Found  difficulty  in  getting  the  account  of  the  state  of  that  church 
and  society.  Quite  warm  and  dusty.  I  think  the  circumstances  of  Orford 
society  are  improving.  Towards  night  a  shower.  Endeavored  to  ride  to 
Scantick,  Between  Wapping  and  Scantick  got  lost  in  the  evening,^  and  tar- 
ried at  Wells's.^ 

On  the  30th  gave  notice  to  the  people,  that  in  consequence  of  my  father's 
indisposition,  I  calculated  to  spend  the  next  Sabbath  with  him. 

June. 

1.  Rode  to  Scantick,  Enfield,  and  Hartland.  Met  with  the  Association 
at  Mr.  Church's.*  Did  not  get  there  before  four  o'clock.  Very  tired.  Our 
good  brother  Eells^  is  missing.  He  died  of  a  fever,  sick  three  days,  last  week. 
Was  up  late  writing  our  report  of  the  state  of  the  churches.  Brother  McLean, 
appointed  with  me,  does  very  little  about  it.  It  is  a  time  of  general  and  great 
coldness.  The  Association  appointed  me,  very  unexpectedly,  a  delegate  to 
the  General  Association. 

2.  Made  my  report  on  the  state  of  our  churches,  and  prepared  one  for 
General  Association.  The  difficulties  between  Mr.  Church  and  his  people 
appear  about  as  great  as  ever.  Left  Hartland,  after  three  o'clock,  and  rode 
home  by  way  of  Enfield.  Got  home  quite  late.  Very  tired.  Last  night  and 
night  before  a  little  frost  in  some  places.  The  apple-trees  in  Hartland  are 
in  full  blossom.  Agreed  with  Mr.  Church's  daughter  for  an  edition  of  the 
British  Poets!"     I  think  it  a  fortunate  bargain. 

3.  Am  much  fatigued  with  my  late  labors.  Wrote.  Read  Universal 
History.  Received  an  election  sermon.  My  list  of  the  past  election  sermons 
appears  well,  though  I  think  it  not  so  well  printed  as  it  ought  to  be.  Walked 
out. 


'  The  Echo  mid  Other  Poems  was  a  vol-  sted,  1787-1813.     Barkhamsted  was  a  place 

ume  of  American  poetry,  which  obtained  no  so  small  and  out  of  the  way,  that  we  have 

lasting  fame.  not  encountered  Rev.  Mr.  Eells  so  frequently 

^  The  writer  has  traveled  that  road,  not  as    the    surrounding   ministers.     He   was    a 

without  danger  of  getting  lost  in  the  day-time.  graduate  of  Yale  in  1779. 

^  A  public  house.  ''  He  does  not  say  of  how  many  volumes 

■*  Rev.   Aaron    Church,    pastor    at    East  this  set  consisted   when  he  bought  it.     An 

Hartland  in  1773-181 5.  edition   published   in   Philadelphia  in    1S19 

*  Rev.   Ozias  Eells,   pastor  at  Barkham-  counted  fifty  volumes. 


1813.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  555 

4.  On  account  of  having  to  go  to  General  Association  I  conclude  not  to 
go  to  Norfolk  till  next  week.  Began  a  sermon  on  John  xviii :  37.  Yesterday 
the  thermometer  was  at  85°  ;  today  it  rose  to  91°.  The  heat  very  oppressive. 
The  people  at  New  London  are  much  alarmed  with  British  ships  of  war  in 
their  river. 

5.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  The  thermometer  at  91°.  We  have  yet  sound 
apples. 

6.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  John  xviii :  37.  Not  quite  so 
warm  as  it  has  been.  Very  dry.  Baptized  a  child."  Meeting  rather  thin. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  full. 

7.  This  morning  my  neighbor  and  good  friend,  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott,^  died 
very  suddenly.  His  gout  seemed  to  seat  on  the  lungs.  His  age  was  sixty- 
two.  Wrote  to  my  father.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  A  very 
refreshing  shower.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  number  of  new  volumes 
of  Classics.^  Hudson  &  Goodwin  gave  me  six  copies  of  the  election  sermon 
for  my  appendix. 

8.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Wol- 
cott.  It  was  the  most  numerous  of  any  one  that  I  have  seen  in  this  place. 
The  family  very  deeply  afflicted.     Much  cooler  than  it  has  been. 

9.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man.  The  grain  on  the  ground 
appears  very  well.  Visited.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Chase/  of  Hartford.  Am  prevented  from  going  my  journey  tomorrow  as  I 
expected. 

ID.  Worked,  piling  a  heap  of  manure  for  next  fall.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.^  Quite  rainy.  At  evening  wrote  a  paper 
for  Ursula. 

11.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Norfolk.  Ursula  goes  with  me.  Carried  to 
Hartford  our  missionary  contribution  of  $32.52.  Paid  the  treasurer  of  the 
Ministers'  Annuity  Society  my  annual  rate,  ^5.00.  Paid  for  a  pair  of  silk 
stockings  which  I  gave  to  Ursula,  $2.50.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Was  out  in  a 
considerable  shower.  My  father  is  much  more  ill  than  I  expected.  His  com- 
plaint is  an  erysipelas  in  the  face.  One  side  of  his  face  is  much  swollen, 
and  is  very  painful. 

12.  My  brother  Frank  is  at  home,  and  is  very  studious.  The  people  here 
are  much  engaged  in  building  their  new  meeting-house.  They  are  doing  a 
great  deal  of  voluntary  labor  in  preparing  the  ground.     The  old  house  is  taken 


'  Arthur  Melancthon,  son  of  Dea.  Abner  one    cannot    tell    how    many    volumes     he 

Reed.  owns. 

2  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott  was  one  of  the  *  This  was  no  other  than  the  distinguished 
prominent  men  in  East  Windsor,  both  in  Philander  Chase,  D.  D.,  afterwards  Bishop 
wealth  and  influence.  He  was  grandfather  of  Ohio,  and  President  of  Kenyon  College, 
of  Rev.  Samuel  Wolcott,  D.  D.,  formerly  of  He  was  a  native  of  Cornish,  N.  H.,  and  a 
Cleveland,  but  now  residing  at  Longmeadow,  graduate  of  Dartmouth  College  in  1796. 
Mass.  From  181 1  to  1817  he  was  rector  of  Christ 

3  This  shows  that  Mr.  Robbins's  edition  Church,  Hartford,  Ct. 

of  the  British  Classics  was  yet  in  a  state  of  ^  Alexander  Wells,  of  Scantic,  and  Eunice 

growth,  and  until  that  process  is  completed  White,  of  Wapping. 


55G  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D,  Il8l3- 

down.     Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.     The  people  are  blasting  many  rocks  on  the 
green.     I  think  it  will  be  much  improved. 

13.  My  father  rides  out  some,  but  is  unable  to  attend  meeting.  We  had 
meeting  under  a  temporarj^-  shed,  erected  for  the  use  of  the  carpenters. 
Preached  from  Heb.  xi :  24,  25,  and  Hab.  iii:  17,  18.  The  place  for  meeting 
was  quite  convenient.  My  brother  Nat's  character  appears  to  suffer  very 
much. 

14.  We  hear  that  brother  James  has  a  son.  Brother  Samuel  is  building 
a  small  new  barn.  Afternoon  set  out  for  Watertown  to  attend  General  Asso- 
ciation. Rode  to  Litchfield.  Being  late  I  tarried  at  a  tavern.  This  town  has 
a  noble  new  gaol. 

15.  Rode  early  to  Watertown.  Met  with  the  General  Association.  On 
the  committee  of  overtures  had  the  principal  care  of  arranging  the  business, 
Mr.  Gaylord,'  of  Hartland,  preached.  Two  or  three  members  are  absent. 
We  sat  in  a  large  chamber  in  a  public  house  prepared  for  us.  We  had  good 
beer,  but  no  spirits. 

16.  We  were  very  close  in  application  to  business.  Wet  and  rainy.  Am 
very  kindly  accommodated  at  Col.  Smith's.  Uncle  Starr  is  with  me.  We  did 
not  leave  our  business  to  attend  public  worship.  The  accounts  given  of  the 
state  of  religion  generally  are  unfavorable.  There  are  very  few  instances  of 
special  revivals.  But  the  vacant  societies  in  the  State  are  improving ;  foreign 
missions^  appear  to  be  running  down. 

17.  All  the  other  ecclesiastical  bodies  with  whom  we  are  connected  are  rep- 
resented. There  is  but  one  delegate  wanting ;  seven  are  present.  Near  sun- 
down we  completed  the  business.     Very  tired. 

18.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Ver^'  warm.  At  Litchfield  called  on  Mr.  Wolcott.^ 
My  father,  I  think,  is  evidently  better  than  he  w-as  a  w^eek  ago.  Received  of 
Mr.  M.  F.  Mills,"  as  the  payment  of  a  note,  $49.81.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  for  things 
which  he  had  promised  for  me  at  New  York,  $23.50.  The  people  here  are 
calculating  to  have  me  preach  at  the  dedication  of  their  meeting-house.  At 
Watertown,  looked  at  the  vane,  etc.,  preparing  for  the  steeple.  At  my  recom- 
mendation they  conclude  to  have  the  steeple  topped  with  a  cross.'  Ursula 
has  done  very  well  here. 

19.  Set  out  pretty  early  with  Ursula,  and  rode  home.  Warm,  but  not 
severe  as  yesterday.  At  Hartford  paid  for  a  pair  of  gloves  for  Frances,  given 
her,  $1.00.  Dr.  McClure  attended  meeting  here  last  Sabbath,  and  held 
public  worship.  Am  very-  much  fatigued  with  the  labors  of  the  week.  Feel 
ver}'  sensibly  the  want  of  sleep. 

20.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Wrote  over  old  notes  and  preached  on  Gen. 
xxviii  :  20,  21.     Meeting  very  thin.     At  evening  walked  out.     Yesterday  Mr. 


'  Rev.  Nathaniel  Gaylord.  had    recently    died.     Possibly    it    was    Mr. 

^  According  to  Mr.  Robbins,  this  foreign  Frederick  Wolcott  upon  whom  he  called, 

missionary  work   did   not  take   hold  of  the  *  Mr.  Michael  F.  Mills,  of  Norfolk, 

affection   and   confidence   of   people   at   the  '  He    was    more   free   from   superstition 

first.  than  most   Congregational   ministers  of  Iiis 

^  Oliver  Wolcott,  the  younger.    The  elder  generation. 


1813.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  557 

Emerson,'  of  Beverly,  who  was  at  the  General  Association,  called  here  and 
dined.     His  wife  was  with  him. 

21.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Our  war  is  carried  on  briskly  at  the 
westward. 

22.  Read.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Afternoon  walked  to  Hartford. 
Assisted  Mr.  Flint  in  preparing  the  minutes  of  General  Association  for  publi- 
cation.    Quite  warm  and  wet. 

23.  Paid  Mr.  Chapin,  my  cabinet-maker,  $20.00.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Nash/  Tolland.  Walked  home.  Visited.  The  crops  grow  very  rapidly. 
Yesterday  we  had  peas.  I  eat  some  last  Friday  at  Norfolk,  which  went  from 
Harlford. 

24.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  to  East  Hartford  and  preached  a 
sacramental  lecture  for  Mr.  Yates.  The  religious  attention  there  appears  to 
increase.     Returned  and  visited. 

25.  Read  in  Universal  History^  three  hundred  pages.  Am  considerably 
troubled  with  inattention.  I  hardly  read  twenty-five  pages  an  hour.  Preached 
yesterday  on  Ps.  li :  15.     Quite  cool. 

26.  Walked  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Farmington  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Porter.'     Rode  a  poor  horse. 

27.  Preached  from  John  i :  10,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  This  congregation  is 
very  large,  and  the  house  very  hard  for  a  speaker.  Quite  warm.  At  evening 
rode  to  West  Hartford.     Tarried  at  Dr.  Perkins's. 

2'8.  Rode  home.  The  heat  very  severe.  The  thermometer  rose  to  95°. 
Towards  night  a  very  violent  shower.  Mr.  Reuben  Porter  was  here  yesterday, 
on  his  return  from  Massachusetts  General  Association.  He  attended  a  con- 
ference in  the  evening.     Walked  out. 

29.  Wrote  to  Uncle  Starr.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Warm  and  wet. 
Gave  away  two  Bibles.  People  are  beginning  haying.  The  grain  appears 
very  well. 

30.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wethersfield  to  preach  a 
sacramental  lecture  for  Dr.  Marsh.  He  is  gone  a  journey,  and  his  next  sacra- 
ment is  omitted.  There  was  no  lecture.  Returned.  Very  warm.  Vegeta- 
tion is  ver)'  rapid. 

July. 

1.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  thermometer  was 
at  89°.  Read  Universal  History.  I  do  not  accomplish  nearly  so  much  busi- 
ness as  I  ought  to  do.     My  garden  peas  produce  very  well. 

2.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  The  thermometer  was  at  93°.  Read 
Universal  History.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Luke 
xii:  10.  Lecture  pretty  thin.  At  evening  and  in  the  night  quite  rainy. 
Went  into  the  water. 

3.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Joshua  xxiv  :  20.    Finished  in  good  season.     Ther- 


'  Rev.  Joseph  Emerson,  pastor  of  Second  =  Rev.    Ansel    Nash,   pastor   at   Tolland, 

Congregational   Church   in    Beverly,    1803-       1S13-1S31. 
1816,  afterwards  a  distinguished  teacher.  ^  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D. 


55S  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

mometer  at  87°.     Vegetation  is  very  rapid.     People  beginning  haying.     The 
nights  are  warm. 

4.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  2  Cor.  iv:  10.  After- 
noon the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Much 
oppressed  with  the  heat.  The  meeting  rather  thin.  The  thermometer  at  93°. 
The  congregation  appears  very  stupid.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence. 

5.  Worked  in  the  garden.  My  garden  does  very  well  this  year.  Read. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  got  a  clock  which  I  have  purchased  for  $50.00.  It  is 
a  very  good  one,  having  run  about  a  dozen  years.  A  brass  clock  with  a 
mahogany  case.     I  think  it  cheap. 

6.  Set  up  my  clock  on  the  stairs.  We  have  no  room  high  enough  for  it. 
Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.     Towards  night  a  violent  shower.     Cool. 

7.  Walked  to  the  hill.  Rode  with  Mr.  Flint  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  attend 
ministers'  meeting.  No  others  came,  and  no  lecture  had  been  appointed. 
Towards  night  Mr.  Flint  and  I  rode  to  Enfield.  Tarried  with  Mr,  Taylor. 
Attended  to  the  formation  of  a  system  of  rules  for  the  Consociation.  Crops 
appear  remarkably  well.     Our  western  army  has  had  another  reverse.' 

8.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  our  society.  Visited.  Did  not  get  home  till 
evening.  I  conclude  we  have  had  no  warmer  day  this  year.  They  inform  me 
that  the  thermometer  was  at  92°  before  noon.  I  presume  it  was  as  high  as 
95°  or  96°.  Capt.  Bissell  ^  is  building  a  very  fine  new  house.  A  valuable 
stone  bridge  has  been  lately  built  a  little  south  of  the  meeting-house.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  my  brother  Samuel.  Father  has  been  worse  since  I  was 
there.     I  feel  much  concerned  about  him. 

9.  We  have  very  warm  nights.  Finished  another  volume  of  the  Universal 
History.     Worked  some.     Very  showery. 

10.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  7.  Cooler  than  it  has  been.  Paid  for 
my  newspaper  for  a  year,  $1.75.  My  affections  are  in  a  poor  state  for  writing 
sermons. 

11.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xi :  11.  Afternoon 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Weather  very  fine.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Yesterday  and  today  wrote  a  letter  to  Miss  Ursula  Wolcott  now 
at  Geneseo.     Quite  tired. 

12.  Last  night  was  obliged  to  get  up  and  take  laudanum.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford. We  have  an  account  of  a  great  sanguinary'  battle  in  Europe,  in  which 
both  parties  claim  the  victory.^  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.*  Very 
showery. 

13.  Wrote  all  day.     Finished  a  piece  for  the  Magazine,  containing  reflec- 


'  About   seven    miles   from  QueenstowTi,  hundred   and   sixty  officers  and  men   taken 

Upper   Canada,   at   a  place    called    Beaver  prisoners. 
Dam,  there  was  a  short,  but  evidently  a  very  ^  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell. 

severe,  engagement  between  the  Americans  '  It  is  difficult  to  tell  exactly  what  battle 

and   the   British,   in   which    the    Americans  is  here  meant. 
were  beaten,  with   a  reported   loss   of  four  *  Willis  Wood  and  Sally  Williams. 


1813.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  559 

tions  Oil  Mr.  Mills's  *  letter  contained  in  the  number  for  this  month.     I  think 
the  subject  very  useful, 

14.  Rode  early  to  Hartford,  and  to  Norfolk  in  the  stage.  My  father  is 
evidently  rather  lower  than  when  J  was  here  last,  and  there  appears  to  be  no 
amelioration  of  his  disease.  He  rides  out.  The  people  here  have  just  begun 
to  raise  their  meeting-house.  My  brother  Frank  is  confined  at  home  ^  by  the 
sickness  of  my  father. 

15.  Rainy  all  day.  Brother  Frank  appears  to  be  very  studious.  Father 
endures  very  great  pain.  Assisted  in  making  a  draft  for  the  clock  face  for 
the  meeting-house. 

16.  Agreed  with  Mr.  Gaylord^  to  preach  two  Sabbaths  for  me  in  August, 
and  to  spend  the  time  here.  The  raising  of  the  meeting-house  will  take  a 
number  of  days.  I  think  it  will  be  a  very  noble  building.  Rode  with  father. 
Received  from  my  brother  Nat,  $20.00.  I  have  some  concern  about  brother 
Sam.  in  a  female  connection. 

17.  I  think  father's  Christian  character  appears  very  well.  Left  Norfolk 
early.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  stage,  and  rode  home  in  a  waggon.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother  James. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Luke  vi :  45.  After  meeting 
rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on  Heb.  xii:  25.  Baptized  there  two  chil- 
dren.'*    Very  tired. 

19.  Rainy.  We  have  a  remarkably  wet  season.  The  river  is  quite  high. 
Walked  out. 

20.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell, 
one  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  Mr.  Lane,  of  Lyme.  Very  warm 
and  wet. 

21.  Read  Universal  History.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts.  I 
have  expended  more  for  a  year  past  than  usual.  Went  to  Hartford.  Walked 
above  half  of  the  way,  going  and  returning.  Received  from  my  brother  James, 
sent  to  Hartford,  $10.31.  Paid  my  cabinet-maker,  $8.00.  Paid  a  merchant, 
$5.00;  to  Cooke,  $5.00;  for  a  book,  Life  of  Calvin,  $2.25.  People  are  trying 
to  harvest,  but  the  season  is  unfavorable.     The  river  is  quite  high. 

22.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Visited  a  school.  Capt.  Bissell  is  build- 
ing a  very  valuable  house. 

23.  Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  i :  28.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field  and  carried 
dinner  to  the  workmen.  The  harvest  is  good,  but  the  weather  is  unfavorable 
for  the  ingathering.     At  evening  walked  out. 

24.  Quite  rainy  and  wet.  Wrote  all  day.  Bonaparte  appears  anxious  for 
a  peace  on  the  continent. 

25.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Isa.  i:  28.  Meeting  quite  attent- 
ive. After  meeting  rode  to  the  lower  part  of  the  town,  and  had  a  sort  of  con- 
ference at  a  house  of  mourning.     At  evening  attended  the  usual  conference. 


'  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills,  of  Torringford.  ■*  William   Warner   Sadd,  son  of    Noah 

^  That  is,  he  is  kept  at  Norfolk.  Sadd ;  and  Daniel  J.  Skinner,  son  of  Oliver 

3  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord.  Skinner. 


560  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

Very  tired.     On  Friday  visited  two  young  women  apparently  deeply  impressed 
in  mind.     I  hope  to  be  thankful  that  we  are  not  wholly  forgotten. 

.26.  Much  troubled  last  night  with  nervous  affections.  People  all  at  the 
harvest.  Some  people  worked  yesterday.  I  fear  the  breach  of  the  Sabbath  is 
a  o-rowing  evil.  The  heat  yesterday  was  severe  ;  the  thermometer  was  at  85°. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  Visited  a  school  and  families.  Preparing  for  my 
journey. 

27.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Dr.  Tudor  went  with  me.  My  father  appears  much 
as  when  I  last  saw  him.  I  think  he  is  no  better.  I  brought  Dr.  Tudor  for 
the  sake  of  seeing  him.  We  had  a  pleasant  ride.  At  evening  Uncle  Starr  and 
aunt  came  here.  We  have  an  account  of  a  ver)^  great  battle  in  Europe,  in 
which  the  French  were  rather  successful.' 

28.  Wet.  The  people  here  have  not  begun  their  harvest.  Dr.  Tudor 
thinks  my  father's  complaint  is  an  uncommon  case,  and  has  some  fears  of  a 
cancer.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Sally  is  remarkably  attentive  to  father. 
Tudor  -  came  up  in  the  stage  to  return  with  the  doctor.     Paid  for  his  fare. 

29.  In  the  morning  the  doctor  and  Tudor  went  off  for  East  Windsor.  He 
left  his  prescriptions  for  father.  Uncle  and  Aunt  Starr  went  home.  Received 
a  letter  from  our  Ursula  W^olcott.  Received  from  Aunt  Starr,  $110.00,  for 
which  I  gave  her  my  note,  with  which  I  am  to  try  to  procure  her  a  share  in  ihe 
Eagle  Bank.  Rode  out  with  father.  Worked  some  at  hay.  Wrote  to  Major 
Wolcott.^     Gave  Tudor  for  his  expenses  home,  $1.00. 

30.  Wrote.  The  frame  of  the  meeting-house  was  completed  in  the  raising, 
on  the  23d.  They  began  to  raise  on  the  15th.  It  makes  a  fine  appearance. 
The  cross  at  the  summit  of  the  steeple  appears  tasty  and  elegant.  Wrote  to 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Lane,  of  Lyme,  and  Mr.  Charles  Sherman,  of  New  Haven.  At 
evening  my  brother  James  and  his  wife  and  little  son  came  here.  Worked  at 
hay.     We  had  a  small  sudden  shower. 

31.  Yesterday  worked  considerably  arranging  my  father's  books  and  pam- 
phlets. My  parents  have  a  good  garden.  Read  Universal  History.  Received 
of  my  brother  James,  on  his  note  which  he  took  up,  $2.25.  Quite  cool.  James 
has  a  fine  little  child. 

In  reckoning  my  pecuniary  accounts,  July  21st,  the  sum  received  and  the 
sums  expended  on  that  day,  excepting  the  §8.00  paid  a  cabinet- maker,  were 
not  included. 

August. 

I.  We  had  meeting  in  the  frame  of  the  new  meeting-house.''  The  roof 
is  nearly  done.  The  meeting  quite  full.  Preached  all  day  on  Isa.  i :  28. 
Baptized  my  brother  James's  child  and  one  more.     These  were  the  first  relig- 


'  That  may  be  the  battle  of  Hochkirchen,  '  Maj.    Abiel    Wolcott,    with   whom    he 

in  Saxony,  in  which  Napoleon  defeated  the  boarded. 

combined  armies  of  the  Russians  and  Aus-  ■♦  Such  primitive  ways  of  accommodating 

trians.  themselves  to  circumstances  were  more  natu- 

*  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott,  aged  fourteen.  ral  than  they  would  be  now. 


x8l3.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  561 

ious  exercises  in  the  new  meeting-house.     The  place  for  speaking  was  quite 
difficult. 

2.  There  is  an  appearance  of  great  stupidity  about  divine  things  in  this 
place.  Rode  out  with  father.  Very  warm.  Wrote.  We  have  a  good  deal  of 
company. 

3.  Read  Universal  History.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beach,'  of  Winsted,  came  here 
and  made  father  a  good  visit.  Drank  tea  at  Mr.  Olmstead's.  The  attendance 
on  father  requires  a  great  deal  of  labor. 

4.  My  brother  James  and  his  wife  went  home.  Their  child  is  quite  un- 
well. Sally  and  I  rode  with  them  to  Sheffield.  Mr.  Bradford  ^  is  about  to  be 
settled  at  Sheffield.     Returned.     The  heat  very  great. 

5.  Three  days  past  have  been  very  warm  and  a  very  fine  time  for  haying 
and  harvest.  My  brother  Samuel  gets  in  his  hay  ver}-  fast.  I  do  something 
in  the  instruction  of  my  sister's  children.'  My  father  rides  every-  day.  Worked 
some  at  hay. 

6.  I  sleep  at  Mr.  Battell's,  as  he  is  absent  on  a  journey.  Read  Universal 
History.  Prepared  papers  with  my  name  to  put  in  my  books.  I  have  so  much 
to  do  in  waiting  on  my  father,  that  I  can  read  but  little. 

7.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Buel,*  of  Sheffield.  My  father's  disorder  appears  to  have 
very  little  variation.  Towards  evening  there  was  a  little  shower.  The  week 
has  been  uniformly  very  warm  and  constantly  clear  and  dr}-.  A  very  fine 
season  for  haying  and  harvest.  The  people  here  are  generally  in  their  harvest. 
Worked  some  at  the  meeting-house.     Go  very  thin  clothed. 

8.  We  had  meeting  in  an  orchard  back  of  the  meeting-house.  The  con- 
gregation very  large.  Preached  from  Deut.  xxxii :  39,  and  Ps.  li :  15.  Bap- 
tized five  children.  Very  much  fatigued.  The  heat  about  the  same  as  the 
week  past. 

9.  The  heat  very  severe.  Rode  to  Chestnut  Hill  ^  and  visited  sister  Bet- 
sey. Afternoon  a  hard  thunder-shower.  Was  out  in  the  most  of  it  and  got 
very  wet.     At  evening  Mr.  Hawley,*  of  Northington,  came  here  and  tarried. 

ID.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  man.  I  fear  there  will  be  diffi- 
culties here  in  the  church. 

II.  Last  Sabbath  finished  reading  the  Bible  in  course  which  I  began  ? 
Am  much  taken  up  waiting  on  my  father.  Am  trying  to  persuade  him  to  go  to 
New  Lebanon  Spring,  but  he  is  very  reluctant.  I  am  more  than  ever  discour- 
aged about  him.     Read. 


'  Rev.  James  Beach  and  wife.      He  was  *  Dr.  William  Buel,  who  went  from  Litch- 

pastor  at  Winsted  (a  parish  of  Winchester),  field,  Ct.,  to  Sheffield,  and  afterwards  removed 

1S06-1S42.     He  was  a  native  of  that  region,  back  to  Litchfield. 

and  had  doubtless  known  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins,  '  One  of  the  districts  of  the  town  of  Xor- 

of  Norfolk,  from  his  youth  up.  folk. 

^  James    Bradford,  a  native   of    Rowley,  *'  Rev.    Rufus    Hawley,   of    Northington 

Mass.,  and   a  graduate   of  Dartmouth   Col-  (Avon), 

lege,  181 1.  '  He  forgot  to  fill  this  blank.     He  doubt- 

3  Little  Joseph  had  been  a  scholar  of  his  less  intended  to  consult  his  record-book,  not 

for  some  time.     Little  Philip  was  now  five.  having  the  exact  date  in  mind. 


562  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

12.  Set  out  with  my  father  for  New  Lebanon.  Made  several  stops.  Rode 
to  Sheffield.  He  bore  the  ride  better  than  I  expected.  Tarried  at  Dr. 
Buel's. 

13.  Rode  to  Stockbridge  and  Lenox.  We  meet  with  great  kindness  on  the 
road.  Wrote  from  Stockbridge  to  brother  Frank,  at  Lenox,  and  he  came  to 
Lenox.     Brother  James's  little  child  is  very  sick  with  whooping-cough.    Warm. 

14.  Afternoon  rode  to  New  Lebanon.  He  is,  I  think,  better  in  health  for 
his  journey.     Quite  warm.     There  is  a  good  deal  of  company  here. 

15  On  the  morning  of  the  12th  wrote  to  Mr.  Wolcott,'  East  Windsor,  to 
Dr.  McClure,  and  to  Mr.  Yates.  Father  went  into  the  warm  and  cold  bath. 
I  think  the  water  does  him  good.  There  is  scarcely  the  appearance  here 
of  the  Sabbath.  At  evening  preached  in  the  drawing-room  to  a  very  respect- 
able audience,  on  Num.  x :  29.     Father  was  not  able  to  attend. 

16.  Am  very  much  taken  up  with  waiting  on  my  father.  Rode  out.  Very 
warm.  Am  treated  with  much  attention.  Received  of  two  gentlemen  a  pres- 
ent of  $6.00.  Brother  came  here  and  made  a  short  visit.  Father  had  a  pretty 
poor  day ;  his  nerves  are  much  affected.  He  determines  to  leave  here  to- 
morrow. 

17.  Left  New  Lebanon.  Paid  our  bill,  ^7.00.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Father 
had  a  good  deal  of  pain.  I  do  not  know  that  the  water  had  done  any  essen- 
tial service.  Yet  he  is  evidently  better  for  the  journey.  Yesterday  morning 
wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Last  evening  went  into  the  bath.  Brother  James 
appears  to  be  doing  well  here  in  trade.     Tarried  with  him. 

18.  Rode  home.  My  father  bore  traveling  remarkably.  He  is  evidently 
stronger  for  his  journey.     Our  journey  has  been  very  prosperous. 

19.  Father  has  severe  pain.  Probably  his  ride  yesterday  was  a  little  too 
fatiguing.     Read.     The  meeting-house  here  advances  very  finely. 

20.  Quite  warm.  Preparing  for  my  return.  Father  feels  disagreeably  at 
the  prospect  of  my  departure. 

21.  Rode  in  the  stage  to  Hartford,  Very  warm.  The  stage  was  very  full. 
The  dust  very  severe.  Found  Mr.  Wolcott  at  Hartford,  who  carried  me  home. 
Little  Joseph  Battell  came  with  me.  Have  been  absent  nearly  four  weeks. 
Mr  Oliver  Loomis,  our  neighbor,  died  this  morning.  A  black  woman  ^  has  died 
during  my  absence.     Very  tired. 

22.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  The  thermometer  was  at  88°.  During  my 
absence  it  has  been  at  96°.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Jer. 
xxiii:  24.  Afternoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  John  xi :  25.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  Loomis.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Last  evening 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Orange  Lyrnan.^  Last  Sabbath  Mr.  McClure  car- 
ried on  the  meeting  here,  and  the  two  preceding  Mr.  Gaylord  preached."     It 

'  Maj.  Abiel  Wolcott.  1809,  is  about  to  be  settled  at  Ellsworth,  a 

^  Tamarind,  the  black  woman,  died  August  parish  of  Sharon. 
12.     Her  name  itself  is  evidence  that  she  had  -»  Dr.   David   McClure   took   the   general 

once  been  a  slave,  and  perhaps  died  a  slave.  oversight  of  the  meetings,  and  Mr.  Asahel 

^  Rev.   Orange   Lyman,  a  native  of  Tor-  Gaylord,  who  was,  we  think,  a  licensed  but 

rington,  and  a  graduate  of  Williams  College,  not  an  ordamed  minister,  did  the  preaching. 


1813.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST  WINDSOR.  563 

was  not  known  last  Sabbath  that  I  was  not  yet  home  till  people  got  to  meet- 
ing.    The  stage-driver  was  very  negligent. 

23.  Last  night  there  was  a  good  deal  of  thunder,  but  little  rain.  The 
ground  is  very  dry.  Read  newspapers.  I  have  the  whole  of  the  Hartford 
Courant  a?id  Mirror  for  more  than  four  years.  Lord  Wellington  has  gained 
another  great  victory  in  Spain.'     Walked  out. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  several  errands  for  my  friends  at  Norfolk. 
The  thermometer  was  at  85°.  Received  of  my  brother  Nat,  $4.06.  In  the 
afternoon  we  had  the  most  violent  tornado,  consisting  of  wind,  rain,  and  hail, 
that  I  ever  witnessed.  The  buildings,  trees,  fences,  and  crops  are  very  much 
injured.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  a  great  sufferer.  This  was  about  the  centre  of  the 
vein,  which  was  very  severe  more  than  a  mile  in  breadth.  Several  of  the  great 
elms  are  turned  up  by  the  roots.'^ 

25.  The  storm  yesterday  appears  to  have  been  extensive  and  very  violent. 
Sent  to  Dr.  McClure  a  present  of  $5.00,  in  consideration  of  his  frequent  min- 
isterial assistance  in  my  absence.  Visited.  Worked  the  most  of  the  after- 
noon in  tr)'ing  to  re-erect  a  great  elm. 

26.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Eat  some  fine  watermelons.  The  aspect 
of  divine  things  here  is  very  gloomy.     Paid  to  Hartford  Bank,  $63.72. 

27.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Quite  warm  and  faint.  Having  been, 
on  my  birthday,  at  my  father's,  so  much  taken  up  with  my  attendance  on  him, 
I  did  not  attend  but  little  to  the  appropriate  duties  of  the  day.  I  have,  there- 
fore, set  apart  this  day  as  a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  before 
God. 

28.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  11.  A  little  afternoon  rode  to  Wap- 
ping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  suddenly.^  The  heat  quite 
oppressive. 

29.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  morning  on  John  vii :  16,  Afternoon 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Towards  night  and  at  evening  it  was  quite 
rainy. 

30.  Quite  rainy;  very  refreshing  to  the  dry  ground.  Wrote  to  my  cousin 
S.  P.  Robbins.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Perkins  to  convene  our  Conso- 
ciation. Walked  out  and  visited.  I  hope  we  have  some  small  tokens  of  good 
among  us. 

31.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  The  heat  very  severe.  Got  in  late.  At  even- 
ing attend  the  speaking  for  premiums.     Very  tired. 

Received  of  the  society  collector,  $124.00,  and  two  orders  which  I  had  given, 
amounting  to  $19.96. 


'  Lord  Wellington  defeated  Marshal  Soult  ^  The  habit  of  Mr.  Robbins  seems  to  be, 

at  the  battle  of  the  Pyrenees,  July  28,  1813.  when  he  is  called  to  attend  the  funeral  of  any 

^  The    writer,    whose    early    years    were  one  outside  of  his  own  parish,  not  to  record 

passed  in   the    Connecticut  Valley,  has   the  the  case  on  the  parish   books.     Very  likely 

impression   that   such  wild  storms  of  wnd,  he  had  a  private  and  separate  record  for  all 

rain,  and  hail,  are  more  common  in  that  val-  such   cases.      It  would   make   confusion  to 

ley  than  in  the  region  of  Boston.  enter  them  with  the  parish  records. 


564  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

September. 

1.  The  Commencement  is  this  week  in  consequence  of  the  President's 
appointed  Fast.'  It  was  held  in  the  old  Blue  Meeting-House.^  Not  quite  so 
many  people,  ministers  especially,  as  usual.  The  exercises  were  rather  better 
than  usual.  No  Master  spoke.  It  was  severely  warm  in  the  meeting-house.  It 
is  a  very  hot  day.  At  evening  Mr.  Gibson  ^  preached  the  Concio  ad  Clerum. 
Paid  my  last  instalment  of  $125.00  at  the  Eagle  Bank.  There  is  considerable 
building  in  this  town. 

2.  In  the  morning  attended  a  meeting  for  prayer.  It  Avas  quite  full. 
Rode  home.  The  heat  ver^-  severe  and  oppressive.  Was  exceedingly  fatigued 
and  sore  with  the  ride.  In  the  last  month  my  agent  at  New  Haven  received  a 
dividend  for  me  at  the  Eagle  Bank,  and  paid  it  to  Howe  &  Deforest,  of 
$25.00,  according  to  my  order.  The  thermometer  today  has  been  about  90°. 
Got  home  late  in  the  evening. 

3.  Wrote.     Read  Universal  Histoj-y.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

4.  Little  Joseph  does  pretty  well  with  his  Latin  grammar.  Wrote  a  ser- 
mon on  Rom.  vi :  i.     Went  into  the  water.     Much  cooler. 

5.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Deut.  iv :  40.  Afternoon 
on  Rom.  vi:  i.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Meeting  quite  full. 
Quite  cool, 

6.  Walked  and  visited.     Afternoon  attended  a  training. 

7.  Wrote  letters  to  W.  Chapman,  New  Connecticut,  to  ]Mrs.  Backus, 
Somers,  and  to  my  brother  Samuel.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Yesterday  paid  Mr. 
Terry  towards  the  meeting-house  clock  for  Norfolk,  $25.00.  Read  Universal 
History. 

8.  Wrote  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Deut.  xxiii :  i.  Worked  some  at  row- 
ing hay.  Yesterday  morning  there  was  a  little  frost,  but  it  is  thought  vegeta- 
tion is  not  injured, 

9.  National  Fast.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ezra  iii : 
21.  Afternoon  on  Deut.  xxviii :  11.  Meeting  not  very  well  attended.  Some 
people  worked. ■•     At  evening  rainy.     Wrote. 

10.  Finished  the  twenty-third  volume  of  Universal  History.  Visited  a 
school.  The  summer  schools  here  are  not  sufficiently  attended  to.  The  ther- 
mometer was  at  83°.     I  have  got  quite  in  arrear  in  reading. 

11.  The  heat  very  oppressive.     Thermometer  at  84°,     Worked  some  at 


'  September,  this  year,  came  in  on  Wed-  ing-House  was  the  one  probably  left  empty 

nesday.      If    Commencement    day    had    oc-  by  the  aforesaid  union. 

curred   by   the    usual    law,   it    would    have  ^  m^,    Robbins   did  not  spell   this   name 

been  Sept.  8,  as  early  as  it  could  possibly  be.  correctly  in   his   diary.     The   preacher  was, 

=^  In    177 1    there   was   a  split  in  what   is  without  doubt.  Rev.  Maltby  Gelston,  pastor 

commonly  known  as  the  North  Church,  New  at  Sherman  (New  Fairfield),  1797-1856.     He 

Haven,  and  for  more  than  twenty  years  there  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1791. 

were   two   parishes.       They  came    together  ■♦  This   National    Fast  was   appointed,  of 

again  in  1796.      By  a  previous  entry  it  will  course,  because  of  the  war.     And  as  so  many 

be  remembered  that  the  two   church   build-  of  the  people  of  New  England  were  opposed 

ings  on  the  common  were  being  taken  down  to  the  war,  the  Fast  day  was  not  treated  with 

for  change  and  renewal.    The  old  Blue  Meet-  entire  respect. 


l8l3-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  565 

hay.     My  fatigues  this  week,  with  the  heat,  render  me  poorly  able  to  write. 
Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xiv:  15. 

12.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xiv:  15,  and  preached  it  both  parts  of 
the  day.  I  intended  it  for  one,  but  I  divided  it.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Very  much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  The  thermometer  rose  to 
91°. 

13.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank,  and  a  pamphlet  from  Mr. 
Robert  Lenox,  New  York.  The  thermometer  at  91°.  The  heat  extremely 
oppressive.     Visited  a  school.     Read  Universal  History. 

14.  Wrote  a  letter  for  Joseph  to  his  parents.  Wrote  to  brother  Frank. 
Read.  Worked  some.  Visited  a  school.  Received  from  Mrs.  Backus,  of 
Somers,  five  books,  for  which  I  had  agreed,  and  paid  for  them,  $6.00. 

15.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  liquors  to  fill  my  liquor  case,  $3.80.  Last 
Sabbath  began  to  read  the  Bible  in  course.     Read  Clarke's  Commentary, 

16.  I  fear  Joseph  will  have  the  whooping-cough.  Walked  and  visited  all 
day.     Since  Monday  the  weather  has  been  very  comfortable. 

17.  Yesterday  wrote  a  subscription  paper  for  the  purpose  of  hiring  a  sing- 
ing instructor.  Night  before  last  received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell,  and 
one  from  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin.  Had  my  clock  set  up.  I  have  not  had  it 
properly  placed  before.  It  goes  ver}'  well.  Dined  out  by  invitation.  After- 
noon and  evening  a  hard  rain.  The  young  men  who  have  been  from  this 
place  to  New  London '  as  soldiers  are  returning.     Read  Universal  History. 

18.  Wrote  off  the  substance  of  my  last  Sabbath's  sermon  for  the  Magazine.^ 
Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

19.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Hos.  vi :  i.  Meeting  very 
full.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Heard  of  a  young  man  that  is 
quite  serious.     Will  the  Lord  be  our  helper. 

20.  Visited.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting  at  Scantick.  It  was  remark- 
ably harmonious  and  expeditious.  The  highest  Federal  vote  for  nomination 
was  one  hundred  and  sixty-six.  The  Democratic  nomination  was  not  called.^ 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Skinner,  Berlin. 

21.  Rode  through  Hartland  to  Norfolk.  Father  has  gone  to  Litchfield  to 
see  Dr.  Sheldon.  At  Hartland  paid  Miss  Church  for  the  British  Poets, 
$40.00.     I  think  it  a  very  fortunate  bargain. 

22.  The  new  meeting-house  here  is  very  tasty  and  elegant.  Paid  Mr. 
Gaylord  for  preaching  at  East  Windsor,  $6.00.  One  of  the  Sabbaths  he  gave 
me. 

23.  Father  returned  in  the  morning.  He  is  much  poorer  than  when  I  last 
saw  him.     I  believe  he  is  much  worried  by  his  side.     Last  evening  cousin 


*  One  of  the  men  from  East  Windsor  who  ^  The    conductors   of   the   Magazine  had 

served  at  New  London  was  the  father  of  the  come  at  length  to  expect  something  from  Dr. 

writer  of  this  note.     He  was  then  thirty-seven  Robbins  for  ahnost  every  number, 
years   old,  and   the  writer,  in   early  life,  re-  ^  Small   attendance   for   a   town  of  over 

members  the  stories  which  were  told  of  war-  three  thousand  inhabitants.     The  Democrats 

like  labors  and  excitements  with  small  amount  were  so  few,  and  the  Federalists  so  many,  that 

of  fighting.  the  first  had  no  hope,  and  the  others  no  fear. 


566  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S13. 

Frank  Le  Baron  '  came  here  and  stays  today.    He  is  apothecary  general  of  the 
army."     Received  of  my  brother  Nat,  $40.00. 

24.  Something  rainy.  My  cousin  went  off.  Mr.  Battell  went  off  for  New 
York.  Father  sits  up  but  very  little.  Brother  Samuel  went  to  Lee,  to  bring 
home  brother  Frank,     Spent  the  most  of  the  day  with  father. 

25.  Set  out  very  early  and  rode  to  East  Windsor  in  a  little  more  than  nine 
hours.     We  hear  of  another  great  victory  of  Lord  Wellington  over  the  French.^ 

26.  Preached  an  old  written  sermon  on  2  Tim.  iv :  7,  8.  I  preached  here 
on  the  same  subject  without  notes,  July,  1808.  At  evening  attended  the  con- 
ference.    Cool. 

27.  On  the  21st  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Everest,  a  candidate."  Yester- 
day began  to  read  the  Bible  in  course.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Read 
Universal  History.     Quite  cool. 

28.  Little  Joseph  does  very  well  in  the  Latin  grammar.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  We  licensed  Mr.  John  Langdon,^  of 
Danbury,  formerly  my  jDupil.  The  religious  attention  in  this  place  continues. 
Kindly  entertained  at  Capt.  Stanley's.^ 

29.  The  Consociation  finished  their  business  about  noon.  Quite  cool. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  rode  home  (Frances  came  down  for  me)  in  a  very  hard 
rain.  Received  the  British  Poets  sent  from  Hartland,  which  I  lately  purchased 
for  $40.00,  sixty  volumes.  My  library  now  exceeds  five  hundred  volumes. 
Paid  Arnold,  my  shoemaker,  $10.00.  Paid  my  merchant  tailor,  $5.00.  Paid 
Cooke,  $5.00.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mrs.  Backus,  Somers.  Received  two  letters 
from  Mr.  Battell. 

30.  The  storm  last  night  was  very  hard.  Put  on  woolen  clothes.  Had  my 
feather-bed  put  on.  Made  a  fire  in  my  chamber,  the  first  since  the  spring. 
Read  Universal  History.     Worked  at  my  library. 

October. 

1.  Wrote  to  Robert  Lenox,  New  York.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  sac- 
ramental lecture  on  Mark  iv  :  20.     Read  Universal  History. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  vii :  46.     Afternoon  and  evening  a  hard  rain. 

3.  Quite  wet.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Several  of  the  church  were  absent. 
I  think  we  have  never  appeared  so  stupid  and  discouraging  here  as  now. 
Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xxv :  22.     Afternoon  the 


'  As  before   stated,  this   cousin  received  don,  minister  at  Danbury,  who  died  in  Dan- 

the  degree  of    M.  D.    from  Dartmouth  Col-  bury  in  1801,  about  the  time  that  Mr.  Rob- 

lege  in  1815.  bins  was  teaching  there.     The  son  was  gradu- 

^  His  position  in  the  army  shows  him  to  ated  at  Yale  in   1809,  and  was  tutor   there 

have  been  a  man  of  note  in  his  profession.  from  181 1  to  1815. 

^  This  was  probably  an  echo  of  the  reports  *  Captain  Matthew  Stanley.     He  was  the 

of  Wellington's  victory  over  Marshal  Soult,  father  of  Anthony  D.  Stanley,  a  graduate  of 

July  28.  Yale  in  1830,  who,  from  1836  to  his  death  in 

*  Rev.  Cornelius  B.  Everest,  licensed  by  1S53,   was    the    distinguished    Professor   of 

the   Hartford   North    Association,    Feb.    3,  Mathematics   of    Yale.     A    brother   of    his, 

^oi3-  Theodore   Stanley,   graduated    in    1S36,  was 

'  This  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Timothy  Lang-  the  first  scholar  of  his  class. 


1813.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  567 

sermon  written  yesterday.     Our  little  fleet  on  Lake  Erie  has  obtained  a  very 
brilliant  victory.' 

4.  Wrote.  Visited  a  young  man  in  a  consumption,  probably  near  his  end. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Brought  up  a  pumber  of  books,  which  I  purchased  at 
Lyme,  of  the  library  of  Dea.  Griswold.^     There  are  seventeen  volumes. 

5.  We  had  this  morning  fresh  cucumbers.  There  has  been  no  frost. 
Walked  and  \asited.  Visited  a  school  well  instructed.  Preparing  for  my 
journey. 

6.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Carried  little  Joseph  with  me.  Father  continues 
to  decline.  His  swelling  increases  and  his  strength  fails.  My  brother  Frank 
was  licensed  last  week,^  and  preached  last  Sabbath  at  Torrington.  He  has 
now  gone  to  Westfield,  and  expects  to  supply  my  pulpit  next  Sabbath.  This 
morning  there  was  a  severe  frost. 

7.  The  most  of  the  people  here  are  gone  to  Litchfield  to  attend  a  brigade 
training.''  Visited  a  young  man  very  sick.  The  new  meeting-house  progresses 
very  well. 

8.  Rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  the  Bible.  Father  sits  up  but  little. 
His  nature  sensibly  fails.     His  Christian  character  appears  very  well. 

9.  Visited  sick  persons.  My  brother  Samuel  has  fine  crops.  Our  West- 
ern army  threatens  Canada  very  hard. 

ID.  Quite  rainy.  We  have  this  fall  a  great  deal  of  wet.  We  had  meeting 
in  the  new  meeting-house.  There  has  been  no  other  meeting  in  it  except  the 
Sabbath  when  I  preached  in  it  soon  after  it  was  raised.  Preached  from  Matt, 
xix  :  30,  and  Ps.  cxlvii :  i.     Meeting  full  for  such  a  tedious  day. 

11.  Wrote.  There  seems  to  be  a  prospect  that  our  army  will  invade 
Canada.  At  evening  Mr.  Knapp,  of  Westfield,  came  here.  He  preached 
yesterday  at  East  Windsor.'  Brother  Frank  came  from  Westfield.  He 
preached  there  yesterday.  Father  is  troubled  with  vomiting.  I  think  it  is 
occasioned  by  the  pressure  of  his  swelling  in  the  interior  of  his  head. 

12.  Rode  to  Winchester.  Visited  and  preached  a  lecture  on  John  vii  : 
16.  There  has  been  some  special  seriousness  here  the  summer  past.  Re- 
turned. Quite  cool.  Father  has  failed  ver}'^  sensibly  since  I  have  been  here. 
He  can  hardly  walk  in  his  room. 

13.  Set  out  early  and  rode  home.  At  evening  visited  a  young  man  very 
low  with  a  consumption.  I  do  not  much  expect  ever  to  leave  Norfolk  again 
and  leave  my  father  living.     This  morning  a  very  hard  frost. 

14.  Read.     We  have  very  important  news  from  Europe  that  Austria  has 


'  This  was  an  item,  probably,  in  a  course  Sept.  30,  1813,  by  the  Litchfield  North  As- 

of  successes  by  Gen.  W.  H.  Harrison,  aided  sociation.      His   theological    education    had 

by   the  naval  forces  by  which  Detroit,  that  been  carried  on  in  connection  with  his  long 

had  been  lost  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  work  of  teaching. 

was   recovered.     And   it   is   pleasant  to  see  ''  A   brigade  training  made  great  gather- 
that  Mr.  Robbins  begins  to  find  pleasure  in  ing  of  soldiers  and  spectators, 
the  success  of  our  soldiers  and  sailors.  ^  And    his    brother    Frank    preached  at 
'  Judge  Matthew  Griswold.  Westfield,  supplying  Mr.  Knapp's  pulpit,  who 
^  Francis  Le  Baron  Robbins  was  licensed  went  to  East  Windsor  for  Dr.  Robbins. 


^68  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^^3- 

joined  the   coalition  against  France.'     Visited,     After  three   o'clock   rer-d  in 
Universal  History,  two  hundred  pages. 

15.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  our  academy  school.  We  hear  that  the 
British  have  evacuated  Detroit^  and  Maiden,  which  are  occupied  by  our 
troops.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.  Visited  a  young 
man  very  low  in  a  consumption. 

16.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xi :  30  in  eight  successive  hours.  The  young 
man  that  I  visited  last  evening  died  in  the  night.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 
Quite  wet  all  day. 

17.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Num.  xxi  :  23,  24. 
Afternoon  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  After  meeting  attended  the  funeral 
of  Robert  Hosmer.  Very  rainy.  Some  of  the  time  very  violent.  Received  a 
letter  from  brother  Frank.  Father  was  no  worse  when  he  wrote  than  when  I 
left  him. 

18.  Read  Universal  History.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Battell.  Procured  some  coffin  trimmings  for  which  I  paid  $2.44.  There 
are  a  vast  many  transportation  waggons  on  the  roads. 

19.  Read  in  the  history  of  Germany  in  the  Universal  History,  three  hundred 
pages.     Rainy. 

20.  P.  S.  Gleason  &  Co.  have  issued  proposals  for  publishing  my  Histori- 
cal Alagazine  numbers  in  a  volume.  W' rote  to  Hon.  Mr.  Griswold,  of  Lyme, 
and  Howe  &  Deforest,  New  Haven.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  a  poor 
family  about  moving  to  New  Connecticut.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

21.  Sent  to  Mr.  Griswold,  of  Lyme,  for  books  lately  received,  $15.00. 
Read  Univehal  History.  The  ground  this  morning  was  covered  with  snow. 
Visited. 

22.  Very  cold.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman 
who  died  of  an  apoplexy.     Read. 

23.  Finished  the  twenty-sixth  volume  of  Modern  Universal  History.  For 
the  most  of  this  volume  I  have  read  nearly  thirty  pages  an  hour.  Preached 
yesterday  at  the  funeral  at  Wapping  from  i  Cor.  vii:  29-31.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

24.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  from  John  xvii :  4,  5,  on  the  Covenant 
of  Redemption.  At  noon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Baptized  a 
child.^     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Caught  some  cold. 

25.  Our  army  at  the  head  of  Lake  Erie  appears  to  be  successful.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Mr.  Yates  and  I  gave  some  written  advice  to  the  people  of  Orford 
at  their  request.  There  is  some  prospect  that  the  principal  certificate  people 
there  will  rejoin  the  society.     Very  rainy. 

26.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  The  roads  very  muddy.  Rode  to  Colebrook  and 
tarried  at  my  brother's. 


'  On  Sept,  9,  1813,  was  formed  the  triple  ^  This   is   the   confirmation   and  enlarge- 

alliance    of    Austria,    Russia,    and    Prussia  ment  of  the  news  before  reported, 
against  France.     At  that  time  France  stood  ^  Edward  Thomas  Charlton,  son  of  Jesse 

almost  alone  among  the  European  powers.  Charlton. 


1813.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  569 

27.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  A  violently  rainy  day.  Father  continued  through 
last  week  much  as  when  I  last  left  him,  till  Saturday  noon,  when  he  was  taken 
with  a  dysentery  which  has  continued  to  this  time  without  any  intermission ; 
under  which  he  appears  to  be  sinking  fast.  George  Phelps  died  in  the  neigh- 
borhood with  a  short  sickness.  This  month  has  been  cold  and  very  wet. 
Read  newspapers.     My  brother  James  is  here. 

28.  This  day  completes  the  fifty-second  year  of  my  father's  ministry  in  this 
place.'  His  dysentery  continues,  he  talks  but  little,  and  is  often  lost.  Wrote 
notes  and  preached  at  the  funeral  of  George  Phelps  from  Rev.  xv :  4.  The 
roads  very  muddy.     All  of  father's  children  are  here. 

29.  Last  night  James  and  I  watched  with  father.  We  have  the  most  inter- 
esting and  pleasing  news  from  Europe,  that  the  French  army  has  been  beaten 
by  the  allies.  Brother  James  went  home.  I  conclude  not  to  leave  father  this 
week.  The  clock  in  the  meeting-house  appears  to  be  a  good  one.  Wrote  to 
Maj.  Wolcott. 

30.  Walked  about  the  neighborhood.  Father  requires  constant  attention. 
Paid  a  man  for  Mr.  Sam.  Terry,  $2.00. 

31.  Most  melancholy  day.  Sat  up  with  father  till  four  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing. Last  evening  James  and  Maria  came  here,  soon  after  which,  about  eight 
or  nine  o'clock,  father  had  a  ver}^  distressing  turn,  tr}'ing  to  raise  an  expecto- 
rate, which  he  was  unable  to  do.  After  which  nature  seemed  to  yield,  and  he 
was  pretty  easy  and  unable  to  speak.  All  the  children  are  here.  In  the  fore- 
noon James  and  I  staid  at  home  and  the  rest  went  to  meeting.  Frank 
preached.  At  noon  father  failed  sensibly.  I  went  to  meeting  alone  and 
preached  from  Matt,  xi :  30.  Baptized  a  child.  Returned  from  meeting  and 
found  father  much  the  same.  A  little  after  half  after  four,  there  was  a  sensi- 
ble alteration  in  his  breathing,  and  a  quarter  before  five  he  expired.^ 


'  Rev.  A.  R.  Robbins  was  ordained  and  ored  pastor,  it  will  be  fitting  if   we  copy  a 

installed  at   Norfolk,  Oct.  28,  1761.     It  was  passage  from  the  Brief  History  of  the  Town 

the   first  ordination  of  a  minister   that   had  of  Norfolk,  Ct.,  by  Mr.  Auren  Roys, 

ever  taken  place  in  the  town.  He  says:    "A  custom   was  adopted  and 

^  The  prediction  that  Dr.  Robbins  made  practiced  nearly  through  the  whole   course 

when  he  last  left  Norfolk,  proved  true.     He  of  Mr.   Robbins's   ministry,  which,  to  those 

thought  he  should  never  go  out  of  the  town  who  did  not  enter  into  the  spirit  of  it,  and 

again  and  leave  his  father  alive  in  it.  perhaps  to  those  of  the  present  generation, 

Though  this  mourning  group  of   children  might  seem  rather  papistical,  or  as  showing 

stood  around  the  dying  bed,  very  sad  at  part-  undue  reverence  and  respect  for  the  clergy; 

ing  with  one  they  had  so  greatly  honored  and  but,  to  the  writer,  it  was  a  pleasing  exhibi- 

loved,  yet,  in  general,  his  death  must  be  ac-  tion.     It  was   this :  the   congregation   being 

counted  a  fortunate  and  happy  one.     His  life  generally  present   and  seated,  Mr.  Robbins, 

had  been  crowned  with  blessing  and  honor,  punctual  to  the  time,  entered  the  house  ;  he 

and   he   left   the  earth  on  the  Sabbath  day,  took  off  his  hat,  walked  up  the  broad  aisle, 

just  after  he  had  completed  fifty-two  years  of  bowing  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  as  if  to 

settled  ministry   in  one  place.     His  age,  at  say,  Good  morning,  my  dear  people ;  the  peo- 

death,    was   •seventy-three    years    and     two  pie  on  each  side  responded   to   the  compli- 

moftths,  having  been  born  in  Branford,  Ct.,  ment,   and   rose   as   he   passed  along,  as   if 

in  September,  1740.  answering.  Good  morning,  our  dear   pastor. 

In  connection  with  the  death  of  this  hon-  He  then   ascended  the  pulpit,  hung  up  his 


cyo  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

NOVBMBBR. 

1.  Our  house  is  extremely  gloomy.  Its  glory  is  departed.  Sent  several 
ways  for  ministers  to  attend  the  funeral.  Last  evening  after  attending  to  lay- 
ing out  the  corpse,  wrote  several  letters  for  that  purpose.  Assisted  the 
joiner  in  making  the  coffin.'  At  evening  mamma  was  very  unwell ;  we  fear 
she  will  not  be  able  to  go  out  tomorrow.     Cold. 

2.  I  was  constantly  employed  with  the  joiner  till  near  noon,  before  the 
coffin  was  completed.  The  ministers  came  about  noon.  A  great  collection  of 
people  attended  the  funeral.  Mr.  Lee  preached  exceedingly  well.^  Mother  is 
better  than  I  feared.  I  never  before  was  dressed  in  mourning.  The  weather 
ver^'  pleasant. 

3.  Warm  and  pleasant.  The  ministers  who  tarried  last  night  went  off 
this  morning.  Mr.  Battell  has  been  exceedingly  liberal.  Mother  is  very  low 
and  gloomy.     Bought  a  new  trunk  and  sent  it  to  Hartford. 

4.  Brother  James  and  his  wife  went  home.  We  have  very  interesting 
news  from  Europe.  Bonaparte  is  evidently  suffering  in  Saxony.  Wrote  in 
the  church  records  a  biographical  sketch  of  father.  Wrote  letters  to  Charles 
B.  Phelps,  of  Woodbury,  Mr.  Lee,  of  Colebrook,  and  Dr.  Buel,  of  Sheffield. 
Mother  is  quite  poor. 

5.  Rode  home  in  nine  hours.  Feel  anxious  about  leaving  my  mother  in 
such  a  poor  state.  I  hope  her  complaints  are  temporar}',  A  man  has  lately 
died  here  and  was  buried  today.  Eleven  ministers  have  died  in  the  State  this 
year.  Wrote  a  notification  of  my  father's  death  for  the  newspaper.  Mr.  Wol- 
cott  has  been  very  unfortunate  this  week,  having  lost  three  horses  by  disease. 
To  return  here  fatherless  makes  me  feel  very  gloomy.  Last  evening  received 
of  my  brother  Nat,  $29.00.     1  had  just  that  this  morning. 

6.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vi :  10.  Rode  to  Mr.  Yates's 
and  desired  him  to  preach  for  me  tomorrow  and  part  of  the  day.  He  cannot 
on  account  of  his  sacrament.     We  have  had  a  very  pleasant  w^eek  of  weather. 

7.  Dr.  McClure  conducted  the  meeting  in  the  forenoon.  A  sermon  was 
read  and  he  performed  the  other  parts.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  after- 
noon my  sermon  on  Matt,  vi :  10.  Was  carried  through  the  exercises  much 
better  than  I  feared.     Felt  exceedingly  solemn  and  affected  at  my  situation. 


hat,  turned  and  bowed  to  those  seated  in  the  rangements  in  those  days.  By  the  thought- 
galleries  and  to  the  choir  of  singers,  as  if  to  fulness  of  Mr.  Battell,  son-in-law  of  the 
say.  Good  morning,  my  dear  children,  and  you  deceased,  the  trimmings  for  this  coffin  had 
who  aid  me  in  the  divine  service;  they  rose,  been  bought  in  Hartford,  a  few  days  be- 
as  his  eyes  passed  round  upon  them,  without  fore. 

tumult,  as  if  replying,  Good  morning,  our  -  Rev.  Chauncey  Lee,  D.  D.,  of  Cole- 
dear  father  in  Christ.  This  ceremony  was  brook.  Mr.  Auren  Roys,  before  quoted, 
performed  in  a  graceful  manner,  particularly  says:  "He  rose  in  the  desk,  and  exclaimed, 
on  the  part  of  the  pastor.  This  interchange  'My  Father!  my  Father!  the  Chariot  of 
of  civility,  giving  it  no  more  tender  epithet,  Israel  and  the  horsemen  thereof.'  These 
was  indicative  of  the  respect  and  unfeigned  words  uttered  with  his  usual  pathos,  with 
love  of  his  people  towards  him  as  their  spir-  the  remains  of  the  good  man  lying  before 
itual  instructor  and  guide."  him  dressed  for  the  tomb,  were  peauliarly 
'  This   statement   reveals   the   simple  ar-  affecting." 


l3l3.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  cyi 

My  case  was  much  mentioned  for  prayers  in  the  forenoon.  The  people  had 
generally  heard  of  father's  death  before  my  return.  At  evening  had  a  very 
full  and  serious  conference. 

8.  Read  newspapers.  Worked  at  my  papers  and  clothes.  The  trunk  I 
bought  of  Mr.  Eattell  arrived  here  the  same  evening  that  I  did.  Wrote.  On 
the  5th  paid  for  my  brother  Ammi,  for  one  half  of  a  State  map,  $3.00.  I  gave 
my  brother  Samuel,  at  Norfolk,  what  1  paid  for  coffin  trimmings.  The  most  of 
the  family  have  borne  considerable  expense  for  father's  sickness  and  funeral. 
Mr.  Eattell  and  Sally  have  done  a  great  deal.  Samuel  appeared  very  serious 
and  thoughtful  after  father's  death.  I  brought  from  Norfolk  father's  watch, 
which  he  left  me  in  his  will,  not  as  a  legacy,  but  as  belonging  to  me  by  direc- 
tion of  the  donor,  James  Watson,  of  New  York,  in  1792.'  It  is  very  valuable. 
Mr.  Amasa  Loomis,  of  New  Salem,"  was  here  on  a  visit  and  preached  the  Sab- 
bath that  I  was  absent.  Received  two  letters  from  Mr.  Battell  which  were 
brought  here  in  my  absence.  On  the  5th  received  a  letter  and  some  books 
from  Howe  &  Deforest,  New  Haven.     At  evening  walked  out  and  visited. 

9.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Remarkably  warm  and  pleasant.  We 
have  very  favorable  accounts  from  Europe.  Paid  Mr.  Terry  for  the  Norfolk 
clock,  $8.00,  which,  with  $2.00  I  paid  for  him  at  Norfolk  on  the  30th  ult.,  makes 
$10.00. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  plated  tea-pot,  which  I  gave  to  Mrs. 
Wolcott  in  consideration  of  the  use  of  their  horse  which  I  have  had  a  great 
deal  this  summer,  $7.50.  For  a  pair  of  gloves  to  be  given  to  Dr.  McClure, 
$1.25.  Dr.  Strong  desired  me,  in  a  very  flattering  manner,  to  become  an 
assistant  editor  of  the  Magazine,^  and  to  have  a  share  in  the  profits.  I  conclude 
to  comply  with  his  proposal.  Walked  home.  Many  people  express  to  me 
great  respect  for  my  father.  Last  Sabbath  evening  assisted  in  examining  a 
school-master. 

11.  Wrote  to  Uncle  Isaac  Le  Baron."  Worked  at  my  library  pasting  my 
name  paper  in  the  books. 

12.  My  much-loved,  excellent  father  expired  on  the  31st  of  October,  Sab- 
bath day,  at  a  quarter  before  live  o'clock.^  On  the  Sabbath  he  was  quiet  in  the 
morning  and  forenoon,  and  most  of  the  family  went  to  meeting.  About  noon 
he  sensibly  failed,  and  all  the  family  but  me  remained  at  home,  thinking  it 
doubtful  whether  he  lived  till  the  meeting  was  done.  As  I  returned  I  per- 
ceived no  special  alteration ;  on  my  entering  the  room  he  put  out  his  hand, 
which  was  the  last  sisfniticant  motion  he  made. 


'  He  gave  it  to  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins,  who  *  Isaac  Le  Baron  was  a  Methodist  minis- 
fitted  him  for  college,  to  be  used  by  him  during  ter,  but  precisely  where  he  was  at  this  time, 
his  life,  and  then  to  pass  to  his  son  Thomas.  we  do  not  know. 

^  Rev.    Amasa    Loomis    was    settled    in  '  Dr.  Robbins,  thinking  he  had  neglected 

Salem    (then    New    Salem,    Colchester)    in  to  record  some  things  which  seemed  impor- 

May  previous."  tant,   makes    another   long    entry,  minutely 

^  Unfortunately,  the  life  of  the  Connecti-  describing   the   symptoms   and    progress   of 

cut   Evangelical  Magazine  is  not  now  to  be  the  disease.     The  n\ain  part  of  the  long  pas- 

greatly  prolonged.     It  ended  in  181 5.  sage  we  tmiit. 


572  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S13. 

13.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  17.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Quite 
cold. 

14.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Some  snow.  Finished  my  notes  which  I 
preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Gen.  xvi :  13.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  the 
third  chapter  of  Matthew.  Meeting  quite  thin.  The  exposition  appeared 
interesting.  Father's  death  is  mentioned  very  respectfully  in  the  newspapers. 
Since  June  1 1  I  have  been  to  Norfolk  six  times,  and  have  been  absent  from 
home  for  that  purpose  sixty-two  days.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel. 

15.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  Afternoon  the  storm  was  very  severe. 
Read  Universal  History.  A  good  many  cattle  are  still  in  the  meadows.  The 
crops  are  generally  secured. 

16.  Worked  shoveling  paths.  The  snow  is  more  than  a  foot  deep.  Sleighs 
move  considerably.     Read.     At  evening  walked  out. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bad  traveling.  The  ground  is  not  frozen.  Fin- 
ished the  twenty-seventh  volume  of  Universal  History,  which  I  began  on  Mon- 
day.    Winter  weather. 

18.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  married  two  couple  who  came  here 
from  Wapping.'     Afternoon  and  evening  quite  rainy.     Read. 

19.  It  rained  pretty  hard  all  last  night.  Warm.  The  most  of  the  snow 
is  gone.  Read  in  the  Universal  History  from  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  to  twelve  at 
night,  three  hundred  and  sixty  pages.  I  believe  I  never  read  so  much  in  one 
day  before. 

20.  Warm  and  pleasant.  The  snow  nearly  gone.  The  roads  very  bad. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Prudden,  of  Enfield.  Finished  the  twenty-eighth 
volume  of  Universal  History,  which  I  began  aboyt  nine  o'clock  of  Thursday 
evening.  Finished  a  little  after  noon.  Wrote  to  Joshua  Clark,  Esq.,  Wind- 
ham.    Wrote. 

21.  Mr.  Everest,^  a  candidate,  preached  for  me.  He  preached  very  well. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  the  south  school-house,  and  Mr.  Everest 
preached  at  Dea.  Loomis's.  Weather  ver}^  pleasant.  Full  meetings.  I  hope 
there  is  some  more  disposition  for  serious  things  among  us  than  there  has 
been. 

22.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Capt.  BisselP  has  a  beautiful  new  house. 
Mr.  Albert  Wolcott  has  been  shingling  his  house.  It  was  built  by  his  grand- 
father, Gov.  Wolcott,'*  about  1703. 

23.  Walked   to    Hartford.     Rode    back.     Quite    warm.     Received  of  the 


'  Theodore  Risley,  of  East  Hartford,  and  and  was  born  in  1761.     Erastus  Wolcott  was 

Clarissa  Johnson,  of  Wapping  ;  and  Charles  the  son  of  Gov.  Roger,  and  was  born  in  1721. 

Keeney,  of  East  Hartford,  and  Adocia  Sted-  This  house  was  built  in  1703.     He  does  not 

man,  of  Wapping.      It  will  be  remembered  state  whether  it  had  ever  been   re-shingled 

that  East  Hartford  then  included  the  present  before.     The   Timothy  Edwards   house  was 

town  of  Manchester.  built  some  nine  years  earlier,  and  it  was  in- 

/^  Rev.  Cornelius  B.  Everest,  before  men-  timated  when  it  was  taken  down  in  1812,  that 

tionod.  it  had  never  been  re-shingled.     The  way  the 

^  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  East  Windsor  Hill.  old    shingles    used   to    last,    is    a    wonder, 

*  That  is,  Roger  Wolcott,  Colonial  Cover-  when  we   consider  the  short-lived  things   of 

nor.     Albert  Wolcott  was  the  son  of  Erastus,  this  generation. 


t8l3.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR, 


573 


society  collector,  $158.06.  Paid  to  the  Hartford  Bank,  $52.95.  Paid  Mr. 
Wolcott  towards  my  boarding  bill,  $20.00.  Visited.  We  have  some  prospect 
of  a  singing-school. 

24.  Wrote  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving  on  Zeph.  ii :  3.  Rainy.  At  e\ening 
walked  out.  • 

25.  Thanksgiving.  Warm  and  wet.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yester- 
day. Had  a  good  meeting.  Yesterday  Ursula  had  a  bad  fall,  hurt  her  face, 
and  is  unable  to  dine  with  us.  Received  yesterday  a  letter  from  brother 
Samuel.  Mother  is  still  feeble,  but  better  than  when  I  left  her.  Brother  Frank 
is  to  preach  for  the  winter  at  the  north  end  of  Goshen."  At  evening  walked 
out. 

26.  Rode  to  the  borders  of  Orford  and  attended  a  funeral.  Mr.  Stebbins, 
academy-keeper  at  Windsor,  came  and  tarried  with  me.  Read  Dryden's 
Virgil. 

27.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Prudden.     Met  him  on  the  way. 

28.  Quite  cold.  Preached  on  Ex.  ix :  20,  and  Matt,  xix :  30.  This  con- 
gregation, I  think,  is  larger  than  ours.  At  evening  returned.  At  Warehouse 
Point  called  on  Mr.  Holbrook,  who  had  a  child  killed  yesterday  by  the  kick  of. 
a  horse. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Subscribed  for  a  share  in  the 
bank.  Paid  the  deposit,  $416.00.  Of  this  I  paid  $85,  and  had  the  remainder 
of  Mr.  Wolcott,  who  took  it  from  the  bank.  A  share  of  the  discount,  $1.65, 
I  lose.  The  subscription  was  very  great.  Dr.  Strong  showed  me  some 
memoirs  of  my  father,  sent  by  Mr.  Lee  for  the  Magazine.  They  are  well 
written.     The  roads  are  very  bad. 

30.  Wrote  to  my  mother,  and  to  M.  F.  Mills,  Esq.,^  Norfolk.  Worked 
manuring  my  asparagus  beds.  Read  Universal  History.  I  am  now  two  vol- 
umes in  arrears  in  the  course,  having  read  forty-six  volumes  in  four  years. 
A  year  ago  I  was  four  volumes  in  arrears 

December. 

1.  Walked  to  Mr.  Yates's  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  David 
Austin  ^  was  with  us  and  preached.  In  the  evening  we  attended  a  conference 
and  I  preached  without  any  notes  on  Ex.  ix :  20.  Saw  a  man  ploughing. 
Walked  home  late. 

2.  Walked  out  with  our  new  singing-teacher.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the 
Magazine  on  the  close  of  the  year.     Very  pleasant  for  the  season. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  cold.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  for  Dr. 
Strons:  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  11.     He  inaugurated  three  new  deacons  in  his  church. 


•  There  was  no  church  organization  prob-  ^  Michael  F.  Mills, 
ably  at  North  Goshen,  but  they  were  so  far  ^  Rev.  David  Austin,  who  seems  to  have 
from  the  center,  where  Rev.  Joseph  Harvey  had  no  settlement  at  that  time,  a  year  or  two 
was  settled  in  18 10,  after  Rev.  Asahel  later  was  settled  at  Bozrah,  where  he  re- 
Hooker  left,  that  this  preaching  service  mained  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the 
for   the  winter  was   arranged.  year  1831. 


574 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 


Saw  at  Mrs.  Patten's  my  cousin,  Mrs.  Goodwin,  from  Rhode  Island.     Assisted 
in  examining  a  school-master. 

4.  Wrote  to  the  president  and  directors  of  Hartford  Bank,  an  applica- 
tion for  a  bank  share  for  which  I  have  subscribed.  Read  the  Bible.  Visited. 
The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching  on  Luke  xxii :  46. 
Had  a  very  good  flannel  gown  made  of  the  flannel  which  my  mother  gave  me. 
Our  army  has  had  a  sad  defeat  in  Canada.' 

5.  Preached  the  notes  written  last  evening,  and  a  written  sermon  on  Rev. 
iii :  17.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Meeting  pretty  full. 

6.  Carried  my  orange  and  lemon-trees  to  Mr.  Haskell's^  to  be  kept  in 
his  cellar  till  next  spring.     Visited.     Tarried  out.     At  evening  rainy. 

7.  Walked  to  Wapping.  Quite  warm.  Visited  several  families.  Visited 
a  school.  The  Baptist  preacher  that  has  been  here  this  summer  does  not 
appear  to  have  obtained  much  influence. 

8.  Visited  a  school.  It  appears  pretty  poorly.  Afternoon  walked  home 
in  a  snow. 

9.  Looked  over  and  arranged  my  papers  and  pamphlets.  Assisted  the 
church  committee  in  examining  two  persons  for  the  communion. 

10.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  the  north  school.  The  President's 
Message  seems  to  be  an  attempt  to  excite  the  angry  passions  of  the  country 
against  the  enemy. 

11.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  3  John  :  4.     The  latter  part  of  it  is  in  notes. 

12.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Propounded  one  man  by 
letter,  and  two  young  women  for  our  communion.  Quite  cold.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference. 

13.  Walked  to  Hartford  and  back.  Mr.  Wolcott's  horse,  which  I  usually 
ride,  is  sick.  The  directors  of  the  bank  have  given  me  a  share  on  my  sub- 
scription. The  subscriptions  were  forty-two  times  more  than  the  shares 
obtained.^  I  pay  $416  for  the  share  which  would  now  sell  for  $500.  Paid  for 
two  mourning  finger  rings,  $4.75.  One  of  them  I  give  to  my  brother  James. 
There  was  an  abatement  of  a  quarter  of  a  dollar  on  one  for  a  little  error  in 
the  engraving.  Paid  for  liquors,  including  two  jugs,  $4.13.  In  the  morning 
visited  a  young  woman  quite  sick.  The  thermometer  was  at  18°.  The  ground 
very  rough  and  hard. 

14.  Visited  the  two  middle  schools.  The  late  northern  expedition  turns 
out  to  have  been  very  disgraceful. 

15.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  18°.  Dea.  Reed's  son  came  to  study 
Latin  with  me.''  Read  Clarke's  Commeiitary.  Received  of  the  society  col- 
lector, $132.00,  of  which  $11.04  was  an  order  I  had  given  Mr.  Haskell.     Took 


'  We  do  not  find  any  action  very  near  this  '  This  seems  to  show  that  there  was  some 

date   which   would  exactly   answer    to    this  money  in  the  country,  even  then,  waiting  for 

description.  investments. 

*  Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell's,  at  East  Windsor  *  Dea.  Abner  Reed  had   three   sons  and 

Hill.     He   had  been   building    a  very  nice  three  daughters.     This,  most  likely,  was  the 

house.  eldest  son. 


l8l3-]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


575 


a  due-bill  of  $39.46  of  the  collector,  in  addition  to  which  there  is  due  on  my 
last  year's  salary,  $26.50,  besides  interest.     Read  Universal  History. 

16.  Read  Universal  History.  Visited  the  south  school.  At  evening 
attended  a  singing-meeting.     Thermometer  this  morning,  10°. 

17.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James  and  sent  him  a  mourning  ring.     Read. 

18.  Wrote  to  T.  B.  Wait  &  Co.,  Boston.  Read.  Mr.  Coe,'  a  young  man 
preaching  at  Bolton,  came  here  to  exchange  with  me.     Rode  to  Bolton. 

19.  Preached  from  Matt,  xi :  30,  and  Ps.  cxlvii :  11.  This  is  a  united 
society.     At  evening  returned.     The  prospects  of  Orford  society  are  favorable. 

20.  Walked  to  Hartford.  The  ground  very  rough.  Paid  my  cabinet- 
maker, $30.38  ;  my  merchant  tailors,  $30.00  ;  Cooke,  $7.91  ;  a  merchant,  $9.41  ; 
the  Bible  Society,  $3.00.  Saw  my  cousin,  Mrs.  Goodwin.  Walked  home. 
Got  my  father's  watch,  which  has  been  repaired,  which  I  now  begin  to  wear, 
I  trust,  for  the  remainder  of  my  days.     Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott. 

21.  Very  cold.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  10°.  Read  Universal  His- 
tory.    We  have  some  snow,  but  no  sleighing. 

22.  Got  two  small  new  book-cases,  one  cherr}-,  the  other  pine,  made  for 
me.  They  cost  $11.00,  and  $6.00  =  $17.00.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  8^. 
Worked  at  my  library.     Wrote  to  I.  Thomas,  Jr.,^  Worcester. 

23.  Worked  at  my  library.  Read  Universal  History.  Am  considerably 
taken  up  with  instruction. 

24.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Had  company.  Paid  Mr.  Terry  for  the 
Norfolk  clock,^  $15.00. 

25.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  6°.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb. 
iii :  14.     Read  expositions  on  Matt,  iv  :  4. 

26.  Thermometer  at  15°.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  Matt,  iv  :  to  the  17th 
verse.  I  think  such  expositions  useful.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon 
written  yesterday.  Received  two  young  women  into  the  church.'*  The  scene 
was  affecting  and  solemn.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  The  ground 
very  hard  frozen. 

27.  Looked  over  expositions  on  the  Book  of  Psalms.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     The  necessaries  of  life  are  at  very  high  prices. 

28.  Walked  to  Hartford.  Rode  home.  The  river  is  frozen.  Paid  Cooke, 
$1.76.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  Received  of  Mr.  Wolcott, 
the  most  of  which  he  paid  for  me  towards  my  share  in  the  bank,  $135.37. 
Gave  him  a  due-bill  of  $75.62  for  the  remainder  of  my  last  year  boarding  bill, 
which  was  $104.00.^     Gave  him  a  note  on  demand  of  $208.00  for  one  half  of 


'  This  was  probably  Rev.  Harvey  Coe,  a  and  he  wishes  to  secure  another  almanac  for 

native  of  Greenville,  Mass.,  who  was  gradu-  his  next  year's  diary, 
ated  at  Williams  College  in  18 11,  was  licensed  ^  The  meeting-house  clock, 

to  preach  in  1812,  and  ordained  in  1813  for  *  The  young  women  admitted  to  the  church 

Western  work,  upon  which  he  entered  soon  were  Esther  and  Huldah  Elmer, 
after.     It  may  have   been   Rev.   Noah  Coe,  '  The   parties    united    in   marriage   were 

afterwards  settled  at  Greenwich,  Ct.  Roderick  King  and  Sally  Newbury. 

^  Isaiah  Thomas,  Jr.,  from  whom  he  had  *  This  is  two  dollars  per  week  for  himself, 

his  almanacs.    The  year  is  drawing  to  a  close,  as  the  year  before. 


576  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1813. 

my  bank  share  which  he  paid,  and  he  is  to  receive  one  half  of  the  dividend 
till  the  note  is  paid. 

29.  Last  night  a  hard  rain.  Today  it  snowed  considerably.  Began  to 
write  an  essay  on  the  Book  of  Psalms.  At  night  Mr.  Elliott,*  from  New 
Hampshire,  a  poor  clergyman,  came  here  and  tarried,  soliciting  charity. 

30.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my  essay  on  Psalms.  Sleighs  move  con- 
siderably. 

31.  Began  a  New  Year's  address  for  the  Magazine^  Quite  cold.  Inter- 
rupted with  company.  God  be  thanked  for  this  year.  A  year  of  many  com- 
forts and  of  deep  affliction. 

Wrote  off  old  notes  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  on  Luke  vii :  23. 
Very  cold. 


'  In  Rev.  Mr.  Hazen's  list  of  Congrega-  spelled).     It  was  probably  some  one  of  the 

tional   ministers   in   New    Hampshire,   from  name  who  had  been  supplying, 

the  early  years  down  to  1875,  there  had  been  ^  The  writing  of  the  New  Year's  address 

no  j^i^/^di  minister  of  the  name  Elliott  (in  any  for  the  Magazine,  had,  for  some  years,  been 

of  the  various  ways  by  which  that  name  is  given  into  Mr.  Robbins's  hands. 


January. 

1.  I  desire  to  devote  myself  to  the  care  and  service  of  God  for  another  year. 
Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cii :  25,  26,  Wrote  dVi  notes  for  preaching.  Was  up 
late.  Very  good  sleighing.  We  have  news  that  our  Niagara  frontier  has 
been  laid  devastate  and  desolate  by  the  enemy.'     Thermometer  at  13°. 

2.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Rev.  iii :  12. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  quite  full.  The  day  very  mild  and 
pleasant.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  The  meeting 
very  full  and  solemn.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Wrote  consider- 
ably late  in  the  evening. 

3.  Wrote.  Walked  to  the  hill.  Dined  with  the  January  meeting.^  Col- 
lected $8.50  for  Mr.  Elliott,  who  was  here  last  week  soliciting  charity.^  This 
was  received  from  nine  men.  Received  this  almanack  from  Worcester.* 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Stebbins,^  at  Windsor.  Very  cold.  The  ther- 
mometer was  near  10°  all  day,  and  at  bed-time  near  zero. 

4.  Last  evening  wrote  late  and  finished  my  New  Year's  piece  for  the 
Magazine.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was  held  here.  None  attended  but  Mr. 
Yates  and  Mr.  Cook,'  the  candidate  preaching  at  Orford.  Read  my  essay  on 
Psalms.  Mr.  Cook  preached.  At  evening  looked  over  Christian  Observers''  to 
obtain  the  religious  intelligence  for  the  Magazine.  Very  cold  through  the 
day.     Thermometer  this  morning  8°  below  zero. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Spent  the  forenoon  with  Dr.  Strong,  preparing  the 
January  Magazine.  Read  over  Mr.  Lee's  manuscript  sermon  at  father's  funeral, 
which  is  sent  to  the  printer.  It  contains  a  valuable  appendix  taken  from  his 
own  private  writings  which  I  knew  nothing  of.  We  have  the  grateful  news  of 
a  great  defeat  of  Bonaparte  in  Germany.*     Thermometer  this  morning  9°. 

6.  Thermometer  this  morning  5°  below  zero.  On  the  4th'  put  on  my 
flannel,  which  I  had  not  worn  before  this  season.     Yesterday  sold  my  watch ' 


'  The   town   of    Buffalo  was   taken    and  his  early  death,  1823.     He  was  graduated  at 

burned  by  the  British,  December  9,  1813.  Williams  College,  181 1. 

2  That  was  some  local  organization  which  '  This  was  an  English  religious  periodical 

we  do  not  understand.  republished  in  Boston. 

^  This  was  a  kind  and  self-denying   ser-  ^  Between  the  9th  and  the  13th  of  Decem- 

vice  for  Mr.  Elliott.  ber,  1813,  there  were  encounters  between  the 

*  For  which  he  wrote  near  the   close   of  French    and  allied  armies,  to  the  disadvan- 

last  month.  tage  of  the   former.     The  star  of  Napoleon, 

5  The  teacher  of  the  academy  at  Windsor,  so  long  in  the  ascendant,  began  to  wane. 

Mr.  William   Stebbins,  a  graduate   of  Yale  9  This  was   his   old   watch,  which  he  no 

in  1807.  longer  needed,  as  he  had  received  the  valu- 

^  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook,  settled  at  Orford  able   one  from  Hon.  James  Watson,  which 

(Manchester),  1814,  and  remained  there  till  came  to  him  on  his  father's  death. 

577 


578  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBEINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

for  !^5o.oo,  to  Mr.  Sargeant,  the  watch-maker,  at  Hartford.  With  this  sum  I 
shall  pay  for  my  clock.  Wrote.  Yesterday  attended  with  a  number  of  people 
a  quarterly  examination  of  our  academic  school.*  It  appeared  very  well. 
We  have  authentic  accounts  of  a  fatal  defeat  of  Bonaparte  in  Saxony.^  The 
cold  abates. 

7.  On  the  5th  prepared  this  almanack.  Read  in  Universal  History,  Wvo 
hundred  pages.  Looked  over  my  last  diary.  My  expenses  in  the  year  past 
have  been  very  great.     The  weather  moderates. 

8.  Filed  my  letters  of  last  year.  I  never  received  so  many  in  any  pre- 
ceding year.     Wrote.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

9.  Finished  my  notes,  and  preached  on  i  Cor.  i :  i8.  In  the  forenoon 
quite  short.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Thermometer  this  morning 
at  zero. 

10.  Wrote  off  my  preaching  account  for  the  last  year.  It  requires  a  good 
deal  of  labor.  It  appears  likely  that  Bonaparte's  great  power  is  effectually 
broken.  It  confounds  Democracy  in  this  country  exceedingly.  Read  Univer- 
sal History. 

11.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford  on  a  journey  to  Norfolk.  Gave  to  Mr.  Elliott, 
the  poor  preacher,  $1.50.  I  have  got  for  him,  $11.00.  Paid  for  brandy,  for  a 
present  to  my  mother,  $1.46.  At  evening  attended  a  meeting  at  Hartford. 
Mr.  S.  P.  Williams  ^  preached. 

12.  Slept  last  night  at  the  stage  house.  Set  out  at  six  o'clock  A.  M.  and 
rode  to  Norfolk  in  a  stage.  Went  on  wheels,  sleighing  being  pretty  poor. 
My  good  mother  is  quite  well  for  her.  She  attends  to  business  as  she  has 
been  used  to.  James  and  his  wife  are  here.  My  niece,  Eliza  Olmstead,  had 
a  fine  daughter  today.  Brother  Frank  is  preaching  at  the  north  part  of 
Goshen. 

13.  Looked  over  a  number  of  father's  manuscripts.  Very  good  sleighing 
here.  Mr.  Jerome,^  lately  dismissed  from  New  Hartford,  preached  here.  The 
meeting-house  is  nearly  completed.  My  brother  James  and  his  wife  went 
home. 

14.  Very  cold.  The  society  committee  requested  me  to  preach  the  ex- 
pected dedication  sermon. 

15.  Rode  in  the  stage  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Battell  carried  me  in  his  sleigh  to 
Winsted.  Mr.  Wolcott  rode  down  and  brought  me  home.  Looked  over  ex- 
positions. Let  my  sister  Battell  have  my  mourning  ring,  for  which  she  paid  me 
$2.25.     Mr.  Battell  gave  me  $2.00  for  Mr.  Elliott.^ 

16.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  Matt,  iv:  17 
to  the  end,  and  v  :  1-13.     Afternoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  i   Pet.  i :   10. 


'  This  school,  as  we  understand,  is  still  ated  at  Yale,  1796,  a  classmate  of  Mr.  Rob- 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  E.  T.  Fitch.  bins.     He  died  in  1826. 

^  A  variation,  probably,  of  the  previous  ■•  Rev.  Amasa  Jerome,  pastor  at  New  Hart- 
reports,  ford,  1802-1S13. 

^  Samuel  Porter  Williams,  pastor  of  the  -  He  continues  to  solicit  aid  for  Rev.  Mr. 

First  Church  in  Mansfield,  1807  to  1817.     He  Elliott,  and  must  have  regarded  it  as  a  case 

was  a  native  of  Wethersfield,  and  was  gradu-  of  real  distress. 


1814.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  579 

There  are  new  attempts  for  peace,  from  which  I   have  but  little  expectation. 
The  thermometer  Friday  morning  was  at  zero.     Wrote. 

17.  Read  Universal  History.  The  snow  is  six  or  eight  inches  deep  and 
veiy  solid.     At  evening  Mr.  Smith/  of  Durham,  came  here  and  tarried. 

18.  The  weather  very  pleasant.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  sleighing.  Began 
to  write  an  essay  for  the  Magazine  on  the  Doctrine  of  Means.'^  We  have  addi- 
tional accounts  of  the  terrible  disasters  of  the  French.  Wrote  on  my  Magazine 
essay.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^ 

19.  Wrote.  Am  considerably  hindered  by  company.  At  evening  walked 
out. 

20.  Worked  at  my  librar}'.     Wrote.     Had  company. 

21.  The  sleighing  is  very  fine,  and  very  much  improved.  Paid  Mr. 
McClure  for  old  books,  $5.00.  Towards  night  Mr.  Johns*  called  and  tarried 
with  me.     Wrote. 

22.  Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  5°.  The  weather  this  week  has 
been  very  pleasant  and  mild,  and  there  has  been  as  good  sleighing  as  I  ever 
knew.     Wrote  a  sermon  on  Prov.  xxix  :  i.     At  evening  attended  a  conference. 

23.  We  have  an  account  that  Bonaparte  is  driven  to  France.  "  How 
are  the  mighty  fallen."  Never  have  I  known  any  political  events  which 
appear  to  demand  so  strongly  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  God. 

24.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  He  is  much  distressed  with  hypochondriac 
affections.  Mr.  Cook^  called  on  me.  There  is  a  prospect  that  he  will  be 
settled  at  Orford.  The  prospects  of  that  society  are  more  favorable  than  I 
have  ever  expected  to  see.  On  the  22d  paid  for  the  Mirror  newspaper^  for 
half  a  year.  Afternoon  and  evening  quite  rainy.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 
Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Strong. 

25.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.     It  thaws  considerably. 

26.  Read  Universal  History.  Yesterday  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  brought 
me  a  valuable  load  of  wood.  Wrote.  Towards  night  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin, 
came  here  and  tarried.  He  has  a  prospect  of  forming  a  female  connection  in 
the  neighborhood.^     Cold. 

27.  Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  zero.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted 
Dr.  Strong  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine,  At  evening  preached  at  his  con- 
ference without  notes,  on  2  Tim.  iv  :  7,  8.  Returned.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  exceed- 
ingly afflicted  with  hypochondria. 

28.  Last  evening  took  a  bad  cold  by  riding  home   after  preaching  in  a 


'  Rev.  David  Smith,  D.  D.  5  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook. 

-  When  theology  inclines  strongly  to  abso-  *  Connecticut  Mirror,  which  was  published 

lute  foreordination   and   decrees,  it  requires  at  Hartford. 

some  ingenuity  to  fix  a  clear  place   for   the  ^  We   have   several    times    intimated    as 

uses  and  operations  of  means.  much  as  this.     We  have  already  made  men- 

^  Horace  Bissell,  of  Scantic,  was  united  in  tion  of  two  Ursula  Wolcotts,  but  there  is  a 

marriage  with  Betsey  Wolcott,  of  the  South  third,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott, 

Parish.  who   recently  died.     Ere   long  she   is  to  be 

*  Rev.  Evans  Johns,  lately  dismissed  from  Mrs.  Skinner,  wife  of  the  minister  at  Berlin 

Berlin.  (New  Britain). 


jSo  DIARY  OF   REV.   THOMAS   ROBBINS,   D.D.  [1814. 

warm  room.  Mr.  Lee's  sermon  at  my  father's  funeral  is  out,  and  appears  well. 
Am  much  oppressed  with  my  cold.  Afternoon  instructed  Mr.  Tudor's '  school. 
Visited. 

29.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  My  cold  is 
very  severe ;  last  night  took  a  sweat  for  it. 

30.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Windsor  and  made  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Row- 
land. Very  good  crossing.  Preached  from  Matt,  xi:  30,  and  Ps.  cxlvii :  11. 
In  the  forenoon,  in  sermon  time,  a  crazy  man  came  into  the  pulpit,  appearing 
to  be  offended  that  I  was  preaching  with  notes,  and  tore  my  sermon  into  two 
parts.  He  threw  down  the  part  which  he  tore  off,  and  was  soon  taken  care  of 
by  the  people.'^  I  collected  the  parts  of  my  sermon  and  finished  the  discourse. 
At  evening  returned.     Towards  night  it  grew  very  cold. 

31.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  3°  below  zero,  and  it  continued 
below  10°  through  the  day.  Read.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Stebbins,  at  Windsor.  This  morning  the  crazy  fellow,  who  troubled  me  yester- 
day, came  in  here  and  began  to  talk  about  my  preaching  with  notes,  and  Mr. 
Wolcott  turned  him  out  of  the  house.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  The 
thermometer  was  below  10°  all  day,  and  between  eleven  and  twelve  o'clock 
at  night  it  was  9°  below  zero. 

February. 

1.  Thermometer  this  morning  3°  below  zero.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
met  with  the  Association.  We  licensed  two  candidates.^  It  snowed.  At  even- 
ing it  rained.     A  very  great  change  of  weather.     The  Association  pretty  full. 

2.  The  roads  very  wet.  The  Association  very  full  of  business.  Rode  to 
Hartford  and  home.  The  sleighing  pretty  poor.  Yesterday  received  a  letter 
inviting  me  to  attend  the  expected  ordination  at  Orford. 

3.  A  valuable  family  moved  from  this  neighborhood.  Yesterday  Mr. 
Yates  desired  me  to  prepare  some  lectures  on  ecclesiastical  history  for  his 
theological  students.  Read.  Visited.  Paid  to  the  post  office  my  charges  for 
nearly  a  year,  $2.26.  I  have  a  good  deal  of  cough,  I  believe  the  effect  of  a 
cold  procured  by  wet  feet. 

4.  Read  Universal  History.  It  has  become  extremely  cold  again.  The 
thermometer  this  morning  was  at  zero.     Had  company. 

'  Mr.  Oliver  Tudor's  school.     (This  was  him,  they  could  not  but  admire  the  notable 

one  of  the  public  schools.)  energy  of  his  ministry." 

^  A  very  curious  experience,  but  the  oddi-  '  These  candidates  were  Royal  Robbins 

ties  of  insanity  are  many.     The  fellow  ought  and  Joseph  Mix.     The  former  was  graduated 

to  have  been  historically  instructed,  that  the  at  Yale  College  in  1S06,  and  had  probably 

man  who  began   this  business   of  preaching  been  a  teacher  for  some  years.     He  was  set- 

with  notes  in  New  England  was  John  War-  tied   at   Kensington,   a   parish  of   Berlin,  in 

ham,  the  first  pastor  of  that  very  church.  1816,  and   remained  till  1859.     He  was  the 

Cotton  Mather  says  :  "  I  suppose  the  first  author  of  several  school-books  widely  used, 

preacher  that  ever  thus  preached  with  notes  He  was  the  father  of  Royal  E.  Robbins,  Esq., 

in  our  New  England,  was  the  Reverend  War-  one  of  the  chief  owners  and  managers  of  the 

/^(^w ;  who,  though  he  were  sometimes  faulted  immense   watch    manufactury   at    Waltham, 

for  it  by  some  judicious  men  who  had  never  Mass.     Mr.  Joseph  Mix  was  settled  at  West 

heard  him,  yet  when  once  they  came  to  hear  Suffield,  1814-1S29. 


1814.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  581 

5.  Thermometer  this  morning  5°  below  zero.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  ser- 
mon on  Luke  xx  :  13,     Much  oppressed  with  my  cold. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  xx :  13,  and  preaclied  with  it  all  day. 
It  snowed  considerably.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  At  evening  attended  a  con- 
ference.    My  cough  is  troublesome. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Looked  over  the  Magazine.  Paid  for  footing  my 
boots,  $3.80.  Visited  a  school  at  Long  Hill.  Received  a  letter  from  T.  B. 
Wait  &  Co.,  Boston,  and  three  volumes  of  the  Christian  Observer.^ 

8.  Wrote  a  review  of  Mr.  Porter's  sermon  on  perjury  for  ministers'  meet- 
ing.    Had  company. 

9.  Rode  to  Glastonbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Read  my 
review  written  yesterday.  Mr.  Clarke,  of  Chatham,  was  with  us  and  attached 
himself  to  the  meeting.  He  preached.  Rode  to  Mr.  Yates's  in  the  evening, 
and  tarried.     It  snowed  all  the  afternoon. 

10.  Rainy  all  day.  Rode  home.  Last  evening  got  some  addition  to  my 
cold.     Read  Universal  History.     Visited. 

11.  The  trees  are  exceedingly  loaded  with  ice.  The  elms  in  the  street  are 
much  broken  with  the  weight.  Visited.  Read.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in 
making  out  his  assessment  for  the  direct  tax. 

12.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  to  spend  the 
Sabbath  with  Dr.  Strong.  Mr.  Mix,'^  of  East  Hartford,  lately  licensed,  rode  to 
East  Windsor  to  preach  for  me. 

13.  Preached  for  Dr.  Strong  from  John  i :  10,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv:  2.  His  con- 
gregation is  very  large.  Am  still  hoarse  with  my  cold.  At  evening  went  to 
the  conference,  but  did  but  little.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Skinner.^ 

14.  Put  a  note  into  the  bank  for  discount  of  JI5400.  Walked  home.  After- 
noon it  snowed.     Read.     Mr.  Prudden  came  here  and  tarried. 

15.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Much  interrupted  with  company. 
Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin,  came  here  and  tarried.  There  is  a  prospect  of  his 
forming  a  connection  in  this  neighborhood.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bat- 
tell.     Visited. 

16..  Rode  out  and  visited.  Baptized  a  sick  child  at  the  parents'  house.* 
Afternoon  rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Gen.  Newberry.^  Mr. 
Rowland  preached  very  well.  Returned.  Tarried  out.  The  sleighing  very 
good. 

17.  It  rained  pretty  hard  all  day.  Visited.  Towards  night  rode  to 
Wapping. 

18.  Walked   and  visited.     The  roads  very  wet  and  the  sleighing  fast  fail- 


'  This  English  periodical  was,  as  before  '  Gen.  Roger  Newberry  was  a  man  of  no 
stated,  republished  in  Boston.     In  1802  there  little   note.  ,  He   was   born   June    30,    1735, 
was  issued  an  edition   of  this  work   in   ten  gained  his  title  of  general  in  the  Revolution- 
volumes,  ary  Army,  was  an  able  lawyer,  and  successful 
^  Rev.  Joseph  Mix,  before  noticed.  merchant.     He  died  in  the  seventy-ninth  year 
^  Some  man  of  that  name  in  Hartford.  of    his    age.     For    many    years    before   his 
*  Susan  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jonathan  death  he  was    one    of   the   leading    citizens 
Williams.  of  Windsor. 


582  DIARY   OF    REV.   THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

ing.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  without  any  notes 
from  Gen.  xlvii :  9,  middle  clause.  After  meeting  returned  home.  The  streets 
are  almost  covered  with  water. 

19.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xi  :  26. 
Received  a  very  interesting  communication  for  the  Magazine^  sent  from  New 
York.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Prudden,  of  Enfield,  and  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Windsor.  The 
thermometer  rose  to  nearly  50°. 

20.  Very  bad  going.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  Matt,  v :  13  to  38.  Fin- 
ished and  preached  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xi :  26.  The  church  chose  a  delegate 
to  go  with  me  to  Orford  ordination.  At  evening  attended  with  a  few  church- 
members  a  season  of  special  prayer.  I  hope  we  may  continue  such  meet- 
ings. 

21.  Read.  On  the  iSth  received  of  Messrs.  Thomas  &  Noah  Sadd,  of 
Wapping,  a  present  of  $3.00.  The  same  day  Mr.  N.  Sadd  sent  me  a  good 
load  of  wood.'  Visited.  The  sleighing  is  nearly  gone.  At  evening  wrote  on 
the  Means  of  Grace  for  the  Magazine. 

22.  Wrote  on  my  yI/(2^«2/;2^  piece.  Visited  sick  persons.  Very  bad  riding. 
Our  government  are  running  into  terrible  expenditures  of  money.  We  know 
not  what  is  before  us. 

23.  Wrote.  Finished  my  piece  for  the  Magazine  on  the  Means  of  Grace. 
It  is  not  so  well  written  as  I  hoped  it  would  be.  The  snow  goes  off  gradually 
by  clear  sunshine.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  afflicted  with  hypochondriac  affec- 
tions.    Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Prudden. 

24.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  Dr.  Strong  in  pre- 
paring materials  for  the  next  Magazine.  At  evening  preached  at  his  confer- 
ence without  notes  from  Luke  vii :  23.  The  work  of  grace  seems  to  continue 
here  in  the  most  favorable  manner.  The  Governor  and  Council  met  here  to- 
day. Received  at  the  bank,  for  a  note  of  $400.00  which  I  put  in  for  discount 
last  week,  $393.80,  including  a  note  of  $190.00  which  they  held  against  me. 
Paid  Hills  &  Phelps,  merchant  tailors,  $58.10.  To  Dimock,  merchant  tailor, 
$20.31.  To  Chapin,  cabinet-maker,  $20.00.  I  closed  their  accounts.  Paid 
for  three  half  volumes  of  Encydopcedia.,  $12.00. 

25.  Paid  Gleason,  $15.00.  Walked  home.  Very  hard  going.  Read  Uni- 
versal History.     I  find  but  little  time  to  read. 

26.  Read.  The  ground  mostly  bare.  Walked  out.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

27.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  on  i  Cor.  iii :  11,  12,  13.  It  snowed 
several  times  in  the  day,  and  in  the  evening  very  hard.  At  evening  visited. 
Read. 

28.  We  have  the  deepest  snow  that  we  have  had  during  the  winter.  Wrote 
to  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Several  people  here 
are  dissatisfied  with  tlie  late  seating  of  the  meeting-house.  At  evening 
attended  a  prayer-meeting.     Quite  cold   and  tedious.     Paid   to    Mr.    Terr}-, 


'  These  gifts,  without  doubt,  were  partly       in  this  distant  portion  of  his  society,  involv- 
in  consideration  of  his  many  special  services       ing  not  a  little  labor  and  travel. 


l8l4.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  ^8j 

$15.00.     This   completes   $65.00   which   I   have   given   him  for  the  Norfolk 
clock. 

March. 

1.  Walked  and  visited.  Paid  $17.00  for  my  two  small  book-cases  lately 
procured.     I  think  they  were  very  dear.     Read. 

2.  This  morning  the  aged  Mrs.  Wells'  died,  having  been  ill  with  very  little 
pain  three  or  four  days.  She  was  removed  in  the  easiest  manner,  and  was,  I 
think,  the  most  exemplary  Christian  that  I  ever  knew,  I  was  sent  for  to  see 
her,  but  did  not  get  there  till  she  was  gone.  Afternoon  rode  to  Orford  to 
attend  ordination.  The  council  assembled  and  examined  Mr.  Cook,^  and  pre- 
pared for  ordination.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

3.  Attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Cook.  The  parts  were  well  performed. 
I  made  the  last  prayer.  A  very  great  collection  of  people.  Quite  cold.  Rode 
to  Hartford.  Attended  to  the  next  Magazine.  Paid  Cooke,  $24.95.  Except- 
ing a  small  account  with  Gleason,  I  now  owe  nothing  at  Hartford,  but  at  the 
bank.     Walked  home  late. 

4.  Read  Universal  History.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  late  Mrs.  Wells. 
Very  cold  and  tedious. 

5.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  9°  below  zero.  The  coldest  morn- 
ing we  have  had  this  year.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Phil,  i:  21.  Much 
interrupted  with  company.  Mr.  Elliott,  of  New  Hampshire,  returned  from  the 
southward,  having  made  out  well  in  begging.  I  had  promised  for  him,  $13.00.^ 
Sent  some  of  my  notes  of  sermons  to  Mr.  Mix.  Wrote  very  late.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  The  people  of  Norfolk  think  of  refusing  to  pay 
father's  last  salary. 

6.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Luke  xiii :  24.  Finished 
and  preached  in  the  afternoon  ray  sermon  on  Phil,  i:  21.  Gave  a  character 
of  Mrs.  Wells.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Very  tired.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Windsor.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  zero. 
The  vi'eather  moderates.  Very  good  sleighing.  We  had  a  very  fine  addition 
to  our  singers.'*     The  instructor  appears  to  do  well. 

7.  It  thawed  very  much.  Walked  and  visited.  There  is  a  prospect  of 
some  addition  to  the  church.  Found  a  young  woman  who  has  hopefully  got 
religion  lately,  that  I  did  not  know  of.  At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting. 
Am  pretty  feeble. 

8.  Wrote  to  my  mother.    Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school. 

9.  Rode  early  to  Chatham  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting  at  Mr. 
Clark's.^  Mr.  Cook,  of  Orford,  joined  with  us.  Preached  from  Matt,  xi :  26. 
It  thawed  very  much  and  rained  some.     We  had  a  good  meeting. 


'  Mrs.  Esther  Wells,  a  widow,  aged  eighty-  ^  He  had  raised  it  all,  as  we  have  seen, 

three.     The  name  Wells  was  more  common  ''  The  singing-school  had  been  in  progress 

then   in  the  north  parish  of  East  Windsor,  during  the  winter,  and  now  the  new  recruits 

than  in  the  south.     In  the  former,  one  of  the  are  brought  in  and  added  to  the  choir, 

roads  was  named  Wells  Street.  ^  We  have  once  or  twice  before  fallen  in 

^  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook,  before  noticed,  a  with  this    Mr.    Clark,   of  Chatham,  without 

graduate  of  Williams  College,  i8u.  knowing  exactly  his   name   and  belongings. 


584  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

10.  Rode  home.  The  ground  breaks  through  the  frost.  Rainy  and  wet. 
Wrote.     Read  Universal  History. 

11.  Walked  and  visited.     We  have  a  prospect  of  additions  to  the  church. 

12.  In  the  forenoon  walked  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a  school.  Took  a 
bad  cold.  Cold  and  blustering.  Very-  bad  going.  Afternoon  assisted  the 
church  committee  in  examining  four  women  for  our  communion.  They  appear 
very  well.  Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching.  Am  ver}^  poorly  prepared  for  the 
duties  of  the  Sabbath. 

13.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Matt,  xxv :  i,  2.  Meeting 
quite  thin.  I  preached  poorly.  Am  much  oppressed  with  my  cold.  Very 
windy  and  tedious.  Mrs.  McCIure  quite  low.  Propounded  for  our  communion 
the  four  women  examined  yesterday. 

14.  The  ground  hard  frozen.  Rode  to  Simsbury  to  assist  Mr.  McLean  in 
his  great  labors  in  the  revival  of  religion.  Saw  several  acquaintance.  At 
evening  preached  at  a  conference  at  Mr.  McLean's  without  notes  from  Matt, 
xxv:  I,  2.  The  meeting  very  full  and  solemn.  A  large  number  have  hopes 
and  many  are  very  deeply  impressed. 

15.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Afternoon  preached  at  the  meeting-house  with 
short  notes  on  Amos  iv :  11.  Had  a  good  audience,  notwithstanding  the  rain. 
The  work  is  general,  and  remarkably  orderly  and  still.  Tarried  with  Dr.  Por- 
ter. The  serious  people  appear  much  animated  and  engaged.  Read  in 
Spring's  Essays} 

16.  Rode  to  the  western  part  of  the  town,  and  preached  in  the  school-house 
in  the  afternoon  without  notes  from  Ps.  li :  15.  Visited  a  large  family,  all  of 
whom  are  specially  serious.  At  evening  preached  in  the  school-house  at 
Weatogue''  without  notes  from  Ps.  Ixxxiv:  2.  The  meeting  very  full  and 
attentive.  Have  been  constantly  burdened  with  my  cold.  Tarried  at  Mrs. 
Case's.  Such  a  seriousness  in  this  town  is  not  remembered.  Divine  things 
are  the  subject  of  general  conversation.     Quite  cold. 

17.  Rode  home.  Rode  early.  The  road  ver}'  bad  and  rough.  Afternoon 
attended  the  examination  of  our  academic  school.  It  appeared  exceedingly 
well.  At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting.  Much  worried  with  fatigue. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell. 

18.  Quite  warm.  The  ground  thaws  fast.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell. 
Read  the  Magazines. 

ig.  Read.  Afternoon  visited  a  young  man  very  sick,  and  rode  to  Orford 
to  exchange  with  Mr.  Cook.  He  was  gone  to  East  Windsor.  Examined  a 
woman  at  Wapping,  to  be  propounded  for  our  communion.     Very  bad  riding. 


We  discover  that  this  was  Rev.  Eber  L.  ate  of  Yale,  1810,  whose  ministry  continued 
Clark,  a  graduate  of  Williams  College,  181 1.  from  1816  to  his  death,  1865. 
The  place  then  called  Chatham,  is  now  '  This  was  a  little  work  published  iniSlj, 
Portland,  opposite  Middletown,  and  Mr.  by  Dr.  Gardiner  Spring,  of  New  York,  en- 
Clark  was  settled  there  from  1812  to  181 5,  titled,  Essays  o?t  the  Distinguishing  Traits  of 
over  what  is  now  known  as  the  First  Church  Christian  Character. 

of  Portland.      He  was  succeeded  by   Rev.  ^  One  of  the  Indian  local  names  in  Sims- 

Hervey  Talcott,  a  native  of  Coventry,  gradu-  bury. 


l8l4-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  585 

20.  Quite  cold.  Am  still  hoarse  ;  I  fear  I  injured  my  voice  by  preaching  so 
much  with  a  cold  at  Simsbury.  Preached  on  Matt,  xi :  26,  and  Ps.  li :  15. 
This  society  appears  well.     At  evening  returned. 

21.  "^ezd  Unii'crsal  History.  Afternoon  it  snowed  considerably.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Strong,"  of  Somers,  came  here  and 
tarried.     Received  of  my  collector,  $39.46. 

22.  Sleighs  move  considerably.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  man. 
I  fear  we  shall  have  sickness  among  us.  Walked  and  visited.  It  is  very 
sickly  in  several  places. 

23.  Read.     Afternoon  visited  a  school.     Visited  sick  persons. 

24.  Visited  an  afiflicted  family.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  assisted  Dr.  Strong 
in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  At  evening  preached  at  his  conference  with- 
out notes  from  Matt,  xxv:  i,  2.  Returned.  Very  bad  going.  I  think  I  have 
never  known  such  a  period  of  bad  moving,  since  I  have  lived  in  this  town,  as 
for  a  month  past.  We  have  the  most  grateful  intelligence  that  his  enemies 
have  entered  France,  and  that  Bonaparte  has  been  repeatedly  beaten  on  his 
own  ground.^  Wonderful  are  the  divine  dealings.  Paid  to  Mr.  Yates,  to  be 
sent  to  Andover  for  books,  $40.00. 

25.  Read.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  young  man  lately  de- 
ceased.^ Visited.  Attended  a  singing-meeting.  Remarkably  cold  for  the 
season. 

26.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Heb.  v:  7.  Wrote  fourteen  pages.  Wrote  till 
one  o'clock  in  the  night.     Hindered  by  company. 

27.  Finished  my  sermon  and  preached  it.  It  was  a  double  sermon  written 
out,  begun  yesterday  morning.  The  subject  is  something  difficult,  but  inter- 
esting and  solemn.     Much  fatigued.     My  hoarseness  continues. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Have  a  good  deal  to  do  for  the  Magazine.  We 
have  further  accounts  of  the  decline  and  dange;^  of  Bonaparte.  Walked  out 
and  visited.     At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting. 

29.  Tarried  last  night  at  Capt.  Bissell's.  His  new  house  is  excellent. 
Walked  and  visited  all  day.     The  Legislature  of  New  Orleans  awfully  corrupt. 

30.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school.  Visited  a 
child  apparently  near  dying. 

31.  The  child  I  visited  last  evening  at  our  nearest  neighbor's,  died  in  the 
night.  Visited  our  two  centre  schools.  At  evening  wrote  a  piece  for  the 
Magazine.     Our  academic  school  had  an  exhibition.'* 

APKIL. 

I.  Read  Universal  History.  Dug  a  bed  for  early  seeds.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  2  Chron.  xxix:  5.  Am  much 
concerned  about  my  hoarseness.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  child  deceased 
yesterday. 


'  Rev.  William  L.  Strong.  ^  Mr.  John  Rockwell,  aged  twenty-nine. 

-  The  facts  of  that  time,  though  on  the  *  This  school  we  still  suppose  to  be 
whole  calamitous  to  Napoleon  and  to  France,  under  the  care  of  Mr.  E.  T.  Fitch,  of  New- 
do  not  quite  answer  to  this  statement.  Haven. 


586 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1814. 


2.  Wrote  a  sermon  in  seven  successive  hours  *  on  Ps.  xl :  2.  Received  an 
excellent  letter  from  my  brother  and  sister  Battell.  The  river  is  a  little  higher 
than  I  have  ever  known  it.  It  has  risen  very  rapidly.  This  week  has  been 
very  fine  weather,  after  several  very  tedious  weeks.  We  had  a  little  rain 
Thursday  night.  It  is  quite  sickly  in  East  Hartford  ;  there  have  been  a  good 
many  deaths  in  a  few  days.     Sowed  some  seeds. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Luke  xii :  42.  Ad- 
ministered the  sacrament.  The  church  very  full.  Afternoon  preached  the 
sermon  written  yesterday.  I  do  not  perceive  that  my  hoarseness  is  any  better 
than  a  fortnight  ago.  I  do  not  feel  it  till  I  come  to  speak  in  public.  I  pray 
God  to  preserve  for  me  my  voice.     At  evening  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

4.  Brought  my  orange  and  lemon-trees  from  Mr.  Haskell's,  where  they 
have  been  kept  through  the  winter.  In  a  week  past  the  ground  has  become 
well  settled.     Worked  in  the  garden.     At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting. 

5.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Battell.  Last  night  and  this  morning  a  verj'  hard 
rain.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  great  causeway  is  much  injured  by  the  flood. 
Paid  for  a  new  mourning  ring,  instead  of  the  one  I  sold  my  sister,  $1.58.  Paid 
for  a  pair  of  good  deer-skin  gloves  made  for  me,  $1.34.  The  late  rains  at  the 
westward  have  been  very  great. 

6.  On  the  4th  received  of  Mr.  Haskell  $1.00,  for  an  orange-tree  I  let  him 
have  some  time  ago.  Read.  Afternoon  began  a  sermon  for  Fast  on  2  Kings 
xix  :  3,  4.     Planted  some  peas. 

7.  Wrote  ten  pages  on  my  sermon.  Visited  Mrs.  McClure,^  who  was  last 
night  taken  very  bad  in  her  low  state,  and  appears  not  likely  to  live. 

8.  Fast.^  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  2  Kings  xix  :  3,  4.  The 
meeting  was  well  attended,  and  the  day  better  observed  than  has  been  usual 
here.  I  speak  feebly,  but  think  my  voice  grows  some  better.  Mrs.  McClure 
is  very  low.     Very  tired. 

9.  Mrs.  McClure  *  died  last  night.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Rowland  and  Mr.  Bart- 
lett.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Agreed  with  Mr.  Yates  to  come  up  tomorrow  and 
preach  at  the  funeral.  We  have  the  disagreeable  news  that  the  British  have 
entered  our  river  and  burned  twenty-three  vessels.^     Worked  in  the  garden. 


'  He  gradually  shortens  the  time  on  this 
labor  of  writing  a  sermon,  but  is  that  de- 
sirable .'' 

^  Wife  of  Dr.  David  McClure,  senior 
pastor. 

^  It  was  contrary  to  our  general  impres- 
sion to  find  that  Fast  Day  in  Connecticut,  so 
long  ago,  was  appointed  by  State  authority 
uniformly  on  Good  Friday.  To  find  exactly 
when  this  custom  began,  we  wrote  to  Charles 
J.  Hoadley,  Esq.,  State  Librarian  of  Connec- 
ticut, and  his  answer,  January  14,  1S85,  is  as 
follows  :  "  It  was  first  appointed  on  that  day 
in  1797,  and  has  been  ever  since  so  ap- 
pointed.   I   have   verified  the   dates." 


We  think  this  recognition  of  Good  Friday 
wise,  and  are  glad  to  find  that  Connecticut 
early  laid  aside  her  Puritan  prejudice  so  far 
as  to  choose  this  day  for  her  annual  Fast. 

*  Mrs.  Hannah  McClure  was  the  daughter 
of  Rev.  Benjamin  Pomeroy,  D.  D.,  pastor  at 
Hebron,  Ct,  1 734-1 7S4.  She  was  the  niece 
of  Rev.  Eleazar  Wheelock,  D.  D.,  President 
of  Dartmouth.  She  was  married  to  Dr. 
McClure  in  1780,  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight. 

'  The  really  important  event  of  this  par- 
ticular time  was,  that  Captain  Porter,  with 
the  United  States  frigate  Essex,  had  been 
compelled,  March  28,  1814,  to  surrender  to 
the  British  frigate  Phoebe, 


l8l4.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  587 

10.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  cxviii :  22.  Afternoon 
Mr,  Yates  came  up  and  preached  at  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  McClure.  Quite  rainy 
the  most  of  the  day.     Read. 

11.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting.  Mr.  Huse  '  prayed  at  the  opening  of 
the  meeting.  Votes  for  Governor,  Federal  187,  Democrat  62.  Afternoon 
and  evening  very  rainy.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Worked 
in  my  garden. 

12.  Visited.  Afternoon  visited  our  north  school,  which  completes  the 
whole.     Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins. 

13.  Walked  to  Windsor  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  The  revival 
at  Orford  is  very  great.  Returned.  They  begin  to  take  shad.  Paid  for 
one,  .25.     Read  Universal  History. 

14.  Worked  all  day  taking  up  elms  in  the  woods  and  setting  them  in  the 
street.     At  evening  visited. 

15.  Finished  setting  my  elms.  Have  set  four  large  ones  in  the  street. 
Rainy.  Planted  peas.  Wrote  to  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping.  Visited.  I  have 
visited  all  the  families  in  the  society  since  the  first  of  last  May.  Being  gone 
so  last  summer,  I  had  not  finished  my  visiting.  May  i,  1813,  there  were  in 
the  society  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine  families,  of  whom,  thirty-four  were  cer- 
tificate people.     Read  Unii'ersal  History. 

16.  Quite  cool.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Gen.  xviii :  27.  My  composition  is 
certainly  quite  indifferent. 

17.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  from  Matt,  v:  38  to  vi :  9.  Afternoon 
preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Full  meeting.  I  am  not  yet  re- 
covered of  my  long  hoarseness. 

18.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mr.  Terry  went  with  me  to  clean  the  meeting-house 
clock.  The  roads  are  well  settled  all  the  way.  People  here  are  ploughing. 
Mr.  Stebbins^  is  preaching  here  and  will  board  whh  mother.  She  appears 
quite  well.     Brother  Frank  is  at  home. 

ig.  Mr.  Terry  fixed  the  clock.  It  appears  to  be  a  good  one.  Brother  Nat 
is  breaking  up  house-keeping.  Looked  over  father's  papers.  They  have  been 
carefully  kept. 

20.  The  circumstances  of  this  society  appear  precarious  and  not  very 
favorable.  Made  a  division  of  father's  books,  principally  according  to  his 
testamentary  direction.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Cold.  My  brother  Nat  went 
off  for  Boston. 

21.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably.  Toward  night  rode  to  my  brother 
Ammi's.     My  horse  appears  to  be  much  diseased.     The  snow  went  off. 

22.  Rode  home.  My  horse  is  very  feeble.  Had  great  difficulty  in  getting 
him  along.     At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting.     Much  fatigued. 


'  Mr.  Nathaniel  Huse,  Episcopal  minister  In  181 5  he  was  settled  again  at  West  Haven, 

at  Warehouse  Point.  where   he   remained   till   his   death  in  1843, 

2  This  is  doubtless  Rev.  Stephen  N.  Steb-  making  his  ministerial  service  fifty-nine  years, 

bins,  who  had  been  settled  at  Stratford  from  In  our  college  days  Father  Stebbins  was  one 

17S4  to  1813,  and  was  now  without  a  parish.  of  the  venerable  men  about  New  Haven. 


588  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

23.  A  black  woman'  has  died  here  during  my  absence.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching.     Read.     Very  warm.     The  thermometer  was  at  78°. 

24.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  on  Titus  iii :  5.  At  evening  attended 
a  conference  very  full.  My  voice,  by  divine  favor,  seems  to  be  restored  to  its 
usual  state.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my  cousin,  Dr.  P.  G.  Robbins,  of  Lynn. 
Quite  cold. 

25.  Wrote  off  a  considerable  part  of  my  sermon  on  Heb.  v:  7  for  the 
Magazine.     Mr.  Wolcott's  horse  is  very  sick,  and  I  fear  will  not  live. 

26.  Last  night  wrote  quite  late,  and  got  very  little  sleep.  My  labor  yester- 
day following  the  Sabbath  was  too  hard.  Am  quite  feeble.  Wrote  to  my 
brother  Samuel.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr,  Osborn,^  a  candidate  at  East 
Hartford.^  Received  a  circular  address  from  a  religious  tract  society  at  Bos- 
ton. Rode  to  Hartford  and  assisted  Dr.  Strong  in  preparing  for  the  next 
Magazine.  At  evening  preached  at  his  conference  with  short  notes  on  Amos 
iv:  II.  Returned.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  at  Hartford  rose  to  85°. 
Mine  was  nearly  the  same.     Yesterday  we  had  asparagus. 

27.  Left  off  my  flannel.  The  daffas  are  blown.  The  thermometer  was  at 
80°.  From  Monday  morning  to  Tuesday  noon  it  rose  about  50°.  Read  Uni- 
versal History.     At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Cooler.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  Read  Universal  History.  At  even- 
ing visited.     Our  singing-school  does  not  succeed  remarkably  well.* 

29.  Wrote  over  a  communication  for  the  Magazine.  Worked  considerably. 
Ploughed  my  garden.     Visited. 

30.  Last  night  slept  very  little.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
Ps.  xiv :  7.  Wrote  quite  rapidly.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Finished 
my  sermon  early.  Wrote  six  pages  before  twelve  o'clock.  Yesterday  Mr. 
Wolcott's  \'aluable  horse,  which  I  have  usually  rode,  died.  He  was  taken  sick 
while  I  had  him  at  Norfolk.     He  has  been  diseased,  apparently,  since  last  fall. 

May. 

I.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Gal.  iv :  6.  Afternoon  a 
written  sermon  on  Ps.  xiv :  7,  We  had  our  missionary  contribution  and  col- 
lected $55.30.  It  is  much  larger  than  it  has  ever  been  here  before.  There 
were  two  $5.00  bills,  one  of  six,  and  two  of  three,  with  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
two  pieces  of  silver.  I  think  this  event  much  in  favor  of  our  society.  At 
evening  had  a  serious  conference. 


'  Catherine,  aged  seventy.  This  single  born,  who,  a  year  or  two  later,  was  preaching 
name  betokens  her  former  estate,  and,  per-  for  a  short  time  in  East  Lyme.  He  was  a 
haps,  her  present.  Slaves  that  had  reached  graduate  of  Brown  University  in  1803. 
a  certain  age  when  the  law  was  passed  for  ^  This  reference  to  Mr.  Osborn,  as  a  can- 
the  gradual  extinction  of  slavery  in  Connecti-  didate  at  East  Hartford,  would  seem  to 
cut  were  to  remain  slaves  till  death.  This  imply  that  Dr.  Yates,  though  not  yet  dis- 
feature was  designed  to  be  benevolent,  as  missed,  was  preparing  to  take  leave  of  his 
providing  for  the  support  of  persons  that  people.  He  was  out  of  health,  had  trouble 
might  not  be  able  to  support  themselves.  It  with  his  voice,  and  was  instructing  theological 
is  said  that  the  last  slave  did  not  die  in  East  students. 
'Windsor  till  1857.                                                         ♦  Previous   reports   of  it  had   been   very 

*  This  was,  very  likely.  Rev.  George  Os-  good. 


1814.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  589 

2.  Visited  a  young  woman  deeply  impressed  with  religious  concern.  The 
peach-blossoms  appeared  yesterday.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  a  little 
while  at  a  training. 

3.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the 
Magazine.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  black  child  belonging  to  a  transient 
person.     Wrote  to  my  mother. 

4.  Rode  to  Orford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Read  a  sermon. 
At  evening  preached  at  a  conference  without  notes  on  Amos  iv :  ii.  Re- 
turned. The  work  of  grace  continues  there  very  powerfully.  Very  warm.  The 
thermometer  rose  to  87°.     Was  out  very  late. 

5.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Planted  peas  and  other  seeds.'  Read  Uni- 
versal History.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances.  Got  some  new  clothes.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference  ;  little  while  at  a  singing-meeting.  Thermome- 
ter 83°. 

6.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Ther- 
mometer 82°.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

7.  We  had  a  hard  and  very  refreshing  rain.  The  lilacs  begin  to  appear. 
Wrote  a  sermon  on  Acts  xxiv :  25.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Pond,  our  singing- 
teacher,  at  East  Hartford.^ 

8.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  and  preached  on  2  Pet.  ii :  i,  a  clause, 
"  Denying  the  Lord  that  bought  them."  Preached  quite  poorly.  Afternoon 
on  Acts  xxiv:  25.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  There  is  a  con- 
siderable agitation  here  about  our  singing-school.  It  has  turned  out  pretty 
poorly. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  for  which  I  gave  him 
my  due-bill,  $80.00.  Paid  to  the  bank,  $85.36,  and  received  my  note.  Received 
books  from  Andover,^  by  Mr.  Yates,'*  for  which  I  paid  $2.50,  in  addition  to 
$40.00,  which  I  gave  him  for  that  purpose,  March  24.  Paid  Hills  &  Phelps, 
for  a  very  good  suit  of  clothes  of  fine  broadcloth,  $43.00.  Received  of  Mr. 
Sargeant  for  my  watch,  $48.00.  I  allowed  him  $2.00  for  repairs.  Received  by 
letter  an  invitation  from  Dr.  Strong  to  put  up  with  him  at  the  election.  At 
evening  rode  to  Orford  and  preached  at  a  conference  on  Matt,  xxv :  i,  with- 
out notes.  Returned.  Quite  cold.  We  have  news  of  an  armistice  between 
the  great  powers  at  war  in  Europe. 

10.     This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.     The  fruit-trees  are  very 


'  Year  by  year  Dr.  Robbins  plants  him-  Mass.,  where  the  new  Theological  Seminary 

self  a  garden,  and  takes  care  of  it  himself.  had  very   recently   been   established.      This 

^  Every  four  or  five  years  the  old  parishes  would  be  likely  to  make  the  place  a  kind  of 

of  that  day,  which  had  then  almost  univer-  depot  for  certain  books  such  as  Mr.  Robbins 

sally  introduced  choir  singing,  used  to  have  would  wish  to  have  in  his  library, 

their  singing-schools,  which  usually  began  in  •*  Rev.   Andrew  Yates  had  been   on   this 

the  early  part  of  the  winter,  and  filling  two  visit  to  Andover,  Mass.,  very  likely  to  gain 

evenings  perhaps  every  week,  would  continue  some   new  ideas  on  the  subject  of  the  best 

till  the  spring.  methods  of  conducting  theological  education, 

3  We  understand  this  to  mean,  Andover,  in  which  he  was  now  engaged. 


59°  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1814. 

full-blown.     Walked  and  visited.     There  is  a  greater  appearance  of  serious- 
ness here  than  there  has  been  for  three  years. 

11.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Read  Universal  History.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Prudden,  introducing  to  me  a  Mr.  Burge,'  minister  from  Vermont,  who 
tarried  with  me. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  The  collection  of  clergy 
about  as  great  as  usual.  The  sermon  was  good.  Attended  the  Ministers' 
Annuity  Society.  At  evening  went  to  a  conference.  My  brother  Frank  is  here. 
In  the  morning  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Bible  Society.  Paid  Mr.  Lee  for 
ten  of  his  sermons  at  father's  funeral,  $2.00.     Tarried  at  Dr.  Strong's.'^ 

13.  My  brother  went  home.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  directors  of  the 
Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Paid  for  a  book,  Kinne^  on  the  Prophecies,  $2.00. 
Walked  and  rode  home.  Performed  a  marriage  "•  of  a  couple  who  came  here. 
Rainy.  Heard  the  Governor  deliver  his  speech,  which  was  very  good.  We 
ha\e  the  important  intelligence  that  the  allied  army  has  taken  Paris.^ 

14.  Quite  rainy.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  2  Pet.  iiirii.  Am  much  worried 
with  fatigue. 

15.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  hard  thunder-shower.  Expounded  Matt,  vi: 
9-16,  and  preached  on  2  Pet.  iii :  11.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Some  of  our  singers  leave  their  seats,  but  we  still  sing  well.  A  remarkable 
time  for  vegetation.     Quite  warm.     Read  the  Bible. 

16.  Worked  some.  Afternoon  a  hard  rain.  The  river  is  high  in  the 
meadows.  Read  Universal  History.  Read  one  hundred  pages  in  three  and 
a  half  hours. 

17.  Planted  peas  and  watermelons.  The  thermometer  was  at  75°.  After- 
noon rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  to  the  business  of  our  Annuity  Society. 
Heard  Mr.  Merwin,^  of  New  Haven,  preach  a  missionary  sermon, 

18.  Worked  considerably  piling  a  heap  of  manure.  Read  Universal  His- 
tory.    Wrote  to  my  brother  Ammi,  at  Colebrook.     Visited. 

19.  Rode  to  Farmington  and  returned.  Am  collecting  an  account  of  the 
state  of  the  churches  for  Association.  Quite  warm.  Vegetation  is  ver}'  for- 
ward.    At  Hartford  saw  Mr.  Whittlesey,''  of  Danbury. 

20.  Walked  and  visited.  The  thermometer  at  86°.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.  Received  yesterday  a  letter  from  Nathan  Burr,  of  Norfolk, 
and  one  from  my  brother  James,     He  is  in  affliction,  having  lost  his  little  son. 


'  Rev.  Caleb  Burge,  a  native  of  Tolland,  Osborn,  of   Scantic,   were   the   parties   mar- 

Ct,  a  graduate  of  Middlebury  College,  1806,  ried. 

settled  from   1814  to  1819  at  Brattleborough,  s  Q^iy   ^  few   days    before,   he    had,    or 

Vt.,  and  from   1821   to    1825  at  Glastonbury,  thought  he  had,  the  news  of  a  general  armis- 

^t.  tice  among  the  fighting  nations.     That  report 

*  It  will  be  remembered  that  Dr.  Strong  was  not  true,  but  this  was  true.     Paris  was 
had  invited  him  to  be  a  guest  at  his  house.  taken  by  the  allied  armies,  March  31,  1814. 

3  Rev.  Aaron  Kinne,  a  native  of  Norwich,  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin,  native  of  Milford, 

Ct.,  graduate  of  Yale,  1765,  was  settled  for  graduate  of  Yale  College,  1802,  settled  over 

twenty-eight  years  at  Groton,  Ct.     He  pub-  the  North  Church  in  New  Haven,  1S05-1831. 
lished  a  work  on  the  Prophecies  in  1813.  '  The  man,  probably,  with  whom  he  used 

*  Jehiel  Judd,  of  Colchester,  and  Lucrctia  to  board  when  teaching  in  Danbury. 


l8l4-J  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  59I 

2  1.  Received  of  my  collector,  $34.87,  completing  my  order  of  last  year. 
Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote  notes  for 
preaching. 

22.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Mai.  iii :  1,2.  Preached 
pretty  poorly.  Meeting  quite  full.  At  evening  we  had  a  very  full  and  attent- 
ive conference. 

23.  Set  out  early  on  my  associational  tour  to  collect  an  account  of  the 
state  of  the  churches.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  Barkhamsted.  Tarried  with 
Mr.  Mason,*  who  is  agreeably  settled  here. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartland,  Granby,  and  Enfield.  Rode  late.  Was  fortunate 
in  finding  men  at  home.  The  season  very  forward.  Grain  appears  very 
well. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  rode  home.  Much  fatigued.  The  thermometer  rose 
to  86°.     Read.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  for  the  next  Magazine. 
Very  hot.  Thermometer  at  92°.  Had  a  fine  tub  made  for  my  orange-tree, 
for  which  I  paid  $3.00.  The  Assembly  are  full  of  business.  At  evening 
preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  ^  without  any  notes  from  Luke  xv :  17. 
Returned  very  tired. 

27.  Read.  Thermometer  92°.  Afternoon  a  hard  shower.  Yesterday 
procured  a  number  of  articles  of  furniture  for  my  brother's  wife,  at  Colebrook. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  vi :  6.  I  am  sure  I  do  not  write  so  good  ser- 
mons as  I  have  at  some  past  times. 

29.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  ex:  31.  Afternoon 
on  Heb.  vi :  6.  Did  not  go  to  the  evening  conference  on  account  of  a  thun- 
der-shower.    The  season  is  extremely  wet. 

30.  Wrote  off  a  part  of  the  piece  on  the  Origin  of  Idolatry,  which  I  wrote 
some  years  ago,  for  the  Magazine.     Worked  in  the  garden. 

31.  Very  rainy.  The  canker-worms^  are  making  great  havoc  on  the  apple- 
trees.  Read  in  Universal  History,  three  hundred  pages.  There  seems  to  be 
an  encouraging  prospect  of  a  general  peace  in  Europe,  and  the  restoration 
of  the  Bourbons.'' 

June. 

I.     Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.    Preached 
on  Acts  xxiv :  25.     After  the  meeting  rode  to  West   Hartford,  and  returned 


'  Rev.  Elihu  Mason  had  just  been  settled  for  his  Thursday  evening  lecture,  which  fact 
in  Barkhamsted,  but  remained  only  three  is  a  compliment  to  Mr.  Robbins,  and  con- 
years.     It  was  a  feeble  church.  venient  for  Dr.  Strong. 

=  The  reader  may  have  noticed  that  every  ^  The   canker-worm   has  been    a   plague 

month  now  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins  goes  to  Hart-  somewhere     in    the    earth    ever    since     the 

ford  to  assist  in  the  arrangement  of  matters  prophet  Joel  lived. 

for  the  forthcoming  number  of  the  Connec-  *  The  Bourbons  were   restored  that  very 

ticut  Evangelical  Magazine.     He  goes  down  year  (1814),  in  the  person  of   Louis  XVI H, 

on  Thursdays,  and  Dr.  Strong  takes  advan-  but  France  was  not  happy  even  then.     She 

tage  of  his  presence,  and  secures  his  services  was  tossed  to  and  fro  for  many  years. 


592  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

home  late.  Gave  our  contribution  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Missionary  Society, 
amounting  to  $56.80.'  There  are  but  three  higher  in  this  county,  and  but  six 
or  seven  in  the  State.  Paid  my  annual  contribution  to  the  Ministers'  Annuity 
Society,  $5.00.  Paid  for  liquors,  $4.92.^  Our  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  has 
lately  been  incorporated  by  the  Assembly. 

2.  Walked  and  visited.  We  have  a  few  instances  of  deep  religious 
impression.  Found  one  who  has  lately  obtained  a  hope.  Tarried  out.  It 
rains  almost  ever}^  day. 

3.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Last  Sabbath  six  persons  were  baptized  by  a  Baptist  at  Wapping.  I  think  it 
likely  a  Baptist  church  will  be  established  there. 

4.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wrote  on  associational  papers.  Mr.  Steb 
bins,^  who  lately  preached  at  Norfolk,  called  on  me  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with 
me.  Unfortunately,  I  have  to  go  away.  We  have  the  interesting  news  that 
Bonaparte  has  abdicated  his  throne,''  and  that  peace  in  Europe  is  likely  to  take 
place.     Rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint. 

5.  Mr.  Flint  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25,  and 
Luke  ii  17.  Had  ths  fullest  meeting  I  have  ever  seen  here.  There  is  an 
appearance  of  some  attention.  Returned  and  attended  a  conference  in  the 
lower  part  of  our  society.  Mr.  Stebbins  has  been  here  today,  and  preached  in 
the  forenoon. 

6.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Cook,^  of  Orford.  Worked  in  the  garden. 
Afternoon  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Branch  Moral  Society,  lately  formed  in 
this  place,  and  joined  with  them.  Dr.  Perkins*  and  Mr.  Hawley^  came  here 
at  evening  and  tarried  with  the  Association.     Quite  cool.     Wrote. 

7.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  afternoon  on  a  report  of  the  state  of  our 
churches,  for  Association.  After  dinner  rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's,  and  met  with 
the  Association. 

8.  Had  an  agreeable  meeting  of  the  Association.  Afternoon  rode  to  East 
Hartford  and  preached  a  singing-lecture  on  Ps.  xxvii :  4.     Returned. 

9.  Last  night  was  quite  unwell.  Had  to  get  up  and  take  laudanum.  Read 
Universal  History.     Visited.     Had  green  peas  of  my  own  cultivation. 

10.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  The  good  work  of  God's  grace  appears 
to  be  slowly  advancing  among  us ;  blessed  be  his  name.  Attended  the  prayer- 
meeting. 

11.  The  news  from  Europe  is  more  favorable  than  I  have  ever  hoped  to 
see.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  David  Hale,^  Boston,  with  a  volume  of  the 


'  For   those  times,  in  the  very  midst  of  ^  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook, 

the  war  of  1812,  that  was  a  large  contribu-  *  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford, 

tion.  ^  Rev.  Rufus  Hawley,  of  Avon. 

^  This  year  the  ministers'  annuity  tax  and  ^  This  was   David   Hale,   afterwards   the 

the  liquor  bill  were  about  the  same.  distinguished  editor  of  the  New  York  Joiir- 

^  See  note  under  date  of  April  18,  1S14.  iial  of  Commerce.     He  was  the  son  of  Rev. 

*  Napoleon's  abdication  took  place  April  David  Hale,  of  Lisbon,  Ct.,  and  was  born  in 

5,  1814,  when  he  accepted  the  Isle  of  Elba  that  town  April  25,  1791.     He  went  to  Bos- 

as  his  place  of  banishment.  ton,  and   commenced  business  in  1S09,  and 


i8i4.] 


PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR. 


593 


Christian  Observer.    Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38,    The  thermometer 
was  at  86°. 

12.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xviii :  16-26,  and  from  Matt,  xxiii: 
37,  38.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer  87°.  Assisted  the 
church  committee  in  examining  a  young  man,'  and  propounding  him  for  our 
communion.  Baptized  a  child.^  Read  tlie  Bible.  Attended  a  full  and 
solemn  conference. 

13.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  90°.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Paid  for  a  silk  vest,  ^5.00;  for  a  silk  hat,  $1.75.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
brother  Ammi.     Read  magazines. 

14.  A  steady  and  very  refreshing  rain  all  day.  Wrote  papers  for  General 
Association.     Wrote  a  letter  to  Rev.  Mr.  Button,^  of  Guilford.     Was  up  late. 

15.  Read  Universal  History.  By  applying  closely  I  can  read  thirty  pages 
an  hour.  Walked  to  Mr.  Rowland's  and  returned.  Wet  and  hot.  Worked 
some. 

Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.     Thermometer  88°.     Performed  a  mar- 
I  think  the  Baptist  progress  in  Wapping  will  be  temporary. 
Began  a  sermon  on  Isa.  lix:  2.     Read.     At  evening  attended  a  prayer- 
meeting.     Worked  some.     Quite  rainy.     Had  company. 

18.  Rode  to  Bolton  to  make  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Mix.  Rode  consider- 
ably to  procure  a  girl  to  work  for  Mrs.  Wolcott.  Mr.  Mix*  is  to  supply  here 
no  longer.     I  think  it  very  unfortunate  that  they  do  not  keep  him  here. 

19.  In  the  morning,  by  desire,  wrote  a  Confession  of  Faith  and  Covenant 
to  be  used  today  in  the  admission  of  a  member  to  the  church.  Mr.  Colton's 
not  being  to  be  found.^  Preached  on  Matt,  xi :  26,  and  Matt,  xxv  :  37,  38. 
Received  an  elderly  man  to  the  church.  At  evening  preached  at  a  school- 
house  from  Matt,  xxv :  i,  2.  There  appears  to  be  some  beginnings  of  serious- 
ness here.     Very  tired. 


16. 

riage, 

17- 


remained  till  1815,  but  was  unsuccessful. 
On  the  other  hand,  in  New  York,  his  life 
was  a  great  success  in  many  ways.  He  was 
the  founder  of  the  New  York  Tabernacle, 
from  which  such  an  immense  influence  has 
gone  forth.  Rev.  Joseph  P.  Thompson, 
D.  D.,  so  long  pastor  of  the  Tabernacle 
congregation,  wrote  his  memoir.  He  died 
in  1S41. 

*  Milo  Linus  North,  who  had  graduated 
at  Yale  College  the  year  before,  and  was  now 
teaching  the  academy  at  East  Windsor  Hill. 
He  became  a  physician. 

^  Sarah  Gillet,  adopted  daughter  of  Ben- 
jamin Gillet,  Jr. 

^  Rev.  Aaron  Button,  pastor  of  the  First 
Church  in  Guilford,  1806-1842.  He  was  a 
graduate  of  Yale,  1S03,  and  was  a  member  of 
the  Yale  Corporation  from  1825  to  his  death 
in  1849.    He  was  the  father  of  Dr.  Samuel 


W.  S.  Button,  pastor  of  the  North  Church, 
New  Haven,  and  of  Miss  Mary  Button,  who 
so  long  conducted  the  Grove  Hall  School  in 
New  Haven. 

*  The  persons  united  in  marriage  were 
George  Rockwell  and  Elizabeth  Chapin. 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Mix. 

*  We  should  regard  this  as  a  curious  state 
of  things  at  the  present  day.  This  Bolton 
church  was  more  than  ninety  years  old.  Rev. 
George  Colton,  its  fifty-years'  pastor,  had 
been  dead  about  two  years,  and  no  creed  or 
confession  of  faith  could  be  found.  Mr.  Col- 
ton had  one  which  he  used,  but  no  one  else 
seems  to  have  had  one.  So  Mr.  Robbins 
took  the  responsibility,  and  constructed  one 
on  the  spot,  which  the  church  never  heard 
probably  until  they  heard  it  read  on  the 
admission  of  the  member  that  day.  Rather 
loose  Congregationalism  we  should  call  that. 


594 


DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 


20.  I  fear  this  people  are  getting  into  a  divided  state.'  Rode  and  tried  to 
procure  a  girl "  for  Mrs.  W'olcott,  without  success.  Am  trying  to  purchase  a 
horse.     Returned.     The  work  of  grace  continues  very  great  at  Orford. 

21.  Last  night  was  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Got  up  and 
took  laudanum.  Walked  and  visited.  There  are  several  persons  among  us 
deeply  impressed  with  serious  concerns. 

22.  Devoted  this  day  to  fasting,  self-examination,  and  prayer.  I  beg 
and  pray  that  I  may  not  be  a  fatal  check  to  the  work  of  divine  grace,  which  I 
hope  is  begun  among  this  people.  Visited.  There  are  many  celebrations  in 
different  parts  of  our  country  of  the  late  joyful  events  in  Europe.^ 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  for  the  next  Magazine.  At 
evening  performed  a  marriage."' 

24.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  in 
a  religious  manner  our  academy  school.  One  of  the  members  has  hopefully 
got  religion  lately.     At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

25.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Gen.  xxxii :  26.  A  man  from  Bolton  brought  me  a 
horse  to  buy.  I  had  desired  him  to  do  it,  and  promised  unfortunately  to  pay 
him  if  I  did  not  trade.  I'he  horse  was  miserable,  and  I  had  to  pay  the  man 
$2.*  There  never  was  such  a  cordial  and  universal  rejoicing  on  the  island  of 
Great  Britain  as  now. 

26.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke  xiii :  3.  Afternoon 
on  Gen.  xxxii :  26.  At  evening  attended  a  full  and  solemn  conference.  The 
roads  very  dust}\  Received  Mr.  North,  the  teacher  of  our  academy,  to  the 
communion  of  the  church. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  We  have  difficulty  in  preparing  our  next  Alagazine. 
Towards  evening  rode  to  Orford  and  preached  at  a  conference  for  Mr.  Cook, 
without  notes,  on  Gen.  xxxii:  26.  The  work  of  grace  continues  powerfully 
here.     Returned. 

28.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  The 
ground  very  dr)-.     Thermometer  88°.     We  had  a  little  show-er. 

29.  Wrote  for  the  Magazine.     Thermometer  90°.     Read  Universal  History. 

30.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Preached  a  preparatory 
lecture  for  Mr.  Yates  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  11.  Attended  to  Magazine  business.  In 
the  evening  preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference,  without  notes,  from  Gen. 


'  They  did  not  settle  any  minister   till   a  **  The  persons  married  were  Henry  Elmer 

year  and  a  half  later,  when  Rev.  Philander  and  Chloe  Porter.     This  was   on   Thursday 

Parmelee  became  their  minister.  evening,  and,  except  for  this  marriage  engage- 

^  The  only  girls  to  be  had  at  that  time,  ment,    Mr.    Robbins   would    have    probably 

were,  of  course,  American  girls,  and  life  was  stayed  at  Hartford,  and  preached  Dr.  Strong's 

so  busy  on  the  farms,  especially  in.  the  sum-  lecture,  as  he  had  done  months  before, 

mer  season,  that  it  was  hard  to  find  them.  *  He   probably  learned   something   from 

^  Thousands  of  people  in  this  country  had  this  transaction.     Men  often  speak   harshly 

Jived  in  actual  fear  lest  Napoleon,  with  his  of  ministers,  because  they  represent  human 

great  and  conquering  armies,  should  come  to  nature  as  sinful  and  depraved ;  but  practically 

our  shores.    And  now  that  he  seemed  to  be  ministers  are  apt  to  take  far  more  hopeful 

caged  in  the  island  of  Elba,  they  felt  a  sensi-  and  kindly  views  of   their  fellow-men,   than 

ble  relief.  do  the  masses  of  mankind. 


l8l4.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


595 


xxxii  :  26.'     In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  very  refreshing  shower.     Thermome- 
ter 88°.     People  are  generally  haying.     A  great  crop  of  grass. 

July. 

1.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  Mr.  Yates ^  preached  my  sacra- 
mental lecture.     At  evening  we  had  a  full  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  89°. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Jer.  1:5.  A  man  calls  on  me  from  Maine,  a  mem- 
ber of  college,  sickly  and  needy.     Thermometer  91°. 

3.  Rainy  all  day.  Some  of  the  time  veiy  hard.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. Thin  meeting,  but  the  most  of  the  church  were  present.  Wrote  notes 
and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ex.  viii :  22.  Afternoon  with  old  notes  on 
Acts  xiii :  10.     At  evening  visited. 

4.  Rode  to  Bolton  to  buy  a  horse.  Looked  at  several.  Yesterday  Mr. 
Cook  received  thirty-four  persons  into  his  church  at  Orford.  In  Vernon 
prayed  at  a  funeral  for  Mr.  Kellogg.^     Thermometer  about  90°. 

5.  Last  night  there  was  a  very  violent  shower.  From  the  dampness  of 
the  air  the  heat  is  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  8g°.  Wrote  a  part  of  a 
review  of  Mr.  Merwin's  missionary  sermon  for  ministers'  meeting. 

6.  Ministers'  meeting  was  here.  Finished  and  read  my  review.  The 
meeting  was  the  most  numerous  that  we  have  had.  The  heat  very  severe. 
Thermometer  about  90°.     At  night  the  young  people  had  a  ball.     Visited. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  subscribe  at  the  Phoenix  Bank.*  Could  not  get 
in  on  account  of  the  great  number  of  applicants.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  Sally  has 
another  daughter,^  and  expects  to  be  at  Hartford  today.  Received  a  letter 
from  LTncle  Starr,  mentioning  the  death  of  cousin  Henry  Gould.''  Walked  out 
and  visited.     Cool.     Thermometer  not  much  over  70°. 

8.  Rode  to  Bolton  and  purchased  a  horse.  He  is  a  colt  three  years  old 
in  May,  and  appears  to  be  a  very  good  one.  Horace  Gaylord  ^  went  with  me 
and  did  me  much  service.  I  am  to  give  for  the  colt  next  week,  $66.  He  is 
said  to  be  quite  cheap.  I  hope  he  may  long  be  useful  to  me.  At  evening  had 
a  very  full  and  solemn  prayer-meeting. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  subscribed  for  twenty  shares  in  the  Phoenix 
Bank.®  Paid  in  $2.00  which  I  borrowed  of  Mr.  Haskell.  Worked  some  at  hay. 
Went  into  the  water. 


'  This  time  he  preached  for  Dr.  Strong.  to  be  enough  and  more  than  enough  to  take 

^  Dr.  Andrew  Yates,  though  unable  to  do  up  all  the  good  bank  stock  that  offered, 

much  preaching,  still  remains  and  supplies  at  *  This  was   Urania,  born   May  30,  1814, 

East  Hartford.     No  minister  was  settled  in  who  became  the  wife  of  Hon.  James  Hum- 

his  place  until  1816,  when  Rev.  Joy  H.  Fair-  phrey,  and  is  still  living, 

child,   D.  D.,   afterwards    of    South  Boston,  <>  One  of  the  sons  of  William   Gould,  of 

Mass.,  began   his   East    Hartford    ministry,  Manchester,  Vt. 

which  continued  till  1827.  ^  This  time  he  took  a  man,  who,  we  sup- 

3  That  is  to  say,  he  made  a  prayer  at  a  pose,  was  one  of  his  old  Norfolk  neighbors, 

funeral  to  assist  Mr.  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  who  a  practical  man,  and  honest, 

had  been  minister  there  (formerly  North  Bol-  *  Those  who   know  how  successful   that 

ton   parish),   fifty-two    years.      Mr.    Kellogg  bank  has  proved  through  long  years  will  see 

died  three  years  later.  the  wisdom  of  his  desire  to  get  possession  of 

*  Though  money  was  scarce,  there  seemed  its  stock. 


cg6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ,        [1814. 

10.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  for-enoon  on  John  xii :  37.  Afternoon 
from  Jer.  1:5.  The  meeting  appeared  unusually  solemn.  Had  no  conference 
on  account  of  a  singing-meeting.  At  evening  assisted  the  church  committee 
in  examining  three  young  women  for  our  communion. 

1 1 .  Reckoned  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  expenses  for  a  year  past  have 
been  very  great.  Paid  the  Bolton  man  for  my  horse,  ^66,  $60  of  which  I 
borrowed  of  Mr.  Haskell.  These  sums  are  not  included  in  the  accounts 
reckoned  today.  At  evening  attended  a  full  conference.  We  had  a  pretty 
hard  rain. 

12.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Paid  my  subscrip- 
tion for  singing,  $2.00.     Quite  cool. 

13.  This  morning  before  sunrise  the  thermometer  was  at  33°.  I  believe 
there  was  no  frost.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P. 
Robbins,  of  Marietta.  Yesterday  wrote  an  application  to  the  commissioners 
on  the  new  bank,  desiring  them  to  give  me  the  shares  for  which  I  subscribed. 
Wrote  also  to  Dr.  Strong.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field  to  carr}-  dinner.  People 
generally  beginning  their  harvest.  It  is  very  good,  especially  the  wheat. 
Visited.     At  evening  attended  a  small  religious  meeting. 

14.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  My  horse  is  very  good  in  the  carriage. 
Read. 

15.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Visited  a  young  woman  exceedingly  distressed 
for  sin.  Very  warm.  Thermometer  85°.  Read  Universal  History.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

16.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Mark  ix  :  44.  The  most  of  it  is  a  mere  copy  of  a 
piece  I  lately  wrote  for  the  Magazine.  Ver}^  hot.  Thermometer  94°.  I  was 
obliged  to  leave  my  chamber.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Samuel.' 
Mr.  Loomis,  my  neighbor,  has  taken  his  son  from  him,  to  go  into  some  other 
business.     Mother  is  quite  well. 

17.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  92°.  In  the  forenoon  ex- 
pounded from  Matt,  vi :  16  to  vii :  7.  Afternoon  preached  on  Mark  ix :  44. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Our  singers  who  left  their  seats  have 
returned. 

18.  Last  night  quite  unable  to  sleep.  Rode  to  Wrapping.  Agreed  to  have 
my  horse  pastured  for  a  few  weeks,  my  mother  having  very  kindly  sent  me  hers 
for  present  use.     Visited  sick  persons. 

19.  Wrote  to  Charles  Sherman,  New  Haven.  Sent  my  horse  to  Wrapping. 
Wrote.     Walked  and  visited.     At  evening  attended  a  small  conference. 

20.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Rode  very  early  in  the  morning 
to  Hartford,  and  saw  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Battell  and  family,  on  their  return  home 
from  Stafford.^     Wrote  ver}-  late.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Yates. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  At 
evening  preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  with  short  notes  on  i  Cor.  i :   18. 


'  We  suppose  that  Samuel  Robbins  was  ^  They  had  been  spending  some  time  at 

then  still   living  in   Norfolk,  though  he  re-       Stafford   Springs,   where    Mrs.   Battell    had 
moved  not  long  after.  been  before. 


l8l4.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  597 

Yesterday  received  of  Hartford  Bank  $17.00,  a  semi-annual  dividend  on  my 
bank  share.     One  half  of  which  I  paid  to  Mr.  Wolcott,  as  belonging  to  him. 

22.  Last  night  Mr.  Lee,'  a  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried.  Wrote  to 
Capt.  Alvord,  of  Bolton.  Worked  some.  Looked  over  foreign  magazines. 
At  evening  had  a  very  full  prayer-meeting. 

23.  Quite  warm.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vii :  14.  Mrs.  Wolcott  quite 
unwell. 

24.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Gen.  xxii:  13.  After- 
noon Mr.  J.  Marsh  *  preached  for  me.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  At  evening  walked  out.  Yesterday  had 
$150  returned  to  me  from  the  Phoenix  Bank.  They  gave  me  but  five  shares 
of  the  twenty  for  which  I  subscribed.     The  sums  subscribed  were  very  great. 

25.  Worked  some.  'Looked  ovqx  Ecclesiastical  History.  Afternoon  rode  to 
East  Hartford  and  heard  Mr.  Yates's  students  recite  Mosheim's  History  for  the 
Three  Past  Centuries?  At  evening  attended  a  conference,  put  off  from  last 
evening  on  account  of  a  singing-meeting. 

26.  Wrote  for  the  3Iagazi?ie.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank,  one 
from  Esq.  Pettibone,  of  Norfolk,  and  one  from  Charles  Sherman,  of  New 
Haven,  enclosing  $40.00,  as  my  dividend  lately  at  the  Eagle  Bank.  Wrote  to 
brother  Frank.     Visited. 

27.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  about  the  next  Magazine. 
Rode  to  Wethersfield  and  preached  in  the  evening  on  Gen.  xxxii:  26.  There 
has  been  a  great  work  of  divine  grace  here  ;  it  is  now  rather  declining.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  David  Hale,"*  of  Boston,  and  sent  him  $20.00  for  the  Christian  Observer.^ 
At  evening  we  had  a  refreshing  shower. 

28.  Rode  home.  Thermometer  at  86°.  Yesterday  received  a  pamphlet 
sent  from  Mr.  Robert  Lenox,*  of  New  York.  Worked  considerably.  Had  a 
very  good  shower.     Read  Universal  History. 

29.  Last  night  and  during  the  forenoon  we  had  a  very  powerful  rain.  The 
streams  are  very  much  raised.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Read  Universal  History. 

30.  The  high  waters  yesterday  have  done  considerable  damage.  Read 
Universal  History.     Wrote  to  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.     Worked  some. 

31.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  i  Pet.  ii :  24.  Afternoon 
on  Matt,  vii :  14.  Thermometer  near  90°.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn 
conference.     We  have  some  new  instances  of  special  awakening.     Very  tired. 


'  Jonathan  Lee,  a  native  of  Salisbury,  Ct.,  Hale,  but  it  may  be  added  that  his  business 

graduated  at  Yale,  1809 ;  at  Andover  Semi-  in  Boston  was  the  book-trade, 

nary,  1812;  settled  at  Otis,  Mass.,  Weybridge,  'That  covered,  probably,  some   eight  or 

Vt.,  and  spending  his  last  years  in  Salisbury  ten  volumes  of  the  work.     It  will  be  remem- 

as  a  teacher.  bered  that  he   had   bought   several  volumes 

^  Rev.  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  of  Wethersfield,  before, 

before  described.  *  Mr.    Robert   Lenox   was  one  of    those 

^  Dr.  Yates,  as  before  stated,  is  teaching  princely  merchants,  in  New  York  city,  who 

theological  students.  gave  immense  sums  of  money  for  benevolent 

*  We   have  before   given   a  note  on  Mr.  purposes. 


5^8  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

August. 

1.  Visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  heard  Mr.  Yates's 
students  recite  Ecclesiastical  History.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  pair  of 
horizontal  springs  for  Mr.  Wolcott's  carriage,  $20.00.  Paid  for  a  pair  of  shoes, 
$2.17.  For  buckles,  etc.,  for  a  bridle,  $1.13.  Thermometer  92°.  Read  the 
Treaty  of  Peace '  between  France  and  the  several  allied  powers.  The  most 
important  since  the  peace  of  Westphalia.''  The  stipulation  for  the  abolition  of 
slavery  looks  like  the  dawn  of  the  millennium. 

2.  Walked  and  visited.  Afternoon  we  had  a  very  severe  thunder-shower. 
Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $300.00,  for  which  I  gave  him  my  note. 

3.  Rode  to  Glastonbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Very  warm. 
Preached  on  Matt,  vii :  14.  Mr.  Yates  is  appointed  a  professor  in  Union  Col- 
lege and  expects  to  accept  the  appointment.     I  regret  very  much  the  event. ^ 

4.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  examined  with  the  church  committee 
a  young  woman  for  our  communion.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bartlett. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Conversed  with  persons  deeply  distressed  for 
sin.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     It  was  very  full. 

6.  Wrote  all  day.  Wrote  pretty  poorly.  Paid  for  my  newspaper  half  a 
year,  $1.00.  The  ravages  of  our  war  appear  to  increase.*  Wrote  late.  Yes- 
terday set  out  some  celery. 

7.  Cloudy  and  something  rainy.  Meeting  in  the  forenoon  pretty  thin. 
Meetings  quite  solemn.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxvi :  56,  and  an 
old  sermon  on  Heb.  x  :  31.     At  evening  had  a  very  full  conference. 

8.  We  had  a  very  hard  rain  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  Universal  History. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  The  religious  attention  among  us  becomes  a  matter 
of  general  conversation. 


"  This  is  known  as  the   Treaty  of  Paris,  from  Yale,  1794,  and  was  Professor  of  An- 

signed   April    11,  1814,  by  which   Napoleon  cient  Languages  in  Union  College,  1797-1801. 

formally  abdicated  the  throne  of  France.  Then   he  was  pastor  at  East  Hartford,  Ct., 

^  The  peace  of  Westphalia  was  concluded  1801-1814,  when  he  was  called  back  to  Union 

Oct.  24,  1648,  between  France,  the  Emperor  College  as  Professor  of  Moral  and  Intellect- 

of   Germany,  and   Sweden.     By   this   treaty,  ual  Philosophy.     After  filling  this  place  for 

the  principle  of  a  balance  of  power   among  many  years,  he  again  became  a  distinguished 

the  countries  of  Europe  was  first  established,  preacher  in  connection  with  the  Presbyterian 

and  the  religious  rights  of  the  German  States  and  Dutch  Reformed  churches.     He  died  in 

acknowledged.  1844.     He  received  his  degree  of  D.  D.  from 

^  It  has  been  noticed  in  the  course  of  the  Middlebury  College  in  1814.  The  difficulty 
diary,  that  Dr.  Yates  has  not  had  the  regular  that  arose  in  the  Consociation  that  dismissed 
charge  of  his  pulpit  for  some  time.  This  him,  came  from  the  unwillingness  of  many  of 
was  owing  to  the  fact  that  he  had  a  serious  his  people  to  part  with  him.  He  was  a  favor- 
trouble  with  his  voice,  making  it  difficult  and  ite  pastor,  and  was  greatly  attached  to  his 
dangerous    for  him   to   speak.     His   school,  people. 

which  included  classical  scholars  as  well  as  *  There  had  of  late  been  some  hard  fight- 
theological  students,  he  opened  at  the  sugges-  ing  by  the  land  forces,  about  Niagara  and 
tion  of  the  neighboring  ministers,  who  knew  along  the  Canada  lines,  in  which  the  British 
how  accomplished  a  scholar  he  was.  A  brief  were  more  often  beaten  than  victorious, 
outline  of  Dr.  Andrew  Yates's  life  may  be  Still  the  great  successes  of  the  United  States 
instructive  in  this  connection.  Born  in  Sche-  in  the  War  of  1812  were  on  the  sea.  The 
nectady,  N.  Y.,  in   1772,   he  was   graduated  war  was  now  drawing  towards  its  close. 


1814.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  599 

9.  Paid  Mr.  Haskell  $260.00,  which  I  had  borrowed  of  him.  He  would 
take  no  interest.'  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's.  The  streams  are  very  high,  and 
the  roads  much  washed.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Heard  Mr.  Yates's 
students  in  Ecclesiastical  History.  At  evening  preached  at  his  conference  with- 
out notes  on  Gen.  xxxii :  26.  The  people  in  East  Hartford  are  in  much  com- 
motion in  the  prospect  of  Mr.  Yates  leaving  them. 

10.  Walked  and  visited.  Read  Universal  History.  Several  people  here 
are  sick. 

11.  On  the  7th  we  had  green  corn.  Yesterday  received  two  letters  from 
Mr.  Flint  as  moderator  of  the  Consociation  requesting  that  body  to  con- 
vene at  East  Hartford  next  week,  and  at  Hartland  on  the  30th  inst.  Rode  to 
Vernon  and  attended  a  funeral.  Preached  on  the  occasion  from  i  Cor.  vii : 
29,  31.     Thermometer  near  90°.     Rode  home  late. 

12.  Having  been  absent  from  home  yesterday,  I  set  apart  this  day  to  the 
celebration  of  my  birthday.  Devoted  the  day  to  fasting,  meditation,  and 
prayer. 

13.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  Hartford.  Thermometer  86°.  Paid  the 
bank  $221.75.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $100.00,  and  gave  him  my  note. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

14.  Finished  a  sermon  on  Isa.  lix :  2.  Preached  with  it  both  parts  of  the 
day.  Assisted  the  church  committee  in  examining  a  man  for  our  communion. 
Propounded  him  and  a  young  woman  to  the  church.^  Exhibited  two  letters 
from  the  moderator  of  the  Consociation  to  the  church,  and  they  chose  two 
delegates.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

15.  On  the  nineteenth  paid  for  a  new  bridle,  exclusive  of  the  bits  and  the 
buckles,  $1.75.  Wet  and  rainy.  Read  Universal  History.  Afternoon  rode  to 
East  Hartford  and  attended  to  Mr.  Yates's  students.     Visited. 

16.  Last  night  a  very  hard  rain.  An  old  man  died  in  the  place. ^  Wrote 
on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     The  work  of  God's  grace  among  us  is  evidently  increasing. 

17.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  met  with  the  Consociation  on  the  subject 
of  Mr.  Yates's  dismission.  By  the  desire  of  the  church  I  attended  their  meet- 
ing and  acted  as  their  advocate  before  the  Consociation.  They  are  much 
embarrassed  for  a  proper  decision.*  In  the  morning  paid  Mr.  Wolcott's  hired 
man,  $7.00,  for  the  use  of  his  horse  from  the  ist  of  May  till  I  got  mine. 

18.  Spent  a  considerable  time  in  the  society  meeting.  The  Consociation 
in  much  difficulty  concluded  to  adjourn  to  next  week.^  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Returned.     Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  man. 

19.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.     My  watermelons  have  done  ex- 


'  Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell  from   the   first  had  tical  History  of  Comedicui,  Dr.  Yates's  dis- 

shown   himself  exceedingly  friendly  to  Rev.  mission  is  assigned  to  the  year  1813,  while  it 

Mr.  Robbins.  did  not  really  take  place  till  Aug.  23,  1S14. 

^  These  candidates  were  Chloe  R.  Phelps  ^  The  grounds  of  difficulty  and  hesitation 

and  John  Holman.  in  the    dismission  of   Mr.  Yates,  as   before 

3  Mr.  Abner  Bancroft,  seventy-four.  stated,  were  found  in   the   unwillingness   of 

*  In  the  "Contributions"  to  the  Ecclesias-  his  people  to  part  with  him. 


Goo  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

ceedingly  well.  Visited  sick  persons.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meet- 
ing. Thermometer  at  92°.  For  several  days  the  weather  has  been  very  sul- 
try and  oppressive. 

20.  The  measles  are  quite  prevalent  with  us.  On  the  i8th  received  from 
the  colonel '  of  this  militia  regiment,  the  appointment  of  chaplain.  Rode  to 
Hartford  and  to  East  Hartford  to  make  an  exchange  for  tomorrow. 

21.  Mr.  Bartlett  preaches  for  me,  and  Mr.  Yates  supplies  him.  Preached 
from  Ps.  xl :  2,  3,  and  Matt,  vii :  14.  At  evening  rode  home.  Attended  a 
conference  at  the  south  school-house. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Visited  persons  awakened.  The  work 
of  grace  among  us  evidently  increases. 

23.  Yesterday  and  last  night  very  cool.  Rode  to  East  Hartford.  Heard  a 
recitation  from  Mr.  Yates's  students.  The  Consociation  dismissed  Mr.  Yates. 
The  people  feel  very  disagreeably,  but  appear  to  feel  it  to  be  best.  Rode 
home.     Our  war  rages  with  increasing  violence  on  our  shores  and  frontiers. 

24.  On  the  2 2d  my  horse  fell  with  me  with  violence.  I  was  thrown  off 
but  not  hurt.  I  have  lately  published  a  short  piece  in  the  Coiirant  newspaper, 
on  the  orthography  of  the  word  Phoenix,^  in  reference  to  the  Phoenix  Bank. 
Visited.  Read  Universal  History.  Began  a  sermon  on  Hag.  ii :  9  for  the 
dedication  at  Norfolk.  Wrote  late.  On  Monday  received  a  letter  from  Rev. 
Mr.  Prudden. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  At  East  Hartford  heard  a  recitation  from  Mr. 
Yates's  students.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  At  evening 
preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  with  short  notes  on  Matt,  xxvi :  56.  Paid 
for  a  half  volume  of  Encyclopaedia,  $4.00.  My  few  hills  of  watermelon  have 
produced  about  twenty  very  good  ones. 

26.  Worked  some.  Read  Universal  History.  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Vernon  and  preached  at  a  funeraP  from  Rev.  ii :  10.  Re- 
turned.    At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

27.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell  and  one  from  Mr.  Asahel  Gaylord, 
of  Norfolk.  Wrote.  Finished  my  dedication  sermon.  Wrote  a  will  for  a  sick 
man. 

28.  Very  rainy.  We  had  a  great  rain  last  night.  In  the  morning  rode  to 
East  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Yates  for  the  forenoon.  Preached  from 
Ps.  xiv:  7.  At  noon  rode  home  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  with  an  old 
written  sermon  on  Luke  xxiii :  39-43.  Received  five  persons  into  the  church.* 
At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^     At  East  Hartford  read  in  public  the  late 


'  Col.  Francis  McLean.  Dr.  Robbins  was  so  old  and  feeble  as  to  need  help.  We  re- 
appointed to  fill  the  place  made  vacant  by  the  member  that  Mr.  Robbins  had  assisted  at  a 
resignation  of  Dr.  Yates.  funeral  there  a  little  while  before.     He  was 

^  He  probably  told  the  old  mythological  always  generous  in  giving  such  help, 

story  about   the  Phoenix,  with  such  applica-  ■*  The     persons     admitted     were     Laura 

tions  as   he   could  think   of   to  the  case  in  Loomis,   Sally   Loomis,  Dolly  Elmer,  Orrel 

hand.  Elmer,  Roxey  Grant. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Kellogg,  of  Vernon,  now  fifty-  '  The  parties  married  were  Horace  Terry 

two  years  in  the  ministry,  was  getting  to  be  and  Sally  Ward. 


1814.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  601 

result  of  the  Consociation,     We  have  the  important  and  extraordinary  intelli- 
gence that  the  enemy  have  taken  possession  of  the  city  of  Washington.' 

29.  Rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  Norfolk.  The  rain  yesterday  and  Saturday 
night  was  very  severe  this  way.  The  roads  are  very  much  washed  and  several 
bridges  are  gone.  We  found  it  very  difficult  in  several  places  to  get  along. 
Mother  is  pretty  feeble.     A  Mr.  Burt/  a  candidate,  is  preaching  here. 

30.  Attended  the  dedication  of  the  new  meeting-house.  It  was  a  season 
of  great  solemnity  and  joy.  Preached  from  Hag.  ii :  9.^  A  number  of  minis- 
ters were  present,  and  the  most  people  that  I  have  ever  seen  together  in  this 
town.  The  day  is  very  fine.  The  meeting-house  is  an  excellent  one.  Our 
family  are  all  here  except  James.     Father's  portrait  was  hung  in  the  pulpit. 

31.  Received  of  my  brother  Nat,  $30.  And  on  the  29th,  of  brother  Ammi, 
$20.  Warm.  After  dinner  set  out  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  rode  home.  Rode 
quite  late.     Paid  Mr.  Wolcott,  $30. 

September. 

1.  Am  much  fatigued  by  my  late  labors.  Brought  from  Norfolk  a  number 
of  books,  twenty  volumes,  received  from  my  father's  library.  Read.  Rode 
out  and  visited.     Thermometer  at  86°. 

2.  Read  the  Augsburgh  Confession,'*  which  I  never  did  before.  I  do  not 
like  it  so  well  as  I  expected.  The  heat  very  severe.  Thermometer  91°.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Burt  assisted,  and  came  and  tarried 
with  me. 

3.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ex.  xxxiii :  19.  Thermometer  86°.  The  late  cap- 
ture of  Washington  by  the  British  was  to  us  most  disgraceful. 

4.  On  the  2d  wrote  to  Mr.  Whittlesey,'  of  Washington,  desiring  him,  as 
my  substitute,  to  go  to  General  Association  of  New  Hampshire.  On  account 
of  the  religious  attention  among  my  people  I  conclude  not  to  go.  In  the  fore- 
noon preached  on  Ex.  xxxiii:  19.  Afternoon  with  notes  on  Matt,  iii :  2.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  The  heat  very  severe.  Thermometer  90°. 
Ver)'  tired.     The  evening  very  warm.     Tarried  out. 

5.  Last  night  the  weather  changed  suddenly,  and  has  become  quite  cool. 
Visited.     We  have  the  most  cheering  evidence  of  the  presence  of  God's  good 


'  This  was  the  rambling  and  disgraceful  was  enacted  in  a  Diet  convened  by  the  Em- 
battle of  Bladensburg  —  disgraceful  on  both  peror,  Charles  V,  April  8,  1530.  It  was 
sides.  signed  and  read  before  the  Emperor  and  the 

^  This  was  probably  Rev.  Federal   Burt,  Diet,  June  25,  1530. 
who    was    graduated    at   Williams    College  '  Rev.  John  B.  Whittlesey,  probably,  who 

in  1S12.  was  graduated  at  Williams  College  in  1810. 

^  It  was  very  much  of  a  compliment  to  In  1813,  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  as 
Dr.  Robbins  that  he  should  be  invited  to  substitute  delegate,  he  was  settled  at  Salis- 
preach  this  dedication  sermon.  His  text  was,  bury,  Ct.,  but  meanwhile  had  been  dis- 
"The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  missed,  and  was  now  probably  at  Washing- 
greater  than  of  the  former,  saith  the  Lord  ton,  Mass.  He  was  a  native  of  Saybrook, 
of  Hosts."  Ct.     He  was  afterwards  settled  in  Livingston* 

"  The  Augsburgh  Confession  is  the  doc-  County,   N.  Y.,   and   died    of    consumption 

trinal  standard  of  the  Lutheran  Church.     It  in  1835. 


6o2  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

spirit  among  us.     Attended  a  little  while  at  a  training.     In  about  thirty  hours 
the  thermometer  sunk  50°.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Nat. 

6.  Rode  to  East  Hartford.  Heard  a  recitation  from  Mr.  Yates's  students. 
This  morning  there  was  some  frost,  but  not  to  kill  vegetation. 

7.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Humphrey,'  one  of  Mr.  Yates's  students.  Walked  and 
visited.  Made  a  religious  visit  to  our  academic  school.  At  evening  attended 
a  meeting.  Mr.  Everest,  the  candidate,  preached  for  me.^  Tarried  at  Capt. 
Bissell's.' 

8.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Mostly  among  those  who  are  serious. 
Several  have  lately  got  hope. 

9.  Rode  to  East  Hartford.  Mr.  Yates  left  there  yesterday.  My  orange 
and  lemon-trees  have  grown  very  well  lately.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

10.  Wrote  a  sermon,  quite  poor,  on  Ps.  xvi :  11. 

11.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  vii :  8  to  the  end.  The  exposi- 
tion appeared  entertaining,  and  I  hope  useful.  Afternoon  preached  on  Ps. 
xvi:  II.  Our  country  is  in  a  great  commotion.  At  evening  had  a  full  con- 
ference. 

12.  Visited  two  schools.  They  are  well  instructed  in  the  catechism,  the 
south  one  peculiarly  so.     Cloudy  and  wet. 

13.  Rode  to  New  Haven  to  attend  Commencement.  Rainy.  Got  con- 
siderably wet.  Heard  before  evening  an  oration  to  the  P.  B.  K.  Societ}\  At 
evening  had  speaking  for  premiums. 

14.  Attended  the  Commencement.  Rainy  and  quite  cold.  Not  so  many 
people  as  usual.  The  exhibition  was  but  ordinar}\  The  Commencement  was 
in  the  old  meeting-house.*  Three  very  spacious  and  elegant  new  meeting- 
houses are  building  at  New  Haven.    At  evening  attended  the  Concio  ad  Clerum. 

15.  Attended  a  meeting  for  forming  a  charitable  institution  for  the  edu- 
cation of  indigent  youths.^  Left  New  Haven  near  one  o'clock  and  rode  to 
Hartford  in  seven  hours.  Rode  home.  Cloudy  and  cold.  The  roads  quite 
wet.  Paid  at  New  Haven  for  books,  $3.50.  For  religious  tracts,  $1.26.  My 
lodging  bill,  $3.25.  Paid  at  Hartford  for  a  rose  to  wear  on  my  hat  as  a 
cockade,  .58.  Mr.  McClure  has  lately  baptized  an  infant  child  whose  parents 
make  no  profession  and  are  certificated  to  the  Episcopalians.  The  child  was 
near  dying.* 

16.  Cloudy   and  wet.      Attended   the   regimental  training  in  this  place. 


'  Rev.  Luther  Humphrey,  graduate  of  Mid-  Mass.,  another  in  Worcester  County,  and  an- 

dlebury  College,  1813,  and  licensed  by  Litch-  other,  not  far  from  same  time,  in  Vermont. 

field  North  Association  Sept.  27,  1814.  *  That   was   certainly   an  informality,  ac- 

^  Rev.  Cornelius  B.  Everest.  cording  to  the  Congregational  standards;  but 

3  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  East  Windsor  Hill.  it  gratified  the  parents,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped 

*  The  same  as  the  year  before.  did  no  harm.     The  rite  of  baptism  is  mainly 

s  This  was  one  of  the  preliminary  move-  for  children  that  are  to  live  and  grow  up,  and 

*  men  ts  toward  the  foundation  of  the  American  not  for  little  ones  that  are  about  to  die  in 

Education  Society.     There  was  a  local  soci-  early  childhood.     These  parents  had  a  half- 

ety  of  this  kind  formed  in  Plymouth  County,  way  belief  in  baptismal  regeneration. 


l8l4.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  603 

Rode  as  chaplain  *  and  prayed.  The  reghnent  appeared  very  well.  We  have 
news  of  an  important  naval  victory  on  Lake  Champlain.''  Received  a  letter 
from  brother  Nat. 

17.  Wrote.  Am  getting  a  box  made  to  keep  my  tropical  trees.  Poorly 
able  to  study  from  constant  labor  and  fatigue. 

18.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  for  preaching,  and  preached  with  them  in 
the  forenoon  on  Job  vi :  4.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  xxv : 
21.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

19.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school.  Attended  Freeman's  Meeting.  The 
highest  vote  for  nomination,  one  hundred  and  nineteen.  No  Democrats. 
Wrote  to  Beers  &  Howe,  New  Haven. 

20.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost  in  some  places.  Wrote  on  a  piece 
for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Mr.  Sanders,^  late 
President  of  Burlington  College,  came  here  and  tarried.  That  college  is 
broken  up*  by  the  war. 

21.  Hindered  by  company.  Attended  the  training  of  a  regiment  of  cavalry. 
Wrote  quite  late. 

22.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Samuel.  Wrote  to  him.  Rode  to 
Hartford  and  assisted  in  preparing  for  the  next  Magazitie.  Paid  for  glass  for 
my  green-house,  $4.50.  For  hinges  for  it,  $1.00.  Rainy.  The  banks  of  the 
country  are  in  a  very  embarrassed  state.     Money  is  becoming  very  scarce. 

23.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Have  done  but  little  lately.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  sister  Battell.  Henry  Olmstead'  is  very  sick.  At  evening  we 
had  quite  a  serious  prayer-meeting. 

24.  Read  Encydopcedia!'  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  to  Orford.  Got  quite 
wet.     It  has  been  wet  and  cloudy  the  most  of  the  time  for  a  fortnight. 

25.  Mr.  Everest,  who  preached  here  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Cook,  supplies 
my  pulpit  today.  Preached  from  Heb.  vi :  6,  and  Jer.  1:5.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  I  think  the  revival  here  is  declining.  After  confer- 
ence rode  home.  Quite  cold.  Much  fatigued.  Baptized  at  Orford  two  chil- 
dren. 

26.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mr.  Olmstead  is  very  low  and  dangerous.  Received 
at  Hartford  a  letter  from  brother  Samuel.  He  is  desirous  of  removing 
from  Norfolk.     I  very  much  regret  it.     Mother  is  pretty  well.     There  has  not 


'  His  appointment  as  chaplain  in  place  of  berland  Head,  overlooking  the  scene  of  the 

Dr.  Yates,  has  been  already  noticed.  battle. 

^  Thomas  Macdonough,  of  the  U.  S.  A.,  ^  Rev.  Daniel  Clarke  Sanders,  D.  D.,  born 

in  command  of  a  squadron  on  Lake  Cham-  at   Sturbridge,  Mass.     President  of   Univer- 

plain,  Sept.  11,  1814,  gained  a  decisive  vie-  sity  of    Vermont   from    1801    to    1814.     He 

tory  over  the  British  squadron,  consisting  of  closed  his  connection  with  the  University  in 

a  larger  number  of  vessels,  under  command  the  previous  March,  and  afterwards  became  a 

of  Com.  George  Downes.     For   this   distin-  Unitarian  minister, 

guished  service   he   was   promoted,  and   re-  *  That  is,  temporarily  suspended, 

ceived  a  gold  medal  from  Congress.     Many  *  Mr.  Joseph  Battell's  partner  in  business, 

civic  honors  were  also  bestowed  upon  him  by  who  married  Eliza  Lawrence, 

towns  and  cities,  and  the  State  of  Vermont  *  The  Edinburgh  Encyclopcedia,  which  he 

presented  him  with  a  landed  estate  on  Cum-  was  taking  as  the  volumes  were  issued. 


6o4  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

been  here  any  material  frost.     Brother  Frank  is  at  home  still  supplying  at 
Cornwall. 

27.  The  people  here  are  in  a  bad  feud  respecting  Mr.  Burt,  the  candidate^ 
who  has  been  here.  Looked  over  with  brother  Frank  and  arranged  father's 
sermons  and  papers.     Mr.  Olmstead  is  very  well  attended. 

28.  Rainy.  Conclude  not  to  return  today.  Mr.  Olmstead  is  hopefully 
a  little  better.  I  very  much  fear  this  society  will  get  into  serious  divisions. 
At  evening  attended  a  wedding.  I  prayed,  and  Esq.  Welch '  performed  the 
marriage.     Saw  people  from  New  Connecticut. 

29.  Rode  home.  Set  out  early.  Very  warm.  Came  by  Simsbury  and 
dined  with  Mr.  McLean.^  At  evening  preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference 
from  Acts  ix  :  ii.  Very  tired.  Two  black  children  ^  have  died  this  week.  Dr. 
McClure  attended  the  funeral  of  one  Sabbath  day. 

30.  Visited  a  family  afflicted  with  the  death  of  a  child  yesterday.*  Visited 
sick  persons.  We  have  a  number  of  sick,  particularly  children.  Attended 
the  funeral  of  a  black  child.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Much 
fatigued.  Received  a  letter  from  Loomis  &  Richards,  Middletown.  After- 
noon preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Rev.  ii :  lo. 

October. 

1.  Wrote.  Visited  sick  persons.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  young  child. 
Read.     Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching. 

2.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ex.  xv:  2.  After- 
noon preached  with  an  old  sermon  on  Deut.  xviii :  19.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  Meeting  full  and  solemn.  A  great  number  of  spectators  at  the 
sacrament.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Very  much  fatigued.  My 
labors  for  the  week  past  have  been  quite  severe.     Warm. 

3.  Received  of  the  society  collector,  $240.80.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited 
Mr.  Yates's  students  ;  they  are  expecting  to  go  to  Schenectady.^  Paid  my 
second  instalment  to  the  Phcenix  Bank,  of  $75.00.  Paid  also  a  similar  instal- 
ment for  my  Aunt  Starr,  a  part  of  what  I  owe  her,  $75.00.  Paid  for  a  tub  for 
my  lemon-tree,  $1.83.  For  glass  for  my  summer-house,  .75,  Screws  for  the 
same,  .38.     Bank  stock  is  very  much  fallen  in  price. 

4.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Battell.  Received  one  from  him.  Read  Uni- 
versal History.    I  have  not  found  time  to  read  before  for  some  weeks.    Visited. 

5.  Worked  some.  Read  Universal  History.  Yesterday  the  thermometer 
was  at  72°.     At  evening  attended  a  small  meeting. 

6.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  attended  a  confer- 
ence. Visited  sick  persons.  Have  now  visited  and  catechised  all  our  sum- 
mer schools. 


'  Benjamin  Welch,  one  of  the  prominent  *■  This  child  was  George  Clapp,  also  two 

men   of  Norfolk,  who   occasionally  was  the  years  old. 

representative  to  the  General  Court.  s  Dr.  Yates's  students  were  so  much  at- 
*  Rev.  Allen  McLean.  tached  to  their  teacher,  that  they  proposed  to 
^  Hannah  Freeman  and  Katy  Adkins,  each  follow  him  to  Schenectady  and  Union  Col- 
two  years  old.  lege,  and  study  there. 


1814.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  605 

7.  Read  Universal  History.  Wrote.  Had  fire  in  my  chamber.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

8.  This  morning  there  was  a  severe  frost.  The  first  we  have  had  to  kill 
vegetation.     Wrote  a  sermon  on  Zech.  x  :  i.     Hindered  by  company. 

9.  The  frost  quite  hard.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  viii :  1-28. 
Afternoon  preached  on  Zech.  x  :  i.  Meeting  very  full.  At  noon  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  James  Wood,  who  has  lately  lived,  and  who  died  suddenly,  in 
East  Hartford.  He  was  interred  here.  I  think  best  not  to  record  the  death.' 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

10.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited. 
Much  warmer. 

11.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  attend  the  Consociation.  Was  appointed  scribe  of 
the  Consociation.  We  examined  and  approved  a  Mr.  Gould '^  for  ordination 
as  a  missionary.  At  evening  examined  and  licensed  a  Mr.  Burt,^  one  of  Mr. 
Yates's  students,  to  be  a  preacher.  Mr.  Charlton  '^  and  I  are  very  agreeably 
entertained  at  Dr.  Bond's.' 

12.  Very  warm.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  an  agreeable  ordination.  Was 
appointed  on  the  committee  to  attend  to  the  subject  of  religious  instruction  at 
Newgate  Prison.^  The  Consociation  finished  their  business.  *  Returned.  A 
number  of  children  here  quite  sick.     Very  tired. 

13.  On  the  nth  received  a  letter  from  George  Olmstead,  of  Hartford,  and 
today  another  respecting  his  brother  Henry,  at  Norfolk.  He  is  said  to  be  no 
better,  and  I  much  fear  he  will  not  live.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  visited.  Re- 
turned. Visited  a  sick  family.  Late  in  the  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford 
and  married  Cotton  Keyes  and  Almira  Chapin,  of  Ludlow,  on  a  visit  at  their 
friends. 

14.  Worked  some.  Wrote  considerably.  Read  Universal  History.  At 
evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  The  work  of  God,  I  think,  is  evidently 
declining  among  us. 

15.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  ii :  16.  We  have  news  from  our  commission- 
ers in  Europe  that  the  negotiation  is  likely  to  have  an  entire  failure.' 


'  As  he  lived  and  died  in  East  Hartford,  made  to  bring  about  peace  between  England 

he  does  not  enter  him  upon  his  list  of  East  and  the  United  States.     Russia,  friendly  to 

Windsor  deaths.  both  parties,  had  for  some  time  sought  to  in- 

^  Rev.  William  R.  Gould,  a  graduate  of  terpose  her  influence  to  bring  the  war  to  an 

Yale,  1811.    He  went  as  a  missionary  to  Ohio,  end.     On  the  8th  of  August,  1814,  commis- 

and  later  in  life  was  settled  over  churches  in  sioners  from  England  and  the  United  States 

Connecticut.  met  in   Ghent,   Belgium,   for   this    purpose. 

^  Rev.   Federal   Burt,  before   spoken   of,  The  commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  United 

graduated  at  Williams,  1S12.  States  were    John    Quincy    Adams,    James 

■*  Mr.  Jesse  Charlton,  the   delegate   from  Ashton  Bayard,  Henry  Clay,  Jonathan  Rus- 

Dr.  Robbins's  church.  sell,  and   Albert   Gallatin.     At  this   confer- 

5  Dr.  Bond.  ence,  England  still  urged   such  claims,  that 

*  The    State    Prison   of   Connecticut,   as  our  commissioners  would  not  accede  to  them, 

before  described,  was  underground,  in  a  mine  and   the  negotiations    failed.     The    English 

at  Granby.  commissioners  were    Lord  Gambler,  Henry 

^  This  refers  to  the  efforts  which  had  been  Goulburn,  and  William  Adams. 


6o6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814, 

16.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  from  Ex.  iv :  31.  Afternoon 
from  Rom.  ii :  16.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

17.  A  very  hard  frost.  Rode  to  Granby  and  met  with  the  overseers  of 
Newgate  Prison  and  the  committee  of  the  Consociation,  and  agreed  to  present 
a  memorial  to  the  Assembly  desiring  them  to  make  provision  for  permanent 
religious  instruction  at  the  prison.  Went  to  the  prison.  Tarried  with  Judge 
Woodruff. 

18.  Rode  home  very  early.     Read  Universal  History.     Visited. 

19.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  George 
Olmstead.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 

20.  Worked  some  at  my  summer-house.  Visited.  Afternoon  attended  the 
examination  of  Mr.  North's  school.  It  appeared  very  well.  At  evening 
attended  a  solemn  meeting. 

21.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  young 
child.'     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  Mr.  Battell,  owed  to  him,  $9.00.  Paid  a 
debt  for  liquors,  $11.88.  Paid  for  tops  to  my  boots,  $2.00.^  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  young  child. ^     Wrote  late.     Finished  my  piece  for  the  Magazine. 

23.  PreacWed  all  day  with  an  old  sermon  on  Acts  xx :  26,  27.  Visited  sick 
persons.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

24.  Set  out  early  on  a  journey  to  New  Haven  on  the  Newgate  business. 
At  Hartford  heard  that  Henry  Olmstead  was  probably  near  dying  and  went  to 
Norfolk.     Found  Mr.  Olmstead  exceedingly  low.     Quite  cold  and  tedious. 

25.  Mr.  Olmstead  is  thought  to  be  much  as  for  several  days  past.  Towards 
night,  concluding  he  might  live  for  several  days,  set  out  for  New  Haven.  Rode 
through  Winchester,  twenty  miles.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

26.  Last  night  about  three  o'clock  a  messenger  came  to  me  and  informed 
me  that  Mr.  Olmstead  died  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  very  unexpect- 
edly. Returned  to  Norfolk.  My  poor  cousin  Eliza'*  is  ver)' deeply  afflicted. 
Wrote.     Paid  expenses  of  the  messenger  who  came  after  me,  .66.     Warm. 

27.  Wrote  an  addition  to  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vii :  29,  31,  and  preached 
with  it  in  the  afternoon  at  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Olmstead.  The  funeral  was  very 
numerous  and  solemn.  Eliza  behaved  very  well.  At  evening  quite  rainy. 
My  brother  James  is  here.  Brother  Frank  is  preaching  at  Chester,'  Say- 
brook. 

28.  My  niece  Eliza  is  left  under  favorable  pecuniary  circumstances.  A 
very  hard  rain.  Expected  to  have  gone  home  today,  but  am  prevented  by 
the  storm.     My  mother  is  quite  well. 

29.  Set  out  very  early  and  rode  home.     Got  to   Hartford  just  after  noon. 


'  A  child  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Drake.  her  cousin,  and  perhaps  uses  this  word  partly 

^  Dr.  Robbins  continued  to  wear  top-boots  as  a  term  of  endearment.     He  calls  her  niece 

through  his  life.  also  (see  below  Oct.  28). 

^  Child  of  Mrs.  Jerusha  Bancroft.  ^  fhe  church  in  Chester  had  been  made 

*  Eliza  was   really   his  niece,   being  the  vacant  that  verj'  3'ear  by  the  death  of  Rev. 

daughter  of  his  oldest  sister,  Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Samuel  Mills,  who  had  been  its  pastor  twenty- 

Grover  Lawrence).     He  has  elsewhere  called  eight  years. 


l8l4-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  607 

A  man  has  died  in  the  neighborhood  in  my  absence,'    Very  tired.    Visited  the 
afflicted  family. 

30.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  xcvii :  i.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the 
man  who  deceased  yesterday  morning.  Last  Friday  the  prayer-meeting  was 
attended  without  me.  I  believe  I  have  not  missed  one  before  since  they 
were  set  up  last  February.  Last  Friday  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  brought  me 
a  valuable  load  of  wood. 

31.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Shepard,^  of  Lenox. 
Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  At  four  o'clock  left  Hartford  and 
rode  to  New  Haven.  We  have  had,  I  think,  the  pleasantest  October  that  I 
have  ever  known. 

November. 

1.  Conferred  with  Gov.  Treadwell,^  and  wrote  a  petition  which  he  pre- 
sented to  the  House  of  Representatives,  desiring  them  to  make  a  permanent 
provision  for  religious  instruction  at  Neu'gate  Prison.*  The  petition  was 
granted.     Treated  very  kindly  by  Representative  and  friends. 

2.  Quite  cool.  Drew  a  bill  in  form,  consonant  with  my  petition,  which 
was  passed.  The  House  of  Representatives  appear  very  well.  After  three 
o'clock  left  New  Haven  and  rode  home.  Paid  $3.00  for  a  pair  of  boots  for 
Frances.^     The  Assembly  have  much  uncommon  and  important  business. 

3.  Congress  appear  to  be  making  the  most  desperate  efforts  to  raise  a 
large  army.     Rainy.     Read  Universal  History.     Visited. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  sick  persons.  Paid  for  paint  for  my  sum- 
mer-house, .56.  Read  Universal  History.  Wet.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev. 
Mr.  Hawes,*  of  Glastonbury. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi :  11.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  an  infant  child.'  Received  a  letter  from  P.  B.  Gleason  &  Co.,  wishing  for 
a  part  of  the  copy  of  my  Historical  View  to  begin  the  printing.  Paid  for  trun- 
dles for  my  summer-house,  ,50. 

6.  Finished  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi :  11,  and  preached  with  it  all  day. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

7.  Quite  wet.  Visited  the  sick.  Worked  some.  Prepared  a  part  of  my 
Historical  Viav  for  the  press.     Read  Universal  History. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  printers  began  the  publication  of  my  Histori- 
cal View.  Paid  for  second-hand  books,  bought  of  Hale  &  Horner,  $15.17. 
Paid  Cooke  for  book-s,  $7.00.  Quite  cool.  Rode  to  the  hill  and  attended  a 
meeting.     Tarried  out, 

9.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.     The  subjects  of  our  revival  appear  very 


'  Calvin  Owen,  thirty-one.  years,  but   this  had  been   supplied  by  local 

^  Rev,  Samuel  Shepard,  D.  D.  and  temporary  arrangements,  as  opportunity 

^  Gov,  John  Treadwell  had  been  in  public  offered,   mainly  as  charity,  and  without  any 

office  of  some  kind,  almost  all  the  time  since  expense  to  the  State, 

he  finished  his  education,  about  1770.  '  Frances  Wolcott,  now  twenty  years  old. 

*  Of  course,  the  prisoners  at  Newgate  had  *  Rev,  Prince  Hawes. 

not  been  without  religious  instruction  in  past  '  Child  of  Mr.  Jonas  Bragg. 


6o8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

well.     Many  children  are  still  quite  sick.     Received  a  letter  from  Loomis  & 
Richards,  of  Middletown. 

10.  Our  Assembly  have  had  an  unusually  long  session.  Afternoon  per- 
formed a  marriage.'     In  the  forenoon  worked  pretty  hard.     Read. 

11.  My  brother  Frank  came  here  on  his  way  to  Saybrook.  Friends  well  at 
Norfolk.     At  evening  had  a  solemn  prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

12.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  iii :  14.  Much 
poorer  than  it  ought  to  be  on  that  text.     I  write  but  slowly. 

13.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  viii :  28  to  ix :  14.  Afternoon 
preached  on  John  iii:  14.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Am  pretty  feeble.  At 
evening  rainy.     No  conference.     Read. 

14.  Quite  rainy.  Read  Universal  History.  Paid  to  the  Hartford  Bank, 
money  borrowed,  $21.30.     Walked  out. 

15.  Read  the  thirty-sixth  volume  of  Modern  Universal  History.  Read  four 
pages  in  another  volume,  making  in  the  whole  five  hundred  pages.  I  never 
read  so  much  in  one  day  before.  Began  a  little  after  seven  in  the  morning 
and  did  not  finish  till  after  four  in  the  morning.  Had  considerable  interrup 
tions.  In  the  day-time  read  about  thirty  pages  an  hour,  but  the  latter  part  of 
the  time  did  not  exceed  twenty-five.  I  have  nearly  completed  the  work,  but 
reserved  this  volume  for  a  day's  reading.^  Received  a  letter  from  the  church 
in  West  Suffield  inviting  me  to  the  proposed  ordination  of  Mr.  Mix.^ 

16.  Got  home  my  summer-house  box.  I  think  it  will  answer  well.  Walked 
out  and  visited.     Mr.  Mix  came  to  see  me  and  tarried. 

17.  Lent  Mr.  Mix  some  books  and  two  manuscript  sermons.  Rode  to 
Hartford  to  attend  to  my  book  which  is  now  in  press.  The  money  of  the 
country  is  in  a  condition  of  great  embarrassment.  Walked  home.  Rode  to 
the  hill  and  attended  a  meeting.  At  these  meetings  I  speak  from  a  text,  the 
same  as  preaching. 

18.  Remarkably  warm.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening 
attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

19.  Wrote.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  to  see  a  sick  woman.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford.    A  very  tedious  storm  of  rain  and  snow. 

20.  Quite  cold.  Thin  meeting.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Num.  xxi. 
4.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  My  lungs  much  fatigued.  Read 
Universal  History. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazitie.  There 
is  a  proposal  in  the  newspapers  for  a  concert  of  prayer,  in  reference  to  the 
approaching  Convention  at  Hartford."  Paid  for  putty  for  my  summer-house, 
.50.     Purchased  books.     Read  Universal  History. 


'  James  Killam,  of  Hartford,  was  united  Association,  Feb.  2,  1814,  and  was  pastor  at 

in  marriage  with  Mary  Wells.  West  Suffield,  1814  to  1829. 

-  This  is  a  feat  at  reading  not  to  be  com-  *  This  was  that  famous  Hartford  Conven- 

mended,  conducive  to  mental  dyspepsia  rather  tion,  which  the  men  of  New  England   ever 

than  intellectual  health  and  growth.  since  have  had  to  explain.     At  the  time,  how- 

^  Rev.   Joseph    Mix,    before   spoken     of.  ever,  they  seemed  to  enter  upon  its  business 

He   was   licensed    by   the    Hartford    North  religiously. 


1814.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  609 

22.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Conversed  with  persons  that  are  serious. 
Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Flint.     Tarried  out. 

23.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Conversed  with  persons  respecting  being 
propounded  for  our  church  communion.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 
Wrote  to  him  and  to  my  Uncle  Starr. 

24.  Read  Universal  History.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Quite  cold.  Mr. 
Wolcott  is  exceedingly  afiflicted  with  nervous  dejection. 

25.  Read  all  day.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Assisted  the 
church  committee,  with  other  members  of  the  church,  in  examining  some  per- 
sons for  our  communion.  They  are  a  part  of  the  fruit  of  God's  work  here  the 
present  year.  » 

26.  Quite  cold.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Neh.  i :  15.  Worked  some.  Hindered 
by  company. 

27.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  ci:  43,  and  on  Neh.  i:  15.  It  snowed 
considerably.  Last  night  my  green  trees  were  affected  with  the  frost.  The 
church  chose  a  delegate  to  go  with  me  to  the  ordination  at  West  Sufifield. 
Propounded  six  persons  for  our  communion.  So  stormy  we  had  no  confer- 
ence.    Read. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  the  books,  bought  at  a  good  rate,  $22.00. 
Attended  a  church  meeting  at  East  Hartford,  which  voted  to  give  Mr.  Lewis  a 
call.'     Read  Universal  History. 

29.  Received  of  the  society  collector,  $156.09.  Paid  Mr.  Loomis  for  my 
summer-house,  $30.00.  Of  this  sum,  $14.13  was  a  due-bill  which  I  had  against 
him.  Have  paid  for  glass,  etc.,  for  the  box  heretofore,  about  $6.00.  It  has 
cost  me  about  $36.00.  Paid  for  a  book,  .75,  an  additional  part  of  Mr.  Loomis's 
due-bill.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  ii :  1 1  for  Thanksgiving.  Thermometer  this 
morning  12°. 

30.  Very  rainy  all  day.  Finished  reading  my  Uiiversal  History,  which  I 
began  Dec.  i,  1809.  I  have  read  it  all,  and  have  finished  just  at  the  time 
which  I  hoped  to  when  I  began.  It  is  an  exceedingly  valuable  work.  God  be 
thanked  by  whose  favor  I  have  been  enabled  to  read  the  History.  I  hope  it 
may  be  a  means,  in  some  degree,  of  making  me  more  useful  in  my  ministerial 
work.  Finished  my  Thanksgiving  sermon.  I  think  it  not  so  good  as  some 
that  I  have  written. 

December. 

1.  Thanksgiving.  Very  wet.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  Preached  on  Ps.  ii: 
II.  At  evening  walked  out.  The  causes  of  thankfulness  are  as  great  with 
me  as  ever, 

2.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  Had  company.  At  evening  our 
praj^er-meeting  was  quite  thin. 


'  This  must  have  been  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  must  have  been  preaching  out  of  the  State. 

Jr.,    D.  D.,  son   of   Isaac   Lewis,    D.  D.,    of  From  1S03  to  1814,  his  name  appears  among 

Greenwich.     The  son  was  graduated  in  1794  the  Presbyterian  ministers.     The  call  to  East 

at  Yale,  and  licensed  by  the  Fairfield  West  Hartford  did  not  take  effect,  and  in  1818  he 

Association,  Oct.    12,    1796,     Meanwhile   he  took  his  father's  place  at  Greenwich. 


6lO  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1814. 

3.  Quite  cold.  Worked  considerably.  Could  not  manure  my  asparagus 
beds  on  account  of  the  manure  being  frozen.  Rode  to  Scantick  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Bartlett. 

4.  It  snowed  hard  all  the  forenoon.  Ver)'  thin  meeting.  Preached  on 
I  Cor.  vi:  II.  At  evening  returned  and  attended  our  conference.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell,  and  one  from  my  Uncle  Starr. 

5.  Sleighs  move  considerably.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Purchased  of  Mr. 
Smith,'  of  Durham,  five  shares  in  the  Phoenix  Bank,^  for  the  money  which  he 
had  paid  with  the  interest  on  the  same,  amounting  to  $127.40,  which  I  paid 
him.     Paid  for  a  good  sleigh,  §20.00.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

6.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  brought  up  my  sleigh.  It  is  thought  I  have 
made  a  very  great  bargain.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $60.00,  for  which  I  gave 
him  my  note.  For  $25.00  of  this  sum  I  received  in  York  money  in  exchange, 
$28.25.'  Reckoned  all  accounts  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Took  up  a  note  which  he 
held  against  me  of  $80.00,  by  my  young  horse  at  $50.00,  and  $30.00  paid  him 
Aug.  31.  Interest  of  $1.70  paid  him  now.  Gave  him  my  note  of  $104.00  for 
my  boarding-bill  for  the  last  year,  and  endorsed  on  it  $50.50,  which  I  have 
paid  him  lately,  at  a  number  of  times.  Paid  for  trimmings  for  my  sleigh- 
harness,  $1.91.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  called  out  and  visited.  Ther- 
mometer this  morning  was  at  12°. 

7.  Rode  to  Orford  to  attend  ministers'  meeting.  No  other  persons  went.* 
Preached  on  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  tarried.  Quite  cold 
and  tedious. 

8.  There  is  quite  a  revival  of  religion  at  Vernon.  Visited  the  two  Wap- 
ping schools.  At  evening  rode  into  the  edge  of  East  Hartford,  and  performed 
a  marriage.'     The  sleighing  is  poor,  but  we  have  close  winter  weather. 

9.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  9°.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited 
a  school.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from 
Dr.  Strong. 

10.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°.  It  was  the  same  last  evening.  Wrote 
to  Dr.  Strong.  Received  another  letter  from  him,  a  duplicate  of  the  former, 
and  wrote  a  reply.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xxxix :  30-34.  It  is  a  double 
sermon  of  sixteen  pages.  Began  at  eight  a.  m.,  and  finished  a  quarter  before 
one  at  night.     It  is  too  poor  for  such  a  subject  as  covenanting  with  God. 

11.  Preached  on  Ps.  xxxix  :  30-34.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  Re- 
ceived six  persons  ^  to  our  communion.  The  largest  addition  the  church  has 
had  during  mine  or  Dr.  McClure's  ministry.  The  season  was  ver}*  solemn. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

'  Rev.  David  Smith,  D.  D.  meeting.     But   public  worship   was   held   in 

^  Dr.   Robbins   was   disappointed   in  not  the   church   as   usual.     The   audience    came 

being  able  to  secure  so  many  shares  of  this  from  the  Orford  families, 
stock  as  he  desired,  and  embraces   this  op-  5  The  persons  married  were   John  Alex- 

portunity  to  purchase  of  Dr.  Smith.  ander  and  Sophia  Hayes,  of  East  Hartford. 

^  Connecticut  money  was  worth  more  than  *  Four  of  these  were  Sophia  Tudor,  Are- 
New  York  money.  thusa  Loomis,  Almira  Wolcott,    and    Eben- 

*  He,   with    the   pastor.    Rev.    Elisha   B.  ezer  Grover.     We  have  not  the  names  of  the 

Cook,  made  all  there  was  of   the  ministers'  other  two. 


1814.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  61I 

12.  Rode  to  Granville.'  Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Cooley.*  Wrote  to  Dr. 
Strong.     The  river  is  frozen  over. 

13.  Rode  with  Mr.  Cooley  back  to  West  Suffield,  to  attend  the  ordination 
of  Mr.  Mix.^  He  appeared  very  well  on  examination.  Quite  cold.  Very 
little  sleighing. 

14.  Attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Mix.  I  made  the  first  prayer.  The 
day  very  pleasant.  The  prospects  of  this  people  are  quite  pleasing.  Re- 
turned home. 

15.  The  Convention  met  at  Hartford.''  Spent  a  part  of  the  day  in  prayer, 
in  reference  to  that  object.  Prepared  a  part  of  my  Historical  View  for  the 
press. 

16.  Preparing  my  Historical  Vieza  for  the  printer.  Visited  a  school. 
Quite  rainy.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Visited. 

17.  Wrote  on  a  New  Year's  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Attended  to  an  expo- 
sition for  tomorrow. 

18.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  ix :  14  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  vii :  17.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence. Read.  Examined  with  the  church  committee,  a  young  man  for  our 
communion,  and  propounded  him  to  the  church. 

19.  Wrote.  The  society  had  their  annual  meeting.  Great  exertions  have 
been  made  of  late  to  make  division  in  the  society,  but  there  is  reason  to  hope 
they  have  been  productive  of  good.  The  most  of  the  society  appear  to  be 
very  cordially  attached  to  its  interests.  Received  of  the  society  collector, 
$32.73.     A  few  certificates  of  small  lists  have  been  given  in. 

20.  Received  of  the  society,  $61.76.  The  society  was  in  debt  about  $140, 
and  the  sum  was  paid  by  the  donation  of  individuals.  Wrote.  Afternoon 
visited  a  school.  At  evening  attended  a  meeting  at  the  academy.  Ther- 
mometer this  morning,  14°. 

21.  Wrote.  I  have  a  good  deal  of  difficulty  in  completing  my  New  Year's 
piece.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell,  and  one  from  my 
cousin  S.  P.  Robbins.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Afternoon  my 
brother  Samuel  came  here  from  Norfolk.     At  evening  my  brother  Frank  came 


'  This  was  Granville,  Mass.  gates ;  and  New  Hampshire,  as  a  State,  al- 

^  Rev.  Timothy  M.  Cooley,  D.  D.,  a  native  lowed   the  matter   to    pass   without    official 

of  East  Granville,  Mass.,  graduated  at  Yale,  action.     Some   delegates  were   chosen   from 

1792;  pastor   at   East   Granville   from   1796  counties  both  in  New  Hampshire   and  Ver- 

to  his  death,  1859.    His  father,  Daniel  Cooley,  mont.     The  body  continued  in  session  nearly 

was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Granville.  three  weeks,  and   summed   up  the  result  in 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Mix,  pastor  at  West  Suf-  seven  propositions,  in  the  nature  of  proposed 

field,  Ct.,  1814-1829.  amendments  to  the  Constitution.     About  the 

*  This  was  the  day  of  the  coming  together  time  they  had  finished  their  work,  and  gone 

of  the   notable    Hartford   Convention.     The  to  their  homes,  peace  was  concluded  between 

Legislature  of  Massachusetts  first  took  action  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.     Their 

to   c»ll   such   a   convention,   and    appointed  seven    proposed    amendments,   which    were 

delegates   to  attend  the  same.     Connecticut  provincial   and   narrow,   when   submitted  to 

and  Rhode  Island  followed  this  example,  but  the  people,  were  rejected,  and  so  ended  the 

Vermont,  as  a  State,  refused  tc   send   dele-  Hartford  Convention. 


6l2  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [[814. 

here  from  Saybrook.     I  fear  he  will  have  some  difficulty  in  getting  away  from 
that  people.' 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  brothers.^  Found  brother  Nat  there. 
Received  of  him,  $20.00.  He  went  off  to  Boston,  and  the  other  brothers  to 
Norfolk.  Paid  to  the  Phcenix  Bank  an  instalment  on  five  shares,  $62.50.  Dr. 
Stron""  is  quite  unwell.  Preached  at  his  conference  in  the  evening  from  i 
Pet.  i :  10.  Troubled  with  the  headache.  Warm.  What  sleighing  there  was 
is  mostly  gone. 

23.  Paid  Mr.  Wolcott  on  a  note,  $10.00.  On  the  12th  inst.  paid  him  on  a 
note,  $15.00.  Warm.  Wrote.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer- 
meeting.  Received  of  the  society,  collected  by  donation,  $17.00,  completing 
the  payment  of  my  last  salary,  of  which  $6.88  was  for  interest.  Warm  for  the 
season. 

24.  Wrote.  Finished  my  New  Year's  piece  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening 
my  brother  Frank  came  here  from  Norfolk.^ 

25.  My  brother  stays  here  to  preach.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  supply  Dr. 
Strong,  who  is  quite  unwell.  Mr.  Woodbridge,"  of  Hadley,  preached  in  the 
forenoon.  Many  of  the  people  are  at  the  Episcopal  Christmas.  Some  mem- 
bers of  the  Convention  were  at  meeting.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Matt. 
XXV :  21.  At  evening  preached  at  the  conference  with  notes  on  Gen.  xxii : 
13.  Rode  home.  The  evening  very  cold.  Thermometer  this  morning  14°. 
In  the  morning  visited  a  family  where  a  woman  ^  has  lately  died.  My  brother 
attended  the  funeral,  and  preached  at  the  conference  in  the  evening. 

26.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  zero.  My  brother  went  off 
for  Saybrook.  Very  cold  all  day.  Visited.  The  roads  very  hard  and 
smooth. 

27.  Last  night  at  bed-time  the  thermometer  was  at  2°,  this  morning  it  was 
at  18°.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Walked  and  visited.  Am  much 
oppressed  with  a  cold  which  I  took,  I  believe.  Sabbath  evening.  Yesterday 
put  on  my  flannel. 

28.  Rode  to  Wethersfield  and  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  for  Dr. 
Marsh  on  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38.  Returned.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  Judge 
Thomas,'  of  Plymouth,   and  Col.  Lyman,'  of  Northampton,  members  of  the 


'  His  brother,  Francis  Le  Baron,  it  will  served  in  American   pulpits,  which  number 

be  remembered,  had  been  preaching  in  Ches-  has  since  been  considerably  increased, 

ter,  one   of  the  parishes   of   Saybrook,  and  ^  Widow  Sarah  Williams,  sixty-seven. 

Dr.  Robbins  evidently  thinks  the  place  not  *  Judge  Joshua  Thomas,  one  of  the  chief 

large  and  prominent  enough.  men  of  Plymouth,  Mass. 

*  Samuel  and  Francis  Le  Baron.  ">  Col.   Lyman,   of    Northampton,   Mass., 
'  He  had  been  home  on  a  brief  visit,  and  was  the  Hon.  Joseph  Lyman.     He  was  son 

is  on  his  way  back  to  Saybrook,  but  stopping  of  Capt.  Joseph  Lyman,  of  Northampton,  and 

for  the  Sabbath  at  East  Windsor.  was  born  in  that  town  in  1767,  was  graduated 

*  Rev.  John  Woodbridge,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Yale  College,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  in 
at  Hadley  from  1810  to  1830.  He  was  a  1783,  and  died  in  Northampton,  in  1847;  aged 
graduate  of  Williams  College  in  1804,  and  eighty.  Through  his  long  life,  he  was  largely 
was  one  of  about  twenty  ministers  of  the  in  the  public  service,  and  was  greatly  hon- 
name  Woodbridge,  which    even    then    had  ored  and  esteemed. 


l8l4.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  613 

Convention.     Paid  an  instalment  of  $62.50  to  the  Phoenix  Bank.     Got  .50  in 
exchange  of  a  $10.00  bridge  water  bill  for  York  money.     Have  a  sore  throat. 

29.  Wrote  on  a  chronological  table  for  my  Historical  View.  At  evening 
performed  a  marriage.' 

30.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Am  much  oppressed  with  my  cold.  Fin- 
ished my  chronological  table.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture  with 
old  notes  on  i  Pet.  iv  :  7.     At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

31.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  iv:  2.  I  hope  my  cold  is  going  off.  The 
weather  appears  like  March.  God  be  praised  for  another  year  of  great  mer- 
cies. 


*  Samuel  Mills  and  Jemima  Filley  were  the  parties  united  in  marriage. 


1815- 

January. 

1.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  cxxxii :  13.  After- 
noon on  I  Cor.  iv :  2.  Administered  the  holy  communion.  The  season  was 
uncommonly  interesting  and  solemn.  Received  a  young  man  into  the  church.' 
The  church  now  contains  one  hundred  members.  At  my  settlement  there  were 
sixty-seven.  The  meeting  was  very  full.  The  church,  I  believe,  was  more 
numerous  than  I  have  ever  seen  on  a  similar  occasion.  A  great  number  of 
people  staid  at  the  communion.  There  have  been  eighteen  deaths  in  this 
place  the  year  past.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  day  was  very 
pleasant.  The  thermometer  above  50°.  Will  a  merciful  God  spare  me  this 
year,  and  make  me  wholly  devoted  to  his  service.  Am  feeble  with  my  cold. 
Read. 

2.  Wrote.  Dined  with  Dr.  Tudor.^  The  thermometer  was  at  53°.  Wrote 
late. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Mrs.  Lyman,  of  Northampton,  my  cousin.^ 
Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  several  gentlemen  of  the  Convention.  Carried  to 
the  printer  the  preface  for  my  book,  which  I  wrote  last  evening.  The  ground 
is  much  thawed.  It  begins  to  break  through  the  frost.  Rode  home  at  evening 
in  a  very  tedious  rain.  Read.  Mr.  Lewis  has  given  a  negative  answer  to  the 
call  from  East  Hartford. 

4.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Rode  to  the  edge  of  East  Hartford, 
and  visited  sick  persons.  A  little  sleighing,  but  poor.  At  evening  attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Moral  Society.     Wrote  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  The 
Convention  rose  this  morning.*  I  think  they  have  not  done  as  much  as  was 
expected.     Visited. 

6.  Prepared  this  almanack  and  completed  my  former  one.  Visited  a  sick 
man,  apparently  near  dying;  extremely  stupid.  At  evening  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis^ 
preached  for  me  at  the  prayer-meeting.     Very  cold  and  tedious. 


'  George  Spencer.  was   Miss  Elizabeth    Fowler,   of    Westfield, 

^  Dr.    Elihu   Tudor,  then    nearly   eighty-  Mass.     No  wonder  Dr.  Robbins  liked  to  call 

three  years  old.  her  cousin.     She  was  a  woman  of  rare  physi- 

^  It  is  by  a  stretch  of  language   that  he  cal   beauty,    and   of    very   choice   character. 

calls  her  his  cousin.     She  was  of  his  kindred  Judge   Lyman   had  families   of  children    by 

surely,  but  was  several  departures  from  what  both  wives. 

we  should  ordinarily  call  cousin.    Her  maiden  *  It  came  together  Dec.  15,  and  adjourned 

name  was  Anne  Jean  Robbins,  and  she  was  Jan.    5.     The  treaty  of  peace  between  Eng- 

the    daughter   of    Hon.   E.    H.    Robbins,   of  land     and    the    United    States    was     com- 

Milton,  at  one  time  Lieut.-Governor  of  Massa-  pleted  and  signed  at  Ghent,  Dec.  24,  1814, 

chusetts.     She  was  Judge  Lyman's  (Col.  Ly-  but   nobody  yet   knew  it   on   this    side    the 

man's)  second  wife,  having  been  married  to  water, 

him  only  about  three  years.     His  first  wife  *  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis. 

615 


6l6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^^S- 

7.  Filed  my  letters  of  last  year,  fifty-nine  more  than  I  have  received  any 
year  before.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account  for  last  year.  The  thermometer 
this  morning  5°.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell,  and  one  from  Mr. 
Lord,  a  candidate  preacher  at  Norfolk.  At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  for 
an  exchange  tomorrow.     Very  cold. 

8.  Mr.  Loom  is  preached  for  me  and  I  supplied  at  East  Hartford  for  him. 
The  weather  moderated  very  much  last  night,  and  is  very -pleasant.  Preached 
in  the  forenoon  with  notes  on  Luke  xii :  42.  Afternoon  on  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  This  church  is  very  large.  Baptized  a  child. 
The  meeting  very  full  and  attentive.  Read,  and  had  read  at  home,  Mr.  Madi- 
son's Proclamation  for  a  Fast.  I  took  the  advice  of  our  society  committee, 
respecting  the  observation  of  the  day,  having  no  proclamation  from  the  Gov- 
ernor.'    Returned.     Very  tired. 

9.  A  man  died  here  last  evening.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  arranging  his 
accounts.     Visited. 

10.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  man  lately  deceased.^  Visited  a 
sick  man.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank. 

11.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  for  the  Fast,  on  2  Chron.  xv :  i,  2.  Col.  Phelps,  of 
Norfolk,  called  on  me.     He  brought  me  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.     Rainy. 

12.  National  Fast,  appointed  by  the  President  and  Congress.  It  was  not 
additionally  recommended  by  our  Governor.^  At  the  suggestion  of  our  society 
committee,  we  had  but  one  exercise,  at  twelve  o'clock.  Finished  my  sermon 
begun  yesterday  and  preached  on  2  Chron.  xv :  i,  2.  Quite  cold  and  tedious. 
Thermometer  about  20°  all  day.  At  evening  had  a  meeting  at  the  academy, 
and  preached  the  same  sermon,  by  desire.     Quite  tired. 

13.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  sister  Battell.  Worked  some.  Mr. 
Wolcott  killed  a  cow  that  weighed  eight  hundred  and  fifty  pounds.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  this  morning  10°.     Visited. 

14.  Visited  sick  persons.  Paid  a  tailor,  $2.00.  Wrote  on  my  preaching 
account  of  last  year.     Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 

15.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  2  Sam.  xxii :  29.  Full 
meeting.  Conference  in  the  evening,  very  full  and  impressive.  Had  an 
application  for  the  publication  of  my  Fast  sermon. 

16.  Thermometer  yesterday  morning  at  5°.  Warmer.  The  ground  very 
hard  and  hard  frozen.  Rode  to  Hartford.  We  hear  of  an  invasion  at  New 
Orleans.  I  hope  the  British  will  take  it.'*  Visited.  My  Historical  View  is 
printed,  and  appears  well. 

17.  Finished  my  preaching  account  of  last  year.  Worked  at  my  library.  I 
have  now  about  six  hundred  volumes.     Wrote  late. 

18.  Last  night  there  was  considerable  snow.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh.  Tol- 
erably good  sleighing.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.     Tarried  out  there. 

'  As  the  proclamation  was  read  both    at  *  John  Cotton  Smith  was  then  Governor 

East   Hartford   and   East   Windsor,   it   was  of  Connecticut,  a  good  strong  Federalist, 

probably  thought  best  to  heed  the  President's  *  Not  a  very  patriotic  utterance,  and  the 

request.  British  did  not  take  it,  but  were  badly  beaten 

^  Mr.  Noadiah  Drake.  by  Gen.  Jackson. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  617 

19.  Wrote  a  will  for  a  man.  Visited,  Rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a 
school.     At  evening  considerable  rain. 

20.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  The  sleighing  mostly  gone.  Attended 
our  evening  prayer-meeting.  Warm.  Last  evening  read  considerably  in 
Campbell's  Gospels^  which  I  like  well. 

21.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching. 
Am  very  dull  and  stupid  respecting  divine  things,  and  have  great  reason  to 
fear  for  my  moral  state. 

22.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Job  xxi :  14.  In 
the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  x :  1-24.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  meeting  in 
a  sleigh.  Visited  an  old  man  in  a  dying  state.  Attended  the  evening  confer- 
ence. 

23.  Last  night  there  was  a  very  severe  snow-storm.  The  snow  is  perhaps 
a  foot  deep.     Visited  a  family  in  mourning.     Severe  cold.     Wrote. 

24.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°  below  zero.  Visited  a  sick  woman  and 
a  mourning  family.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.'  Good  sleighing. 
Finished  a  piece  for  the  Magazine. 

25.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mr.  Stough- 
ton,^  aged  eightj'-seven.  He  has  been  the  oldest  man  in  the  society  for  nearly 
eleven  years.  At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  with  notes  on  Jer.  xxxi : 
6.  My  brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried.  He  is  much  embarrassed 
about  staying  at  Chester.     They  are  very  anxious  to  have  him  settle  there. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Crossed  the  river  on  the  ice  with  a  sleigh.  My 
brother  Frank  went  ofif  for  Norfolk.  Assisted  Dr.  Strong  in  preparing  for  the 
next  Magazine.  Severe  cold  all  day.  Received  from  the  printers  six  volumes 
of  my  Historical  Vietv.  It  makes  a  handsome  volume.  Preached  in  the  even- 
ing at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  with  notes  on  Acts  xvii :  3.  Rode  home.  The 
cold  very  severe. 

27.  Mr.  Wolcott  and  his  boy  looked  at  the  thermometer  separately,  and 
affirm  that  before  sunrise  it  was  below  the  graduation,  which  is  14°  below  zero. 
I  saw  it  12°  below  zero  after  it  had  been  a  little  while  in  the  house.  It  has 
never  been  so  low  before  since  I  owned  it,  of  which  this  is  the  fifth  winter. 
Wrote  copying  my  Fast  sermon  for  the  press.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  old 
lady.^  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  of  New  Hampshire,'' 
came  here  and  tarried. 

28.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  zero  al  eight  o'clock.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Paid  $1.00  for  a  half  year  of  my  newspaper. 
I  conclude  the  thermometer  this  morning  early  was  5°  or  6°  below  zero. 
Wrote  copying  my  Fast  sermon.     Wrote  for  the  Magazine. 

29.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  zero.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  The 
thermometer   did    not   rise    above    13°    in    the    day.     Meetings   pretty   thin. 


'  An  infant  child  of  Benjamin  Gillet,  Jr.  name  Smith  then  settled  in  New  Hampshire, 

^  Mr.  Oliver  Stoughton.  that  we  have  no  clue  to  the  particular  one 

'  Widow  Silee  Smith.  then  in  East  Windsor.     Smith  and  Williams 

*  There  were   so  many  ministers   of  the  are  both  very  common  names  in  the  ministry. 


6i8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Phil,  ii :   12,  13.     Had  no  conference.     At  even- 
ing the  thermometer  was  at  zero.     Wrote. 

30.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°  below  zero.  In  a  perfectly  clear  day  it 
did  not  rise  to  12°  all  day.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  sleigh.  Froze  one  of  my 
ears.     Received  three  good  loads  of  wood  from  Wapping.     Wrote. 

31.  Thermometer  this  morning  2°  below  zero.  Towards  noon  it  was  nearly 
2°  above  zero,  and  rose  no  higher  through  the  day.  The  sun  shone,  though 
obscurely.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  colder  day.  The  thermometer  sunk  steadily 
afternoon;  at  sundown  it  was  7°  below  zero,  and  at  eight  o'clock  8°  below 
zero,  after  which  it  began  to  rise.  My  sister  Battell  came  here  to  make 
me  a  visit.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell,  at  Hartford.  At  evening  married  two 
blacks.' 

February. 

1.  Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  zero.  The  weather  moderates. 
Walked  out  and  visited  with  my  sister.  At  evening  Mr.  Battell  and  my  niece 
Eliza  ^  came  here.     Wrote. 

2.  Rode  with  my  friends  to  Hartford  ;  they  returned  with  me.  At  evening 
visited  with  them. 

3.  My  friends  went  off  for  Norfolk.  Finished  the  copy  of  my  Fast  ser- 
mon for  the  printers.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Quite  full. 

4.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon 
on  Col.  i:  21.     Wrote  late. 

5.  Finished  my  sermon  and  preached  all  day  on  Col.  i:  21.  Last  night 
we  had  considerable  snow.     At  evening  had  a  full  conference.     Very  tired. 

6.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Was  requested  to  preach  to  the  Washington 
Society^  in  East  Hartford,  on  the  22d  inst.     Visited. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  met  with  our  Association.  We  have  less  busi- 
ness than  usual.  Very  fine  sleighing.  Received  my  note  at  the  bank  and 
paid  $11.20.     At  night  very  cold. 

8.  Finished  associational  business  and  returned  home.  My  thermome- 
ter this  morning  was  14°  below  zero.  At  Hartford  it  was  12°  below  zero. 
Visited  a  sick  woman.     Wrote. 

9.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Visited  our  academy  school.  At  evening 
preached  at  the  academy  without  notes  on  Isa.  x :  15.     Very  tired. 

10.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  a  woman 
apparently  near  dying.     Attended  our  weekly  prayer-meeting. 

11.  Thermometer  this  morning  5°  below  zero.  The  woman  I  visited  yes- 
terday died  last  night."  Read.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  in  middle  life  with  a  cancer.  Wrote 
a  sermon  on  i  Kings  xix  :  9,  between  four  o'clock  and  three-quarters  after  ten; 
was  called  ofE  in  the  time,  I  believe,  an  hour.     It  is  pretty  poor.     The  British 


'  George  Holden,  of  Ellington,  and  Sylvia  ^  A   local    organization    to   do   honor   to 

Adkins,  of  East  Windsor.  Washington.     The   celebration   on    the   22d 

^  Mrs.    Olmstead,    whose    husband,    Mr.  was  arranged  by  this  societ}'. 
Henry  Olmstead,  died  recently.  *  Widow  Elizabeth  Stoughton. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  619 

have  had  a  great  repulse   in  their  attack  on  New  Orleans.'     Gave   a  black 
woman,  $1.00. 

12.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  x:  24  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  on  i  Kings  xix:  9.  Full  meeting.  A  great  number  of  sleighs. 
Attended  the  conference.  Late  in  the  evening  we  heard  the  grateful  news 
that  a  treaty  of  peace  had  been  concluded  between  our  envoys  and  those  of 
Great  Britain,  and  has  arrived  in  this  country.^  It  appears  to  be  a  most  mer- 
ciful interposition  of  heaven  in  our  behalf. 

13.  Visited.  Attended  a  funeral.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Set  out  on  a 
journey  to  Lenox  ;  rode  to  Simsbury. 

14.  The  morning  extreme  cold.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Made  very  welcome  at 
my  brother's.  He  is  ver}^  well  situated  here.  There  is  a  pretty  great  awaken- 
ing here.  Attended  a  meeting  in  the  evening.  Mr.  Gaylord,^  of  Hartland, 
preached.  People  were  greatly  animated  with  the  news  of  peace  all  the  way 
that  I  came.  I  rode  fifty  miles  in  a  little  less  than  ten  hours.  Very  good 
sleighing.     The  Lenox  turnpike  is  a  very  good  winter  road. 

15.  Visited  with  my  brother.  He  appears  to  be  much  esteemed  here. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Stockbridge.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  Dr.  West."* 
Tarried  at  Mr.  Woodbridge's.^     The  peace  appears  agreeable  to  all  parties. 

16.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Very  pleasant.  The  snow  falls  some.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Lee  and  visited  Dr.  Hyde.^  Returned  and  preached  in  the  evening  at 
a  school-house  without  notes  on  Gen.  xxxii  :  26.  My  brother  Samuel  is  here 
today.  Received  from  him,  $45.00.  The  meeting  this  evening  was  very  full 
and  solemn. 

17.  Rode  early.  Came  through  Granville  to  Granby,  Turkey  Hills.  Warm. 
Found  some  poor  sleighing.  There  is  a  very  pleasing  revival  of  religion  here. 
At  evening  it  snowed. 

18.  A  very  severe  snow-storm  tlie  most  of  the  day.  Rode  home  with  con- 
siderable difficulty  and  fatigue.  The  snow  is  pretty  deep.  I  am  told  that  on 
Tuesday  morning  my  thermometer  was  8°  below  zero,  and  on  Wednesday  morn- 
ing 12°  below  zero.     Read.     Wrote. 


'■  He  has  learned  at  last  that  his  wish  was  Laws  ;  and  on  the  part  of  the  United  States, 

not  fulfilled.  John  Quincy  Adams,  James  A.  Bayard,  Henry 

^  The  vessel  bringing  this  news  reached  Clay,  Jonathan  Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatin ; 

New  York   on   the   morning  of  the  nth  of  and  the  treaty  of  peace  was  concluded  and 

February,  and  set   the  whole    city   into   the  signed  at  Ghent,  Belgium,  Dec.  24,  1S14,  fif- 

most  lively  demonstrations  of  joy.    This  news  teen    days    before    Gen.    Andrew    Jackson 

was  taken  up  and  carried  in  all  directions  as  fought   the    victorious    battle    of    New   Or- 

fast  as  the  messengers  could  hasten  it,  and  leans,  and  forty-nine  days  before   the   news 

through   all   New   England   it  was  received  of  the  transaction  reached  New  York, 

with  ringing  of  bells,  firing  of  cannon,  bon-  ^  Rev.  Nathaniel  Gaylord,  pastor  at  West 

fires,   and   illuminations.      It    reached   East  Hartland,   Ct.,    1782-1S41,    fifty-nine    years, 

Windsor  some  time  during   Feb.    12.      The  dying  at  the  age  of  ninety, 

same   parties  were   employed  in  concluding  ■*  Dr.  Stephen  West,  his  old  theological 

this  peace  as  in  the  previous  attempt  at  peace  teacher,  who  was  now  in  the  eightieth  year  of 

which  failed,   viz. :    On   the  part  of    Great  his  age  and  fifty-sixth  of  his  ministry. 

Britain,  James,  Lord  Gambier,  Henry  Goul-  ^  Joseph  Woodbridge. 

burn,  Esq.,  and  William  Adams,  Doctor  of  *  Dr.  Alvan  Hyde. 


620  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^IS- 

19.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  4°  below  zero.  Preached  all  day 
with  old  notes  on  John  iv :  24.  Thin  meeting.  Attended  a  conference.  The 
news  of  peace  makes  great  rejoicing. 

20.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  zero.  Received  a  letter  yesterday  from 
Stoddard  Burt,  of  Wilbraham.  Began  a  sermon  on  Deut.  xxxii :  10  for  the 
Washington  Benevolent  Society. 

21.  It  thaws  very  much.  It  rained  some.  Wrote  all  day.  Finished  my 
sermon  begun  yesterday.  Wrote  late.  Feel  very  poorly  qualified  for  Avriting. 
In  the  evening  received  and  read  a  copy  of  the  late  treaty  of  peace.  It  is 
very  bare,  but  much  better  than  none. 

22.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  preached  on  Deut.  xxxii:  10  before  the 
Washington  Society.  The  society  appeared  well.  Cold.  The  sleighing  is 
pretty  poor.  The  country  is  perfectly  full  of  celebrations  and  rejoicings  at  the 
news  of  peace.     I  think  the  matter  is  quite  overdone.     Very  tired. 

23.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  to  my  brother  Frank,  and  to  Mr.  Bat- 
tell.  Began  to  write  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Much  interrupted  with  com- 
pany. At  evening  late  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  performed  a  marriage.* 
Verj^  cold.     Thermometer  when  I  went  to  bed  was  at  zero. 

24.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Afternoon  and  evening  we  had  a 
very  severe  snow-storm. 

25.  Wrote.  Finished  a  piece  for  the  Magazine  on  the  book  of  Joshua. 
The  snow  quite  deep.  Our  late  negotiation  has  not  issued  very  honorably 
for  our  country. 

26.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xi:  1-24.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  iii :  i.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The 
snow^  is  pretty  deep. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  Dr.  Strong  in  preparing  the  next  Maga- 
zine. Good  sleighing.  Paid  for  two  numbers  of  Clarke's  Com7nentary,  $3.00. 
Paid  my  annual  contribution  to  the  Bible  Society,  $3.00.  Paid  for  Mr.  Battell, 
$4.00.     The  price  of  many  things  is  reduced  by  the  peace. 

28.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  visited.  Returned. 
It  thaws  a  good  deal.  Paid  for  my  sleigh  harness,  $12.50.  I  fear  our  academy 
school  will  fail. 

March. 

1.  Received  from  Mr.  Battell  for  my  brother  Nat,  $90.00.  Walked  and 
visited.  The  snow  thaws  very  much.  Attended  a  while  in  the  evening  at  a 
meeting  of  youths.     It  was  quite  solemn. 

2.  The  thermometer  has  risen  to  about  50°  each  day  this  week.  The  road 
is  very  full  of  water.  Rode  out.  Conversed  with  several  persons  on  the  sub- 
ject of  making  a  profession  of  religion.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister 
Battell.     Read. 

3.  The  thermometer  rose  to  60°.  The  snow  thaws,  but  much  remains. 
Visited  black  families.     Looked  over  old  magazines.     Wrote  to  my  brother 


'  The  persons  married  were  Daniel  Brooks  and  Lydia  Clarke,  of  Haddam. 


1815.J  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  62I 

Frank.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting  and  examined  six  persons  to 
be  propounded  to  the  church. 

4.  Rode  out.  The  ground  ahnost  covered  with  water.  Wrote  the  most 
of  a  sermon  on  Gal.  iv :  28.  Am  considerably  unwell  with  nervous  affections. 
Wrote  to  Gen.  Griswold,  of  East  Hartford,  declining  to  give  a  copy  of  my  ser- 
mon preached  there  on  the  2 2d  ult.  for  the  press.' 

5.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Gal.  iv :  28,  and  preached  with  it  all  day.  The 
going  exceeding  bad.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Rode  in  a  sleigh,  but  the  snow 
is  mostly  gone.     Am  very  much  fatigued. 

6.  Worked  at  my  library.  Visited  some  sick  blacks.  Attended  a  funeral 
at  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.     Visited.     Read  Encyclopedia. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  riding  ver}'  bad.  The  ice  remains  in  the 
river.  Assisted  in  completing  the  March  Magazine.  Purchased  at  the  Phoe- 
nix Bank  five  shares  in  that  institution.  There  have  been  $37.50  paid  on  each 
share.  I  paid  for  them,  $42.00  a  share,  amounting  to  $210.00.  I  put  in  a 
note  to  the  bank  of  $300.00,  which  paid  the  $210.00,  and  $62.50,  the  April 
instalment  on  these  five  shares,  and  $22.60  which  I  received,  the  discount 
being  deducted.  Paid  to  the  Phcenix  Bank  previous  to  my  contract,  $117.00, 
and  $8.00  which  I  received  from  them  as  a  dividend,  making  $125.00  for  my 
next  instalment  on  the  ten  shares  which  I  owned.  Paid  for  a  new  number  of 
Clarke's  Conuncnlary,  $1.50.  Concluded  to  take  the  volumes  of  Scriptore's 
Romania  publishing  at  Boston.  I  am  exceeding  glad  the  work  is  publishing. 
Received  the  two  first  volumes.     Visited. 

8.  Read  Clarke's  Commentary.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote 
to  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  of  Durham. 

9.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  at  a  sing- 
ing-lecture on  Ps.  xxvii :  4.  They  sing  pretty  well,  much  better  than  I  ex- 
pected. At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  on  Luke  xxiii :  23.  Had  a  full 
meeting.  Propounded  six  young  persons  for  our  communion.'  Four  of  them 
belong  to  one  family. 

10.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  black  woman  ■*  who  died  suddenly.  Warm. 
Read.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

11.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  to  give  that  people  a  Sabbath's  preaching.'  The 
riding  extremely  bad.  Had  to  go  to  Enfield  Bridge  to  cross  the  river.  Visited 
Mr.  Mix  at  West  Suffield.  People  begin  to  be  alarmed  at  the  appearance  of 
canker-worm.*    The  ice  is  not  gone  from  the  river. 

12.  There  is  a  very  favorable  religious  revival  in  this  place.     Preached  on 


'  This  was   the   sermon  preached   by  re-  of  Jonathan  and  Sarah  (Warner)  Birge,  the 

quest  before  the  Washington  Society  of  East  oldest  twenty,  and  the  youngest  fifteen. 
Hartford  on  Washington's  birthday.      It  was  "*  Candace,  aged  sixty. 

a  subject  familiar  to  Dr.  Robbins.  '  It   was  a  small   and   feeble  church,  at 

^  Scriptore's  Roniatii.  what  is  now  known  as  East  Granby. 

^  These  persons  were  Backus  Birge,  Julius  ^  The   signs  of  the  canker-worm    at  that 

Birge,    Edwin  Birge,   Mary    Birge,    Stephen  time  were  to  be  found  in  the  millers  laying 

Ackley,    and    Flavel    Loomis.        The    four  the   eggs,   and  not  in  the   presence  of  the 

young  persons  of  one  family  were   children  worms  themselves. 


622  •  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

Luke  xxii:  31,  32,  and  Jer.  1:  5.  Received  five  persons  to  the  church,  three 
of  whom  were  baptized.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Mr.  Nettleton,'  the 
candidate  here,  is  in  poor  health.  The  prospects  of  this  society  are  much 
improving.  At  evening  preached  at  a  school-house  without  notes  on  Gen. 
xxxii :  26.     The  meetings  were  all  very  solemn. 

13.  In  the  forenoon  quite  rainy.  Afternoon  rode  home.  Wrote  to  Howe 
&  Deforest,  New  Haven.  Crossed  at  our  ferry.  The  river  broke  up  last 
night.  There  was  no  preaching  here  yesterday  ;  Mr.  McClure  carried  on  the 
meeting.^ 

14.  Mr.  Olcott  rode  to  the  westward  in  pursuit  of  his  black  man.'  Read 
Smith  on  the  Trinity.  Afternoon  rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a  school. 
Rainy.  At  evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here  on  a. journey  to  Randolph,"* 
near  Boston,  to  preach  there. 

15.  Read.  Visited  a  school.  Hindered  with  company.  My  brother  went 
off  in  the  morning.     My  Fast  sermon  is  printed. 

16.  Mr.  Wolcott  returned.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Visited. 
Worked  some  in  the  garden.     The  frost  is  mostly  out  of  the  ground. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  carriage.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day. 
Paid  for  stockinet  for  pantaloons,  $8.50.  For  a  snuff-box,  .50.  For  other 
things,  .48.  At  evening  wrote.  Did  not  attend  prayer-meeting  on  account  of 
the  storm. 

18.  Wrote  to  Backus  Birge  and  to  Mr.  North,^  of  this  place.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  North.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Samuel  Bass,  of  Ran- 
dolph, Mass.,  where  brother  Frank  has  gone,  wishing  for  him  to  come  and 
preach  with  them.  I  conclude  he  will  be  there  today.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
2  Sam,  vii :  14. 

19.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  xi:  25  to  xxi.  Received  six 
young  persons  to  the  church,  four  of  whom  were  children  of  one  family.  The 
occasion  was  very  affecting  and  solemn.  Five  of  the  number  were  males.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference  and  married  a  couple.*  Preached  in  the 
afternoon  the  sermon  written  yesterday. 

20.  Wrote.     Am  very  much  overdone  with  labor  and  fatigue.     Afternoon 


'  This  was  Rev.  Asahel  Nettleton,  D.  D.,  ^  A   sermon   was   probably   read,  as  was 

a  native  of  North  Killingworth,  Ct.,  born  in  often   done  fifty  or  sixty  years  ago  in  New 

1783,  graduated   at   Yale,    1809,   licensed  to  England  when  the  pastor  was  sick  or  absent, 

preach  in  May,  1811,  and  was  ordained  as  a  ^  That  certainly  looks    very  much    like 

missionary  in  1817.     He  was  never  regularly  slavery. 

installed  over  any  people,  but,  as  an  evange-  *  The   church   at   Randolph,    Mass.,   was 

list,  preaching  variously  among  the  churches,  vacant  then  by  reason  of  the  death  of  a  truly 

he  was   eminently   successful.     No   man   in  able  pastor,  Dr.  Jonathan  Strong.     He  died 

New  England  has  been  more  favorably  known  Nov.  9,  1814.     Rev.  Thaddeus  Pomeroy  was 

in    this    kind    of    Christian   labor   than   he.  settled  as  his  successor,  Nov.  13,  18 15. 

When  the  Theological  Institute  of  Connecti-  ^  Backus  Birge  was  to  be  admitted  to  the 

cut  was  established  at  East  Windsor  Hill,  he  church  next  communion.    Mr.  North  was  the 

became  informally  connected  with  it,  made  his  teacher  of  the  academy  at  East  Windsor  Hill, 

residence   there,  and  gave  lectures  to  some  *  Norman  Clapp  was  united  in  marriage 

extent  to  the  students.     He  died  in  1844.  with  Rhoda  Allyn. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  623 

rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school.     It  has  done  unexpectedly  well  this 
season.     Veiy  cold  and  tedious.     Visited  a  man  very  sick  with  a  fever. 

21.  Visited  a  black  man  very  sick.  Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  io°. 
Visited  a  school.  I  believe  I  took  some  contagion  of  the  man  I  visited  last 
evening.     Am  much  unwell.     Paid  for  clapboards  for  a  garden  fence,  $i.oo. 

22.  Last  night  at  bed-time  took  physic.  Was  up  the  most  of  the  night. 
Quite  sick  all  day.  My  head  is  much  pressed,  I  hope  I  may  escape  a  fever. 
Thermometer  this  morning  i6°. 

23.  Am  so  unwell  as  to  be  unable  to  write.  I  cannot  make  a  sermon  for 
the  Fast.  My  head  is  quite  weak.  I  feel  much  disappointed  that  I  cannot 
write  for  the  Fast.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably.  Sleighs  move  a  good 
deal.  Am  not  able  to  read  but  little.  A  black  man  died  in  the  neighbor- 
hood.'    Took  physic. 

24.  Fast.  Am  so  unwell  as  to  be  hardly  able  to  go  out.  In  the  forenoon 
had  a  sermon  read.  I  performed  the  other  parts  of  the  exercises.  Afternoon 
preached  with  an  old  Fast  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  lo.  The  day  was  wet  and  the 
meeting  quite  thin. 

25.  Am  some  better  than  I  have  been.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of 
a  black  man.  Yesterday  we  rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  The  snow  is  now 
mostly  gone,  and  the  riding  very  bad.     Read  the  Bible. 

26.  Preached  all  day  with  an  old  sermon  on  i  Pet.  iv :  i8.  Our  meeting 
was  very  full  and  solemn.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn  conference.  I 
hope  God  will  not  yet  take  his  good  Spirit  from  us.  Much  fatigued,  but  carried 
through  the  day  better  than  I  feared. 

27.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  The  spring  advances  very  little. 
Am  still  quite  unwell.     Last  night  was  up  a  considerable  part  of  the  night. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Cold.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine. 
Sent  a  copy  of  my  Fast  sermon  to  several  friends.  Yesterday  we  had  a  hard 
rain.  Received  a  letter  from  Howe  &  Deforest,  New  Haven.^  On  the  25th 
catechised  a  school  which  I  had'  previously  visited. 

29.  Worked  some.  We  had  a  hard  snow.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Strong,  Hartford. 
I  see  very  little  prospect  of  any  material  change  of  political  parties  in  our 
country.     Last  evening  visited  an  old  man  in  the  neighborhood  very  sick. 

-o.  Rode  to  the  hill  in  a  sleigh.  Visited  in  the  forenoon  the  district 
school.  Afternoon  the  academy.  Both  appeared  better  than  usual.  The 
academy  has  done  exceeding  well  for  the  year  past,  and  has  been  blessed, 
I  trust,  with  the  special  influences  of  divine  grace.  I  pray  God  it  may  long  be 
the  object  of  his  great  mercy.     Visited  an  aged  man  in  a  dying  state. 

31.  The  man  I  visited  last  evening  died  in  the  night.'  Wrote  notes  and 
preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  2  Kings  xxiii :  3.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a 
sleigh.  Very  wet  and  cold.  Proposed  to  the  church  to  present  a  part  of  a 
new  set  of  communion  furniture. 


*  John  Francis,  twenty-six.  '  Daniel  Hayden,  seventy-two.  A  descend- 

^  This  is  the  old  book-store,  with  a  change       ant  of  William  Hayden,  one  of  the  Dorches- 
of  the  firm  name.  ter  company  that  settled  in  Windsor. 


624  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ['^IS* 


1.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Num.  xi :  23.  Attended  the  funeral  of  my  neigh- 
bor, Mr.  Hayden.  I  think  I  have  never  seen  the  street  here  so  muddy.  The 
srround  is  still  covered  with  snow.  The  latter  half  of  March  has  been  much 
colder  than  the  former.     Wrote  late. 

2.  It  snowed  considerably.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  i  Pet,  i :  18,  19.  Afternoon  on 
Num.  xi :  23.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  was  pretty  thin. 
Am  quite  feeble.     Wrote. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  very  muddy.  Looked  over  an  old 
library,  formerly  Mr.  Whitman's.'     Visited. 

4.  There  was  a  severe  fire  in  Hartford  last  night.  Made  a  small  garden 
fence.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.     Read  Campbell  ^  on  the  Gospels. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Wrote  to  Normand  Knox, 
Esq.,  Hartford.  At  evening  attended  the  meeting  of  our  Moral  Society.  I 
hope  it  does  good.     Quite  wet.     The  season  is  quite  uncomfortable. 

6.  Mr.  ^^'olcott  is  very  much  distressed  with  hypochondriac  affections. 
Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  with  old  notes  on 
Acts  ix :  II.     The  meeting  appeared  very  favorable.     Tarried  out. 

7.  We  have  had  a  season  of  long  and  unusually  bad  traveling.  Visited 
the  most  of  the  day.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     I  lament  that 

1  accomplish  so  little  useful  business. 

8.  Worked  all  day.  Ploughed  and  manured  my  garden  and  planted  peas. 
Manured  my  asparagus  beds.  The  season  is  ver}-  cold  and  wet.  Wrote. 
Rainy. 

9.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xii :  22-38.  Afternoon  preached 
with  an  old  sermon  on  Zech.  ix  :  12.  Full  meeting.  jNIy  expositions  appear 
to  be  interesting  to  my  congregation.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

10.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  meeting  was  thin. 
Visited.     My  lungs  of  late  appear  to  be  quite  weak. 

11.  Worked  abroad  the  most  of  the  day.  Quite  warm.  Read  Campbell 
on  the  Gospels.     Visited. 

12.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving.  Wrote  slow  and  pretty 
poorly.     Had  company. 

13.  National  Thanksgiving.'     Finished  and  preached   a  long  sermon  on 

2  Sam.  xxii :  2.     The  day  was  very  well  observed.     Very  tired.    I  feel  anxious 
about  the  weakness  of  my  lungs.     At  evening  walked  out. 

14.  Wrote  a  constitution  for  a  female  charitable  society  in  this  place.  Am 
much  fatigued  with  the  labors  of  the  two  past  days.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.  It  was  quite  full.  Yesterday  conversed  with  a  black  girl, 
who,  I  hope,  has  lately  got  religion.     Read. 

15.  Worked  abroad  the  most  of  the  day.    Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Prud- 


■  Rev.  Elnathan  Whitman,  pastor  of  the  ^  This  was  a  day  of  National  Thanks- 
South  Church  in  Hartford,  1733  to  1777.  giving  for  the  return  of  peace.     The   Presi- 

^  Rev.  George  Campbell,  D.  D.,  a  distin-  dent  and  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  seem 

guished  Presbyterian  divine.  to  harmonize  in  this  case. 


1815.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  625 

den  in  answer  to  one  I  wrote  to  him  on  Wednesday.     Received  one  from  my 
brother  Frank,  at  Randolph.     Wrote. 

16.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Rev.  xxii :  7.  Am  very  feeble  at 
my  lungs.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Spoke  but  little.  The 
ground  is  becoming  quite  dry. 

17.  Went  in  the  woods  all  day  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  looking  and  cutting  tim- 
ber for  building.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Knox,  of  Hartford. 

18.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  was  above  70°.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for 
the  Magazine.     Visited. 

19.  Finished  my  Magazine  essay.  Wrote  for  the  newspaper  an  address  to 
the  President.     Quite  rainy.  , 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  to  a  preparation  for  the  next  Magazine. 
Spent  considerable  time  in  East  Hartford.  Their  ecclesiastical  matters  are 
in  a  critical  state.     Had  company. 

21.  At  Hartford  yesterday  saw  Mr.  Battell.  There  is  a  remarkable  re- 
vival of  religion  at  Yale  College.'  W^rote  to  Daniel  Porter,  of  Scantick, 
desiring  him  to  go  and  be  a  clerk  for  Mr.  Battell,  Visited,  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

22.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Prudden.^  Set  out  some  elm-trees  in  the  street. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Rocky  Hill  for  an  exchange  in  a  hard  rain.  Got  quite 
wet.     Wrote  to  my  cousin  P,  G.  Robbins,'  and  to  Mr.  Silliman,"*  of  New  Haven. 

23.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Middletown  upper  houses  and  preached  by 
exchange  for  Mr.  Williams.  Quite  wet.  Preached  from  i  Kings  xix :  7,  9, 
and  Matt,  vii :  14.     At  evening  rode  to  Hartford. 

24.  Rode  home.  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers,  preached  here  yesterday.  Worked 
leveling  ground  for  a  building  all  day,  I  have  not  taken  cold  from  my  late 
exposure  as  I  feared.     Visited, 

25.  Worked  all  day  at  the  same  employment  as  yesterday.  Did  little  but 
drive  team.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell  by  a  young  man  who  went  to  live  with  him. 

26.  Visited.  Have  never  completed  my  regular  visiting  for  the  year  past 
till  now.  On  the  ist  of  May  last,  there  were  in  this  place  one  hundred  and 
seventy-three  families,  thirty-four  of  whom  professed  to  belong  to  religious 
denominations  other  than  our  own.  Since  that  time  I  have  visited  all  of  them 
except  two.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank,     Quite  warm, 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  The 
thermometer  was  above  70°.  At  evening  preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference 
with  notes  on  Isa,  x:  15,  We  have  a  report  that  Bonaparte  has  re-ascended 
the  throne  of  France,*  but  earnestly  hope  it  is  not  true. 


'  Prof,  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  in  ^  Rev.  Nehemiah  Prudden,  of  Enfield, 
his  full  account  of  Revivals  in  Yale  College,  ^  Of  Lynn,  Mass.,  a  physician, 
published  in  the  tenth  volume  of  the  Ameri-  *  Prof.   Benjamin   Silliman,  of  Yale  Col- 
can  Qiuirtcrly  Register,  gives  the  detailed  his-  lege. 

tory  of  this  revival  of  1S15,  in  which  some  '  Bonaparte  escaped  from  Elba,  the  place 

seventy  or  eighty  students  were  thought   to  of  his  exile,  on  the  night  of   Feb.  28,  1S15, 

have  been  converted.     It  began  in  the  month  and   on  the   first  of  March,  with  about  two 

of  April,  1815.  thousand  men  accompanying,  landed  in  Pro- 


626  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

28.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Judge  Woodruff,  of  Turkey  Hills, 
requesting  me  to  preach  at  the  dedication  of  the  Newgate  Chapel,'  next  week. 
Am  much  fatigued  with  late  labors.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

29.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  John  xv  :  17.  Much  interrupted  by  com- 
pany. The  news  of  the  re-establishment  of  Bonaparte  on  the  throne  of  France 
appears  to  be  true.  It  seems  a  holy  God  yet  designs  to  scourge  devoted 
Europe. 

30.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ezek.  ix :  4,  and  a  part  of  a  sermon  on 
John  XV :  17.  Did  not  finish  the  subject.  A  Mr.  AUen,^  from  Worcester,  who 
has  been  for  some  time  a  student  in  divinity,  resides  in  the  neighborhood 
under  my  instruction.  At  eveaing  attended  the  conference.  While  at  the 
meeting  the  harness  of  my  carriage  was  cut,  so  that  when  we  came  from  the 
house  the  carriage  dropped  from  the  horse,  and  Mr.  Wolcott's  two  daughters 
and  I  were  thrown  out,  but  not  hurt.  I  think  it  was  only  an  act  of  wanton 
wickedness  in  a  single  individual.^ 

Had  our  first  asparagus  on  the  28th. 

Mav. 

1.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Visited.  Afternoon  attended  a  while  at  a 
training.     Quite  cool. 

2.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Wrote  a  large  addition  to  my  dedication  ser- 
mon. Preached  at  Norfolk  for  a  similar  occasion  at  Newgate  Prison.  Visited. 
Quite  rainy. 

3.  Wrote  an  address  and  delivered  it  in  the  evening  to  the  Moral  Society 
in  this  place,  which  is  a  branch  of  the  Connecticut  Society  for  the  Promotion 
of  Good  Morals.  The  meeting  interesting  and  I  hope  useful.  I  wrote  very 
fast ;  five  pages  of  sermon  size  in  two  hours  and  a  quarter.  The  remainder 
was  written  rapidly.  The  season  is  quite  cool.  We  have  the  pleasing  intelli- 
gence that  the  European  powers  are  determined  to  oppose  Bonaparte.'* 

4.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  attended  the  dedication  of 
the  new  chapel  at  Newgate  Prison.     The  occasion  was  very  interesting  and 


vence,  France,  to  receive  the  imperial  crown.  partially  blind,  he  was  such  a  treasure-house 

He  reached  Fontainebleau,  March  20,  and  the  of  information   as   one  does  not  easily  find, 

army  again  rallied  around  him.  and  he  kept  his  memory  and  all  his  mental 

'  The    petition    to    the   Legislature   had  faculties  clear  and  bright  almost  to  the  very 

proved  successful,  and  this  chapel  for  regu-  last.     He   was   settled    in    the    ministry    in 

lar  worship  was  one  of  the  fruits.  Shrewsbury,  Mass.,  November  19,  1823. 

^  Rev.  George  Allen,  who  passed  away  ^  That  was  a  charitable  view  to  take  of 
only  two  years  ago,  in  18S3,  i"  his  ninety-  this  rascally  transaction,  and  was  probably 
second  year,  was  born  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  the  correct  view.  No  village  or  country  town 
1792,  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1813,  and  can  be  secure  against  the  existence  there  of 
studied  theology  in  the  vicinity  of  Hartford,  some  person  who  thinks  he  finds  delight  in 
Ct.,  attracted  thither  probably  by  such  men  such  deeds,  and  shows  his  greatness  in  com- 
as Dr.  Strong,  of  Hartford,  and  Dr.  Yates,  mitting  them. 

of  East   Hartford,  but  was  now  under   the  ^  The  allied  powers,  on  the  25th  of  March, 

direction  of  Dr.  Robbins.     Mr.  Allen  was  a  181 5,   entered  into   a   treaty   to   unite   their 

remarkable  man.    In  his  old    age,  though  forces  for  Napoleon's  subjugation. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  627 

joyful.  The  prisoners  (fifty-two)  appeared  much  gratified  with  the  prospect  of 
stated  religious  ordinances.  Returned  late.  Many  shad  are  taken  at  the 
mouth  of  Scantick  River.     Preached  from  Hag.  ii :  9.' 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Skinner,^  of  Berlin. 
Wrote  one  to  Mr.  Charles  Sherman,  of  New  Haven.  Paid  for  new  burnishing 
my  tankard,  $2.00.  For  other  things,  .85,  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.      Troubled  with  a  severe  headache. 

6.  E.ead  Campbell  on  the  Gospels.  Worked  some.  Am  quite  feeble. 
Rainy.     Read  the  Bible. 

7.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xii :  39  to  xiii :  9.  Afternoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  Heb.  xiii :  24.  The  weather  was  so  wet  and  the 
meeting  thin  that  we  did  not  have  our  missionary  contribution.  Baptized  a 
child. ^     Had  no  conference  on  account  of  the  wet.     Read  the  Bible, 

8.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day  leveling  ground  for  buildings.  Had  com- 
pany. Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Wrote  to  my  friend  Mr. 
Gilman,  of  Philadelphia,  and  sent  him  a  copy  of  my  Historical  Vierv. 

9.  Worked  considerably.  Read  the  Bible.  A  Mr.  Parsons,*  a  minister 
from  Vermont,  came  here  and  tarried. '   Hindered  by  company. 

10.  The  season  is  remarkably  cool  and  backward.  No  blossoms  appear  on 
the  fruit-trees.  Yesterday  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  Worked  some.  At 
evening  attended  the  wedding  of  Rev.  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin,  married  in  the 
neighborhood.'     Dr.  McClure  performed  the  marriage. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  A  great  collection  of 
ministers.  Mr.  Brockway  ^  preached  very  well.  Democracy  did  not  appear  so 
triumphant  as  was  expected.  Saw  the  famous  new  steamboat  that  usually 
runs  between  New  Haven  and  New  York.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Cooley,'  of  Granville.  Received  one  from  Mr,  Charles  Sherman,  of  New 
Haven,  enclosing  ^30.00,  my  late  dividend  at  the  Eagle  Bank.  Attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Societ)^  It  is  now  a  corporate  body.  Heard 
Mr.  Nott  *  preach  at  the  evening  conference.  Saw  Mr,  Battell  at  Hartford, 
and  Mr.  Emerson,'  going  to  preach  at  Norfolk.  Paid  my  merchant  tailor, 
$4.13.     Got  home  late. 

12.  Visited.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  a  verj' hard  rain.  Yesterday  saw  the 
first  blossoms  on  peach  and  plum-trees.  Wrote  on  the  records  of  our  Annuity 
Societv. 


*  This  text  was  not  so  felicitous  for  the  New  Britain),  was  married  to  Miss  Ursula 
Newgate  chapel  as  for  the  new  meeting-  Wolcott,  daughter  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott. 
house  at  Norfolk.  Her  brother,  Elihu   Wolcott,  was  father  of 

^  Rev.  Newton  Skinner.  the  present  Rev.  Samuel  Wolcott,  D.D. 
3  Julia,  daughter  of  Simeon  Loomis.  ^  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway,  of  Ellington. 

*  Rev.  Justin  Parsons,  a  native  of  North-  ^  Rev.  Timothy  M-  Cooley,  D.D. 
ampton,  Mass.    He  had  been  appointed  by  the  «  Rev,  Samuel  Nott,  D.D.,  of  Franklin. 
Connecticut  Missionary  Society  for  service  in             «  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.,  a  native  of 
Vermont.     He  had  been  settled  in  Whiting,  Hollis,  N  H.,  1787,  graduate  of  Yale,  1811, 
but  was,  1814-1831,  pastor  at  Pittsfield,  Vt.  pastor  at  Norfolk,  1815-1829,  professor  at  An- 

s  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,  of  Berlin   (now  dover,  iS29-iS54,diedat  Rockford,  111.,  1863. 


628  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

13.  Wrote  on  the  annuity  records.  Visited.  Quite  cold.  Afternoon  rode 
to  Berlin  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Skinner,  who  stays  at  East  Windsor, 

14.  Preached  from  i  Cor.  vi :  ii,  and  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38,  pretty  poorly. 
Some  things  here  appear  unfavorably  to  Mr.  Skinner's  prospects.  Last  even- 
ing rode  to  Farmington.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Porter.'  This  morning  there  was 
considerable  frost. 

15.  Rode  to  Simsbury.  The  spotted  fever  here  is  very  prevalent  and 
mortal.  The  frost  and  ice  this  morning  were  quite  hard.  Rode  to  Colebrook. 
Tarried  with  brother  Ammi.     He  has  been  very  sick  in  the  past  winter. 

16.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mother  is  quite  well.  Mr.  Emerson,  the  candidate 
here,  appears  very  well.     Walked  out  with  him. 

17.  Rainy.  The  people  here  are  very  much  united  in  Mr.  Emerson,  and 
very  desirous  to  settle  him.  My  sister  Betsey  is  very  jDoor.  I  fear  in  a  con- 
sumption.    My  brother  James  and  his  wife  came  here. 

18.  Rode  out  with  Betsey.  She  appears  not  to  realize  her  danger.  Brother 
Samuel  has  procured  a  very  good  table  for  a  tombstone  ^  for  father.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  conference. 

19.  Quite  rainy.  Am  prevented  from  going  home  by  the  wet.  Wrote. 
The  season  is  not  much  more  backward  here  than  on  Connecticut  River. 

20.  Rode  early  and  got  home  in  seven  hours  and  three  quarters,  quicker 
than  I  have  ever  rode  the  same  distance  at  any  other  time.  An  aged  man 
died  here  last  night.  Visited.  I  think  the  relaxation  of  this  week  has  been 
beneficial  to  my  health. 

21.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  2.  Wrote 
notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Deut.  xii :  9.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
the  aged  man  lately  deceased.^  We  had  our  missionary  contribution  and  col- 
lected $57.11  more  than  ever  before.  There  were  two  bills  of  $5.00,  one  of 
$3.00,  two  of  $2.00,  sixteen  single  dollars,  and  177  small  bills  and  pieces  of 
silver.  After  meeting  performed  a  marriage,  $5.00.''  At  evening  had  a  very 
full  conference.     Was  very  much  fatigued. 

22.  The  lilac  blossoms  I  first  discovered  on  the  20th.  The  apple-trees 
were  then  beginning  to  blossom,  though  I  discovered  the  first  blossoms  on  the 
i8th.  Yesterday  morning  there  was  some  frost.  Read.  Very  warm.  The 
thermometer  was  above  80°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  bank  $70.00  and 
took  up  my  note  which  they  held.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $30.00.  Spoke 
with  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  Assembly. 

23.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Hindered  by  company.  At  even- 
ing my  brother  Nat  came  here  from  Boston.  He  brought  me  several  pam- 
phlets from  a  literary  gentleman  there  whom  I  do  not  know.  I  hope  to  make 
him  an  acquaintance. 


*  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Far-  ■*  Thomas   Dodd  was   united  in  marriage 

mington,  1S06-1866.  with  Ann  Gibbs.     Mr.  Robbins  seldom  men- 

^  Those  large  horizontal  stones  resting  on  tions  the  amount  received  for  a  marriage,  but 

pillars  were  thought  to  be  the  only  proper  the   five   dollars   here   added,  was  set  down 

memorial  for  a  minister.  because  it  was  regarded  as  generous.     A  com- 

^  Mr.  Augustus  Fitch,  eighty-two.  mon  marriage  fee  then  was  one  or  two  dollars. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  629 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford  Bridge  to  carry  my  brother  and  returned.  Quite 
warm.  Finislied  a  piece  for  the  Magazine  on  the  Book  of  Kings.  Veo-etation 
advances  very  rapidly.     There  is  a  great  blowth  on  the  apple-trees.     Read. 

25.  P.ode  to  Hartford,  assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine.  The  roads 
have  become  very  dry.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  the  wedding  of  young 
Asahel  Olcott.     Mr.  McClure  performed  the  marriage. 

26.  Wrote.  Mr.  Huntington,'  of  Middletovvn,  called  on  me.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Visited. 

27.  Wrote  quite  steadily.  The  thermometer  was  at  80°.  It  has  been 
about  the  same  every  day  this  week.  Vegetation  advances  very  rapidly.  The 
ground  is  very  dry. 

28.  Finished  and  preached  all  day  on  a  sermon  of  which  I  preached  the 
first  part  April  30th.  It  is  three  sermons  on  brotherly  love.  The  heat  very 
severe  and  oppressive.  The  thermometer  was  at  92°.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference. 

29.  The  dust  flies  very  much.  Yesterday  baptized  two  children.^  Visited 
a  sick  child.     Wrote  for  the  Magazine.     Wrote  quite  late. 

30.  Worked  considerably.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Gave  the  printers  for  the 
Magazine  a  summary  account  of  the  remarkable  revivals  of  religion  which  now 
exist  at  several  of  our  colleges.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  Dr.  Strong's  con- 
ference with  a  written  sermon  on  Ps.  xl :  2,  3.     Returned. 

31.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day  helping  Mr.  Wolcott  prepare  a  large  barn 
for  removal.  At  evening  rode  to  Orford  and  saw  Mr.  Cook.^  Got  the 
account  of  his  church  for  the  last  year  for  the  Association.  Got  home  quite 
late.  Quite  cool.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Battell.  The  people  of  Norfolk  have  given  Mr.  Emerson  a  call  to  settle 
unanimously ;  have  voted  him  a  salary  of  seven  hundred  dollars.  My  sister 
Betsey  grows  feeble.     Received  a  letter  yesterday  from  Rev.  Mr.  Prudden. 

June. 

1.  Worked  hard  all  day  helping  Mr.  Wolcott  move  his  barn.  He  suc- 
ceeded unexpectedly  well.  The  dust  flies  exceedingly.  I  find  I  can  bear  a 
good  deal  of  labor  after  a  little  use.  Vegetation  suffers  very  much  from  the 
drought. 

2.  Rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Am  much  fatigued  by  my  late  exertions. 
Wrote.     Visited  a  sick  child.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford,  Wintonbury,  Windsor,  and  Enfield,  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Prudden.  Am  collecting  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  churches  for 
Association.     Warm  and  wet. 

4.  Preached  on  Ps.  xl :  2,  3,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  This  congregation  I 
think  is  very  little  larger  than  mine.  At  evening  Mr.  Prudden  returned  from 
East  Windsor. 


'  Rev.   Dan  Huntington,  whom  we   have  ^  James   Henry,   son   of  Jesse  Charlton, 

frequently  had  occasion  to  notice.     He  was  and   Harriet,  daughter  of  Samuel  Bancroft, 

settled  over  the  First  Church  in  Middletown,  Jr. 
in  1809,  but  left  in  1816.  '  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook. 


630  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

5.  Rode  through  Suffield  to  Hartland,  and  through  Granby  and  Windsor 
home.  The  state  of  religion  at  Turkey  Hills  is  very  pleasing.  Yesterday 
thirteen  persons  were  added  to  the  church.  Got  home  quite  late.  Old  Mrs. 
Tudor'  is  very  sick.     Was  there  a  considerable  part  of  the  night.     Very  tired. 

6.  Wrote  a  report  of  the  state  of  religion  within  our  limits  for  Association.^ 
A  number  of  the  members  are  absent.  Read  my  report  and  received  associa- 
tional  thanks.  Returned  in  the  evening  on  account  of  the  state  of  Mrs. 
Tudor.  She  appears  not  quite  so  bad  as  last  evening.  Mr.  Wolcott  moved 
his  second  barn  today. 

7.  Wrote  a  report  of  the  state  of  religion  within  our  associational  limits 
for  the  General  Association.  Rode  to  Orford  and  sat  with  the  Association.^ 
Got  acquainted  with  Mr.  Wilbur/  now  preaching  at  East  Hartford.  Re- 
turned.    Am  exceedingly  fatigued  with  my  late  labors  and  want  of  rest. 

8.  Mrs.  Tudor  is  hopefully  a  little  better.  Worked  some.  Drafted  a  new 
constitution  for  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  in  this  place.  Met  with  the 
ladies  who  were  organized  as  a  society,  containing  about  ninety  members.  I 
paid  an  equal  sum  with  the  members,  fifty  cents.  Read.  Yesterday  Mr.  T. 
Woodbridge,^  of  Stockbridge,  called  to  see  me  while  I  was  absent. 

9.  It  is  steadily  quite  cool  for  the  season.  Read  considerably.  Wrote. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

ID.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  2  Tim.  iv :  10.  Hindered  by  company. 
Am  poorly  fitted  tor  writing.  In  the  afternoon  a  Mr.  Sewall,*  from  near  Bos- 
ton, came  to  Dr.  McClure's  and  consents  to  preach  for  me  tomorrow.  My 
Christian  prospects  are  exceeding  low.     The  mighty  God  be  my  helper. 

II.  Mr.  Sewall  preached  for  me.  He  appears  to  know  but  little  about 
religion,  doctrinally  or  experimentally,  though  apparently  an   amiable   man.^ 


'  This   was   Mrs.    Samuel   Tudor,  whose  setts,  in  his  day  and  generation,  for  his  large 

maiden  name  was  Naomi  Diggins.     She  was  and  exact  knowledge  of  the  churches  of  New 

the  mother  of  Mrs.  Abiel  Wolcott,  and  lived  England.     Mr.  Sewall  was  born  at  Marble- 

a  near  neighbor  to  Mr.  Wolcott.  head,  June  i,  17S5,  was  graduated  at  Harvard 

'  The     District     Association,     Hartford  College,  1804,  and  died  February   iS,  1868. 

North.  At  the  time  of  his  death  the  famous  Sewall 

^  This  was  the  Hartford  North  Associa-  Diary  was  in  his  possession,  was  purchased 

tion.      Its   meeting   lasted    two   days.      Mr.  of  his  estate  by  the  Massachusetts  Historical 

Robbins  came  home   the   night   before    and  Society,  and  has  since  been  published  by  that 

returned.  society. 

*  Rev.  Harvey  Wilbur,  who  received  the  ^  This  judgment  was  probably  somewhat 
degree  of  A.  M.  at  Dartmouth  College  severe.  Mr.  Sewall  remained  an  Orthodox 
in  181 2.  minister  to  his  death,  and  his  church,  founded 

5  Timothy  Woodbridge.  in  1735,  is  now  one  of  our  regular  evangelical 

*  Without  doubt  this  was  Rev.  Samuel  churches.  Doubtless  there  was  a  difference 
Sewall,  who  the  year  before  had  been  settled  even  then  between  the  religious  teachings  of 
at  Burlington,  Mass.,  where  he  continued  till  Harvard  and  Yale,  but  some  of  the  ablest 
his  death  in  1S68,  fifty  four  years.  Perhaps  evangelical  ministers  of  Massachusetts,  like 
Mr.  Sewall  and  Mr.  Robbins  did  not  see  Seth  Sweetser,  D.  D.,  of  Worcester,  William 
enough  of  each  other  in  that  short  visit  to  A.  Stearns,  D.  D.,  of  Amherst  College,  Nehe- 
discover  that  seldom  do  two  men  meet  to-  miah  Adams,  D.  D.,  of  Boston,  and  many 
gether  more  alike  in  their  tastes  and  habits.  others,  have  been  graduated  at  Harvard  since 
Mr.  Sewall  was  a  notable  man  in  Massachu-  the  college  life  of  Mr.  Sewall. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  63I 

At  evening  attended  a  full  and  serious  conference.     The  thermometer  was  at 
88°.     The  roads  ver}-  dusty. 

12.  On  the  9th  received  a  good  letter  from  my  good  Uncle  Starr.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Paid  to  the  bank,  $5.05.  Traded,  $2.63.  The  thermometer  the 
same  as  yesterday.  The  orchards  are  very  much  injured  by  the  canker-worm. 
Wrote  to  Samuel  Jackson  Prescott,'  Esq.,  of  Boston,  and  sent  him  a  copy  of  my 
Historical  View,  by  Mr.  Sewall.     Visited  a  sick  child.     Read.     Eat  strawberries. 

13.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Worked  some.  My  orange-tree 
got  something  broken  by  the  wind.     Visited. 

14.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Last  night  we  had  a  small  but  very  re- 
freshing rain.  Visited  our  academic  school.  We  have  a  sensible  decline  of 
the  power  of  religion  among  us. 

15.  Quite  cool.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Put  a  note  for  90  days  into  the  bank 
for  $300.00,  and  received  $295.35.  Paid  for  the  next  instalment  at  the  Phoenix 
Bank,  $187.50.  Paid  for  the  exchange  of  money  for  the  purpose,  $1.00.  My 
annual  contribution  to  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society,  $5.00.  To  a  bookseller, 
$13.36.  For  liquor,  $6.00.  Traded,  $1.50.  Received  as  a  dividend  at  the 
Hartford  Bank,  $6.31.  The  East  Hartford  society  appears  to  be  in  a  critical 
situation.  At  evening  preached  at  our  academy  without  any  notes  from  Job 
xlii :  5,  6.     Visited  a  sick  child. 

16.  Paid  for  Wilkinson's  Atlas,  $16.00.  Worked  at  my  orange-tree.  A 
little  girl"  died  here  last  night.  Wrote  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting. 

17.  Worked  some.  Attended  a  funeral.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on 
Job  xiv :  7.     Am  much  troubled  with  a  general  lassitude  and  debility. 

18.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xiii :  10-24.  Finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  Job  xiv:  7.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I 
fear  the  good  spirit  of  God  is  departing  from  us. 

19.  Wrote.  I  think  I  have  lately  lost  a  pretty  important  paper.  Walked 
out  and  visited.  At  evening  we  had  a  small  and  refreshing  shower.  The 
ground  is  very  dr}\ 

20.  Worked  driving  for  a  scraper.^  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Attended 
to  a  preparation  for  the  next  Magazine.  At  evening  preached  at  Dr.  Strong's 
conference  from  Job  xiv:  7.  The  heat  very  severe.  Thermometer  was  at 
94°.     Returned  quite  late. 

21.  Had  my  orange-tree  inoculated.     Read  Shuckford's  Connections.'' 

22.  Worked  driving  for  the  scraper  all  day.  Thermometer  86°.  Yester- 
day it  was  about  the  same.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  Yesterday  we  had  our 
first  green  peas.     The  season  is  late. 


'  Samuel  Jackson  Prescott,  LL.  D.,  was  a  =^  Julia  Rockwell,  aged  ten. 

graduate  of  Harvard  College,  1795,  and  re-  ^  This  was  a  new  employment  for  the  min- 

ceived  his  LL.  D.  from  the  Aberdeen  Univer-  ister,  but  he  was  brought  up  to  make  himself 

sity,  Scotland.     He  it  was  probably  that  had  useful  in  all  kinds  of  labor, 
sent  some  pamphlets  to  Mr.  Robbins  by  the  *  Rev.  Samuel  Shuckford's  Connection  of 

hand  of  his  brother  Nathaniel,  and  Mr.  Rob-  Sacred  and  Profane  History.     This   learned 

bins  is  now  returning  the  compliment.  English  divine  died  as  far  back  as  1754. 


632  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1815. 

23.  Wrote  off  an  address  I  lately  delivered  before  our  Branch  Moral 
Society  for  the  Magazine.  Worked  some.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeiing. 

24.  Read  a  very  interesting  account  of  American  Unitarianism.  Finished 
a  sermon  previously  written  in  part  on  2  Tim.  iv:  10.  I  write  with  great  lassi- 
tude and  indifference. 

25.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xxii :  11.  Afternoon 
on  2  Tim.  iv :  10.  Ver)'  warm.  The  drought  very  severe.  At  evening  had  a 
full  conference. 

26.  We  had  a  moderate  rain.  Worked  driving  the  scraper  a  considerable 
part  of  the  day.     Read  Shuckford. 

27.  In  the  morning  set  out  to  ride  to  Hartford.  About  a  mile  from  home 
my  horse  stepped  through  a  bridge  and  threw  me  with  great  violence.  Got 
home  with  difficulty.  Am  very  much  bruised  on  the  back  of  my  neck  and 
shoulders.  Batted,  etc.,  according  to  Dr.  Tudor's  directions.  A  merciful  God 
was  my  preserver.     Read  Shuckford. 

28.  Am  much  better  of  my  hurt  than  I  expected  yesterday  to  be,  but  am 
quite  sore  and  stiff.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  carriage.  Attended  to  Magazine 
business.  The  society  in  East  Hartford  are  in  considerable  agitation  and 
some  division.     Had  my  British  Classics  bound. 

29.  Visited.  Read  Tristram  Shandy,^  which  I  never  did  before.  The  ther- 
mometer was  at  90°. 

30.  Very  warm  through  the  day.  The  thermometer,  however,  was  not 
higher  than  about  90°.  Read  Trisirain  Shandy.  Wrote  notes  and  preached 
a  preparatory  lecture  on  Gen.  xxviii :  15.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Spoke  with  difficulty  in  preaching  on  account  of  my  late  hurt. 

July. 

1.  The  heat  very  oppressive  all  day.  Thermometer  about  90°,  and  near 
that  the  most  of  the  day.  The  ground  exceedingly  dry.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
Matt,  xxvi :  35.  I  have  considerable  pain  in  ray  neck  and  shoulders,  from  my 
late  fall. 

2.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Administered 
the  holy  sacrament.  The  church  was  quite  full.  Wrote  notes  and  preached 
in  the  afternoon  on  Deut.  xxxii:  20.  Not  so  warm  as  it  has  been.  Ther- 
mometer 84°.  Found  less  difficulty  from  my  late  hurt  than  I  feared.  Bap- 
tized a  child.'^  Concluded  not  to  have  any  evening  conference.  Walked 
out. 

3.  Rode  out.  The  thermometer  was  near  90°.  Afternoon  we  had  a  hard 
and  very  refreshing  shower.'    Read.     Visited. 

4.  Walked   and  visited  all  day.     Very  little  attention  is  paid  to  the  cele- 


'  The  noted  work  in  nine  volumes  of  Rev.  mental  irregularities.     He  was  born  in  Ire- 
Laurence  Sterne.     He  was  certainly  one  of  land  (though  not  an  Irishman,  but  an  Eng- 
the  oddest  characters  that  ever  wore  the  title  lishman)  in  17 13,  and  died  in  1768. 
of  Reverend  —  a  man  of  undoubted  and  re-  ^  Owen   Drake   Williams,  son  of  Joseph 
markable  genius,   but  of  great  moral    and  Williams. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  633 

bration  of  Independence.  It  is  cool  since  the  shower  yesterday.  Yesterday 
paid  Horace  Loomis,'  $10.00,  which  with  $25.00  paid  him  before,  amounting 
to  $35.00,  is  for  a  good  silver  tankard  I  have  bought  of  him.  It  belonged  to 
old  Mrs.  Wells  w^hile  she  lived. 

5.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Found  Mr.  Battell  at  Winsted  and  rode  from  there 
with  him.  Find  inconvenience  in  riding  from  my  late  hurt.  My  good  mother 
is  prett}'  well.  Sister  Betsey  is  quite  low  and  declining.  She  can  ride  but 
little.  Mr.  Henry  Sherman,^  lately  dismissed  from  Weston,^  is  preaching 
here.     The  season  is  quite  backward. 

6.  Afternoon  rode  to  Canaan  with  my  sister  Battell  and  returned.  Looked 
at  a  cotton  factory  at  Canaan.     My  brother  Nat  is  now  here. 

7.  Yesterday  my  sister  Battell  received  a  letter  from  brother  Frank.  He 
is  now  preaching  in  New  Hampshire.  Sister  Betsey  came  from  her  home 
to  stay  a  while  at  mother's.  She  has  lately  raised  considerable  blood.  Dined 
with  Mr.  Sherman  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Emerson/  at  New 
Haven,  for  the  church  committee.  I  fear  the  church  here  are  in  a  critical  sit- 
uation. 

8.  Quite  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Received  of  my  brother  Nat,  $10.00. 
At  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  set  out  for  home.  Rode  to  the  east  part  of 
New  Hartford  and  tarried  at  a  tavern.     The  road  quite  wet. 

9.  Rode  early  and  got  home  a  little  after  eight  o'clock,  twenty-three 
miles.  Very  tired.  Very  sultry  hot.  Preached  with  an  old  sermon  on  Acts 
xx\i :  29.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  We  had  a  hard  thunder- 
shower  while  we  were  at  the  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  another  before  sun- 
down. Yesterday  Mr.  Battell  made  me  a  present  of  a  good  volume  of  sermons 
and  also  of  linen  worth  at  least  $10.00.     Very  much  fatigued. 

10.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  rose  to  95°.  Yesterday  it  was  near 
90°.  Read.  Wrote.  Visited.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank  now  in  New 
Hampshire. 

11.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Thermometer  88°.  Vegetation  is  ver>'  rapid. 
Read  Tristram  Shandy.     Paid  for  liquors,  $1.33. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances.'  Very  sultry  hot.  People  are  gen- 
erally haying.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Paid  for  the  binding  my  Washington's 
Life,  $5.63.  People  are  very  eager  for  the  purchase  of  foreign  commodities. 
Visited.     We  have  a  great  dearth  of  foreign  news. 

13.  Mr.  Ralph  Haskell  called  on  me.  He  is  very-  low  and  apparently  de- 
clining.    Wrote.     Went  into  the  water.     The  thermometer  was  at  94°. 

14.  Wrote  all  day  so  far  as  I  could  in  the  heat.     The  thermometer  rose  a 


'  Horace    Loomis  was   a  member  of  Dr.  ^  fhis  was  the  part  of  the  town  of  Weston, 

Robbins's  church,  admitted  in    1S09,  during  once  known  as  the  parish  of  North  Fairfield, 

the  first  year  of  his  ministry.  and  now  Easton.     Connecticut,  in  the  former 

=  Rev.  Henry  Sherman  was  graduated  at  years,,  greatly  abounded  in  parishes,  many  of 

Yale  in  1803.     He  had  his  license  to  preach  which  have  since  been  changed  into  towns, 
renewed   by  the  New  Haven  East   Associa-  *  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.D.,  who  had  been 

tion  in  1812.     He  was  at  Weston  only  from  cently  called  to  the  Norfolk  church. 
1813  to  1S15.  '  Miss  Frances  Wolcott. 


634  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

little  above  96°.     Afternoon  there  was  thunder  and  a  little  rain.     At  evening 
had  a  serious  prayer-meeting. 

15.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Jer.  xiv  :  8.     Wet.     Worked  some. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xiii :  24  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  on  Jer.  xiv :  8.  Sultry  hot.  Thermometer  93°.  After  meeting  we 
had  a  hard  rain.  On  account  of  the  weather  I  appointed  no  conference. 
V/alked  out. 

17.  Read  Ovf en  ^  on  the  Hebrews.  Early  in  the  morning  rode  to  Hartford 
and  back.  Mr.  Huntington,^  of  Middletown,  called  on  me.  At  evening 
walked  out  and  visited. 

18.  Am  quite  unwell.  Took  physic.  My  neck  continues  to  be  quite  sore 
in  consequence  of  my  fall  from  my  horse.  Can  do  very  little.  Read  the 
Sentimental  Journey?     Rode  out.     A  very  fine  time  for  business. 

19.  Am  better  than  I  was  yesterday.  People  are  generally  beginning  har- 
vest. Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  there  Mr.  Battell  and  my  sister.  Sister  Bet- 
sey declines.  We  have  a  poor  prospect  for  our  next  Magazine.*'  Visited. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Received  a  semi-annual  dividend  from  the 
Eagle  Bank,  of  $30.00.     Paid  Mr.  Battell,  $15.00. 

20.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  The  thermometer  at  87°.  At 
evening  my  little  niece,  Sarah  Battel!,  was  brought  here  to  stay  for  a  while 
and  go  to  school.     Mr.  Battell  sent  her  up  from  Hartford.     Visited. 

21.  Wrote  some.  Could  do  but  little  on  account  of  the  heat.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  in  the  afternoon  without  a  very  clear  sun  to  98°.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin.  On  the  19th  wrote  to  Mr.  Robert 
Watkinson,  of  Hartford.     We  had  cucumbers. 

22.  Unable  to  write  on  account  of  the  heat.  Read  Owen  on  the  Hebreivs., 
an  excellent  work.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  The  ther- 
mometer was  a  little  while  at  98°,  but  was  about  94°  a  great  part  of  the 
day. 

23.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Jer.  xiii :  23.  Afternoon 
preached  with  an  old  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  2.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    Thermometer  94°.     Meeting  quite  thin. 

24.  Rode  out.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field  and  carried  dinner.  Visited. 
Thermometer  92°.  The  harvest  is  remarkably  good,  particularly  the  rye. 
We  have  very  hot  nights.  All  last  week  was  a  very  favorable  season  for  get- 
ting in  crops.     The  corn  has  grown  for  three  weeks  past  most  astonishingly. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  We  have  great  difficulty  in  preparing  the  next 
Magazine.  The  heat  extremely  oppressive.  Was  able  to  do  but  very  little  on 
account  of  its  severity.  Dr.  Strong's  thermometer  was  at  100°,  At  evening 
preached  at  the  conference  on  Jer.  xiv :  8.     In  the  afternoon  and  evening  we 


'  Rev.  Henry  Owen  was  a  learned  clergy-  Church,  of  Middletown,  but  left  the  follow- 

man  of  the  Church  of  England.      He   died  ing  year. 
in  1795,  at  the  age  of  eighty.  ^  Sterne's   Sentimental  Jaurtiey  would  be 

^  Rev.  Dan  Huntington,  formerly  of  Litch-  easy  reading  for  an  invalid, 
field,  and  whom  we  have  often  had  occasion  *  The  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine 

to    notice,  was    then    pastor   of    the     First  was  nearing  its  end. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  635 

had  some  rain.     Paid  for  a  pair  of  new  shoes,  $2.00.     Did  not  go  home  in  the 
evening  on  account  of  the  shower. 

26.  Rode  home.  Last  evening  there  was  a  barn  standing  within  a  few 
rods  of  our  meeting-house  struck  with  hghtning  and  consumed  with  valuable 
contents.     Gave  the  man  $5.00.     Rainy  and  wet. 

27.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point.  Visited  Mr.  Huse '  and  others.  People 
are  universally  harvesting.     Tarried  out. 

28.  Visited.  Wrote  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Thermometer  about  93°. 

29.  Wrote.  Read  Owen  on  the  Hebrews.  Afternoon  rode  to  Middletown 
to  preach  for  Mr.  Huntington,  who  is  to  supply  me.  The  heat  very  severe. 
Thermometer  about  92°. 

30.  Mr.  Huntington  is  absent  on  a  visit  to  Hadley.^  Preached  on  Heb. 
xi :  24,  25,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  At  six  o'clock  attended  a  third  service  by  re- 
quest, and  preached  on  Heb.  iii :  17,  18.  This  is  a  large  and  very  respectable 
congregation.  This  town  appears  quite  flourishing.  Visited  Dr.  Miner,'  my 
classmate.     Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 

31.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  J/a^^ism^. 
Rode  home.  Quite  tired.  The  thermometer  yesterday  and  today  I  conclude 
must  have  been  a  little  above  90°. 

I  think  I  have  never  known  a  month  of  such  rapid  and  powerful  vegetation 
as  this  July. 

August. 

1.  Read  Owen  on  the  Hebrews.  Thermometer  95°.  Visited.  Heard 
the  interesting  news  that  the  war  in  Europe  has  commenced  by  a  great  battle 
between  the  French  and  the  allies,  with  the  very  pleasing  information  that  the 
French  are  totally  beaten."     Hindered  by  company. 

2.  We  have  quite  a  change  of  weather  without  any  wet.  The  thermome- 
ter did  not  rise  to  80°.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts.  Afternoon 
worked  till  dark  in  the  meadow. 

3.  Quite  cool.  Looked  over  and  cast  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  ordi- 
nary expenses  for  the  past  year  have  not  been  so  great  as  some  preceding 
years.     I  do  much  less  business  than  I  ought  to.     Worked  some.     Visited. 

4.  Wrote.  Afternoon  worked  at  hay  in  the  meadows.  At  evening 
attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Pretty  thin.  We  are  evidently  growing  very 
stupid. 


"  Rev.   Nathaniel    Huse,   Episcopal  min-  fought    on   the    i8th    of    April,    1S15.     The 

ister.  French  army  consisted  of  over  70,000  men. 

^  He  was  going  to  Hadley,  and  took  East  The  allied  army,  under   Wellington,  during 

"Windsor  on  the  way  for  an  exchange.     Had-  the  early  part  of  the  battle  consisted  of  about 

ley  was  the  town  where  Rev.  Mr.  Huntington,  67,000.     But   in   the   afternoon  Blucher,  the 

who  lived  to  great  age,  spent  all  the  latter  Prussian    general,   brought   in   some    50,000 

portion   of    his    life.     At    Hadley,   his    son,  more,   and   the    French    army   was    routed. 

Bishop  F.  D.  Huntington,  D.  D.,  was  born.  Hardly  any  battle  of  the  world  has  gathered 

3  Thomas  Miner,  M.  D.,  President  of  the  about  itself  a  larger  interest  than  the  battle 

Connecticut  Medical  Society.  of  Waterloo.     It  was  the  end  of  Napoleon 

*  This  was  the  great  battle  of  Waterloo,  as  a  great  military  and  civil  leader. 


636  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^815. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Gen.  xxvii :  38.  Read  Lord  Welling- 
ton's account  of  the  great  battles  in  Flanders  at  the  opening  of  the  war.  1 
think  they  must  have  decided  the  fate  of  Bonaparte.  1  think  it  a  merciful 
interposition  of  heaven.  I  think  Lord  Wellington  must  be  deemed  a  superior 
general  to  Bonaparte. 

6.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  xlii :  10.  Pretty  poorly.  Finished 
and  preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  Quite  cool.  The  thermometer  in  the  evening  was 
down  to  54°. 

7.  Worked  some.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  brother  James,  and  one  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Olds,'  of  Greenfield,  Mass.  Rode  out.  Am  considerably  troubled  with  a 
rheumatism  in  my  shoulder. 

8.  Walked  to  Wapping  and  visited.  The  ground  is  exceeding  dr}'. 
Tarried  at  Wapping.     The  people  here  are  very  much  divided. 

g.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Got  home  late.  The  late  great  action  in 
Flanders  '^  was  very  severe,  and  puts  the  character  of  Lord  Wellington  as  an 
officer  clearly  above  that  of  Bonaparte,  and  shows  the  decided  superiority  of 
English  to  French  troops,^  Infinite  wisdom  has  appointed  that  that  people 
svho  have  invariably  opposed  the  barbarian  Bonaparte  should  finally  become 
his  conqueror.     Good  is  the  Lord. 

10.  \\'rote.  My  garden  has  done  very  well  this  year.  It  now  contains  a 
large  number  of  watermelons.  At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  without 
any  notes  on  i  Chron.  xvii :  25.     The  meeting  not  very  full. 

11.  Through  the  wonders  of  infinite  love  1  have  been  preserved  another 
year  of  my  life.  Began  and  wrote  a  little  on  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iii :  8.  At 
evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  refreshing 
rain.     The  ground  was  exceeding  dry.     Quite  cool. 

12.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  In  the  forenoon  wrote  six 
pages  in  four  hours  and  a  half,  and  after  an  interval  of  two  hours,  did  the 
same  in  the  afternoon.  We  have  the  account  of  the  abdication  of  Bonaparte/ 
and  that  he  is  making  attempts  to  get  to  this  countr)\'  Wonderful  are  the 
events  which  pass  before  our  eyes.     Paid  for  half  a  year  of  my  newspaper, 


'  Rev.  Gamaliel  S.  Olds   was  a  colleague  this  battle  goes  to  prove  these  things.     The 

pastor  with  Rev.  Roger  Newton,  D.  D.,  of  the  battle  hung  in  even  scale    for  a  long   time, 

First   Church   in  Greenfield,  1813-1816.     In  but  the  allies  at  last  were  greatly  superior  in 

the  last-named  year  Dr.  Newton  died,  after  numbers. 

a  ministry  of  fifty-five   years,  and  Mr.  Olds  *  He  abdicated  June  22,  1S15,  four  days 

resigned.     He,   Mr.   Olds,   was   a  native   of  after  the  battle. 

Granville,  Mass.,  was  graduated  at  Williams  ^  In   the   Biography  of  S.    V.   S.    Wilder, 

College,  iSci,  was  for  some  years  tutor  there,  published  by  the  American  Tract  Society,  it 

was  professor  at  University  of  Vermont  and  is  stated  that  Napoleon  had  an  opportunity 

at  Amherst  College,  and  at  last  preached  in  to  come  to  this  countr}',  if  he  would  separate 

Ohio  from  TS41  to  his  death  in  1848.  himself  entirely  from  his  old  companions  in 

^  We  more  commonly  speak  of  this  coun-  arms,  and  come  alone.    But  this,  on  reflection, 

try  as  Belgium,  but  Flanders  made  a   large  he  decided  not   to   do,   and   so  went  to  St. 

part  of  Belgium.  Helena.     We   have  no   occasion  for   regret 

^  It  may  be  doubted  whether  the  result  of  that  he  decided  as  he  did. 


1815.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  637 

$1.00.     And  for  the  postage  of  the  Middletown  paper,  which  has  been  given 
me  for  a  year,  .50, 

13.  Rainy  and  wet.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  of  yesterday,  but  finally  con- 
cluded not  to  preach  it  today.  In  the  forenoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
I  Pet.  i :  8.  Last  night  Ralsaman  Haskell,'  a  ver}'  near  friend  to  me,  living  at 
his  father's  in  the  upper  part  of  Windsor,  drowned  himself  in  Connecticut 
River.  He  has  long  been  in  a  declining  state  of  health,  and  in  extreme  men- 
tal depression.  I  cannot  conclude  he  was  not  a  Christian.  At  evening  visited 
the  afflicted  brother,^  and  had  a  conference. 

14.  Warm  and  showery.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow,^  and  attended  the  funeral 
of  Mr.  Haskell.  Mr.  Rowland  preached.  Mr.  Wolcotf*  had  a  hired  man 
badly  hurt  by  a  fall  in  the  barn.     Visited. 

15.  \Vrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  At  evening  attended  a  small 
religious  meeting  and  baptized  a  child.^  The  parents  are  to  move  from  us 
this  week. 

16.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Read  in  Fuller's  Clnu-ch  History!'  Received  a 
letter  desiring  me  to  attend  an  ordination  at  Coventry.'  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Flint  inviting  the  church  and  me  to  appear  at  the  next  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Consociation.  Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Jerusha  Watson,  of 
Hartford,  requesting  me  to  preach  at  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Hartford 
Female  Beneficent  Society.  It  will  be  quite  inconvenient  for  me.  Worked  at 
my  library. 

17.  Walked  and  visited.  My  garden  does  very  well  in  watermelons.  It  is 
a  fine  year  for  them.     Had  company. 

18.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school. 
Quite  rainy.     Tarried  out.     Had  no  prayer-meeting  on  account  of  the  rain. 

ig.  Yesterday  afternoon  Lieut-Governor  Goodrich*  died  suddenly  at  Hart- 
ford. A  man  more  respected  than  any  other  in  the  State.  Wrote  on  a  piece 
for  the  Magazine.  The  thermometer  at  88°.  It  has  been  nearly  the  same  for 
three  or  four  days  past.  Towards  night  Mr.  Clark,'  lately  dismissed  from 
Chatham,  came  here  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with  me.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  sister  Battell. 

20.     Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  an  old  sermon  on  Luke  xxii :  31,   -^z. 


'  His  full  name,  as  given  in  Stiles's  j^/j^rj  quaint  Thomas   Fuller,    1608-1661,   who,  in 

of  Windsor,  was  Carmaralzaman  (called  Ral-  1655,  published  in  London   The  Church  His- 

zaman  for  short).     He  was  the  youngest  child  tory  of  Britain  from  the  Birth  of  Jesiis  Christ 

of  Jabez  and  Elizabeth  (Bissell)  Haskell,  and  until  the  Year  1648. 
was  born  Sept.  12,  1790.  '  Rev.  Chauncey  Booth,  a  native  of  East 

^  His  brother,  here  referred  to,  was  Eli  B.  Windsor  (north  parish),  was  to  be  settled  in 

Haskell,  of  East  Windsor  Hill,  who  has  been  Coventry, 
often  mentioned  in  the  diary.  *  Hon.  Chauncey  Goodrich,  born  in  Dur- 

'  On   the   west  side   of  the  river,  in  the  ham,  Ct.,  Oct.  20,   1759,  graduated  at  Yale, 

upper  part  of  Windsor.  1776,   prominent   lawyer    in    Hartford,    and 

*  Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott,  where  he  boarded.  holding  many  official  positions. 

^  Erasmus  Adrian,  son  of  Mr.  William  R.  9  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark,  before  spoken  of, 

Phelps.  who  had  been  settled  at  Chatham  (now  Port- 

*  This  was   a  work   of  the   learned   and  land)  from  1812  to  1S15. 


63S  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    B.D.  [iS^S- 

Afternoon  Mr.  Clark  preached  for  me.  Very  warm.  Thermometer  near  90°. 
After  meeting  rode  to  Warehouse  Point  and  preached  in  their  new  church  on 
Heb.  xi:  24,  25.  Returned  in  the  evening.  The  Episcopal  society  there  is 
quite  small.     Mr.  Clark  attended  our  church  conference. 

21.  Finished  and  carried  to  Hartford  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Rode  on 
a  journey  to  Norfolk.  Mrs.  Wolcott  goes  with  me.  Quite  showery.  The 
roads  are  wet.     Got  to  Colebrook  and  tarried  at  my  brother  Ammi's. 

22.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  haying  here  yet  to  be  done.  Rode  to  Norfolk. 
Sister  Betsey  declines  gradually,  but  quite  slow.  Mother  is  quite  well.  Mr. 
Sherman '  continues  to  preach  here.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  in  the 
meeting-house  from  Jer.  xiv :  8.  There  is  considerable  seriousness  here  at 
this  time.     Mr.  McEwen,^  of  New  London,  is  here. 

23.  Spent  considerable  time  with  sister  Betsey.  She  is  at  her  daughter 
Eliza's.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's  with  Mr,  McEvven.  In  the  afternoon  set  out 
for  home  with  Mrs.  Wolcott.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  thirty  cents  and  balanced  his 
book.  Rode  to  New  Hartford  and  tarried  at  a  tavern.  Rode  when  it  was 
quite  dark. 

24.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  Alagazine  business.  Rode 
home.  I  think  Mrs.  Wolcott  is  better  for  her  ride.  The  weather  is  constantly 
wet  and  cloudy.  We  continue  to  have  very  pleasing  news  from  Europe. 
Louis  ^  appears  likely  to  resume  the  French  government. 

25.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid  for  four  bushels  of  oats,  $2.00.  Yester- 
day wrote  to  Mrs.  Jerusha  Watson,  of  Hartford,  accepting  of  their  request  to 
preach  to  the  Female  Beneficent  Society.  Also  wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Also 
received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank,  now  a  missionary  in  New  Hampshire. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

26.  Visited  a  sick  man  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford.  Wrote  on  a 
piece  for  the  Magazine.     Hindered  by  company. 

27.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Eph.  iii :  8  and  preached  with  it  all  day. 
Meeting  quite  full.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Baptized  a  child.* 

28.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Quite 
Avarm.     Hindered  by  company.     Wrote  quite  late. 

29.  Finished  my  Magazine  manuscript  and  carried  it  to  Hartford.  Very 
warm.  Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  J.  Watson,  of  Hartford.  At  evening 
preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  on  Gen.  xxvii :  38.  Received  a  letter  of 
military  orders  for  the  regimental  review  to  be  at  Vernon. 

30.  We  have  news  that  Bonaparte  has  surrendered  himself  to  a  commander 
of  a  British  ship.^  The  heat  very  oppressive,  though  the  thermometer  was  not 
over  86°.     Read.     Visited. 

31.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.     Conversed  with  persons  on  the  subject 


*  Rev.  Henry  Sherman,  before  noticed.  vacate  the  throne  March  20, 1S13,  but  returned 

^  Dr.  Abel  McEwen,  who  married  Sarah,  to  it  July  8th  of  the  same  year, 
daughter  of  Mr.  William  Battell,  of  Torring-  4  Arthur,  son  of  Mr.  Elihu  Wolcott. 

ford,  and  who  was  the  life-long  pastor  of  the  ^  On  the   15th   of  July,    1815,  Napoleon 

first  church  in  New  London,  Ct.  surrendered  to  Captain  Maitland  of  the  Brit- 

'  Louis  XVIII,  who  had  been  obliged  to  ish  ship  Bdlerophon. 


1815.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  639 

of  making  a  profession  of  religion.  Cool.  At  evening  Mr.  Battell  came  here 
and  tarried.  Gave  him  a  note  of  $300.00  for  one  of  same  amount,  which  I 
paid  in  the  bank,  which  lie  has  taken  up. 

September. 

1.  Quite  cool.  Wrote.  Mr.  Battell  went  off  in  the  evening  and  carried 
his  little  daughter  Sarah.  Wrote  a  letter  for  Mr.  Wolcott  to  Mr.  F.  Mills, 
Esq.,  Norfolk.  Wrote.  Hindered  by  company.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting  and  assisted  the  church  committee  in  examining  three  young 
persons  for  our  communion. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  John  v:  7.  It  cost  me  a  good  deal  of  labor. 
We  hear  that  Mr.  Prudden,'  of  Enfield,  is  very  sick.  Wrote  a  letter  to  his 
son.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  and  others  from 
Marietta.  We  have  the  pleasing  news  of  Bonaparte's  arrival  in  England,  as  a 
prisoner  of  war.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  3°  below  the  freezing 
point.     There  was  a  fog  and  no  frost. 

3.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xv :  1-28.  Afternoon  preached 
the  sermon  written  yesterday  on  the  Trinity.  Propounded  three  young  per- 
sons for  the  communion  of  the  church.  The  church  chose  a  delegate  to  attend 
the  proposed  ordination  at  Coventry.  After  meeting  performed  a  marriage.^ 
After  which  rode  to  Enfield.  Mr.  Prudden  is  very  sick.  In  the  evening 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  meeting-house  from  Jer.  xiv :  8.  The  people  feel  a 
great  solicitude  respecting  their  beloved  minister.     Warm.     Much  fatigued. 

4.  I  do  not  much  expect  Mr.  Prudden  will  live.  Tarried  last  night  at 
Maj.  Barron's.  Rode  home.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  a  little  while  at 
a  training.     Visited. 

5.  Rainy  all  day.  Cold ;  had  a  fire  in  my  chamber.  Began  a  sermon  on 
Luke  x :  29  for  the  Beneficent  Society  at  Hartford.     Wrote  considerably. 

6.  Worked  at  my  library.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  The 
Democrats^  are  making  great  exertions  in  the  State  for  the  approaching  Free- 
men's Meeting. 

7.  Worked  at  my  books.  In  the  forenoon  heard  that  Mr.  Prudden  is 
failing,  and  probably  near  death.  Set  off  soon  and  rode  to  Enfield.  Found 
Mr.  Prudden  very  low  and  unable  to  speak.  Concluded  not  to  leave  him  at 
present.  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  he  expired,  leaving  a  confident  hope 
of  his  future  blessedness.  In  the  evening  rode  to  Longmeadow.  Mr.  Storrs  * 
is  on  a  journey  and  not  returned,  though  expected  last  evening  and  this.  The 
family  desired  me  to  preach  at  the  funeral  on  failure  of  Mr.  Storrs.  The 
funeral  must  be  tomorrow.  The  disease  was  typhus  fever  and  highly  putrid. 
Returned  to  Deacon  Pierce's  in  Enfield,   and  after  eleven  o'clock  at  night 


*  Rev.  Nehemiah  Prudden,  settled  in  En-  •♦  Rev.    Richard   Salter   Storrs,   the    first 

field  in  1782.  minister  bearing   that   name,  was  Rev.  Mr. 

2  The  parties  united  were  Mr.  Ralph  Raw-  Prudden's  near  neighbor,  and  was  moreover 

don,  of  Albany,  and  Susan  Arnold.  a  man  of  marked  ability.     It  was,  therefore, 

^  They  make  these  exertions  every  year,  altogether  natural  that  Mr.  Storrs  should  have 

but  do  not  secure  a  very  large  vote  relatively.  preached,  had  he  been  at  home. 


640  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

began  a  sermon  for  the  funeral  on  Rev.  ii :  lo.    Wrote  till  two  o'clock.    Wrote 
home  to  Mr.  Wolcott. 

8.  Rose  early  and  wrote  steadily  till  twelve  o'clock  and  finished  my  ser- 
mon.' It  is  pretty  long  and  all  written.  It  is  written  with  great  marks  of 
haste.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  and  preached.  There  was  a  very 
great  concourse  of  people,  including  nine  ministers.  Quite  warm.  In  the 
evening  rode  home  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  I  pray  that  this  scene  may  be  useful 
to  me,  and  to  many  ministers,  that  we  may  constantly  remember  our  approach- 
ing day  of  account. 

9.  On  the  6th  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Flint,^  and  one  from  Howe,^ 
the  bookseller  in  New  Haven,  accompanied  by  a  valuable  Greek  Lexicon. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Flint.  Afternoon  rode  to  Enfield  to  supply  that  destitute  people. 
Quite  warm.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

10.  Visited  a  man  very  sick  in  consequence  of  taking  saltpetre  by  mistake 
for  salts.  The  heat  severe  and  oppressive.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  from 
Matt,  xi :  30.  Afternoon  from  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  After  meeting  attended  a 
funeral.     Very  much  fatigued  by  my  late  labors. 

11.  Rode  home.  The  heat  very  severe.  The  thermometer  was  a  little 
above  92°.  I  conclude  it  was  a  few  degrees  lower  yesterday.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
North,*  late  a  school-teacher  here,  and  to  my  sister  Battell.  At  evening  we 
had  considerable  rain  with  a  great  deal  of  thunder. 

12.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  Joseph  Bonaparte'  is  said  to  have  arrived  in 
this  country.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school  which  appeared  indiffer- 
ently. Afternoon  visited  a  school  very  well  instructed.  At  evening  we  had  a 
hard  shower,  with  very  severe  thunder. 

13.  In  the  morning  was  called  to  see  a  sick  woman  who  died  while  I  was 
present.^  On  the  nth  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Perkins,^  minister  at 
Amherst.  He  agreed  to  supply  my  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath,  but  failed.  There 
was  no  supply.  Wrote.  Read  in  the  Boston  Unitarian  controversy.  After- 
noon visited  a  school.     Thermometer  82°. 

14.  Read.  Visited  a  school.  The  heat  quite  oppressive.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  to  the  Hartford  Bank,  $4.90,  and  gave  a  new  note  for 
$300.00  for  ninety-five  days.  The  religious  controversy  at  Boston  has  got  into 
the  newspapers.^     I  fear  it  will  do  no  good.     Thermometer  83°. 

15.  Attended  a  funeral.     Last  evening  my  cousin  Eliza  Olmstead '  came 


*  Dr.  Robbins  certainly  did  nobly  in  ex-  1815-1S32,  lived  in  England,  1S32  to  1841, 
erting  himself  so  vigorously  to  meet  a  really  went  to  Italy  in  last-named  year,  and  died 
important  occasion.  there,  1S44. 

*  Dr.  Abel  Flint,  of  Hartford.  ^  Mrs.   Ruhamah   Blakeslee,    of   Torring- 
^  Gen.  Hezekiah  Howe.  ford,  Ct. 

*  Milo  L.  North,  already  mentioned,  who  ^  Rev.  Nathan  Perkins,  pastor  of  Second 
taught  the  academy  at  East  Windsor  Hill,  a  Church  of  Amherst,  settled  there  in  18 10,  a 
graduate  of  Yale,  18 13.     They  were   having  graduate  of  Yale,  1795. 

the   customary   hot  weather    of    early    Sep-  ^  The  controversy  between  the  Unitarians 

tember.  and  the  Orthodox.     For  some  years  it  filled  a 

'  Joseph  Bonaparte,  born  1768,  made  king  large  place  in  newspapers  and  quarterlies, 

of  the  two  Sicilies  1805,  lived  in  this  country,  '  Her  husband  died  some  time  before. 


1815.}  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  64I 

here  to  make  a  short  visit.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ebenezer  Parker,  of  Boston.  Hin- 
dered by  company.  Walked  out.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Quite  thin. 

16.  My  cousin  Eliza  and  her  little  child  went  away  after  making  us  an 
agreeable  visit.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank,  now  as  I  suppose  in  the  district 
of  Maine.  Wrote  and  finished  my  sermon  on  Luke  x :  29  for  the  Hartford 
Beneficent  Society.  Thermometer  83°.  The  heat  is  severe.  Received  from 
my  collector,  $50.00.  Received  the  same  sum,  $50.00,  from  my  brother  Nat, 
sent  by  Mr.  Battell. 

17.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  v:  20.  Received  three  young  per- 
sons into  the  church.  Afternoon  something  rainy.  At  evening  rode  to  Hart- 
ford and  preached  to  the  Female  Beneiicent  Society  on  Luke  x :  29.  Very 
rainy.     The  meeting  was  thin.     Got  a  new  pair  of  boots. 

18.  Left  home  early  on  a  journey  to  New  Hampshire.  Rode  through 
Enfield,  Longmeadow,  Springfield,  South  Hadley,  Hadley,  to  Sunderland. 
Put  up  at  a  tavern.  Slept  at  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor's.'  Rode  fifty  miles.  Quite 
cool. 

19.  Rode  early  through  Montague,  Northfield,  Winchester,  Swanzey,  to 
Keene,  forty  miles.^  Met  with  the  General  Association  of  New  Hampshire.^ 
Mr.  Gillet,'*  of  Branford,  my  colleague,  is  here.  The  Association  appear  well. 
Preached  in  the  evening  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2-28. 

20.  Am  very  kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Watson's.  Lodge  with  Rev.  Mr. 
Fowler,'  of  Windsor,  Vt.,  my  classmate.  The  Association  attend  closely  to 
business,  but  do  it  in  a  very  incorrect  manner.  The  ecclesiastical  regulations 
of  this  State  are  very  deficient.  The  report  of  the  state  of  religion  represented 
it  pretty  low,  but  rather  encouraging.  Heard  the  report  of  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Bible  Society.  That  does  well  and  does  good.  At  evening  heard  a 
good  sermon  from  Dr.  Burton,^  of  Thetford,  Vt. 

21.  The  General  Association  concluded  their  business  in  the  morning. 
Heard  the  annual  report  of  the  New  Hampshire  Missionary  Society.  Their 
efforts  are  very  laudable  and  useful.  Heard  a  missionary  sermon.  At  even- 
ing Mr.  Gillet  preached.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  prayer-meeting.  This 
town  is  very  pleasant.  The  people  appear  very  well.  We  have  had  very 
pleasant  weather  this  week.  Have  found  a  number  of  people  with  whom  I 
had  been  partially  acquainted. 

22.  There  was  a  little  frost  in  this  quarter  in  the  mornings  of  the  19th  and 
20th.  In  the  forenoon  set  out  for  home.  Rode  to  Winchester,  fifteen  miles. 
It  began  to  rain  and  continued  through  the  day.     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Read. 


'  Rev.   James   Taylor,  a  native  of  West-  ciation  of  Connecticut  to  that  of  New  Hamp- 

field,  Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Williams  College,  shire,  meeting  this  year  at  Keene. 
1S04,  pastor  at  Sunderland  from  1807  to  his  *  Rev.  Timothy  Phelps  Gillet. 

death,  1831.  '  Rev.  Bancroft  Fowler,  his  classmate  at 

^  The  three  last-named  towns  were  in  New  Yale,   afterwards   professor  at  Bangor  Sem- 

Hampshire.     The  village  of  Keene  lies  in  the  inary. 
beautiful  Ashuelot  valley.  *  Dr.   Asa    Burton,  father  of    the    Taste 

^  He  is  a  delegate  from  the  General  Asso-  Scheme. 


642  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1815- 

23.  The  rain  continued  through  the  last  night  and  till  noon.  For  the  most 
of  the  forenoon  it  was  exceeding  violent.  About  one  o'clock  set  out  on  my 
journey,  crossed  the  river  at  Northfield,  and  rode  to  Deerfield.  Tarried  at  a 
tavern.  All  the  streams  are  very  high.  The  roads  are  much  injured ;  a  great 
many  bridges  are  carried  away.  In  the  forenoon  wrote  to  my  brother  Frank, 
who  continues  a  missionary  in  the  lower  part  of  New  Hampshire.  My  horse 
travels  exceeding  well. 

24.  Having  calculated  to  spend  this  Sabbath  at  Northampton  and  hav- 
ing a  difficulty  in  staying  at  Deerfield,  I  conclude  to  ride.  Rode  to  Northamp- 
ton by  nine  o'clock.  Kindly  entertained  at  Judge  Lyman's.*  Very  difficult 
getting  along  in  some  places  on  account  of  the  ravages  of  the  water.  In  the 
forenoon  heard  Mr.  Abbott,""  a  young  minister  of  Salem,  preach  for  Mr.  Will- 
iams. In  the  afternoon  I  preached  from  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  The  congregation 
was  very  large.  This  meeting-house  was  very  large  and  elegant.  In  the  even- 
ing preached  in  the  meeting-house  by  desire  without  notes  on  Num.  x :  29. 
The  meeting  was  full.  Dined  with  most  of  the  members  of  the  Supreme  Court. 
They  are  pretty  far  from  religion,  to  appearance.  Connecticut  River  rises 
very  rapidly. 

25.  Walked  out.  Called  on  some  acquaintance.  There  is  some  religious 
attention  in  this  town.  Judge  Lyman  is  very  pleasantly  situated  here.  After 
dinner  rode  to  Westfield.  The  storm  I  think  must  have  been  more  severe 
here  than  at  the  northward.  This  town  has  sustained  great  injury.  Tarried 
at  Mr.  Knapp's.^ 

26.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  met  with  our  Consociation.  We  took  a  par- 
ticular notice  of  the  late  death  of  Mr.  Prudden.  In  the  evening  rode  home. 
I  have  had  a  very  pleasant  and  prosperous  journey,  through  the  special  bless- 
ing of  God.  Got  home  late.  I  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  the  Consocia- 
tion. Warm  and  pleasant.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  Battell  and  one 
from  brother  Frank. 

27.  Am  much  fatigued  with  my  late  labors.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  attended 
a  regimental  review  as  chaplain.  The  regiment  performed  very  well.  Con- 
necticut River  was  higher  on  Monday,  by  several  feet,  than  it  has  been  this 
year.     We  hear  of  great  damage  of  many  kinds  done  by  the  late  storm. 

28.  This  morning  there  was  a  frost.  The  first  that  has  been  here  to  injure 
vegetation.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford.  We  have  done  nothing  yet  for  the 
next  Magazine.  Paid  an  instalment  of  $187.50  to  the  Phoenix  Bank.  Re- 
ceived at  the  bank  a  dividend  of  $30.00.  Put  in  a  note  of  $90.00  for  ninety- 
five  days,  and  received  $88.53.  Paid  for  my  boots,  $9.50.  At  evening 
preached  at  Dr.  Strong's  conference  on  Matt,  xxvi :  35.  Much  oppressed  by 
my  late  fatigues. 


'  Judge  Joseph   Lyman,  before    noticed,  ^  Rev.  John  Emery  Abbott,  native  of  Ex- 

who  was  a  member  of  the  Hartford  Conven-  eter,  N.  H.,  graduate   of  Bowdoin   College, 

tion,  and  whose  second  wife  was  a  daughter  1810,  pastor  of  North  Church,  Salem,  1S15,  to 

of  Lieutenant-Governor   E.   H.   Robbins,  of  his  death,  1S19,  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven. 
Milton,  Mass.  3  Rgy,  jgaac  Knapp. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  643 

29.  Visited  a  young  man  very  sick  with  bleeding  of  the  lungs.  Read. 
Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Jude  xxi.  Towards 
evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here  from  New  Hampshire.  I  think  he  has 
been  useful  as  a  missionary  in  those  old  decaying  places.  Attended  our  even- 
ing prayer-meeting.     Visited  sick  persons. 

30.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazine.  My  brother  concludes  to  tarry  with 
me  over  the  Sabbath.  Am  very  poorly  qualified  for  writing  on  account  of  my 
late  fatigues.  Wrote  late.  It  appears  that  Bonaparte  is  sent  to  the  island  of 
St.  Helena.'     He  will  probably  disturb  the  world  no  more. 

October. 

1.  My  brother  preached  all  day.  I  never  heard  him  before.  He  per- 
formed very  well,  and  very  acceptable  to  the  people.  I  trust  he  will  make  a 
useful  man.  Administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  day  was  very  pleasant, 
and  the  church  unusually  full.  I  hope  we  still  have  some  tokens  of  the  divine 
presence  with  us.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Wrote.  Quite  late 
finished  my  piece  for  the  Magazine. 

2.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  My  brother  went  off  for  Westfield  and  Nor- 
folk. Visited  a  sick  man.  I  have  now  the  first  opportunity  for  relaxation  for 
about  three  weeks.     Paid  a  merchant  at  Hartford,  $11.96.     Read. 

3.  Read  a  Boston  Socinian  pamphlet.  I  do  but  little.  Warm.  Received 
a,  letter  of  thanks  from  the  Female  Beneficent  Society,  of  Hartford,  for  my  late 
sennon.     Wrote. 

4.  Walked  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  Visited  a  school.  We  have 
continued  accounts  of  the  destruction  of  the  late  storm.  I  think  it  must  have 
been  greater  than  any  one  in  New  England  for  a  long  period. 

5.  Visited.  The  season  very  fine.  There  is  a  prospect  of  a  great  crop 
of  corn.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  performed  a  marriage.^  Rode 
to  Hartford.  Society  prospects  at  East  Hartford  are  more  favorable.  Paid 
for  a  pair  of  bracelets  for  Ursula,  $3.00.  At  evening  by  an  accident  I  broke 
my  thermometer.     I  feel  it  to  be  quite  a  misfortune.^ 

6.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child."*  Visited 
the  sick.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Battell,  informing  me  that  my  sister  ^  is  much  worse  and  will  not  probably  live 
but  a  short  time.     I  believe  I  shall  go  to  Norfolk  next  Monday.     Warm. 

7.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Mark  viii :  34.  At  evening  received  a  letter  from 
my  sister  Battell  informing  me  of  the  painful  fact  that  my  sister  Grant  *  is 
dead.  She  died  last  evening  at  eight  o'clock.  The  Lord  abundantly  sanctify 
this  breach  to  those  of  us  who  by  his  mercy  still  survive.     Brother  Frank  was 


'  Napoleon   Bonaparte  was   taken  to  the  Hartford,  and  Dr.  Robbins  was  called  upon 

isle  of  St.  Helena  in  the  summer  of  181 5,  and  for  marriages  and  funerals, 
died  there,  May  5,  1821.  ^  Thermometers   were   more   costly   then 

~  Mr.  Marvin   Curtiss,    of  Coventry,  was  than  now. 
united  in  marriage  with  Huldah  Bidwell,  of  ^  Child  of  Mr.  Alexander  Gaylord. 

East  Hartford.     Since  the  dismission  of  Dr.  5  His  sister  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Grant. 

Yates,  no  minister  had  been  settled  at  East  ''  Formerly  Mrs.  Grove  Lawrence. 


644  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

with  her  from  Thursday  noon  till  her  death.     The  Lord  make  me  more  humble 
and  watchful. 

8.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Hos.  xii :  2,  in  the  after- 
noon on  Mark  viii :  34.  Rainy.  After  meeting  went  with  a  considerable  part 
of  the  church  and  many  others  to  Mr.  Roswell  Elmer's  and  received  his  son, 
Pitkin  Elmer,  sinking  under  a  most  threatening  disease,  to  the  communion  of 
the  church.  After  which  we  celebrated  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
The  young  man  appears  very  well.  My  cousin  Robert  Oilman '  came  here 
from  Philadelphia  and  spent  the  most  of  the  day.  At  evening  set  out  on  a 
journey  to  Norfolk.  Cousin  Robert  rode  with  me.  At  Hartford  had  a  pleas- 
ant visit  with  Mrs.  Oilman,^  his  grandmother.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  and 
tarried  at  a  tavern.     Very  dark. 

9.  Rode  early.  Got  to  Norfolk  at  twelve  o'clock.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  my  dear  sister.  As  there  was  no  minister  requested  to  attend  the  funeral, 
I  preached  by  desire  of  the  family  on  Gen.  xxvii :  38.  The  family  are  all 
present  but  brother  Nat  and  five  of  Betsey's  children.  Mr.  Grant  appears 
very  well.  He  has  one  child  left  him  by  my  sister.  The  funeral  was  large. 
Mr.  Gaylord,'  the  candidate,  assisted  in  the  public  exercise. 

10.  There  is  considerable  awakening  here,  and  also  in  several  of  the 
neighboring  towns.  At  evening  rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town,  attended  a 
conference,  and  preached  without  any  notes  on  Eph.  iii :  8.  The  people  here 
find  much  difficulty  in  procuring  Mr.  Emerson  for  their  minister.*  He  cannot 
be  released  from  college.     Traded  considerably. 

11.  Received  of  my  brother  Samuel,  $2.71,  which,  with  the  horse  I  now 
have,  estimated  at  $75.00,  and  the  interest  since  I  took  him,  $5.62,  makes 
$83.33  on  twenty-five  pounds,  and  one  half  of  the  pecuniary  legacy  left  me 
by  my  father.  Left  mother  after  noon  and  rode  home  in  eight  and  one  quarter 
hours.  Warm.  Yesterday  morning  there  was  considerable  frost  at  Norfolk. 
The  crop  of  corn  generally  is  very  good. 

12.  Quite  warm.  Wrote.  Visited.  Am  much  fatigued  with  my  late 
labors.  Read.  On  Tuesday  my  brother  James  gave  me  a  valuable  volume, 
Newcombe's  Greek  Harrtwny  of  the  Gospels.^ 

13.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
People  have  a  remarkably  fine  season  for  gathering  corn,  of  which  there  is  a 
good  crop.     We  have  had  as  yet  but  very  little  frost. 


"  Benjamin  I.  Oilman,  before  noticed,  mar-  *  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord. 

ried  Hannah  Robbins,  daughter  of  Dr.  Chand-  '•Their   patience  at  last  was  to  have  its 

ler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth.     By  this  marriage  reward.     Mr.  Ralph  Emerson,  then  tutor  at 

Mr.  Oilman  became  a  (so-called)  first  cousin  Yale  College,  had  to  stay  out  the  customary 

of  Mr  Robbins.     Robert  Oilman,  the  young  two  years  before  he  could  be  released.     As 

man  visiting  him,  was  a  son  of  B.  I.  Oilman,  soon  as  he  had  fulfilled  the  duties  of  that  office 

of  Marietta,  Ohio,  and   therefore   a   second  he  was  ready  for  settlement  at  Norfolk, 
cousin  of  Mr.  Robbins.  s  Rgy,    William   Newcombe,   Archbishop 

^  Mrs.  Oilman,  his  grandmother,  was  Ben-  of  Armagh.     He  wrote  much,  and  one  of  his 

jamin  I.  Oilman's  mother,  whom  we  have  not  works  was  A  Harmony  of  the  Gospels.     He 

before  met  in  this  diary.  died  in  1800. 


l8l5-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  645 

14.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Dan.  ii :  34.  Wrote  it  in  seven  and  one-half 
successive  hours.  I  have  but  little  occasion  for  fire.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Taylor,  of  Enfield,  now  a  representative  at  New  Haven. 

15.  Last  Sabbath  mentioned  my  case  for  prayers  on  account  of  the  death 
of  my  sister.  Am  something  troubled  with  a  rheumatism  in  my  shoulder. 
In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xv:  29  to  xvi :  5.  Afternoon  preached  on 
Dan.  ii :  34.  Meeting  quite  full.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Very 
tired. 

16.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  At  evening  attended  the  meeting  of 
our  Moral  Society. 

17.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Magazhie.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  A 
committee  man  from  Enfield  desired  me  that  he  might  preach  with  them  a 
Sabbath.'     Wrote  late. 

i8.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  fifty  gallon  wine- 
cask  for  cider,  $2.50.     Warm  and  very  pleasant. 

19.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  and  returned.  There  appears  some  prospect  of 
their  settling  a  minister  there.  Preparing  to  make  an  application  to  the  Legis- 
lature for  Newgate  Prison. 

20.  Wrote  a  petition  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Assembly  in  behalf  of 
Newgate.     Read.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

21.  On  the  i8th  wrote  to  Mr.  McLean,  of  Simsbury.  Much  hindered  by 
company.  Read  Clarke  ^  on  the  Trinity.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank.  Visited 
sick  persons. 

22.  Sent  a  suit  of  clothes  to  a  man  in  mourning.  Preached  all  day  with  an 
old  sermon  on  Matt,  xi :  5.  After  meeting  attended  the  funeral  of  a  young 
child. ^  Visited  a  sick  woman  apparently  near  the  close  of  life.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.     Very  tired. 

23.  Set  out  with  Frances  on  a  journey  to  New  Haven  and  Stamford.  Rode 
to  New  Haven.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  In  the  evening  heard  a  part  of  a  ser- 
mon from  Dr.  Porter,"  of  Andover.  Called  on  some  of  the  representatives. 
Paid  for  a  whip,  $1.33. 

24.  Last  night  Frances  became  quite  unwell  about  two  o'clock  in  the  night, 
and  called  on  me  and  I  was  up  with  her  till  morning.  She  then  lay  down  and 
slept.  After  breakfast  she  thought  she  could  ride  and  we  set  out  on  our  jour- 
ney. Quite  cold  and  windy.  We  rode  three  miles,  and  Frances  was  obliged 
to  stop.     She  was  unable  to  ride,  and  in  much  pain.     We  were  very  kindly 


'  This  was   the   first  step  toward  a  long  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Clarke,  D.  D.,  an  eminent 

ministry.     Rev.  Francis   Le   Baron  Robbins  doctrinal  and  metaphysical  writer.     He  was 

was   minister   at  Enfield   from    18 16  to   his  born  in  Norwich,  England,  in  1675,  and  died 

death  in  1850.     When  the  writer  of  this  note  in    1729.     One   of    his   works   was  entitled, 

was  a  boy  living  in  the  north  parish  of  East  The  Scripture  Doctrine  of  the  Trinity. 

Windsor,  Dr.  Thomas  Robbins,  of  the  south  ^  A  child  of  Mr.  Horace  Bissell. 

parish,  and  Rev.  Francis  Robbins  were  the  *  Dr.   Ebenezer   Porter,   who  went  from 

two   ministers   with   whom    his  pastor,  Rev.  Washington,  Ct.,  to  be  Professor  of  Sacred 

Shubael    Bartlett,   used   most  frequently   to  Rhetoric,  in  1812.     From  1S27  to  his  death  in 

exchange.  1834  he  was  President  of  Andover  Seminary. 


6461  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^IS- 

entertained  by  a  good  family,  a  private  house,  Mr.  Jolinson,  in  the  western 
part  of  New  Haven.  Left  Frances  and  returned  to  New  Haven,  hoping  to  do 
my  business  at  the  Assembly.  Went  into  a  public  hearing.  Heard  a  part  of 
the  argument  for  the  Episcopal  petition.  In  about  an  hour  after  I  got  into 
town  I  was  sent  for,  Frances  being  much  worse.  A  physician  went  out  to 
see  her.  She  was  in  great  distress,  but  after  a  while  grew  easy.  Staid  at  Mr. 
Johnson's  afternoon  and  night. 

25.  Frances  appears  much  better  through  divine  favor.  Ver^'  cold.  Rode 
into  New  Haven  in  the  morning.  Had  my  petition  for  Newgate  read  before 
the  House  of  Representatives.  Was  admitted  before  the  House  and  spoke  in 
support  of  tl'ke  petition.  The  House  was  soon  called  to  other  business.  Left 
town,  rode  to  Mr.  Johnson's,  and  about  noon  went  on  our  journey.  Frances 
was  feeble,  but  bore  riding  very  well.  Rode  to  the  west  part  of  Fairfield, 
Saugatuck.  Tarried  at  a  tavern.  The  roads  very  good.  Gave  Mr.  Johnson, 
who  made  no  charge,  $2.00. 

26.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Stamford.  A  very  hard  frost.  Vegetation  has 
scarcely  been  injured  here  by  the  frost  before  now.  Kindly  received  at  Mr. 
Wood's.  Visited  Rev.  Mr.  Smith.'  Mr,  Wood  has  been  to  New  Connecticut, 
and  has  got  something  of  the  fever  and  ague. 

27.  In  the  morning  left  Frances  at  Stamford  and  rode  to  New  Haven, 
forty  miles  in  about  eight  hours.  A  very  strong  west  wind.  The  great  mar- 
ket of  New  York  makes  this  part  of  the  State, flourishing.  Kindly  treated  by 
the  representatives.  Our  petition  was  not  granted  in  full.  The  Assembly 
made  a  grant  for  the  support  of  a  chaplain  at  Newgate  for  the  ensuing  year, 
but  were  not  willing  to  make  it  permanent.^  The  influenza  prevails  ver)-  much 
in  New  Haven,  and  from  here  to  New  York. 

28.  Paid  the  physician  who  visited  Frances,  $1.50.  Paid  for  two  pounds 
of  spermaceti  candles,  $1.16.  Took  breakfast  at  College  Hall  with  Mr.  Tutor 
Emerson.^  Rode  home  in  less  than  six  hours.  Mr.  Haskell*  rode  up  with 
me  and  paid  my  road  expenses.  A  woman  has  died  here  in  my  absence,  and 
was  buried  today .^  My  brother  Frank  has  been  here  this  week,  has  been  to 
Saybrook  and  returned,  and  is  now  gone  to  Enfield  to  preach  tomorrow,  for 
Dr.  Perkins,  who  was  to  supply  them.  Have  something  of  a  cold.  My  brother 
attended  the  funeral  this  afternoon. 

29.  In  the  morning  rode  and  walked  to  Windsor  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Rowland.  Crossed  the  river  alone.  Cold.  Preached  on  Jer.  xiv :  8,  and  i 
John  v:  7.  Mr.  Rowland  was  at  East  Windsor.  At  evening  returned.  My 
brother  came  here  from  Enfield.  I  conclude  he  was  well  liked  there.  I  am 
quite  hoarse. 


'  Rev.  Daniel  Smith,  pastor  of  the  First  now  calls  by  his  title  of  Tutor.  His  tutor- 
Church  in  Stamford  from  1793  to  his  death  ship  began  in  1814  and  could  not  end  till 
in  1846.  1816. 

^  Very  narrow  policy,  but  no  more  narrow  "  Mr.    Harris  Haskell,  who  was  engaged 

than  that  of  keeping  the  prison  under  ground  to  Miss  Frances  Wolcott,  and  was  married 

at  East  Granby.  to  her  later. 

^  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  whom  Dr.  Robbins  ^  ^j^g.  Eleanor  Stoughton. 


1815.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  647 

30.  An  Enfield  committee  man  called  here  and  desired  my  brother  to 
preach  with  them  after  their  supplies  shall  be  completed.  He  concludes  to  go 
if  he  can  be  released  from  the  missionary  service  at  the  eastward.  I  wrote  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Pearson,'  of  Andover,  requesting  his  release.^  In  the  afternoon  my 
brother  went  on  his  journey  to  New  Hampshire.     Had  company. 

31.  In  the  morning  with  Dr.  McClure  examined  a  school-master  for  Wap- 
ping.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Quite  unwell  with  the  influenza ;  in  the  afternoon 
it  came  on  very  severe.  Took  medicine.  Had  some  books  elegantly  bound. 
Paid  for  a  number  of  Clarke's  Commentary,  $1.50.     Visited  a  sick  man. 

November. 

1.  After  a  copious  perspiration  last  night,  I  am  much  better  of  my  influ- 
enza. Quite  feeble.  Kept  very  much  confined.  Very  warm  and  pleasant. 
Towards  evening  Mr.  Charles  Goodrich,^  a  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried. 
He  was  very  unwell  with  the  influenza.     Can  do  but  little. 

2.  Mr.  Goodrich  appears  better,  and  went  away.  Read.  Warm  and  very 
dr}'.  We  have  had  very  pleasant  weather,  and  almost  no  rain  since  the  great 
storm.  I  have  now  written  fourteen  days  of  diary  ;  more  in  quantity  if  not 
in  time  than  I  ever  wrote  before  at  once.  I  usually  Avrite  twice  in  a  week.  I 
kept  minutes  of  my  expenses  on  my  journey.  On  the  30th  ult.  I  received  of 
my  brother  Frank,  $40.00,  which  I  am  to  pay  him,  when  he  calls,  with  interest. 
Of  this,  $35.00  was  in  specie . paper,*  for  which  I  got  next  day  in  Hartford, 
$39.20,  making  $44.20  which  I  owe  him.  On  the  28th  ult.  there  was  a  pretty 
hard  snow-squall,  the  first  snow  we  have  had  this  fall.  I  am  quite  feeble.  At 
evening  walked  out. 

3.  Walked  and  visited.  Quite  warm  for  the  season.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.  There  is  a  great  crop  of  corn,  and  people  have  had  a 
very  fine  season  for  the  ingathering. 

4.  Very  much  hindered  by  company.  Visited  a  sick  man,  very  low. 
Began  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi  •  n.  Wrote  but  little.  Mr.  Wilbur,^  a  candi- 
date, called  here.  I  let  him  have  my  horse  to  ride  to  Turkey  Hills.  At  even- 
ing a  Mr.  Clarke,*  a  young  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  sister  Battell.  The  revival  very  much  increases  there.  Divine 
power  is  signally  manifest.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ebenezer  Parker,  of 
Boston.     Much  hindered  from  study.     Visited  a  sick  man. 

5.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  an  old  sermon  on  Mark  i :  40.  In  the  after- 
noon Mr.  Clarke  preached  for  me=  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Mr. 
Clarke  is  a  promising  man. 


'  Rev.  Eliphalet  Pearson,  D.  D.,  LL.  D,  late  in  life.     He  lived  to  great  age,  not  dying 

^  The  way  vi^as  preparing  for  his  brother  imtil  187 1,  at  the  age  of  ninety-three, 
to  go  to  Enfield.  "*  On  which   there  was  a   handsome  pre- 

^  Mr.  Goodrich  was  a  native  of  Pittsfield,  mium  of  twelve  per  cent, 
and  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1797.  He  studied  ^  Mr.  Harvey  Wilbur,  graduated  at  Dart- 
theology  with  Dr.  Alvan  Hyde,  of  Lee  (who  mouth  College  in  1812.  He  did  not  settle  in 
instructed  many  theological  students),  but  the  ministry  in  Connecticut, 
owing  to  the  condition  of  his  father's  family,  *  The  name  Clarke  (or  Clark)  is  common, 
he  did  not  really  enter  upon  the  regular  and  we  have  not  the  data  for  determining  who 
duties   of  his  chosen  profession   until   quite  this  man  was. 


648  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

6.  The  influenza  has  become  generally  prevalent.  Mr.  Flint '  and  Mr. 
Wilbur  ^  were  here.  Taken  up  the  most  of  the  day.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Mr.  Flint  read  to  me  a  good  sermon  prepared  for  the  next  election. 

7.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  and  attended  a  church  meeting  which  gave  a 
unanimous  call  to  Mr.  Wilbur.'  The  prospects  of  his  settling  here  are  not, 
however,  the  most  favorable.     Quite  cold. 

8.  Rode  home.  A  very  hard  frost  this  morning.  Found  Mr.  Wilbur 
here,  who  is  very  anxious  on  the  subject  of  his  settlement.  I  am  very  doubt- 
ful what  would  be  best.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Rejoice  Newton,*  of 
Worcester,  informing  me  that  I  have  lately  been  elected  a  member  of  the 
American  Antiquarian  Society.'  I  esteem  it  a  particular  favor.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Paid  for  two  half  volumes  of  Encydopcedia,  $3.00.  For  a  silk 
handkerchief,  $2.00.     Goods  are  very  high.     The  ground  very  dry. 

9.  Wrote.  Read  Encydopcedia.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Flint,  of 
Hartford.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Rejoice  Newton,  of  Worcester.     Visited. 

ID.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
It  was  thin  and  languid.  May  God  remember  us  in  the  greatness  of  his 
mercy. 

11.  Wrote  all  day  on  a  sermon  begun  last  Saturday  on  i  Cor.  vi :  11,  and 
finished  it.  Wrote  fifteen  pages.  Wrote  eight  by  candle-light  and  finished  at 
one  o'clock  at  night.     Cold.     Our  newspapers  grow  very  barren. 

12.  Preached  all  day  with  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  Had  a  contribution  to  pay  for  the  expenses  of  the 
conferences.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Evarts,^  of  Boston,  and  one  from 
my  sister  Battell. 

13.  Very  cold.  It  was  quite  cold  yesterday,  and  is  increasing.  The 
ground  is  something  frozen.  Read  the  long  militia  law  of  the  State.  Worked 
considerably.  At  evening  rode  to  Scantick  with  Ursula,  made  a  visit  at  Israel 
Allen's,'  and  returned. 

14.  Last  night  it  froze  very  hard.  I  am  fearful  my  trees  are  injured.  The 
frost  penetrated  the  summer-house.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell,  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Harrison,  of  Roxbury,*  and  to  Mr.  Flint,  of  Hartford.  Visited  Pitkin  Elmer.' 
He  died  while  I  was  present.  He  has  been  some  time  in  a  decline,  but  died 
very  suddenly. 

15.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  am  much  complained  of  for  not  visit- 
ins;.     Tarried  out. 


'  Abel  Flint,  D.  D.,  of  Hartford.  ^  Jeremiah  Evarts,  Secretary  of  American 

^  Rev.  Harvey  Wilbur.  Board,  and  father   of    William   M.   Evarts, 

^  As   already  stated,   he   did    not    settle  United  States  Senator  from  New  York.  From 

there.  181 2  to  1820  he  had  been  Treasurer. 

*  Rejoice  Newton,  Esq.,  was  one  of  the  ^  One  of  the  large  farmers  of  East  Wind- 
honored,  trusted  citizens  of  Worcester  many  sor,  living  about  a  mile  east  of  Scantic  meet- 
years  after  this.     He  was  a  graduate  of  Dart-  ing-house. 

mouth  College  in   1807,  and  died  in  1868,  at  ^  Rev.  Fosdic  Harrison,  of  Roxbury,  Ct., 

the  age  of  eighty-five.  pastor  there,  1813-1S35. 

*  This  was  a  high  honor  for  Dr.  Robbins.  «  Roger  Pitkin  Elmer. 


l8l5.1  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  649 

16.  It  rained  without  intermission  all  day.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Pitkin 
Elmer.     Read. 

17.  Read  Campbell  on  the  Gospels.  Worked  some.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin.     Visited. 

18.  My  tropical  trees  had  water  frozen  on  them,  but  I  believe  they  are  not 
materially  injured.  Worked  some.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Flint.  Paid  for  books,  $3.75.  Had  Hopkins's  System  and  Edwards's 
Works  rebound. 

19.  Mr.  Flint  rode  to  East  Windsor.  Wrote  to  Frances  Wolcott  now  at 
Stamford.  Rainy  all  day.  Preached  both  parts  of  the  day  on  Sanctification, 
from  I  Cor.  vi :  11.  Last  evening  preached  at  Mr.  Flint's  conference  house 
on  Gen.  xxxii :  26.  After  meeting  Mr.  Flint  came  home,  and  at  dusk  I  rode 
to  East  Windsor.  Attended  a  conference  in  our  south  school-house.  The 
roads  are  very  wet. 

20.  Worked  considerably.  Taken  up  with  company.  Read  Campbell  on 
the  Gospels. 

21.  Worked  driving  team  for  a  scraper  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  Camp- 
bell.    Warm. 

22.  Wrote  a  summary  of  my  late  sermon  on  Justification  for  the  Magazine. 
Wrote.     The  society  at  East  Hartford  is  in  an  unpleasant  and  critical  situation. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  in  preparing  the  next  Magazine^  At 
evening  preached  at  Mr.  Strong's  conference  on  i  Kings  xix :  9.  A  pretty 
stupid  time  here  respecting  divine  things.     Returned. 

24.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  and 
attended  a  funeral.^  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  influenza 
quite  prevalent  among  us.'  On  the  27th  and  28th  of  October  there  were  some 
snow-squalls,  but  I  have  not  seen  a  flake  of  snow  in  November. 

25.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Adoption  on  Gal.  iv :  5.  Wrote  late.  Hindered 
by  company  and  avocations. 

26.  Cold.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday,  which  I  extended  to 
two.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  tired, 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Windsor.  Paid  for  wine,  $2.33.  Paid  a 
clothier  for  dressing  cloth,  .85.     Visited.     Last  evening  visited  a  sick  man. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.     Rainy.     Read. 

29.  Wrote  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving  on  Rom,  viii :  32.  Visited  a  sick 
man.  Much  interrupted  in  my  studies.  Finished  my  sermon  after  twelve 
o'clock  at  night.     Warm.     Have  something  of  the  headache. 

30.  Thanksgiving.  Wet  and  rainy.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yester- 
day. Not  very  good.  Meeting  quite  thin.  At  evening  rode  to  the  Hill.  I 
never  had  greater  cause  of  humble  thankfulness  than  now.  Have  the  great- 
est reason  to  complain  of  my  ingratitude. 


'The   Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine  ^  Perhaps  the  signs  were  already  beginning 

was  about  to  close  its  existence.  to  appear  of  that  sickly  year  which  was  to 

^  Mr.  Robbins  was  not,  as  a  rule,  accus-  iollow.     The  year  iS  16,  in  which  was  the  cold 

tomed   to   record   the  funerals  which  he  at-  summer,  as  it  was  called,  was  one  of  the  dark 

tended  out  of  his  own  parish.  years  of  New  England. 


650  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1815. 

Dbcbmbbr. 

1.  Manured  my  asparagus  beds.  Last  night  it  became  severe  cold.  The 
ground  freezes  hard.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Read  Encydopmiia.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

2.  Did  but  little.  Walked  out.  Worked  some.  Received  a  letter  from 
Gen.  Griswold,  of  East  Hartford.  Their  ecclesiastical  matters  are  in  a 
very  unpleasant  state.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Tutor  Emerson  '  at  Yale  College. 

3.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Heb.  xi :  17.  Quite  cold.  At  evening 
attended  our  conference.  We  are  all  very  stupid.  May  God  remember  us  in 
his  great  mercy. 

4.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  first  Monday  monthly  prayer-meet- 
ing, in  conformity  with  the  recommendation  of  our  Consociation,  a  meas- 
ure which  is  very  extensively  adopted  through  the  Christian  world,  to  pray 
in  concert  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  on  the  earth.^  Our 
meeting  was  full  and  solemn. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  lining  of  my  greenhouse,  $1.56.  At 
evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here  from  Enfield.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  sister.  The  work  of  God's  grace  continues  at  Norfolk  with  divine  power. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  Mr.  E.  P.  Prudden,^ 
of  Enfield,  requesting  me  to  prepare  my  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  his  father 
for  publication.     Severe  cold. 

6.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Visited  their  two  schools.  At  evening  preached 
at  a  private  house  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  xliii :  5.  The  Baptist  interest  here 
appears  to  be  going  down. 

7.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Worked  at  my  greenhouse.  Rainy.  I  spend 
much  of  my  time  to  little  profit. 

8.  On  the  5th  wrote  to  my  sister.  Quite  cold.  In  the  forenoon  instructed 
Mr.  Tudor's  "•  school.  Afternoon  rode  out  and  visited.  Last  night  there  was  a 
little  snow,  the  first  we  have  had. 

9.  Visited  a  family  in  mourning.  Afternoon  rode  to  Berlin  to  exchange 
with  Mr.  Skinner.'     Severe  cold. 

10.  Preached  on  Jer.  xiv  :  8,  and  i  John  v:  7.  Meeting  quite  shorten 
account  of  the  cold.     Mr.  Skinner  preached  for  me. 

11.  Rode  home.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Clarke,  of  Northampton,  and  one  from  Mr.  Birge,  clerk  to  Mr.  Battell. 
Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mr.  Hayes,  of  the  north  part  of  East 
Hartford.  He  was  buried  here.  Visited.  On  the  5th  received  a  very  valu- 
able sermon  *  of  Dr.  Pearson,^  of  Andover,  sent  by  him. 

12.  Wrote  to  my  sister.     Preached  at  the  funeral  yesterday  with  old  notes 


*  Ralph  Emerson,  already  noticed.  *  Mr.  Oliver  Tudor. 

*  This    was     the     establishment    of    the  ^  Rev.  Newton  Skinner. 

monthly  concert  in  that   church.      In  some  *  Dr.  Robbins  is,  as  we  have  seen,  on  the 

churches  it  had  originated  earlier.     It  after-  lookout   for   valuable     pamphlets,   old    and 

ward  changed  to  Sunday  night.  new.     His  collection   of   pamphlets   at   last 

3  Ephraim  Pease  Prudden,  a  graduate  of  was  very  large. 
Yale  in  181 1.  ^  Rev.  Eliphalet  Pearson,  LL.  D. 


1815.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  65 1 

on  Ps.  xliii :  5.  It  snowed  some.  Visited  a  school.  Received  a  letter  from 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Harrison,'  of  Roxbury.  Received  of  my  collector,  $319.61. 
Paid  Mr.  Wolcott  on  my  boarding  bill,  $61.36.  Paid  a  blacksmith,  $1.25.  For 
four  bushels  of  oats,  $2.00.     Our  society  matters  appear  pretty  well. 

13.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Hindered  by  company.  Visited  a  school. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  J.  Evarts,^  of  Charlestown.     Visited. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Renewed  my  note  at  the  Hartford  Bank,  and  paid 
$34.41.  Received  a  dividend  of  $7.43.  Gave  a  note  of  $270.00  to  be  paid 
March  28th.  Paid  for  leather  .for  boots  for  Ursula,  $1.00.  The  society  in 
East  Hartford  in  a  critical  state.  Visited  a  school.  Paid  for  cleaning  my 
clock,  $1.00.     Visited  a  sick  child. 

15.  Visited  a  woman  very  sick.  Very  fine  traveling.  Visited  a  school. 
Wrote  to  Frances. 

16.  Avery  valuable  woman ^  in  the  place  died  last  night.  Quite  rainy. 
Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  v :  12. 

17.  Warm.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Attended  a  very 
affecting  funeral  of  the  woman  lately  deceased.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  On  the  19th  received  a  valuable  pair  of  silk  stockings,  a  present 
from_  Pitkin  Elmer,*  lately  deceased.     Read. 

18.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  man  very  sick.  Visited  other  sick 
persons.     Cold  and  blustering.     Read. 

19.  Set  out  early  and  rode  to  Norfolk.  It  thaws  some.  Bought  at  Hart- 
ford a  ticket  in  the  Washington  Bridge  Lottery,^  for  which  I  paid  $5.00. 
Found  friends  well.  The  revival  of  religion  here  is  great  and  powerful. 
Many  of  the  subjects  are  men  in  middle  life. 

20.  In  the  morning  attended  a  prayer-meeting  at  the  school-house,  which 
is  stated,  every  morning  at  seven  o'clock,  and  well  attended.  Afternoon 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  meeting-house,  with  a  written  sermon,  on  i  Kings 
xix:  9.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  the  centre  school-house.  Meet- 
ings full  and  solemn.  My  brother  Samuel  is  deeply  distressed.  My  niece, 
Eliza  Olmstead,  has  a  hope.  My  niece,  Sally  Lawrence,  has  lately  united  with 
the  church.     A  Mr.  Giddings,^  a  candidate,  has  lately  been  preaching  here. 

21.  Severe  cold.  Visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mr.  Balcom,  and 
preached  with  notes  on  Ps.  xliii :  5.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  the 
south  end  school-house.  After  which  assisted  Mr.  Battell '  in  performing  a 
marriage.     Very  tired. 

22.  Visited  persons  that  are  serious.     Afternoon  and  evening  assisted  the 


'  Rev.  Fosdic  Harrison.  about  the  revival  of  religion,  then  prevailing 

^  Jeremiah  Evarts,  Secretary  of  American  in  Norfolk. 
Board,  1821-1831.  ^  Rev.   Salmon   Giddings,   a  graduate  of 

^  Mrs.  Anna  Mills,  fifty-one.  Williams  College  in  181 1.     He  was  a  native 

*  Roger  Pitkin  Elmer.  of  Hartland,  Ct.,  and  went  West  as  a  mis- 

5  As  to  what  seems  right  and  wrong,  a  sionary. 
great  deal  depends  upon  the  times  in  which  ^  Mr.   Joseph   Battell  was  a  local  magis- 

we  live.     To  buy  a  ticket  in  a  lottery  did  not  trate  authorized   to   perform    the    marriage 

seem  to  unfit  him  to  offer  his  hearty  testimony  ceremony. 


652  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iS^S' 

church  committee  in  examining  ten  persons  for  their  communion.  The 
candidates  appeared  ver>'  well.  A  great  number  of  people  attended.  Paid 
Mr.  Battel],  $10.00. 

23.  Visited  and  catechised  the  centre  school.  Rode  out  and  visited 
serious  persons.  At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting  at  the  centre  school- 
house.     Warm. 

24.  Last  night  a  hard  rain.  It  rained  some  in  the  forenoon.  Preached 
written  sermons  on  Jer.  1:  5,  and  Rom.  ii :  16.  Meetings  very  full  and 
solemn.  Received  six  men  and  three  won^n  into  the  church.  Two  were 
baptized.  At  evening  preached  in  the  meeting-house  without  any  notes  on 
Gen.  xxxii :  26.     Very  much  fatigued. 

25.  Attended  the  morning  prayer-meeting.  Left  Norfolk  and  rode  home. 
The  roads  verj'  rough.  There  is  no  snow.  Last  Monday  received  a  letter  for 
the  church  from  the  church  in  East  Hartford  requesting  our  assistance  in  the 
proposed  installation  of  Mr.  Clark.'  The  church  chose  a  delegate  yesterday. 
There  was  no  meeting  in  the  afternoon.     Dr.  McClure  did  not  attend. 

26.  Yesterday  morning  Mr.  Bartlett'^  made  me  a  present  of  some  fine 
cotton  shirting  for  two  shirts.  Quite  cold.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  met 
with  the  council  called  for  the  installation  of  Mr.  Clark.  Was  appointed 
scribe  of  the  council.  A  paper  was  presented  to  the  council  to  prevent  his 
settlement,  signed  by  seventy  names.  About  one  third  of  the  members  and 
property  of  the  society.  The  council  had  a  secret  and  interesting  discussion. 
All  were  of  opinion  that  it  would  not  do  to  proceed  to  installation. 

27.  Had  to  do  a  good  deal  of  writing.  In  the  morning  Mr.  Clark 
informed  the  council  that,  on  account  of  the  opposition  which  appeared  unex- 
pectedly, he  wished  to  withdraw,  and  did  withdraw  his  answer  of  acceptance 
of  the  call.  The  council  then  soon  came  to  their  result,  and  dissolved  about 
noon.  This  society  are  in  a  very  precarious  situation.  Visited  a  sick  man 
near  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers,^  came  here 
and  tarried.     My  brother  Frank  has  engaged  to  continue  longer  at  Enfield. 

28.  Read  the  most  of  Secretary  Dallas's  "•  long  and  good  report.  Wrote. 
Worked  some.  Paid  my  seventh  instalment  to  the  Phcenix  Bank  of  $187.50. 
Paid  to  the  same,  $90.00,  and  took  up  a  note  I  had  there  of  that  amount. 
During  my  absence  last  week,  my  collector  left  with  Mr.  Wolcott  for  me, 
$81.82,  and  a  note  of  $58.82,  and  took  up  my  society  order  for  my  last  salar}^ 
Paid  a  tailor,  $11.82.  Our  society  meeting  was  on  Monday  of  this  week;  the 
concerns  of  the  society  appear  very  favorably. 

29.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 
Settled  accounts  with  Mr.  Wolcott.     Paid  him  on  my  boarding  bill,  $10.00. 


'  This  was  probably  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark,  *  Hon.  Alexander  J.  Dallas,  who,  after  a 

who  had  been  dismissed  from  Portland  the  very  honorable  public  career  in  Pennsylvania, 

year  before,  and  was  settled  the  summer  fol-  was  called  to  Washington  in  October,  1S14, 

lowing  in  East  Granby.  to  be  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  which  then, 

^  Rev.    Shubael    Bartlett    of    the    north  owing  to  the  War  of  18 12,  was  in  a  wretched 

parish.                                      •  condition,  but  which  he  brought  at  length  into 

*  Rev.  William  L.  Strong.  a  much  better  state. 


1815.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  653 

Gave  him  a  note  of  $76.00,  part  of  which  was  for  borrowed  money.  I  gave 
him  two  dollars  a  week  for  board,  50  cents  a  week  in  the  summer  and  75  in 
the  winter  for  my  horse.  The  amount  is  $132.00,  my  horse  not  having  been 
here  the  whole  time. 

30.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix  :  59.     It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day. 

31.  It  snowed  considerably.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  Meeting  very 
thin.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xvi :  5  to  21.  Afternoon  preached 
on  Ps.  cxix  :  59.  Wrote.  I  thank  God  for  the  great  mercies  of  another  year. 
I  beseech  him  to  pardon  all  my  iniquities,  and  make  me  wholly  his  forever. 


isie. 

January. 

1.  May  God  enable  me  to  begin  this  year  with  him,  and  to  devote  all  my 
time  to  his  service.  Rode  to  the  Hill  and  dined  with  the  civil  authority,  etc, 
at  the  January  meeting.'  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting ; 
quite  full.  Visited.  Very  good  sleighing.  Began  to  write  off  my  sermon  at 
the  funeral  of  Mr.  Prudden,  for  publication. 

2.  Wrote  all  day.  Sleighs  run  very  much.  I  feel  the  want  of  my 
thermometer. 

3.  Wrote.  Finished  the  copy  of  my  funeral  sermon.  Visited.  Severe 
cold. 

4.  In  the  morning  r^de  to  Ellington.  Extreme  cold.  Good  sleighing. 
Sat  with  a  ministers'  meeting.  My  brother  Frank  here.  Had  to  ride  to 
Somers  in  the  afternoon  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Warren's'^  wearing  away  my 
surtout  by  mistake.  Rode  from  thence  to  Enfield.  Tarried  with  my  brother. 
The  people  here,  so  far  as  I  can  perceive,  appear  to  be  much  pleased  with 
his  preaching.  This  society  is  quite  large,  much  more  so  than  I  have 
supposed. 

5.  Rode  home.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old 
notes  on  i  Pet.  iv :  17.  Meeting  very  thin.  Cold  and  tedious.  Visited. 
Read  Wardlaw  on  SodniaJiism^     An  excellent  work. 

6.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  ix  :  4.  Paid 
for  my  newspaper,  half  a  year,  $1.00.  Received  the  first  number  of  the 
Recorder,  a  religious  newspaper*  published  at  Boston,  for  which  I  have  sub- 
scribed.    Paid  for  this  almanac. 

7.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke  vii:  42.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  The  church  rather  thin.  A  pleasant  day,  but  cold. 
Very  good  sleighing.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  on  John  ix :  4.  The  meet- 
ing quite  solemn.  We  have  had  sixteen  deaths  in  the  past  year,  eleven  of 
whom  were  adults.     At  evening  attended  the  conference  ;  quite  full. 


'  The   town  officers  seem  to  have  had  a  of  Somers,  who  was  invited  to  ride  out  with 

custom   of  taking   dinner  together   on  New  him. 

Year's.     But  in  those  days  it  was  doubtless  ^  Dr.  Raljjh  Wardlaw,  of  Dulkeith,  Scot- 
done  at   their   own   expense,  and  was    not  land,   had   published  a  book  entitled    Dis- 
charged  to  the  town.     Officials  did  not  then  courses  upon  the  Socinian  Controversy. 
eat  and  drink  out  of  the  public  treasury.                     *■  That  marks  the  beginning  of  the  Boston 

-  Who  this  Mr.  Warren  was  does  not  ap-  Recorder^   which   is   claimed   to  be   the  first 

pear.     There  was  no  such  settled  minister  in  religious   newspaper  in   the   country.      The 

Somers  at  that  time,  and  none  apparently  in  paper  in  various  forms  has  continued  till  the 

Connecticut.      It  may  have  been  some  minis-  present  time,  and  now  makes  a  part  of  the 

ter  from  a  distance  visiting  Rev.  Mr.  Strong,  Congregationalist  of  Boston. 

655 


656  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

8.  Severe  cold.  Read.  Visited  sick  persons  and  others.  Wrote  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Pearson,  of  Andover,  Mass. 

9.  Extreme  cold.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Ursula'  goes  with  me.  Very 
good  sleigliing.  It  is  said  to  be  good  to  New  York.  Tarried  at  a  tavern. 
Wrote  to  Frances,''  still  at  Stamford. 

10.  Received  a  dividend  at  the  Eagle  Bank  of  $30.00.  Paid  Gen.  Howe 
for  books,  $9.30.     Rode  home  through  Middletown.     The  road  very  good. 

11.  Wrote.  Had  company.  Severe  cold.  Attended  a  funeral  in  the 
hither  part  of  East  Hartford.     Visited.     Read. 

12.  It  snowed  hard  the  most  of  the  day.  Very  tedious.  Read  Wardlaw. 
Prepared  this  almanac.     Visited  a  sick  man. 

13.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  viii :  9.  I  write  slow  and  with  very  little 
feeling. 

14.  Severe  cold  through  the  day.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday. 
I  am  ashamed  that  I  could  write  so  poorly  on  that  text.  At  noon  attended 
the  funeral  of  an  infant.^  The  public  exercises  were  very  short.  Had  no 
conference.     At  evening  visited.     The  snow  pretty  deep. 

15.  A  dancing-school  has  been  set  up  here.  I  think  it  will  not  excite  much 
attention.  Visited.  At  evening  had  a  lecture  at  the  academy.  Preached, 
wholly  extempore,  from  Isa.  xlv  :  5,  first  clause.     Extreme  cold. 

16.  Rode  to  Colchester.  Carried  Tudor,*  Mr.  Wolcott's  son,  to  attend  the 
academy.*     Very  good  sleighing.     It  snowed  some.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

17.  Yesterday  the  weather  grew  moderate  all  day,  and  at  evening  it  began 
to  rain.  Rainy  all  day ;  in  the  afternoon  very  violent.  A  great  part  of  the 
snow  went  off.  Got  Tudor  to  board  in  a  good  house.  Did  not  attempt  to 
travel.     Mr.  Sherman,  the  preceptor  here,  is  a  very  excellent  man. 

18.  Left  Tudor  and  rode  home.  The  road  is  bare  a  great  part  of  the  way. 
I  believe  I  walked  nearly  one  half  of  the  way  to  Glastonbur}^  Warm.  The 
streams  quite  high.  Mr.  Brace,^  of  Newington,  came  here  and  tarried.  He  is 
on  a  circuit  soliciting  aid  for  the  Bible  Society.  Their  funds  are  very  low. 
Received  a  letter  from  brother  Frank,  and  one  from  Mr.  Battell.  The  snow 
is  about  as  much  gone  at  Norfolk  as  it  is  here. 

19.  Visited  an  afflicted  family.  An  aged  woman,  one  of  our  best  folks, 
died  yesterday.'  Read  newspapers.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meet- 
ing.    Quite  thin.     Bad  going.     The  sleighing  mostly  gone.     Read. 

20.  Visited  a  man  very  sick.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Bancroft.  I 
fear  we  shall  be  visited  with  sickness.     Several  persons  have  fevers.*     Wrote. 

21.  Pleasant   weather.      The  sleighing   mostly   gone.      In   the    forenoon 


*  Miss   Ursula  Wolcott  was   then   about  ^  Bacon  Academy,  one  of  the  prominent 
twenty  years  old.  educational    institutions  of  Connecticut,  en- 

-  Miss  Frances  Wolcott  had  remained  at  dowed  by  Mr.  Pierpont  Bacon,  of  Colchester, 

Stamford  ever  since  that  unfortunate  journey  is  now  in  active  operation, 
when  she  was  taken  sick.     She  was  then  not  *  Rev.  Joab  Brace,  D.  D. 

far  from  twenty-two  years  old.  ^  Mrs.  Sarah  Bancroft,  seventy-six. 

'  A  child  of  Mr.  Thomas  Anderson.  *  The  year  opened  as  it  continued,  a  year 

*  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott.  of  great  sickness  and  death. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  657 

expounded  on  Matt,  xvi :  21  toxvii:  10.  The  Transfiguration  was  very  inter- 
esting and  solemn.  Afternoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Luke  xvi:  31. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference  ;  quite  thin.  It  is  a  time  of  darkness 
and  discouragement  with  us.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battel!  and  to  Mr.  Ebenezer 
Cowles,  of  Colebrook. 

22.  Visited  a  young  man  very  sick,  and  several  sick  persons.  I  think  I 
have  never  known  so  many  sick  people  here  at  one  time.  Visited  a  school  at 
Long  Hill,     A  Mr.  Phelps,*  a  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried. 

23.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  yesterday  morning.'^  Visited. 
Quite  warm.     Paid  for  a  book,  $3.00. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  very  wet.  There  appears  to  be  a  poor 
prospect  of  the  re-establishment  of  the  Magazine.  Made  a  purchase  of 
Patrick  and  Lowth's  valuable  Commentary,^  of  which  I  have  had  the  use  for  sev- 
eral years  from  the  family  of  Judge  Ellsworth.  Paid  for  a  penknife,  $1.87. 
One  that  I  have  used  steadily  eight  years  is  worn  out.  Paid  to  the  New  York 
Tract  Society  on  becoming  a  member,  $1.00. 

25.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  Filed  my  letters  of  last  year. 
Visited. 

26.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  all  day.  Cold  and  tedious,  but  the  ground 
is  quite  bare.     Read  the  Bible. 

27.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Frances.  At 
evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  to  make  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Clarke.  He 
supplies  there  by  exchanges.     Quite  cold. 

28.  Mr.  Clarke  went  to  East  Windsor.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on 
Matt,  xvi:  17,  Afternoon  preached  on  i  John  v:  7.  The  acrimony  of  party 
in  this  society  appears  to  be  subsiding.  At  evening  rode  home.  Visited  a 
sick  woman.     Paid  $1.50  for  a  book. 

29.  Visited  the  sick  all  day.  Baptized  a  sick  child.  Last  evening  an  old 
man  died  in  this  place, "*  This  evening  a  woman'  and  a  child*  have  died,  so 
that  three  persons  now  lie  dead.  Such  an  event  as  none  remember  to  have 
known  here  before.  It  is  a  time  of  great  solemnity  and  alarm.  Several 
others  appear  to  be  dangerously  sick.  At  evening  we  had  a  meeting  for 
prayer  in  view  of  the  divine  visitations.     Tarried  out. 

30.  Severe  cold.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  a  funeral.  Am  much 
fatigued.     We  have  no  sleighing. 

31.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Visited  the  sick.  Made  a  purchase 
of  Lardner's  Woj-ksJ     I  am  exceedingly  glad  to  procure  a  work  so  rare  and 


'  This  was  probably  Dr.  EHakim  Phelps,  *  Mr.  Jonathan  Ring,  sixty-seven. 

father   of  Dr.    Austin    Phelps,   of  Andover.  *  Widow  Eliza  Verstile,  fifty-three. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach,  Oct.  4,  1815,  by  *"  Child  of  Mrs.  Docia  Goodell. 

the  Windham  Association,  Connecticut.  ^  It  will  be  recollected  that  Dr.  Robbins 

*  Mr.  Luther  Goodell,  forty-six.  read  these  works  of  Dr.  Nathaniel  Lardner 

^  The    combined    work    of    Rev.    Simon  years   before,   and    commented  freely,  from 

Patrick,  a  learned  English  divine,  and  Bishop  time   to  time,  upon  their  great  merits   and 

Robert  Lowth.  great  defects. 


658  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

valuable.     They   were   procured   in   England   by  the  late  Judge  Ellsworth.' 
At  bed-time  was  called  to  see  a  sick  woman.     Tarried  out. 

Fkbruaby. 

1.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  a  funeral.^  Read.  People  appear 
affected  and  solemn  at  the  divine  visitations  which  we  feel.  Wrote  to  Frances. 
Am  much  fatigued  by  my  constant  labors. 

2.  Cold.  Very  good  traveling,  but  no  snow.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended 
the  funeral  of  a  child. ^  Was  so  much  fatigued  did  not  attend  our  usual 
prayer-meeting.  Was  considerably  unwell  in  the  evening.  A  valuable  family 
removed  from  us  for  New  Connecticut.  On  the  22d  ult.  received  a  letter 
from  Rev.  Mr.  Storrs,  of  Longmeadow. 

3.  Warm  for  the  season.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  S.  Clarke, 
of  Northampton.  Am  considerably  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  side.  Wrote 
notes  for  preaching. 

4.  Am  so  unwell  as  to  speak  with  difficulty.  Preached  with  old  notes  on 
Amos  iv  :  11.  And  with  the  notes  written  last  evening  on  Job  xiii :  15.  Did 
not  feel  able  to  attend  an  evening  conference.     Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank. 

5.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  My 
brother  came  down  from  Enfield  and  performed  the  funeral  service.  After 
which  he  returned.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Am 
sensibly  better  than  I  was  yesterday. 

6.  Visited  the  sick.  There  are  some  new  cases  very  bad.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Hartford  and  met  with  our  Association.  There  was  no  very  important 
business.  Returned  late  in  the  evening  on  account  of  our  sick  people.  Slept 
at  Capt.  Bissell's.''     Mrs.  HaskelP  very  low. 

7.  Visited  the  sick.  Read  Gov.  Wolcott's  Poetical  Meditations!'  I  think 
our  government  has  a  prospect  of  trouble  with  Spain. 

8.  Very  cold.  An  aged  woman  and  one  in  middle  life  died  with  the 
prevailing  epidemic ; '  sick  about  four  days.  Visited  Mrs.  Haskell  twice. 
Visited  others.     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Frances  at  Stamford. 

9.  The  cold  very  severe.  Attended  the  funeral  of  two  women  who  died 
yesterday.  Both  corpses  were  carried  into  the  meeting-house,  and  we  had 
a  solemn  exercise.  A  similar  occasion  is  not  remembered  here.  At  evening 
rode  to  the  Hill,  and  at  ten  o'clock  my  good  friend,  Mrs.  Haskell,  died.'  I 
have  seldom  been  so  much  distressed  at  the  loss  of  any  friend.     The  connec- 


'  Judge   Oliver   Ellsworth,   of  whom   we  Captain  Bissell.     They  lived  near  each  other 

have  frequently  spoken.    Dr.  Robbins  bought  in   two   of  the  most  pleasant  houses  in  the 

this  set  probably  from  Mrs.  Ellsworth.  parish.     These  houses  are  still  standing,  and 

^  This  was  the  funeral  of  a  child  a  year  retain  their  old  look  of  dignity. 
and  a  half  old.  ^  jhese  were   the  Poetical  Meditations  of 

3  Edward  T.  Charlton,  two  and  a   half  Gov.    Roger    Wolcott,    published  in    1725. 

years.  This  was  not  all  the  poetry  that  Gov.  Wol- 

*  Captain    Aaron   Bissell,   East  Windsor  cott  wrote. 
Hill.  7  ^jj-s.   Elizabeth  Reed,   eighty-one ;   and 

^  Mrs.   Haskell,  wife   of  Mr.  E.  B.  Has-  Mrs.  Betsey  Loomis,  forty-four, 
kell,  was,  as  will  be  remembered,  daughter  of  *  Mrs.  Sophia  Haskell,  thirty. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  659 

tions  are  exceedingly  distressed.      May  God  make  them  wise  to  salvation. 
Tarried  at  Mr.  Haskell's. 

10.  Very  cold,  and  the  top  of  the  ground  dry  and  dusty.  Spent  much  of 
the  day  with  the  afflicted.  Read  the  Bible.  I  hope  the  severity  of  the  pesti- 
lence is  abating.     Wrote. 

11.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xvii :  10,  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Hab.  iii :  17-18.  Meetings  quite  full.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  Read  the  last  sermon  in  Dr.  Strong's  two 
volumes.'  We  have  now  read  the  whole  of  them  in  course.  They  have  been 
very  well  received.  Many  remark  that  they  never  saw  so  many  mourners  rise 
in  our  meeting-house  on  one  Sabbath  as  today. 

12.  In  the  forenoon  rainy.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Has- 
kell. A  great  many  people  attended.  The  scene  was  very  affecting.  At 
evening  rode  to  Hartford.     Paid  for  candles,  $1.33.     The  roads  quite  wet. 

13.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  the  most  of  the  day.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Parsons,  of  Enfield,  informing  me  that  the  people  there  gave  brother 
Frank  a  call  yesterday.  Votes  one  hundred  and  ten  to  twenty-one.  I  am 
sorry  for  this  minority.^  I  fear  some  of  our  sick  are  growing  worse.  At 
evening  Frances  returned  from  Stamford. 

14.  Extreme  cold.  Spent  the  day  at  home,  and  in  my  study.  I  have  not 
had  a  day  before  for  a  long  time.     Wrote.     Read  Smith's  ^  System  of  Divinity. 

15.  The  cold  very  severe.  The  ground  seems  like  a  rock.  Visited  the 
sick.  At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  with  notes  on  Ps.  xliii  15.  I 
hope  our  epidemic  is  abating,  though  a  few  are  very  sick. 

16.  The  cold  abates.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Visited  the  sick. 
A  young  woman  died  this  morning.*  I  think  she  has  got  religion  in  her  sick- 
ness.    She  has  long  been  in  deep  concern  about  divine  things.     Very  tired. 

17.  Visited  the  sick  and  convalescing.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of 
the  young  woman  deceased  yesterday.  It  snowed  considerably.  I  have  no 
time  for  study.  This  afternoon  Mr.  Everest,'  an  attorney,  has  died.  He  has 
been  sick  three  months.  The  others  generally  have  died  in  a  few  days. 
Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

18.  Quite  rainy.  Meetings  very  thin.  Preached  all  day  with  old  notes  on 
Lukexix:  42.     Read  the  Bible.     Visited.     Had  no  conference. 

19.  In  the  forenoon  it  rained  hard.  The  ground  is  almost  covered  with 
water.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Everest.  Visited  a  woman  in  a 
dying  state.     Wrote. 

20.  A  worthy  woman  ^  died   this  morning.     Read   in   the   History  of  the 


'  Dr.  Nathan   Strong,  of  Hartford,   pub-  ^  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  D.  D.,  profes- 

lished  two  volumes    of    sermons    preached  sor  in   Princeton  College.     He  published  a 

1798-1S00.  Systetn  of  Ai^atural  and  Revealed  Religion  in 

^  It  was  a  drawback  to  his  brother's  call  1S16.     The  book  was  just  out.    Dr.  Smith  had 

that  there  should  be  this  opposing  vote.     But  a  good  reputation  as  a  thinker  and  writer, 

no  such  trouble  came  from  it  as  to  prevent  a  *  Miss  Hannah  Grant,  twenty-two. 

life-long  ministry.     He  stayed  with  his  peo-  *  Mr.  Sherman  Everest,  forty-one. 

pie  till  he  died  in  1850.  '  Mrs.  Lucina  Reed,  fifty-five. 


66o  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1816. 

Council  of  Trent.  Hindered  with  company.  At  evening  my  brother  and  Maj. 
Parsons  came  here  from  Enfield  and  tarried.  The  prospects  there  are  favor- 
able.    Warm  and  very  wet. 

21.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Reed.  Visited  the  sick.  Our  epidemic 
grows  more  alarming.  I  think  I  took  some  cold.  I  cannot  keep  my  feet  dry. 
At  evening  was  quite  unwell.     Rainy. 

22.  Am  a  little  better  than  last  evening,  but  quite  feeble.  Last  evening 
an  aged  woman  died.'  Visited  the  sick.  It  snowed  last  night,  and  is  now 
warm.  I  think  I  never  saw  our  street  so  wet.  Towards  night  rode  to  Hartford 
and  attended  a  book  auction.  Bought  some.  The  riding  very  bad.  Received 
a  good  letter  from  my  sister,  and  one  from  Mr.  Bates,^  of  Westfield. 

23.  Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Enfield.  Am  troubled  with  a  pain  at  my  side. 
Attended  a  funeral.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  in  the  school-house  near 
me  with  old  notes  on  Ezek.  ix:  4.  Am  quite  feeble.  Hindered  by  company. 
A  Mr.  Brooks  and  a  Miss  Clarke  came  here  from  Haddam  and  were  married.^ 
My  friends  at  Wapping  brought  me  four  good  loads  of  wood.  I  had  got 
nearly  out.     Our  epidemic  is  very  fatal  with  old  people. 

24.  Was  called  early  to  see  a  sick  woman.  She  died  in  a  little  while  after 
I  left  her.*  She  was  a  valuable  member  of  the  church.  Visited  the  sick. 
The  most  of  them  appear  to  be  convalescing.  Very  bad  riding.  Have  very 
little  time  for  study.  The  people  appear  quite  sensible  of  my  labors.  Read 
the  Bible. 

25.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Luke  iv  :  27.  Afternoon 
an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :  25.  Four  cases  of  mourners  and  two  of  sick  were 
mentioned  in  the  forenoon  for  prayers,  and  one  of  sick  in  the  afternoon. 
Attended  a  funeral.     At  evening  walked  out.     The  ground  very  wet. 

26.  Worked  some.  Warm  and  pleasant.  The  ground  begins  to  dry. 
Visited  the  sick.      Our  epidemic  appears  to  be  abating.     At  evening  visited. 

27.  Read  Hudibras.  Am  much  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  side.  After 
noon  visited  a  school. 

28.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  wagon.  The  roads  dr^'  some, 
but  are  still  bad.  Paid  for  books  which  I  lately  purchased  at  auction,  $5.04. 
For  a  hamper  of  bottles  and  thirteen  dozen  of  corks,  $14.04.  The  gross  of 
bottles  was  $12.50.  Paid  a  merchant,  $1.41.  Reckoned  with  Gleason  an 
account  of  five  years.  I  received  from  him  $120.00  for  my  editorial  reviews 
for  the  Magazine,  for  the  last  two  years.  This  sum  I  paid  him  in  account.  A 
small  part  of  this  is  for  stationery,  but  it  is  principally  for  books.  I  have 
received  $1.50  of  Sophia  Tudor  for  the  numbers  of  a  last  year's  Magazine 
which  was  in  Gleason's  account.     Read  in  the  evening  in   Telemachus. 

29.  An  aged  woman  died  yesterday.*  Visited  a  woman  very  low.  Yester- 
day received  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $40.00  on  the  note  which  I  hold  against  the 


'  Widow  Experience  Loomis,  seventy-six.  years  before,  when  he  was  preaching  in  their 

"  Mr.  Bates,  a  lawyer  in  Westfield.  vicinity. 

^  Mr.   Daniel    Brooks    and    Miss   Lydia  *  Lavinia  Praan,  twenty-eight. 

Clarke.    They  probably  knew  Mr.  Robbins  *  Widow  Priscilla  Loomis,  seventy-four. 


I 


l8l6.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  66 1 

society  collector.  Worked  at  my  library.  At  evening  rode  to  the  Hill.  Had 
appointed  a  meeting  at  the  academy,  but  it  was  so  rainy  that  we  had  none. 
Visited  the  sick. 

March. 

1.  A  woman'  died  last  evening  in  middle  life,  from  perfect  health,  in 
about  six  days.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Mrs.  Loomis.  Visited  the 
sick.  Wrote  to  Capt.  Clarke,  of  Turkey  Hills.  Visited.  Tarried  at  Mr. 
Haskell's.     The  pain  in  my  side  is  quite  troublesome. 

2.  Visited  the  sick.  Rainy.  My  brother  Frank  came  here.  Ke  has 
been  this  week  at  Norfolk.  Attended  a  funeral.  My  brother  made  but 
a  short  stay.  The  ground  is  very  wet;  the  frost  comes  out  fast.  Wrote. 
Read  Commentaries. 

3.  Rainy.  Thin  meeting.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xviii : 
1-5.  Afternoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  John  viii :  24.  Had  no  con- 
ference.    At  evening  visited. 

4.  The  pain  in  my  side  continues.  Quite  wet.  Visited  the  sick.  At 
evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Pretty  thin  on  account  of  the 
weather. 

5.  Wrote  to  my  sister.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
An  aged  man^  died  yesterday. 

6.  Read  the  History  of  the  Council  of  Trent?  Mr.  Amasa  Loomis,  from 
Colchester,  called  on  me.  Attended  a  funeral.  Visited.  Received  my 
hamper  of  bottles  from  Hartford,  and  filled  them  with  cider.  There  was  one 
wanting  and  two  broken. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  are  considerably  dried.  Put  a  note  of 
$400.00  in  the  Phoenix  Bank,  and  received  $393.47.  The  note  was  dated 
March  6,  for  ninety-five  days.  Received  a  dividend  of  the  Bank  of  $45.00. 
Paid  an  instalment  of  $187.50,  which  completes  the  sum  of  fifteen  shares. 
Paid  Mr.  William  Ellsworth,"*  for  Patrick  and  Lowth's  Co?nmentary,  $24.00. 
Allowed  him  $1.00  in  addition,  in  consideration  of  having  had  the  use  of  the 
work  for  several  years.  Paid  a  merchant,  $5.00.  Visited  the  sick.  An  elderly 
man'  died  this  afternoon,  taken  sick  last  Saturday  night. 

8.  This  morning  an  elderly  man  ^  died.  Our  epidemic  has  been  princi- 
pally with  women,  but  now  seems  to  be  falling  upon  men.  Quite  cold.  Last 
night  it  snowed  some.     Paid  Maj.  Martin  Ellsworth,^  for  Lardner's    Works,. 


'  Mrs.  Theodosia  Tudor,  thirty-six.  ♦  This   was   the   Hon.    William  W.  Ells- 
^  Mr.  Nathan  Higley,  seventy-nine.  worth,  a  distinguished  lawyer,  and  one  of  the 
^  The  Council  of  Trent,  so  named  because  noble  governors  of  Connecticut.     Chief-Jus- 
it  first  came  together  at  Trent,  a  city  of  the  tice   Oliver   Ellsworth    had   four   sons,   and 
Tyrol,  is   regarded  by  the    Roman  Catholic  William  was  the  third. 
Church   as  the  chietest  of  its  Councils.     It             ^  Mr.  Benajah  Loomis,  sixty-eight, 
first  came  together  December  13,  1545,  but            ^  Mr.  Moses  Drake,  sixty-seven, 
it  had   many  adjournments,  and  met  in  dif-  ^  Martin  Ellsworth  was  the  second  son  of 
ferent  places,  and  did  not  finish  its  business  Chief-Justice  Ellsworth.     He  was  not  much 
until  the  4lh  of   December,    1563.       It   was  in  public  life,  out  of  his  own  town  of  Wind- 
called    especially    to   counteract    the    great  sor,  but  in  that  town  he  was  one  of  the  fore- 
Protestant  Reformation.  most  citizens. 


662  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

eleven  volumes  in  boards,  $33.00.     I  am  very  glad  to  get  them.     Visited  the 
sick.     Wrote. 

9.  Read  Clarke's  Comtnentary.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  two 
elderly  men.  One  of  them  was  a  Baptist,  and  Mr.  Blakeslee,  of  Wapping, 
performed  the  service.     Read  the  Bible.     The  ground  is  hard  frozen. 

10.  Preached  all  day  with  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  24.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  An  elderly  man  '  died  this  afternoon,  with  an  illness 
of  less  than  five  days.     Had  full  meetings. 

11.  Visited  the  sick.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral.  A  Methodist,  from 
Orford,^  preached  on  the  occasion. 

12.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Read 
Clarke's  Co?nfnentary.  It  has  much  learning  and  little  religion.  Visited.  A 
young  child  died  this  evening.  ^ 

13.  Am  much  troubled  with  a  rheumatism  in  my  hips.  Visited  the  sick 
and  afflicted.  A  very  valuable  and  useful  woman  *  died  in  the  vigor  of  life. 
Catechised  a  school.  Sleighs  move  some,  but  the  going  continues  to  be 
quite  bad. 

14.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  without  any  notes  on  Ps.  xxxviii :  9. 
Preached  quite  poorly. 

15.  Quite  cold.  Read  Council  of  Trent.  Afternoon  attended  the  affecting 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Newbury.  My  brother  Frank  came  here.  After  the  funeral 
rode  with  him  to  Hartford.  He  traded  pretty  largely.  Paid  my  merchant 
tailor,  $3.63. 

16.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix :  92.  I  have  not  written  one  before  since 
January  13,  on  account  of  so  much  employment  and  a  pain  at  my  side.  Suc- 
ceeded better,  on  account  of  health,  than  I  feared.  I  think  God  is  about  to 
remember  us  in  great  mercy  on  account  of  our  epidemic.  Wrote  my  sermon 
in  nine  successive  hours. 

17.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Acts  xvii :  3.  Afternoon 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Quite 
cold.     Read  the  Bible. 

18.  Read  Telemachus?  Afternoon  rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a  school. 
Visited.     Very  cold.     The  pain  in  my  side  is  quite  severe. 

19.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  the  most  of  the  day.  Afternoon  rode  out  in  a 
sleigh  and  visited  the  sick.  We  have  some  new  cases  of  sickness  which  are 
alarming. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Purchased  Calvin's  Works, 
excepting  his  Institutes,  which  I  had  before,  for  which  I  paid  my  note  for 
$50.00.  I  am  very  glad  to  get  them.  Renewed  my  note  at  the  Hartford 
Bank  and  paid  $73.27.  Paid  the  Phoenix  Bank  for  my  Uncle  Starr,  $47.50. 
Paid  to  the  Bible  Society,  to  become  a  life-member,  $40.00.     At  evening  had 


*  Mr.  Alexander  Stoughton,  sixty-six.  *  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Newbury,  fifty-one. 

*  Now  Manchester,  Ct.  s  Ever  old  and  ever  new.     The  story  has 
^  Child  of  Mr.  Roderick  Ring.                         been  read  in  many  languages. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  663 

a  meeting  and  preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xii :  15.     Visited  a  woman 
apparently  near  dying.     Baptized  her  infant  child. 

21.  Was  called  early  to  see  the  woman'  I  visited  last  night.  She  expired 
before  I  arrived.  The  family  is  in  a  most  distressed  state.  Visited  the  sick. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school.     Tarried  out  there. 

22.  Wrote  a  will  for  a  man.  Returned  home.  Had  company.  A  pros- 
pect a  little  favorable  appears  to  open  for  East  Hartford.  On  the  20th  wrote 
to  Mr.  Battell  and  to  Mr.  Bates,  of  Westfield.  On  the  igth  received  a  letter 
from  my  Uncle  Starr  and  one  from  Mr.  Battell.  Read  Clarke's  Commmtary. 
Wrote. 

23.  Worked  some.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Attended 
the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Phelps.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  10  Enfield  to  exchange 
with  my  brother.     Bad  riding. 

24.  Last  evening  received  a  very  friendly  letter  from  Mr.  Prescott,^  of 
Boston,  with  several  pamphlets.  Received  a  letter  from  the  church  in  this 
town  directed  to  my  own.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Mark  viii :  34.  After- 
noon, on  I  John  v  :  7.  The  snow  mostly  went  off.  The  people  here  attend 
meeting  well.  My  brother  rode  to  East  Windsor  in  the  morning  and  returned 
in  the  evening.      Had  company. 

25.  Walked  out  with  my  brother.  The  people  appear  to  be  much  attached 
to  him,  and  pleased  with  the  prospect  of  his  settling  with  them.  I  think  the 
prospects  are  quite  favorable.  Afternoon  rode  home.  A  child  ^  died  here 
this  morning. 

26.  I  hope  the  pain  at  my  side  has  left  me.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended 
the  funeral  of  a  child.     Visited.     Warm. 

27.  Quite  warm.  Worked  laying  up  my  wood  for  the  next  season.  After- 
noon visited  a  school  well  instructed.     The  other  visitors  attend  pretty  well. 

28.  The  ground  settles  very  fast.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited 
a  school.     Was  out  late. 

29.  Visited  the  school  at  the  Hill  in  the  forenoon,  and  in  the  afternoon 
attended  the  examination  of  the  academy.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  The 
epidemic  set  in  soon  after  childbed. 

30.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Deut.  ix :  5.  Towards  night  was 
called  to  see  a  woman  very  sick.  Tarried  out  over  night.  Was  up  late. 
Baptized  the  sick  woman's  child.'* 

31.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  Rode  to  meeting  in  the  forenoon  in  a 
sleigh.  Preached  all  day  with  old  notes  on  Heb.  vi :  4,  5,  6.  Bad  going  and 
thin  meeting. 

April. 

I.     A  woman  died*  last  night  with  our  epidemic,  having  recently  lain  in 


'  Mrs.   Elizabeth   Phelps,  and  her  child  probably    of    Sherman    Everest,    who    died 

that  was  baptized  was  named  Julia  Ann.  about  a  month  before. 

*  This  was  probably  Judge  William  Pres-  *  Mary,   daughter    of    James   and   Mary 

cott,  son  of  Col.  William  Prescott,  and  father  Killam. 
of  William  H.,  the  historian.  -  Mrs.  Mary   Killam,   twenty-nine.      Her 

^  Edward  D.  Everest,  six  years  old,  son  child  was  baptized  the  day  before. 


664  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1816, 

with  her  first  child.  Worked  at  my  wood.  Visited.  At  evening  attended 
our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  We  had  some  rain  in  the  evening  with  consider- 
able lightning. 

2.  Read  Encyclopedia,  Plowed  a  place  for  early  peas.  Afternoon  attended 
the  fmieral  of  Mrs.  Killam.     Quite  cold.     Visited. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford,  The  road  is  mostly  settled.  There  is  talk  at 
Hartford  of  settling  a  colleague  with  Dr.  Strong.*  Visited.  At  evening 
attended  the  meeting  of  our  Moral  Society.     Tarried  out. 

4.  Visited,  Planted  peas.  Read  Encyclopcedia.  Visited  a  school.  It  is 
a  time  of  great  stupidity  with  this  people. 

5.  Worked  some.  Read,  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  a 
preparatory  lecture  on  Isa.  Ivi :  i.     Visited. 

6.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  Scantick  to  visit  a  young  man  belonging  here 
very  sick.  Visited  Gen.  Jenks,^  at  Warehouse  Point.  He  is  in  a  poor  state. 
Rainy. 

7.  Preached  with  old  notes  in  the  forenoon  on  Hab.  ii :  3.  Finished  a 
sermon  and  preached  it  in  the  afternoon  on  Deut.  ix :  5.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  The  church  not  very  full.  Our  number  is  sensibly  diminished  by 
deaths  and  removals.  Five  members  have  died  since  our  last  communion. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  full. 

8.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Attended  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  votes  for 
Gov.  Smith/  187  ;  Wolcott/  89.  The  Episcopalians  are  trying  to  make  a 
party  and  trouble  in  the  State.  Rode  to  Hartford.  That  town  has  chosen 
Democratic  Representatives  for  the  first  time.' 

9.  Visited.  Wrote.  Quite  warm.  The  Massachusetts  election  issues 
more  favorably  than  we  feared.* 

10.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Hag.  i:  9,  10,  11.  Interrupted  by 
company.  Wrote  but  little  and  poorly.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  Hill  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  Backus  Lyman,  who  died  at  Scantick. 

11.  Dr.  McClure  attended  a  funeral  at  Mr.  Watson's  of  his  grandchild,  who 
died  suddenly,  belonging  to  Hartford.  I  was  not  sj^oken  to  on  the  subject, 
and  did  not  attend.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day  on  my  Fast  sermon.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Mr.  Goodwin,^  of  Hartford.  The  Democrats  in  the  State 
have  made  very  great  exertions  at  the    late    Freemen's   Meeting,  and   have 


'  It   was  talked    about    for    some    time,  favor  of  the  war.     He  followed  Gov.  Smith 

but  the   thing   was    not   done.     Dr.    Strong  as  Governor  in  1817,  and  continued  in  office 

died  the  following  year.  about  ten  years. 

'^  Gen.    Charles    Jenks,    before     noticed.  ^  There    began   to    be   a  sharp   reaction 
He  came  to  Warehouse  Point  from    Rhode  against  the  Federalists.     The  Hartford  Con- 
Island,  and  carried  on  a  gin  distillery,  which  vention  was  never  generally  popular,  even  in 
was  not   then    regarded    as   a   disreputable  New  England, 
business.  6  Gov.   Caleb    Strong,   of    Northampton, 

^  Gov.  John  Cotton  Smith,  first  elected  in  who  had  very  strongly  opposed  the  war,  was 

1813  and  continued  till  1817.  superseded   by  John  Brooks,  M.  D.,  LL.  U., 

*  The  Wolcott  family  were  generally  Fed-  of  the  same  party, 

eralist,  but  the  younger  Oliver  Wolcott  left  '  Mr.  George  Goodwin,   probably  of  the 

his  party  in  1S12,  and  threw  his  support  in  Connecticut  Coitrant. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  Co^ 

almost  carried  the  election.'  Hindered  by  company.  Wrote  to  my  brother 
Samuel.  The  late  Holy  League  between  the  great  monarchs  of  Europe 
appears  to  be  the  most  auspicious  event  to  the  interests  of  Christianity  that 
has  occurred  for  several  ages.^  On  the  9th  wrote  to  Mr.  Samuel  Clarke,  of 
Northampton.     Wrote  late. 

12.  Fast.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Hag.  i :  9,  10,  11.  Cold 
and  wet.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Walked 
out. 

13.  April  2d  lent  Horace  Wolcott  $36.00,  which  was  paid  on  the  13th. 
Paid  in  March  $1.57,  for  two  webbing  straps  to  inter  the  dead.  Worked 
some.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  a  funeral  and 
visited  sick  persons.  Our  State  election  appears  to  have  been  saved  by  a 
kind  Providence,  though  we  were  never  in  so  great  danger,  and  never  came  so 
near  losing  it.  Mr.  Cooke  came  here  from  Orford,  with  whom  I  had  agreed 
to  exchange  for  tomorrow.  My  brother  Frank  came  here  from  Norfolk,  and 
insists  that  I  shall  go  to  Enfield,  and  he  will  go  to  Orford.  A  Mr.  Collins,^  of 
Guilford,  recently  licensed  as  a  candidate,  came  here  to  study  a  few  weeks. 
He  boards  at  Mr.  Tudor's. 

14.  Rode  quite  early  to  Enfield.  Very  cold.  The  ground  considerably 
frozen.     Preached  all  day  on  Isa.  i :  28.     At  evening  returned. 

15.  Cleared  my  asparagus  beds.  But  the  weather  is  so  cold  that  vegeta- 
tion does  not  appear  to  advance  at  all.  Read.  My  brother  Frank  came  here 
from  Orford  and  went  to  Enfield.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
attended  a  funeral.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited.  Rev,  Mr,  Storrs,*  of  Ash- 
ford,  called  on  me  in  the  evening.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Clarke,  of 
Northampton.  Yesterday  Mr.  Prudden  gave  me  fifteen  copies  of  my  sermon 
at  his  father's  funeral.  Paid  for  pamphlets,  .50.  Purchased  a  ticket  with  the 
avails  of  my  last  one,  which  drew  a  $7.00  prize  in  the  Washington  Bridge 
Lottery. 

16.  Worked  some.  Wrote.  The  weather  very  cold  and  rough.^  Walked 
and  visited.     Received  a  letter  from  Esq.  Bates,  of  Westfield. 

17.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Had  the  company  of  Mr,  Bartlett  from  his  house. 
Attended  a  fast  previous  to  ordination,  Mr,  Bartlett  preached  in  the  fore- 
noon. I  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  2  Chron,  vi :  41,  Returned.  Severe 
cold. 


*  This    shows    a   very   decided    reaction.  peror  of  Russia.     What  such  men  might  call 

Generally  the  Democrats  in   the   State   had  Christian    principles   would    be   very  suspi- 

been  in  a  small  minority.  cious  to  ordinary  men  and  women. 

^  It   looked  well   at  first  sight,  but  prac  ^  This  seems  to  have  been  Rev.  Amos  B. 

tically  it  was   a  banding   together   of   kings  Collins. 

and  rulers  for  their  own  interests  as  against  *  Rev.   William   Storrs,  of  what  is   now 

the   people.     This  Holy  Alliance,  as  it  was  known  as  Westford,  a  part   of  the   ancient 

called,  between  the  Emperors  of  Russia  and  Ashford.     Mr.  Storrs  was  pastor  there  1790- 

Austria  and  the  King  of  Prussia,  was  a  com-  1S24. 

])act  to  govern  themselves  by  Christian  prin-  '  The  cold  summer  was  coming  on,  with 

ciples.     The   plan   originated  with   the  Em-  its  frosts  every  month. 


666  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

18.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Orford  and  preached  a  singing-lecture  for 
Mr.  Cook,  on  Ps.  xxvii :  4.  Returned.  That  society  is  evidently  strength- 
ening. 

19.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Vegetation  does  not  seem  to  advance  at 
all.     The  ground  is  very  dry.     It  is  a  time  of  great  stupidity  here. 

20.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  John  v:  21.  I  write  with  very  little  feeling. 
Yesterday  gave  away  a  number  of  tracts. 

21.  Studied  my  exposition  considerably.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on 
Matt,  xviii:  15-23.  Afternoon  preached  on  i  John  v:  21.  The  dust  flies 
very  much.     At  evening  attended  the  conference,     Mr.  Collins  assisted. 

22.  Worked  some.  Had  company.  At  evening  wrote  a  Right  Hand  of 
Fellowship.     Wrote  late. 

23.  Rode  with  Dea.  Loomis/  my  delegate,  to  Enfield,  to  attend  my 
brother's  ordination.  The  most  of  the  council  were  present,  which  was 
numerous.  My  brother  appeared  very  well  on  examination.  Received  a 
valuable  pamphlet,  a  present  from  Dr.  West,  of  Stockbridge.  Probably  his 
last  effort. 

24.  Warm  and  very  pleasant.  The  ordination  solemnities  were  performed 
with  great  propriety.  Dr.  Hyde  ^  preached  exceeding  well.  I  gave  the  Right 
Hand  of  Fellowship.  The  audience  was  unusually  great.  My  brother  Ammi 
and  his  daughter,  and  my  nieces  Eliza  and  Sally  were  there.  Brother  Frank 
appeared  very  well.  After  the  exercises  rode  home.  My  brother  Ammi 
came  down  with  me.  I  thank  God  for  this  day.  I  consider  it  a  great  mercy 
to  have  my  brother  settled  so  agreeably,  and  so  near  me.  It  has  been  the 
object  of   my  constant  hope  ever  since   Mr.  Prudden's  death. 

25.  Worked  at  my  garden ;  planted  peas.  Quite  warm.  Diminished  my 
dress.  At  evening  preached  at  the  academy  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  liii:  6. 
Full  meeting. 

26.  The  ground  is  so  dry  that  vegetation  advances  very  little.  Wrote. 
Worked  some.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

27.  Worked  driving  a  scraper.  Wrote.  Am  troubled  with  a  lame  back. 
Paid  thirty  cents  for  a  quarter's  postage  of  my  Boston  newspaper. 

28.  Quite  warm.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  viii :  34.  Meeting 
full  and  solemn.     Attended  the  conference. 

29.  Very  warm.  Took  off  my  flannel.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Hartford. 
The  Female  Benevolent  Society  of  this  place  paid  $20.00  to  Connecticut  Bible 
Society.  My  brother  Frank  and  niece  Eliza  came  here  from  Enfield  and 
made  a  short  visit.  Eliza  resides  with  him  at  present.  Visited.  I  have  not 
until  now  finished  my  annual  visiting  for  the  present  year.  At  the  first  oi 
May  last  there  were  in  this  society  one  hundred  and  seventy-four  familes, 
thirty-seven  of  whom  were  certificate  people.  I  have  visited  all  of  them  but 
the  elder  Mr.  Watson. 

30.  The  weather  is  warm  for  summer.  The  ground  is  exceeding  dr}'. 
The  air  is  full  of  smoke  from  great  fires  which  have  lately  prevailed  in  the 


'  Dea.  Amasa  Loomis.  *  Dr.  Alvan  Hyde,  of  Lee,  Mass. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST  WINDSOR.  667 

woods.  Rode  to  Orford  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Washington  Benevo- 
lent Society.  Mr.  Cooke  preached.  The  blossoms  begin  to  appear  on  the 
peach-trees.  Saw  them  yesterday  on  the  daffas.  Cut  our  first  asparagus. 
At  evening  attended  a  conference,  appointed  by  request,  which  was  full  and 
solemn.     I  cannot  but  hope  we  have  some  presages  of  good. 

May. 

1.  Wrote.  Very  warm.  Afternoon  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Moral 
Society.  Dr.  McClure  delivered  a  very  good  public  address.  Mr.  Wolcott 
went  to  Colchester  and  brought  home  his  son.  Sent  $8.00  to  Boston  for  two 
volumes  of  the  Christian  Observer,  and  $3.00  for  the  Recorder  newspaper,  for 
a  year.     Read. 

2.  Read  Campbell '  on  the  Gospels.  Finished  his  Dissertatiojis,  which  are 
good.     Visited. 

3.  Worked  all  day  getting  up  young  elms  in  the  woods  and  setting  them 
in  the  street.''  At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  to  see  a  sick  woman.  She 
died  while  I  was  present.     Yesterday  wrote  to  brother  Frank. 

4.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Prov.  viii :  17.  Am  considerably  troubled  with 
the  efforts  of  the  Wapping  Baptists  to  get  in  here.     The  ground  is  very  dry. 

5.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  x viii :  23  to  xix  :  16.  Afternoon 
preached  on  Prov.  viii :  17.  I  think  I  have  never  known  our  street  so  full  of 
dust.  It  was  very  tedious.  We  had  our  missionary  contribution.  Not  so 
great  as  last  year,  on  account,  I  suppose,  of  the  great  scarcity  of  money. 
We  got  $44.72.  We  had  three  $5.00  bills,  two  of  $2.00,  nine  of  $1.00,  and 
one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  small  bills  and  pieces  of  silver.  At  evening 
rode  out  and  married  a  couple.^     $1.00. 

6.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Attended  two  company  trainings.  At  evening 
attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Parsons,"  a  clergyman  from 
Vermont,  came  here   and  tarried. 

7.  Paid  Mr.  Parsons  for  a  book,  $1.75.  Read  Campbell  on  the  Gospels. 
Things  that  are  growing  we  have  to  water  by  hand.  Worked  some.  The 
wind  is  quite  high.     Visited. 

8.  Worked  in  my  garden  with  a  scraper.  Visited  a  woman  very  sick. 
Quite  cold.     The  fruit-trees  have  a  full  blowth. 

9.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  to  attend  the  election.  Attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Bible  Society.  Mr.  Flint  preached  very  well.  The  number  of  ministers 
not  so  great  as  usual.     Very  few  from  out  of  the  State.     The  dust  was  very 


*  Dr.  George  Campbell,  before  noticed.  in  going  from  East  Hartford  up  through  South 

^  From  the  lower  end  of   East  Hartford  Windsor  to  East  Windsor  are  now,  probably, 

Street,  almost  all  the  way  to  East  Windsor  two  hundred  years  old. 

Hill  and  beyond,  the  traveler,  at  the  present  ^  Mr.  Cyprian  Taylor,  of  East  Hartford, 

day,  finds  a  succession  of  elm  trees,  some  of  and  Pamela  Anderson. 

them  of  gigantic  size.  Doubtless  some  of  •♦  This  was  probably  Rev.  Silas  Parsons, 
these  trees  in  the  south  part  of  South  Wind-  brother  of  Rev.  Justin  Parsons,  before 
sor  are  the  very  ones  which  Dr.  Robbins  noticed.  Rev.  Silas  Parsons  had  been  set- 
was  setting  out  in  the  spring  of  1S16.  Some  tied  in  Sudbury,  Vt.,  since  1806,  but  was  dis- 
of  the  gigantic  elms  which  the  traveler  passes  missed  in  this  year,  1S16. 


668  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

tedious.  The  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  and  the  directors  of  the  same  had 
their  annual  meetings.  The  state  of  the  votes  appeared  more  favorably  than 
was  expected.'     Returned  in  the  evening. 

10.  Wrote  records  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Rode  out  and 
visited.  The  apple-tree  blossoms  are  out  considerably.  Things  grow  verj' 
little  in  the  garden. 

11.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Acts  viii :  30,  31.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of 
East  Hartford  and  visited  a  sick  man.  In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  small  and 
ver}'  refreshing  shower. 

12.  In  the  morning  and  towards  night  we  had  two  moderate  showers. 
Thin  meeting.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  iii :  2. 
Afternoon,  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    Brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried. 

13.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  very  fine  shower.  The  ground  is  very  much 
refreshed.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  and 
attended  a  funeral.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  I  am  exceedingly 
distressed  with  my  afHictions.^ 

14.  Worked  some.  Quite  cold.  Devoted  a  considerable  part  of  the  day 
to  meditation  and  prayer  under  my  severe  trials.  May  the  Lord  help  and 
guide  me.     Visited.     Wrote. 

15.  This  morning  there  was  quite  a  severe  frost.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Looked  over  some  London  catalogues  of  books,  and  wrote  to  Mr.  Howe, 
of  New  Haven,  to  import  some  for  me.  Paid  $8.00  for  Blackstone's 
Commentaries.  At  evening  heard  a  sermon  preached  to  the  Moral  Society 
by  Mr.  Field,'  of  Haddam,     Walked  home  late. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  rode  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hart- 
ford and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  i  John  v  :  21,  After  the  exercises 
attended  a  church  meeting,  and  the  church  gave  Mr.  Fairchild  '*  a  call  to  be 
their  pastor  unanimously.  In  the  evening  performed  a  marriage.'  Returned. 
I  hope  we  have  some  small  tokens  of  the  presence  of  God's  Spirit  among  us. 

17.  Rode  to  Scantick,  Enfield,  West  Suffield,  and  Turkey  Hills,  for  col- 
lecting an  account  of  the  state  of  the  churches  for  Association.  Dined  with 
my  brother  at  Enfield.  Quite  cold.  Some  frost*  this  morning.  The  fruit- 
trees  are  generally  in  blossom. 

18.  Considerable  frost.     People   feel   concerned  for   the   early  kinds  of 

*  The  times,  politically,  began  to  be  trying  ^  Dr.  David  Field,  father  of  David  Dud- 

to   Dr.   Robbins,      Oliver   Wolcott,  LL.  D.,  ley,  Cyrus,  and  Dr.  Henry  M.  Field, 

the  second  of  that  name,  and  the  opposing  *  Rev.  Joy  H,  Fairchild,  D.  D.,  who  was 

candidate   for    Governor    that    year,  was   a  graduated  at  Yale  in  1813,  remained  at  East 

personal  friend,  and  Mr.  Robbins  had  often  Hartford   from    i8i6  to    1S27,   removed    to 

been  to  his  house  in  Litchfield.     He  was  kin-  South    Boston,   where    he    had    a    peculiar 

dred  to  the  family  where   Dr.  Robbins  was  history.     He  died  in  1S59. 

boarding.  s  fhe  parties  married  were  Lewis  Carver 

'  He  refers  probably  to  the  great  number  and  Lucinda  Cowles,  of  East  Hartford, 

of  deaths  among  his  people,  but  in  addition,  *  It  is  not  strange  to   have  frosts   in  the 

there  was   doubtless  something  special  and  middle  of   May,  but  this   year  they  weie  to 

peculiar  to  himself.  be  in  the  summer  months  also. 


l8l6.]  ,  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  669 

fruit.  Tarried  last  night  with  Rev,  Mr.  Clarke.'  There  is  a  pleasing  prospect 
that  he  will  be  settled  here.  Rode  to  Northington,^  Farmington,  West  Hart- 
ford, and  home.  The  religious  aspect  of  our  associational  limits  is  rather 
gloomy.  Very  tired.  The  ground  is  about  as  dry  as  before  the  late  rains. 
A  very  full  blowth  on  the  fruit-trees. 

19.  Rode  quite  early  to  Scantick  for  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Bartlett.  Mr. 
Brockway  preached  in  my  pulpit.'  In  the  forenoon  preached  on  Acts  viii : 
30,  31.  Afternoon  on  i  John  v:  7.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point  and  preached 
in  the  church  at  five  o'clock  on  Jer.  xiv :  8.  Crossed  the  river  to  Pine 
Meadow,  and  attended  a  conference  in  the  evening,  and  preached  without 
any  notes  on  Acts  viii :  30,31.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Haskell.'* 

20.  Crossed  over  to  the  Point.  Visited.  Rode  home.  Am  much  overcome 
by  my  late  fatigues.     Read.     At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn  conference. 

21.  Worked  a  considerable  part  of  the  day  in  my  garden.  At  evening 
performed  a  marriage.^     Visited  a  sick  man,  in  the  edge  of  Scantick. 

22.  Wrote.  Very  warm.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  shower.  Rode  to 
Hartford. 

23.  Quite  rainy.  Rode  to  the  hither  part  of  Scantick  and  attended  a 
funeral.     I  can  do  very  little  business. 

24.  Cool.     Worked  in  my  garden.     Visited  a  sick  man. 

25.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Dan.  ix :  10.  Quite  wet  and  cold.  I  think  we 
have  a  prospect  of  much  wet  to  succeed  our  uncommon  drought. 

26.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xix :  16  to  xx  :  17.  Afternoon 
preached  on  Dan.  ix  :  10.     At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn  conference. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dined  with  the  Norfolk  representatives.*  I 
meet  with  some  painful  disappointments.  Am  collecting  an  account  of  the 
state  of  the  churches  for  Association. 

28.  Rode  to  Windsor,  Wintonbury,  Simsbury,  and  tarried  in  the  upper  part 
of  Canton.     Warm.     I  cannot  make  very  rapid  progress  with  my  collections. 

29.  Last  night  it  became  very  cold  for  the  season.  Quite  cold  through 
the  day.  Rode  to  Barkhamsted,  West  and  East  Hartland,  Granby,  and 
Turkey   Hills.     Our  churches  generally  are  in  a  pretty  cold  state. 

30.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  It  is  hoped  it  was  not 
hard  enough  to  hurt  the  fruit.  Rode  through  Suffield  and  Enfield  home. 
Received  a  letter  from  the  church  at  Norfolk  for  this  church,  requesting  our 
assistance  at  their  expected  ordination.^ 


'  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark,  who  failed  of  his  family.     He  died  only  three  or  four  months 

settlement  at  East   Hartford,  a  short  time  after  this  visit,  aged  seventy, 
before.  *  Flavel  Whiting,  of  Ellington,  and  Esther 

^  Avon.  Elmer. 

^  When  he  reached  Scantic  he  found  that  ^  The   Norfolk  representatives  that  year 

Mr.  Brockway,  of  Ellington,  was  there,  so  he  were  Mr.  Nathaniel  Stevens  and  Mr.  Elizur 

made  his  exchange  through  him.  Munger. 

■*  Mr.  Jabez  Haskell,  who  came  to  Wind-  ^  The  desire  of  their  hearts  was  gratified, 

sor  from  Rochester,  Mass.     He  was  a  prom-  and  they  were  to   have  tutor   Ralph   Emer- 

inent  citizen,  and  had  a  large  and  interesting  son  of  Yale  College  for  their  minister. 


670  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROEBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

31.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  I  never  had  so 
great  trials  as  now.  Rode  to  Orford  and  saw  Mr.  Cook.  Returned  through 
Wapping.  I  have  now  spent  about  seven  days  in  making  the  collections  of 
the  state  of  our  churches  for  the  Association.  There  was  a  little  frost 
this  morning.  Wrote  on  my  account  for  Association,  At  evening  had  a  full 
conference, 

June. 

1.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke  xiii  :  8,  9,  Am  pretty  feeble.  Walked  out. 
Quite  warm. 

2.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  Iv  :  16.  Afternoon 
preached  on  Luke  xiii :  8,  g.     At  evening  had  a  full  and  serious  conference. 

3.  Wrote  on  my  report  for  the  Association.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting. 

4.  Wrote.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  in  company  with  my  brother,  and 
met  with  the  Association.'  The  meeting  was  full.  My  brother  joined  the 
body.  Finished  and  read  my  report  on  the  state  of  the  churches.  We  had  a 
little  rain.     The  ground  is  very  dry.     A  little  frost  was  seen  this  morning. 

5.  The  Association  completed  their  business.  Afternoon  we  had  a  very 
refreshing  shower.     Rode  home.     Very  warm. 

6.  Wrote.  The  weather  became  quite  cold  and  windy.  Walked  out  and 
visited. 

7.  There  was  a  high  wind  last  night  and  no  apparent  frost.  Yet  many 
things  are  doubtless  injured  by  the  cold.  Most  people  that  are  out  wear 
great  coats.  A  steady  fire  is  required.^  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  Phoenix 
Bank,  $45.88,  and  renewed  my  note.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $20.00.  At 
evening  attended  our  weekly  conference.  I  am  very  much  oppressed  with 
anxiety.' 

8.  The  cold  does  not  appear  to  mitigate,  though  on  account  of  the  wind 
there  seems  to  be  no  frost.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange 
with  brother  Frank.     He  rode  to  East  Windsor, 

9.  The  cold  and  wind  still  continue.  The  last  three  days  have  been  very 
extraordinary.  It  is  said  that  there  was  snow  at  the  northward  last  Thursday. 
Gardens  are  very  much  injured.  Preached  on  Acts  viii:  30,  31;  and  Luke 
xiii :  8,  9.  This  congregation  is  sensibly  larger  than  in  years  past.  Towards 
evening  rode  down  to  the  upper  part  of  my  society  and  attended  a  conference. 

10.  Yesterday  the  weather  became  still  and  more  moderate,  and  this  morn- 
ing there  was  considerable  frost.  Rode  to  Norfolk  to  attend  the  proposed 
ordination  of  Mr.  Emerson.  Tudor  goes  with  me.  My  mother  appears  very 
well.  Brother  Frank  and  cousin  Eliza*  came  from  Enfield.  Mr.  Emerson 
arrived  here  last  Friday.     Uncle  and  Aunt  Starr  came  here. 


*  Hartford  North  Association.  much   to   do   with   it.      People   were    living 
'  This,  be   it   remembered,  is   the  7th  of  entirely  out   of  season,  and  this  itself  pro- 
June,  but  this  is  the  cold  summer.  duces  a  strange  effect  upon  the  system. 
^  The  state  of  the  weather,  doubtless,  had  *  Mrs.  Olmstead. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  671 

11.  Reckoned  accounts  with  Aunt  Starr'  and  received  from  her  $1.20. 
The  council  met  the  whole  Consociation  and  a  number  of  other  ministers, 
ind  attended  the  examination  of  Mr.  Emerson  and  some  other  consociational 
md  associational  business.  Mr.  Emerson  appeared  very  well  on  examina- 
:ion.  At  evening  brother  James  and  his  wife  came  here.  The  frost*  this 
morning  is  thought  to  have  been  harder  than  yesterday.  The  corn  is 
supposed  to  have  been  killed  even  with  the  ground.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  East  Hartford  inviting  me  to  attend  the  proposed  ordination  there. ^ 

12.  No  frost  I  believe.  We  had  a  very  agreeable  ordination.  I  declined 
taking  a  part  in  the  public  exercises.  They  were  very  well  performed.  The 
concourse  of  people  was  greater  I  think  than  I  have  ever  seen  in  this  town. 
The  revivals  of  religion  recently  and  at  present,  through  this  Association, 
are  very  great.  I  trust  ]\Ir.  Emerson  will  be  very  useful  here.  More  than 
sixty  persons  dined  at  the  public  dinner. 

13.  Uncle  Starr  went  away.  Warm.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  with  Mr. 
Emerson's  brother,  who  is  in  a  poor  state  of  health.  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's. 
He  had  green  peas  brought  from  New  York.  My  brother  Samuel  has  a 
prospect  of  marrying. 

14.  Rode  home.  Early  in  the  morning  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 
Quite  warm.  Towards  night  we  had  a  hard  and  refreshing  thunder-shower. 
I\Iy  brother  Samuel  paid  me  $1.00  for  Mr.  Gleason,  the  bookseller.  Quite 
oppressed  with  want  of  sleep.     My  burden  still  continues.* 

15.  Wrote.  Read.  Do  not  feel  able  to  write  a  sermon  today.  My 
brother  Frank  and  Eliza  called  here  on  their  way  to  Enfield.  Worked  some 
in  the  garden.  We  have  accounts  of  considerable  snow  having  fallen  at  the 
westward  and  northward  on  the  6th  inst. 

16.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  xx :  17  to  xxi :  12.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  x:  10.  At  evening  had  a  full  conference. 
Am  troubled  with  a  painful  stiff  neck. 

17.  Wrote.  Afternoon  walked  to  Windsor  and  attended  a  funeral.  Vis- 
ited a  sick  person.     Returned  and  visited. 

18.  Read  Wardlaw'  and  Lardner*  on  the  Logos.  We  had  a  hard  rain. 
Walked  and  visited.  Tarried  out.  The  rain  is  very  refreshing.  Saw  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Abbott/  of  Salem. 

19.  Visited.  People  are  but  beginning  to  hoe  their  corn.  The  most  of 
our  newspapers  publish  religious  intelligence. 

20.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  bank,  $22.94, 
and  gave  a  new  note  of  $180.00  payable  Oct.  loth.  Paid  $5.00  to  the  Min- 
isters' Annuity  Society.     Visited.     The  weather  is  very  pleasant,  but  not  very 


'  This  was   the   new   Aunt   Starr.      His  ^  To  settle  Rev.  Joy  H.  Fairchild. 

real  aunt,  it  will  be  remembered,  died  some  *  A  repetition  of  such  hints  shows  that  he 

years  before.  had  some  special  cause  of  trouble. 

^  A   frost    in   June    happens    not    unfre-  '  Ralph  Wardlaw,  D.  D. 

quently,  but  frosts  morning  after  morning,  to  ^  Nathaniel  Lardner,  D.  D. 

the  middle  of  June  nearly,  was  according  to  ^  Rev.   John    Emery   Abbott,   of    Salem, 

the  st)de  of  the  cold  summer.  Mass.,  previously  noticed. 


672  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

warm.     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  the  church  in  Turkey  Hills  desiring 
our  assistance  in  their  expected  installation.' 

21.  Planted  watermelons.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  their 
fast  previous  to  ordination.  Mr.  Cook  preached  in  the  forenoon  ;  I  did  in 
the  afternoon^  on  2  Chron.  vi :  41.  At  evening  attended  a  conference. 
Received  a  letter  from  Horace  Loomis  in  New  Connecticut. 

22.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Ammi.  Quite  warm.  Rode  out 
and  visited.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Orford  on  an  exchange.  Mr.  Fair- 
child  is  to  preach  for  me. 

23.  Very  warm.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Preached  twice  on  Acts 
viii :  30,  31,  and  Luke  xiii :  8,  9.  After  meeting  rode  home  and  performed  a 
marriage.^     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  tired. 

24.  The  heat  very  severe.     Read.     Worked  in  the  garden.     Visited. 

25.  Read  Wardlaw.  We  had  a  hard  rain.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  to 
attend  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Fairchild.  Met  with  the  council.  It  is  rather 
small.     Mr.  Fairchild  appeared  well  on  examination. 

26.  Attended  the  ordination.  Made  the  first  prayer  in  the  public  exer 
cises.  The  prospects  of  this  society  are  now  quite  favorable.  I  trust  Mr. 
Fairchild  will  be  a  valuable  neighbor  to  me.  Rode  home.  The  good  Lord 
has  been  my  helper.  I  hope  to  spend  my  days  for  his  service  and  praise. 
Much  fatigued. 

27.  Rainy.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  and  walked  to  Windsor  and  attended 
a  funeral.     Mr.  Rowland  is  still  absent. 

28.  Worked  considerably.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  A  fine  season 
for  vegetation.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

29.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Simsbury  to  exchange  with  Mr.  McLean.'*  Went 
through  Poquonnock. 

30.  Preached  on  Gal.  iv :  5,  and  Luke  xiii :  8,  9.  Towards  evening 
attended  a  prayer-meeting  in  the  meeting-house.  The  late  revival  here  has 
given  this  people  a  different  religious  character.  Mr.  McLean  is  ver)' 
laborious   and   useful   here. 

July. 

1.  Visited.  Rode  through  Hartford  home.  Received  at  the  Hartford 
Bank  a  dividend  of  $12.00,  one  half  of  which  I  paid  to  Mr.  Wolcott  as  be- 
longing to  him.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting  at  the 
meeting-house.  Read  the  report  of  the  late  General  Association  of  the  state 
of  religion.  I  presume  there  has  never  been  so  great  a  work  of  divine  grace 
in  this  State  for  one  year  as  in  the  one  now  past.^ 

2.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  to  Turkey  Hills  to  attend  the  installation  of  Mr. 


'  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark  was  called  there.  *  Rev.    Allen    McLean.      He    continued 

^  This    custom    of    observing    a    day   of  there  till  his  death  in  1S61,  though  after  1850 

fasting  and  prayer  before  settling  a  minister  he  had  a  colleague. 

seems  to  have  been  common  at  that  time.  *  This   is  a  strong    statement,  when  the 

^  Samuel  Phelps,  of  Windsor,  and  Emily  work  in  Whitefield's  day,  back  in  the  years 

Newbury.  1741-1742,  is  remembered. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST  WINDSOR.  673 

Clark.     Very  warm  and  dusty.     The  council  met.     I  was  appointed  scribe. 
Dea.    Reed'   went  with   me, 

3.  Attended  the  installation  of  Mr.  Clark.  The  exercises  were  good. 
The  audience  was  quite  numerous.  The  society  is  very  well  united.  Rode 
home.  Very  tired.  Received  a  letter  from  brother  James.  I  have  great 
occasion  to  bless  the  Lord. 

4.  Read.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Cool  for  the  season.  We  have  green 
peas^  from  a  neighbor.  Our  early  ones  were  injured  by  cattle.  The  first  we 
had,  which  was  about  as  early  as  any  others,  was  on  the  23d  ult.  Rode  out 
and  visited. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Rom.  xii :  2.  Afternoon  preached  a 
preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Mai.  iii:  16.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference. 

6.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  4.  I  am  oppressed  with  a  very  great 
degree  of  hardness.     I  have  to  lose  a  great  deal  of  time  in  sleep.^ 

7.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  my  sermon  on  Rom.  xii:  2. 
Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  A  thing  very  uncommon 
with  me  to  preach  two  separate  written  sermons  on  one  Sabbath.  Adminis- 
tered the  sacrament.  The  church  was  quite  full.  At  evening  had  a  very  full 
conference.  Very  tired.  Very  cold  for  the  season.  Last  night  it  was  almost 
cold  enough  for  a  frost.* 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Dr.  Strong.  Had  Mr.  Wolcott's  carriage 
thoroughly  repaired,  for  which  I  expect  to  pay  the  charge.  Very  dry  and 
cool.  People  are  beginning  haying.  The  grass  is  very  light.  Mr.  Collins,* 
the  candidate,  came  here  and  tarried.     Had  company. 

9.  This  morning  there  was  almost  a  frost.  Wrote.  Worked  in  the 
garden.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man. 

10.  Read.  Afternoon  worked  raking  hay.  It  is  said  frost  was  seen  in 
some  places  this  morning  and  yesterday  morning.     Walked  out.^ 

11.  Wrote.  The  peas  in  my  own  garden  yield  pretty  well.  Began  a 
sermon   on   Matt,   vi:    13.     Walked  out   and   visited.     Tarried   out. 

12.  Visited.  I  think  three  or  four  persons  here  have  got  religion  during 
the  present  year.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

13.  Wrote  on  a  sermon.  Wrote  eleven  pages  in  the  day  and  one  in  the 
evening.     My  health  is  much  better  than  a  few  weeks  ago. 

14.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  the  Divine  Glory.  It  appeared 
more  interesting  than  I  expected.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended   a   third   meeting.     Baptized   five    children   at  home  and  the  same 


'Dea.     Abner     Reed,     who     afterwards  *  This  July  7th  of  the  cold  summer, 

moved  to  Ohio.  *  Mr.  Levi  Collins,  a  native  of  Somers. 

^  Peas  will  stand  the  cold  weather  when  ^  It  has  long  been  a  common  saying,  as 

beans,  corn,  vines,  etc.,  will  suffer  and  die.  already  stated,  that  in  the  cold  summer  of  1816 

^  The  human  race,  for  a  great  many  gen-  there  was  frost  every  month.    But  fortunately 

erations,  has  had  to  lose  about  one  third  of  there  was  one  crop,  the  potato,  that  did  not 

their  time  in  sleep.  suffer  from  this  severe  cold. 


674  DIARV    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

number  at  Wapping,  and  but  one  in  any  one  family,'  Preached  at  Wapping 
on  John  i :  lo.  At  Iiome  on  Matt,  vi :  13.  Warm.  I  think  I  never  saw  our 
street  so  dry. 

15.  Very  warm.  Read.  Rode  out  with  Ursula.  She  appears  to  get 
better   slowly.     Wrote. 

16.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Very  warm.  Read  Campbell's  Gospels. 
This  morning  there  was  a  little  rain.  People  are  alarmed  at  the  small 
quantity  of   hay. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  heat  and  dust  very  severe.  Received  $30.00 
as  a  dividend  from  the  Eagle  Bank.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Traded  con- 
siderably with  Mr.  Haskell.  Gave  Mr.  Wolcott's  two  daughters  silk  for 
gowns,  which  cost  nearly  twelve  dollars.  We  had  a  severe  gust  of  wind  but 
very  little  rain. 

18.  Read  Campbell.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Cool. 
Visited. 

19.  Read.  Rode  with  Ursula,  as  I  do  frequently.^  Began  a  sermon  on 
Tit.  ii :   II,  12.     Wrote  but  a  little.     At  evening  had  a  full  conference. 

20.  Wrote  laboriously  all  day.  Wrote  to  brother  Frank.  Towards  night 
we  had  a  very  refreshing  shower.  I  think  I  have  never  seen  the  ground  so 
dry. 

21.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Tit.  ii :  11,  12.  I  have  now 
written  and  preached  two  single  and  two  double  sermons  for  three  successive 
Sabbaths.     Warm.     Attended  conference  in  the  evening.     Very  tired. 

22.  Wrote.  Read  Campbell.  Almost  all  newspapers  now  publish  relig- 
ious intelligence.^  A  wonderful  change  seems  to  be  taking  place  in  public 
sentiment.  I  have  to  lose  a  great  deal  of  time  in  sleep.  Went  over  to 
Windsor  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  and  made  a  visit. 

23.  Read.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Very  warm.  Visited.  At  evening 
rode  to  the  upper  part  of  East   Hartford  and  performed  a  marriage* 

24.  Late  last  evening  my  brother  Frank  came  here.  Rode  with  him  to 
Middletown  and  attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Goodrich.*  The  parts  were 
well  performed.     Returned.     Very  warm. 

25.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  moderate  and  very  refreshing  rain.  My 
brother  rode  home.  Began  a  piece  for  the  religious  paper  at  New  Haven.  I 
think  of  writing  considerably  for  that  paper.  I  pray  for  divine  teaching  and 
assistaace.     Had  company. 


'  The    names    of     these    children    were  *  Between     George     Marsh     and     Sarah 

Elizabeth     Reed     McKinney ;    Mary    Alice  Gates,  of  East  Hartford. 
Gillett;   Thomas  Anderson;   Aaron  Gilman  ^  chauncey   Allen   Goodrich,  D.  D.,  was 

Williams;  Roxey  Skinner;    Frederic  Henry  settled  over  the  First  Church  in  Middletown, 

Sadd;  Alfred  Skinner  Grant;  Evalina  Mun-  which    Rev.   Dan    Huntington    left    in    the 

sell ;     Joel     Utley     Green,     and     Timothy  previous  February.     Dr.  Goodrich  was  there 

Loomis  Skinner.  but  one  year,  when  he  was  called  to  be  Pro- 

*  She  had  been  sick,  but  was  convalescing.  fessor  of  Rhetoric  and  English  Literature  in 

'  This  is  far  more  true  now  than  it  was  Yale  College,  where,  in  one  connection  or  an- 

tben.  other,  he  remained  till  the  end  of  his  life. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  675 

26.  Wrote.  Carried  dinner  to  the  harvest  field.  I  believe  I  have  never 
been  so  late,  by  several  days,  on  a  similar  occasion,  yet  the  grain  is  hardly  fit 
to  cut.     The  whortleberries  are  not  ripe.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

27.  Wrote.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Afternoon  rode  to  Glastonbury  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Hawes.'  Met  him  going  to  East  Windsor.  We  had  a 
small  shower. 

28.  Wet  and  something  rainy.  Preached  from  Ps.  li :  4,  and  Gal.  iv :  5. 
Mr.  Hawes  came  home.  Had  no  third  meeting  on  account  of  the  weather. 
I  think  the  congregation  here  is  not  quite  as  large  as  mine.     Eat  cucumbers. 

29.  Rode  home.  Read.  Our  country  abounds  with  religious  and  chari- 
table societies.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  brother  James. 

30.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Dined  out.  We  have  warm  days  and  cool 
nights.     Rode  to  Hartford.     People  are  generally  engaged  in  their  harvest. 

31.  Rode  with  Mr.  Flint  from  Hartford,  and  made  a  visit  to  Mr.  Bartlett's. 
His  family  has  become  quite  large."^  The  harvest  comes  in  very  well. 
There  is  no  rust  or  blast.  Had  company.  I  have  done  but  little  business 
lately.     I  am  ashamed  of  my  negligence. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  on  pieces  for  the  New  Haven  newspaper.^  Quite  warm.  At 
evening  walked  out. 

2.  Wrote.  Read  Suetonius.*  Very  warm.  Attended  our  evening  confer- 
ence. Find  some  difficulty  in  conducting  those  meetings  in  the  most  useful 
manner. 

3.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :  2.  I  believe  I  wrote  it  quicker  than  I 
ever  did  one  before,  within  a  period  of  less  than  six  and  one  half  hours.  Eat 
a  light  dinner,  and  resumed  my  writing  immediately.     Went  into  the  water. 

4.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  xxi :  12  to  33.  Afternoon 
preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Wet  and  rainy.  Had  no  conference. 
Read  the  Bible.     Yesterday  we  had  our  first  cucumbers. 

5.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Middletown.  Worked 
in  the  garden.  Sultry  hot.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  Brockway  and  the  church 
of  Ellington,  recommending  one  of  our  church-members,  who  has  removed  to 
that  place.  Wrote  to  Mr,  Goodrich.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting.     Rainy. 

6.  Rode  with  Ursula  to  Windsor.  Mr.  Ellsworth^  concluded  to  sell  me 
Whitby  *  on  the  Neiv  Testament.  I  am  very  glad  to  get  it.  I  have  now  a  very 
perfect  set  of  Commentaries.     Ursula  gains  very  much  in  her  health. 


'  Rev.  Prince  Hawes.  writer   of  the   first   century,  known   for   his 

'^  There  were  then  seven  children  in  Rev.  Lives  of  the  Twelve  Ccesars,  and  his  Notices  of 

Mr.  Bartlett's  family.  Grammarians,  Rhetoricians,  and  Poets. 

^  This   was    the    Religious     Intelligencer,  '  Probably  ISIaj.  Martin  Ellsworth, 

published  in   magazine  form.     It  continued  ''  Rev.    Daniel   Whitby,    163S-1726.     His 

in  existence  for  a  number  of  years,  but  was  Commentary    on    the    New    Testament   was 

not  a  great  success.  long  regarded  by  scholars  as  very  valuable, 

*  Caius  Tranquillus  Suetonius,  a  Roman  and  very  needful  for  a  minister's  library. 


676  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

7.  Prepared  some  pieces  that  I  have  been  writing  for  publication,  and 
wrote  to  Mr.  Whiting,  of  New  Haven.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening 
married  my  neighbor,  Mr.  Reed.' 

8.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man.  The  harvest  is  not  yet  in. 
It  is  in  general  very  good.  The  head  and  kernel  are  as  good  as  can  ever  be 
remembered.  Very  warm.  Vegetation  has  advanced  lately  very  rapidly. 
Walked   out   and   visited.     Wrote. 

9.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  back.  At 
evening   attended   a   conference.     Read   the    Bible. 

10.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts  for  a  year  past.  Being  in  some 
expectation  of  an  exchange  tomorrow,  I  did  not  write  a  sermon.  Read  the 
Bible.  Am  greatly  troubled  with  scattered  thoughts  in  meditation.  On  the 
7th  visited  a  small  school  of  young  ladies,  which  has  been  recently  established 
here.  I  hope  it  will  be  permanent  and  useful.  On  the  8th  paid  for  sawing 
timber. 

11.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  lo.  Had  a  very  full  meeting. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Had  a  solemn  and  I  hope  a  profitable 
day.  Eat  a  sound  and  good  apple  of  last  year's  growth.  Endeavored  to 
devote  the  day,  so  far  as  I  could  consistently  with  other  duties,  to  a  proper 
attention  to  the  interesting  scenes  which  it  naturally  presents  to  my  mind. 
Lord,  let  thy  blessing  rest  upon  my  friends,  upon  my  people,  and  upon  the 
whole  Israel  of  God. 

12.  Rode  to  Enfield  with  Ursula  and  visited  my  brother  and  Eliza.  Very 
warm.     Bought  some  books  that  were  Mr.  Prudden's.     Returned  late. 

13.  Read  old  books.  Wrote.  Our  newspapers  become  quite  barren. 
Hindered  by  company.     Walked  out  and  visited.     The  ground  exceeding  dry. 

14.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  some 
books  at  vendue.  People  feel  anxious  about  the  approaching  Freemen's 
Meeting.     The   heat   very   severe. 

15.  Read.  Visited  sick  persons.  Wrote.  Afternoon  worked  in  the 
meadow   making   hay.     The   hay   is   pretty   light. 

16.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My 
expenses  seem  to  increase.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference. 

17.  Wrote  a  sermon  in  seven  successive  hours  on  2  Cor.  vi:  i.  I  have 
to  spend  a  good  deal  of  time  in  watering  trees.  Vegetation  seems  to  be 
expiring.     Went  into  the  water. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  2  Kings  vii :  3.  After- 
noon the  sermon  written  yesterday.  The  heat  very  severe  and  the  drought 
very  alarming.  Towards  night  we  had  a  season  for  prayer  at  the  meeting- 
house on  account  of  the  drought.  Mr.  Blakeslee,^  from  Wapping,  was  present 
and  assisted.  The  Baptist  people  appeared  to  be  displeased.  While  at  the 
meeting  we  had  a  trifling  shower. 


'  Justus  Reed  and  Mrs.  Lydia  Burnham.  ''  There  was  no   Baptist  church  then  in 

This  was  his  third  marriage.  Wapping,  but  this  Mr.  Blakeslee  lived  there. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  677 

19.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow  (Windsor)  and  visited  old  Mr.  Haskell.'  He 
is  quite  low.  The  heat  about  as  severe  as  yesterday.  In  the  afternoon  there 
was  a  small  shower.  Visited.  An  exceeding  good  crop  of  oats  and  flax. 
Eat  a  little  green  corn.     The  first  I  have  seen. 

20.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Fairchild.^  Rode  to  East  Hartford 
in  the  morning  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  from  New  York.  Towards 
night  the  weather  grew  cooler.  There  were  showers  around  us,  but  we  got  but 
little  rain.     Visited  a  school.     At  evening  wrote  considerably. 

21.  Wrote.  Quite  cool.  Had  company.  My  brother  Frank  and  Mr. 
Emerson,  of  Norfolk,  came  here.  Mr.  Emerson  tarried  with  me.  There  is 
now  a  great  Methodist  camp-meeting  in  Orford.^ 

22.  Carried  Mr.  Emerson  to  Hartford.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and 
visited  a  school.  Last  night  a  respectable  man  near  here,  in  a  fit  of  insanity, 
went  to  the  river  and  drowned  himself.  He  was  found  this  morning.  Visited 
the  afflicted  family.     This  morning  there  was  some  frost."* 

23.  Visited  a  small  school.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral.  The  ground 
gets  no  relief  from  its  drought.     Visited.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

24.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Warm.  Brother  Frank  called  here 
going  to  East  Hartford.  Things  grow  very  little.  Paid  for  garden  boards, 
$2.25.     Received  a  consociational  letter  from  Mr.  Flint. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxi :  33  to  xxii :  15.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  3.  Towards  evening  we  had  a  ver}^ 
solemn  and  interesting  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the  drought.  At  even- 
ing performed  a  marriage,^ 

26.  Last  night  brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried.  In  the  morning  we 
had  a  moderate  and  very  refreshing  rain.  We  have  great  reason  to  bless  God 
for  it.     Read.     Rode  to  Hartford.     The  ground  is  considerably  wet. 

27.  Received  a  letter  from  Theodore  Pease  announcing  my  appointment 
as  chaplain  of  the  first  regiment  of  militia.  Wrote  to  him  in  answer.  Set 
out  on  my  journey.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Preached  a  sacramental  lecture  on 
Rev.  iii :  2.     We  had  a  little  rain. 

28.  Rode  to  Springfield  and  Northampton.  Dined  at  Mr.  Osgood's.* 
Very  cold.  Tarried  at  Judge  Lyman's.'  Kindly  entertained.  Saw  the  South 
Hadley  canal. ^ 

29.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  It  is  a  melancholy  time. 
There  was  a  fast  here  yesterday  on  account  of  the  season.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Worthington.'    The  road  hilly.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Howe's.     Kindly  entertained. 


'  Mr.  Jabez  Haskell,  before  noticed.  ^  Dr.  Samuel  Osgood,  of  the  First  Church, 

^  Rev.  Joy   H.  Fairchild,  just   settled   at  Springfield. 
East  Hartford.  ^  Judge  Joseph  Lyman,  before  noticed. 

^  Orford,  now  Manchester,  was  a  favorite  ^  Cut  to  carry  boats   around   the    South 

place    for    Methodist    camp-meetings    many  Hadley  Falls. 
years  afterwards.  9  Worthington  lies  on  the  high  lands  be- 

*  Here   is  frost   in  August,  as  there  had  tween  the  Connecticut  River  and  the  Berk- 
been  in  June  and  July.  shire    valley.      It    joins    Cummington    and 

^  Jehiel  Ward  and  Nancy  Skinner.  Chesterfield. 


678  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

30.  Rode  to  Pittsfield  and  Lenox.  Found  Mr.  Battell  at  Pittsfield.  Am 
less  fatigued  with  my  journey  than  I  expected.  In  some  places  the  frost 
appears  to  have  injured  the  corn.  Saw  people  harvesting  fine  crops  of 
summer  wheat  and  r)'e.  The  oats  are  very  good.  People  just  begin  to  have 
green  corn.     Found  brother  James  and  his  family  well. 

31.  Rode  to  Lee  and  visited  Dr.  Hyde.'  Returned  to  Lenox.^  Visited 
Mr.  Shepard.^     Cool.      The  drought  appears  as  severe  here  as  in  Connectitut. 

September. 

1.  Went  to  meeting  with  brother  James.  Preached  for  Mr.  Shepard  in 
the  forenoon  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  The  sacramental  occasion  made  the  afternoon 
exercise.  I  made  an  address,  after  which  Mr.  Shepard  administered  the 
ordinance.  In  the  evening  I  preached  in  the  meeting-house  on  Luke  xiii : 
8,  9.     The  church  here  is  large  and  appears  very  well. 

2.  It  is  very  cool  and  dr)'.  A  fine  new  court-house  and  gaol  have  been 
erected  here.  Rode  to  Stockbridge  and  visited  Mr.  Woodbridge  and  Dr. 
West.*  The  church  here  is  in  a  distressed  state.  I  think  Mr.  Swift ^  will  be 
dismissed.  Returned  to  Lenox,  and  in  the  evening  attended  the  monthly 
prayer-meeting.     Quite  full. 

3.  Rode  in  company  with  my  brother  James  to  Williamstown.  Dined  at 
Mr.  Collins's,''  Lanesborough.  Found  a  number  of  acquaintance.  At  even- 
ing attended  the  speaking  of  the  students  for  premiums. 

4.  The  class  of  graduates  is  small,  but  performed  well.  The  new  Presi- 
dent^ appears  well  excepting  his  voice,  which  is  poor.  Quite  warm.  A  young 
minister  is  likely  to  be  settled  in  this  town.^  Treated  very  kindly  by  old 
acquaintance.  I  think  this  college  is  rising,  having  been  in  a  low  state  for 
some  years.  At  sundown  left  town  with  my  brother,  and  by  the  light  of  the 
full  moon  rode  to  Lenox.  Got  to  his  house  at  one  o'clock.  The  drought  is 
very  extreme  and  severe. 

5.  Left  Lenox  a  little  before  ten  o'clock  and  rode  home;  a  little  more 
than  sixty  miles.  Further  than  I  have  ever  traveled  in  a  day  before.  Got 
home  about  half  after  twelve  at  night.  Warm  and  ver}'  dusty.  I  presume  no 
person  living  has  known  so  poor  a  crop  of  corn  in  New  England,'  at  this 
season,  as  now. 


'  Dr.  Alvan  Hyde.  borough    since    1764,   fifty-two    years.      He 

^  His    kinsman,    Joseph    Goodwin,   with  remained  till  his  death,  1822,  at  the  age  of 

whom  he  was  accustomed  to  stay  at  Lenox,  eighty-three,  but   had   colleagues  for  twelve 

had  removed  to  the  State  of  New  York.  years. 

^  Samuel  Shepard,  D.  D.  '  Rev.    Zephaniah    Swift    Moore,    made 

♦Dr.  Stephen  West  had  been  settled  at  President  in  181 5. 
Stockbridge  since  1759,  fifty-seven  years.  ^  Rev.  R.  W.  Gridley,  a  native  of  Mans- 

5  Rev,  E.G.  Swift,  who  had  studied  theol-  field,  Ct.,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1814,  was  set- 

ogy  with  Dr.  ^Vest,  had  been  colleague  pas-  tied  in  the  October  following, 
tor   with   him   since  1810.     It  came  to  pass  '  The   corn   crop  in   New   England   that 

that  they  were  both  dismissed  in  1S18,  and  year  was   essentially  a  failure.     The   potato 

Dr.  West  died  the  following  year  (1819)  at  crop,  on  the  other  hand,  was  a  success,  and 

the  age  of  eighty-three.  was   regarded  that  year  as  a  special   bless- 

*  Rev,  Daniel  Collins  had  been  at  Lanes-  ing. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  679 

6.  At  the  meeting  here  last  Sabbath  Mr.  McChire  took  the  lead  in  the 
forenoon,  and  in  the  afternoon  the  deacons  conducted  the  meeting,  as  he  did 
not  attend.  Am  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Read.  Had  company.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

7.  There  has  been  no  rain  here  during  my  absence.  We  have  very  good 
watermelons  from  my  garden.  Conversed  with  some  young  women  that  are 
serious.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Sylvester  Eaton,'  of  Catskill. 

8.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  xi :  29.  After  meeting  we  had  a 
solemn  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the  drought.     At  evening  walked  out. 

9.  Read.  Rode  to  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  and  visited  a  sick 
man.  Attended  at  a  training ;  dined  with  the  officers.  At  evening  brother 
Frank  and  Eliza  came  here  on  their  way  to  New  Haven. 

10.  Set  out  for  Commencement.  Tudor^  went  with  me.  Lost  a  valuable 
small  purse  from  my  pocket  containing,  I  believe,  about  $1.30.  Had  difficulty 
in  procuring  lodging  at  New  Haven.  At  evening  attended  a  meeting.  Yes- 
terday forenoon  it  rained  a  little. 

11.  It  began  to  rain  early  in  the  morning,  and  rained  without  intermission 
moderately  all  the  day.  The  Commencement  exercises  were  uncommonly 
good.  A  great  number  of  ministers  were  present.  At  evening  instead  of  the 
Concio  ad  Cleritni  we  had  a  sermon  from  Mr.  Whelpley,^  of  New  York.  The 
President*  appears  feeble. 

12.  It  rained  the  most  of  the  forenoon.  Saw  a  mummy,  lately  found  in  a 
cave  in  Kentucky.  Dined  with  my  classmate  Bishop.^  Rode  to  Berlin. 
Could  not  ride   home.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

13.  Rode  home  quite  early.  Towards  noon  it  began  to  rain,  and  rained 
the  most  of  the  day.  Brother  Frank  and  Eliza  came  here  and  dined  and  rode 
home  in  the  rain.  Read.  Wrote.  The  State  is  much  agitated  respecting  the 
approaching  Freemen's  Meeting. 

14.  Old  Mrs.  Tudor*  is  quite  low.  It  rained  hard  during  the  forenoon, 
and  some  through  the  day.  Read.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i 
Thess.  V  :   19. 

15.  Wet  and  cloudy,  but  little  rain.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old 
notes  on  Neh.  ii :  3.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  on 
I  Thess.  V  :  19.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Chapman,  of  Genessee.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

16.  In  the  morning  early  rode  to  Hartford.  Renewed  my  note  at  the 
Phoenix  Bank,  paying  $64.00.  Received  a  dividend  at  the  bank  of  $55.50. 
Rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  the  Freemen's  Meetins:.     The  highest  vote  for 


'  Sylvester  Eaton,  afterwards  a  clergyman,  *  Timothy  Dwight,  D.  D.     He  died  in  the 

was  one  of  the  young  men  that  graduated  the  following  year,  Jan.  11,  1817,  at  the  age  of 

week  before  at  Williams  College.  sixty-four. 

^  Tudor  Wolcott.  s  Timothy  Bishop. 

3  Rev.  Philip  M.  Whelpley,  of  the  Wall  *  Mrs.   iNaomi    Tudor,   mntner    ot    lylrs. 

Street  Church.  Auiei  vv^oicott. 


68o  DIARY   OF    REV.   THOMAS    ROPPINS,    D.D,  [1816. 

nomination  was  Federalist,  196  ;  Democratic,  66."  The  forenoon  quite  rainy. 
Mr.  Eaton,''  from  Catskill,  came  and  tarried  with  me,  who  is  to  teach  our 
academy. 

17.  Warm  and  very  growing  season.  Vegetation  revives.  Rode  out. 
Afternoon  visited  a  school. 

18.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Visited  sick  persons.  Rode  to  Ellington  and  saw 
a  regimental  training.  Returned  late.  Visited  Mr.  Blakeslee'at  Wapping, 
who  appears  very  hostile. 

19.  Read.  Walked  and  visited.  Conversed  with  several  persons  respect- 
ing professing  religion.  The  wicked  here  have  a  deep  enmity  against  the 
church. 

20.  Walked  out.  Afternoon  delivered  a  public  address  to  a  number  of 
women  who  formed  an  auxiliary  Bible  Society.  With  the  church  committee 
examined  five  persons  for  our  communion.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

21.  Had  a  little  fire  in  my  chamber.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on 
Ps.  cxxii :  3,  4,  5.     Our  late  Freemen's  Meeting  has  issued  unfavorably. 

22.  There  was  some  frost  this  morning,  but  a  heavy  fog  seemed  to  prevent 
its  evil  effects.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday,  so  far  as  I  thought  fit 
for  my  own  people,  and  preached  it  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  forenoon  ex- 
pounded on  Matt,  xxii:  15  to  the  end.  Propounded  five  persons  for  our 
communion.*  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on  Ps.  cxlii :  7, 
and  baptized  four  children.^     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

23.  Rode  out.  Much  fatigued  by  my  labors  of  yesterday.  Read.  Wrote 
in  the  evening  a  large  addition  to  my  sermon  of  yesterday  for  Consociation. 
Wrote  late. 

24.  In  the  morning  finished  my  consociational  sermon.  Rode  with  brother 
Frank  to  Farmington,*  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  The  lecture,  on 
account  of  a  military  review,  is  appointed  tomorrow.  The  Conso  is  quite  full. 
Not  much  business  to  be  done.  In  the  evening  Mr.  Cook^  preached.  Quite 
warm.  An  unhappy  inclination  to  innovation  seems  to  have  possessed  our 
churches. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  preached  at  the  consociational  lecture  on  Ps.  cxxii : 
3,  4,  5.  We  had  an  earnest  debate  on  the  question  of  celebrating  the  Lord's 
Supper  at  our  annual  meetings.  It  was  laid  over  till  next  year.  I  pray  that 
it  may  never  be  adopted.^     Rode  home.     Frances  Wolcott  is  quite  unwell. 


'  No  occasion  on  the  part  of  the  Federal-  Nancy,  Marvin,  and  Russell  Miner,  children 

ists  for  anxiety  about  the  State  of  Connecti-  of  Andrew  and  Kezia  Hall, 
cut,  if  all  the  towns  were  like  East  Windsor.  ^  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  had  then  been 

^  Mr.  Sylvester  Eaton.    This  was  the  oc-  ten  years  in  the  pastorate  at  Farmington. 
casion  of  the  letter  to  Catskill.  ^  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook,  of  Orford. 

^  The  Baptist  minister.  ^  From  this  sentence  it  would  appear  that 

*  The  five  persons  propounded  were  Mary  there  were  current  notions  about  the  Lord's 

Marble,  Sarah  Rockwell,  Anna  Olcott,  Abi-  Supper  different  from  those  now  commonly 

gail  Rockwell,  and  John  Warner  Barbe*-  prevailing.     Dr.  Robbins   apparently  would 

'  The  four  cniidren  baptized  were  Austin,  have  this  ordinance  kept  with  the  churches. 


l8l6,]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  6Sl 

26.  Had  a  new  elegant  black  sash  made  for  military  parade.  Rode  to 
Hartford  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  first  regiment.  Performed  the 
duties  of  chaplain.'     The  regiment  appears  very  well.     Cool. 

27.  This  morning  there  was  a  pretty  hard  frost.  The  gardens  are  gener- 
ally killed.     Rode  out.     Read.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

28.  The  frost  this  morning  was  very  severe.  I  fear  that  it  has  stopped  the 
further  growth  of  the  corn.  Read.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Rom.  xi :  22. 
At  evening  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Middletown,  came  here  for  an  exchange.  By  a 
mistake  in  our  communications,^  I  did  not  expect  him  at  all. 

29.  Rose  very  early  and  set  out  a  little  after  four  and  rode  to  Middletown 
before  eight  o'clock.  It  was  foggy  and  frosty  and  quite  cold.  Preached  in 
the  forenoon  on  i  John  v :  7.  A  full  congregation.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Very  tired. 

30.  Rode  home.  Warm.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  rode  to  Enfield. 
Had  no  time  to  rest. 

October. 

1.  Rode  with  brother  Frank  and  cousin  Eliza  to  Norfolk.  The  Hartland 
hills  ^  were  very  severe.     Very  warm.     Mother  is  quite  smart. 

2.  The  corn  here  is  killed  by  the  frost,  and  it  is  said  that  there  is  not 
scarcely  any  that  is  ripe.*  Afternoon  rode  to  the  north  part  of  the  town  with 
Mr.  Emerson  and  preached  a  lecture  without  notes  from  Luke  xiii :  8,  9.  At 
evening  brother  Frank  preached  in  the  meeting-house.  Brother  James  and 
his  wife  are  here  ;  they  came  down  on  Monday.  Brother  Ammi  and  his  wife 
were  here  today.     Brother  Samuel  has  a  prospect  of  being  married. 

3.  Mr.  Emerson  is  really  a  valuable  man.  Reckoned  with  Mr.  Battell 
and  gave  him  a  note.  After  dinner  set  out  with  brother  Frank  and  rode  home 
in  less  than  eight  hours.     At  evening  quite  cool. 

4.  I  am  much  fatigued  with  my  late  journeying  and  fatigues.  This  morn- 
ing there  was  a  pretty  hard  frost.  Visited  a  young  man  very  badly  hurt, 
having  been  stabbed  by  another  with  a  knife  in  a  quarrel.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Traded  some.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

5.  The  frost  this  morning  was  very  severe.  Am  much  troubled  with  a 
rheumatic  pain  in  my  left  hip ;  I  can  do  but  little.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Manson 
Elmer,  a  member  of  our  church,  in  answer  to  a  letter  received  from  him 
yesterday. 

6.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  17.  Received  five  persons  to  the 
church  by  profession,  and  one   by  letter.     It   was   a   solemn   occasion.     At 


■  His  appointment  as  chaplain  was  men-  of  the  northern  tier  of  Connecticut  towns,  a 

tioned  some  time  before,  but  it  did  not  then  straight   line  west   to   Norfolk   led   through 

appear  whether  he  accepted.  Hartland.     In  going  from  East  Windsor  to 

^  Almost  everv  man  long  in  the  ministry  Norfolk   they  would   naturally  have  gone  a 

has   had   some   such   mishap  as  that.     This  little  south  of  Hartland. 

was,  as  already  said,  Prof.  Chauncey  A.  Good-  ''  The   corn   was  very  late,  by  reason   of 

rich,  D.  D.,  afterwards  so  long  connected  with  the  cold  in  June  and  July,  and  the  Septem- 

Yale  College.  ber  frosts  essentially  finished   it.     In  favor- 

^  Starting  as  they  did  from   Enfield,  one  able  places  some  of  the  crop  was  saved. 


I 


682  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ^  [1816. 

evening    attended    the    conference.      Am    quite    lame   with    my   rheumatic 
complaint. 

7.  Cold.  Walked  out.  Read.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  concert 
of  prayer. 

8.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Skinner/  of  Berlin,  and  received  a  letter  from  him  in 
answer.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.     Read. 

9.  On  the  7th  received  of  my  collector,  $50.00.  Paid  Mr.  Prudden,  of 
Enfield,  for  books,  $7.00.  My  lameness  in  my  hip  is  very  severe.  I  can 
scarcely  go  out.  Read  Robert  Hall  on  Communion^  An  excellent  work. 
Quite  warm.     The  streams  and  river  very  low. 

10.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  difficulty  on  account  of  my  lameness.  Very 
warm.  The  ground  exceedingly  dry.  Paid  the  bank  $22.61,  and  renewed  my 
note.  Paid  .60  for  exchanging  money.  Paid  a  bookseller,  $5.00.  For  a 
book,  .20.     Visited. 

11.  Read.  Afternoon  wrote  notes  and  preached  at  a  preparatory  lecture  on 
I  Cor.  V  :  8.     Am  quite  feeble  with  my  rheumatic  complaints.     Read  Whitby.^ 

12.  My  pain  is  such  that  it  is  difficult  for  me  to  write.  Quite  warm. 
Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  16.  Wrote  late.  Had  company. 
The  crop  of  corn  is  like  to  come  in  very  light. 

13.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xv:  27.  Finished 
and  preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  16.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  The  church  quite  full.  Baptized  eleven  children*  belonging  to 
two  families.  At  evening  attended  a  full  conference.  Bore  the  labors  of  the 
day  much  better  than  I  expected. 

14.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man.  At  evening 
walked   out. 

15.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  visited  my  brother.  Returned.  Visited  a  family 
expecting  to  remove  soon  to  New  Connecticut. 

16.  Last  night  my  nephews  Joseph  and  Philip  Battell  came  here  to  make 
me  a  little  visit.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  man.  Paid  a  merchant,  $6.66. 
Rainy.     Worked  putting  up  cider  for  bottling. 

17.  Rode  out  with  my  nephews.  Finished  my  cider  business.  My  rheu- 
matism is  still  quite  troublesome.     Cold  and  tedious.     Wrote.     Visited. 

18.  Put  my  green  trees  in  the  green-house.  Read  the  Bible.  Read 
Whitby's  Commentary.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

19.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Philip  went  home.  Joseph  stays  with  me. 
Wrote  the  most  of  a  double  sermon  on  2  Kings  xvii :  9.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  a  black  child.     Had  a  very  good  surtout  made.     Wrote  late. 


'  Rev.  Newton  Skinner.  *  The   eleven  children  which  were   pre- 

^  Rev.  Robert   Hall  was   an  Open  Com-  sented  for  baptism  that  day,  were    Joseph 

munion  Baptist.     At  the  time  this  entry  was  Henry,    Lydia   Huntley,    Sydney   Williams, 

made  in  the  diary,  Dr.  Hall  was  in  the  full  and  Edward  Charlton,  children  of  Nathaniel 

tide  of  his  great  influence.     He  ranks  among  and  Sarah  Rockwell ;  Maria,  William  Trum- 

the  very  ablest  preachers  of  all  generations.  bull,  Emily,  Almira,  Danforth,  Frederic,  and 

3  Rev.  Daniel  Whitby,  the  commentator,  Mar\'  Skinner,  children  of  William  and  Mary 

before  noticed.  Marble. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  683 

20.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  2  Kings  xvii :  9.  I  believe  I 
do  not  preach  sufficiently  on  moral  subjects.  Had  to  write  considerably.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

21.  The  votes  at  our  late  Freemen's  Meeting  have  made  considerable  and 
unexpected  changes  in  the  public  officers  of  the  State.  Rainy.  All  our  rains 
are  very  small.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wing,  of  Hartford.  Visited. 
Warm.  Wrote.  Old  Mrs.  Tudor  is  very  low.  Late  at  night  rode  to  the  hill 
and  brought  down  Mrs.  Bissell.' 

22.  Joseph  does  very  well  with  his   Co .     We  had  a  hard  rain.     I 

believe  the  hardest  of  the  present  year.     Read  Wardlaw.^     Visited. 

23.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Prayed  with  a  family  who  set  off  for  New 
Connecticut. 

24.  Cool.     Tarried  out.     Paid  for  four  bushels  of  oats,  $2.00. 

25.  Visited.  Read  Star  in  the  West.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Mrs.  Tudor  appears  to  be  a  little  better, 

26.  On  the  evening  of  the  23d  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Moral  Society. 
Rainy.  Worked  some.  My  rheumatism  is  quite  troublesome.  Wrote. 
Read  Star  in  the  West?     Read  commentators, 

27.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxiii :  i  to  23.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Luke  xix :  10.  Old  Mrs.  Tudor  appears  to  be 
near  her  end.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

28.  Wrote.  Read  Star  in  the  West.  The  American  Indians  may  possibly 
be  of  Israelitish  extract.* 

29.  Mrs.  Tudor  appears  to  be  in  a  dying  state.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Joseph  is  a  good  scholar.     The  New  Haven  religious  paper  is  pretty  ordinary. 

30.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  met  with  the  ministers'  meeting  of  that  vicinity. 
Brother  Frank  seems  to  be  well  esteemed  among  them. 

31.  Returned  in  the  morning.  Mrs.  Tudor^  deceased  yesterday  afternoon 
at  two  o'clock.  Expected  to  have  gone  today  to  New  Haven,  but  cannot  on 
account  of  the  death.  Visited.  On  the  29th  a  man  in  the  neighborhood  had 
his  arm  amputated,  hurt  by  the  splitting  of  a  gun.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Howe,  of  New  Haven, 

November. 

I.     Read  the  Bible.     Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Tudor.®     Spent  consid- 
erable time  with  the  family. 


'  Mrs.   Aaron    Bissell,   as   well   as   Mrs.  came  from  the  lost  tribes,  and  some  plausible 

Abiel    Wolcott,    were    daughters    of    Mrs.  arguments  have  been  urged  for  this  theory. 
Tudor.                                                   *  ^  Mrs.  Naomi  Diggins  Tudor,  wife  of  Mr. 

^  Dr.  Ralph  Wardlaw,  1779-1853.  Samuel  Tudor.    There  was  a  family  by  the 

^  This  was   a  work  by   Elias  Boudinot,  name   of  Diggins   in   East  Windsor  in   the 

designed  to  show  that  the  American  Indians  early  years.     John  Diggins,  from  this  family, 

were  the  lost  tribes  of  the  Jews.     The  book  was  a  graduate  at  Yale  in   1740.     Of  Mrs. 

was  published  in  Trenton,  N.  J.,  181 1.  Tudor's   daughters,    Naomi   married   Aaron 

■*  The  lost  tribes  have  been  looked  for  in  Bissell,  and  Ursula  married  Abiel  Wolcott. 
almost   all   parts   of  the  earth.     The  latest  *  Mrs.  Tudor  was  seventy-five   years  old 

theory,  perhaps,  is,  that  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  at  the  time  of  her  death. 


684  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Acts  viii :  23.  Hindered  by  company.  Received 
some  valuable  books  from  New  Haven  which  Mr.  Howe'  has  imported  for  me 
from  England.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  M.  L.  North.^ 

3.  Very  warm.  Wore  no  out  coat.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old 
notes  on  Isa.  viii :  14.  Afternoon  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening 
had  a  full  and  solemn  conference.     Read  Wardlaw. 

4.  Quite  rainy.     Finished  reading  Wardlaw.     A  very  valuable  work. 

5.  Worked  some.  My  illness  quite  severe.  Read  Thucydides.^  Received 
$2.00  for  a  marriage  performed  in  August.     The  payment  was  then  forgotten. 

6.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  A  valuable  man  in  middle  life  appears 
to  be  near  death  with  a  consumption.  At  evening  my  brother  Frank  came 
here  and  tarried.     The  roads  are  quite  wet. 

7.  Rode  with  brother  Frank  and  introduced  him  to .*     I  hope  it 

may  be  the  commencement  of  great  good  to  him.     Walked  out  and  visited 
all  day. 

8.  Am  troubled  with  a  severe  irruption.  Read  Thucydides.  Wrote 
notes  of  a  sermon.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Was  up  quite  late. 

9.  Worked  considerably.  Paid  for  a  quarter's  postage  of  my  Boston 
newspaper,  .;^^.  Paid  a  mason  for  work  in  my  chamber,  .50.  Warm.  Fin- 
ished a  sermon  on  Rom.  xi :  22  began  Oct.  26. 

10.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  xlix :  5,  and  from  Rom.  xi :  22.  My 
irruption  is  quite  severe.  Quite  cold.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Read. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  It  is  so  cold  that  scattering  flakes  of  snow  fly  in 
the  air.     Read. 

12.  Read  Thucydides.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  My  irruption  is 
getting  into  boils.     The  cold  is  severe. 

13.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Read.  My  complaint  compels  me  to 
be  inactive. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Found  that  I  had  drawn  a  prize  of  $20.00  in  a 
late  lottery.  After  the  deduction  I  received  $17.00.  An  unexpected  favor. 
Gave  a  note  of  $100.00  to  the  Hartford  Bank  and  received  $98.37.  Paid  for 
the  repair  of  Mr.  Wolcott's  carriage  last  summer,  $26.00.  Paid  Gleason,  the 
bookseller,  $15.00.  Paid  Cooke,  the  bookseller,  $9.20.  Paid  Hills,  the  mer- 
chant tailor,  $10.00.  Paid  for  two  small  debts,  $4.00.  Dr.  Strong  is  quite 
feeble.  He  appears  like  approaching  the  end  of  his  days.^  At  evening 
walked   out. 

15.  Am  almost  confined  by  my  indisposition.     Read   the    Triangle!'     An 


'  Gen.  Hezekiah  Howe.  by  the  hand  of  an  assassin,  but  the  time  and 

^  Milo   Linus  North,  who,  two   or   three  place  of  his  death  are  not  known. 

years   before,  taught   the   academy   at   East  *  We  do   not   know  whose   name  should 

Windsor  Hill.     He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  fill  this  blank. 

1813.  5  This  conclusion  proved  to  be  true. 

^Thucydides,  born  at   Athens  471   years  ''The    Triangle  was  a  theological  essay, 

B.  C.     His  great  work  was  the  History  of  the  designed  to  support  the  New  England  ideas 

PeloponnesiaJi  War.     He  is  said  to  have  died  in  theology.     It  was  written  by  Rev.  Samuel 


l8l6.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  685 

excellent  thing.     At   evening   attended   the    conference.     Quite    thin.     Had 
company. 

16.  It  is  difficult  for  me  to  get  about.  Rode  to  Enfield  for  an  exchange. 
Paid  my  brother  on  a  debt,  $8.25.     He  rode  to  East  Windsor.     Read. 

17.  Preached  both  parts  of  the  day  on  2  Kings  xvii :  9.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  My  largest  boil  gives  me  great  pain  when  I  stand.  I 
suffered  a  great  deal  in  the  course  of  the  day. 

18.  Rode  home.  My  pain  from  my  boil,  some  of  the  time,  is  very  severe. 
There  is  a  good  work  of  divine  grace  in  Scantick,  and  a  little  I  hope  in  En- 
field. Read  a  little,  but  am  scarcely  able  to  do  anything.  Paid  a  cabinet- 
maker of  Hartford  for  brother  Frank,  $10.00.  Paid  for  cleaning  my  clock, 
$1.25. 

ig.  I  applied  poultice  to  my  boil,  which  continues  very  painful.  Read 
Thucydides. 

20.  Had  my  garden  plowed  and  harrowed.     I  can  do  but  little. 

21.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Quite  cold  and 
tedious.  At  evening  preached  at  old  Mr.  Grant's'  without  notes  on  Rev.  ii : 
10.  After  meeting  rode  home  in  the  cold.  My  boil  was  very  painful  while  I 
stood  at  meeting. 

22.  My  nephew  Joseph^  went  to  Norfolk.  He  has  done  veiy  well  here. 
Gave  him  for  stage  fare  and  expenses,  $1.65.  Worked  some  at  my  library.  I 
believe  I  took  cold  yesterday,  for  my  lameness  seems  to  be  worse.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference  with  much  difficulty.  We  are  remarkably  stupid  in 
this  place. 

23.  Put  on  my  flannel.  Worked  at  my  library.  Have  many  little  hin- 
drances. Am  unable  to  write.  Read  the  Bible.  I  fear  our  extra  meetings 
are  declining.     I  am  stupid.     The  Lord  help  me. 

24.  It  snowed  so  as  to  whiten  the  ground.  The  first  that  we  have  had. 
It  went  off  with  the  evening  rain.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  24. 
Had  company.     Had  much  less  pain  in  speaking  than  on  the  last  Sabbath. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  My  boil  is  better.  Traded  considerably.  Dr. 
Strong  is  very  feeble.  Paid  Hills,  my  merchant  tailor,  $10.00.  Quite  cold. 
Visited.  Wrote.  Received  of  the  Connecticut  Bible  Society  eight  Bibles  for 
gratuitous  distribution.  My  worthy  maternal  uncle,  William  Le  Baron,^  has 
lately  died  at  New  Bedford. 

26.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  persons  very  sick.  I  hope  I 
am  getting  better.     Got  my  green  trees  into  the  house. 

27.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Sam,  vii:  12.  Hindered  by  com- 
pany.    Heard  from  Norfolk. 


Whelpley,  a  Presbyterian  divine,  who  at  that  will  be   remembered   that   he  made  quite  a 

time  was  at  the   head  of   a  popular  private  stay  at  East  Windsor  when   he  was  a  little 

school  in   New   York   city.      The    Triangle  child. 

was  published  in  1816,  and  made  quite  a  stir  ^  William  Le  Baron  was  four  years  younger 

in  theological  circles.  than  Dr.  Robbins's  mother,  having  been  born 

'  Probably  Mr.  Gideon  Grant.  in  Plymouth,  Mass.,  in  1749.     Her  family  of 

^  Joseph  was  now  ten  years   old,  but  it  brothers  and  sisters  was  large. 


GS6 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1816. 


28.  Thanksgiving.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  Sam.  vii :  12. 
Quite  pleasant,  though  cold.  After  dinner  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a 
funeral.'     At  evening  walked  out.     Our  meeting  was  pretty  thin. 

In  the  forenoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.     Read  Thucydides. 


29. 


Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.     Received  a  letter  from  him  on  the 


Had  company. 
27  th.     Rainy. 

30.  Warm  and  wet.  Dined  out.  My  rheumatism  is  quite  troublesome 
again.  Read.  My  pains  disqualify  me  for  writing.  Assisted  in  examining  a 
school-master.     Read  the  Bible.     Read  commentators. 

December. 

1.  Read  expositors.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  xxiii:  23  to 
the  end.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Mai.  iv :  6.  Warm  and 
pleasant.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Read. 

2.  Quite  unwell.  Took  physic.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  At  evening 
attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

3.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  back.  Considerable  ice  in  the  river.  Had 
company.     Visited. 

4.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  preached  a  lecture 
for  Mr.  Bartlett  in  a  private  house  on  /Vets  viii :  28.  The  work  of  grace  con- 
tinues there.  Received  of  Gen.  Howe,  of  New  Haven,  a  catalogue  of  new 
imported  books. 

5.  My  rheumatism  appears  to  be  much  better.  Walked  and  visited. 
Visited  the  north  school.     It  is  very  large.     Visited  sick  persons. 

6.  Visited.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Read  Thucydides.  I  have  now 
no  conference  except  on  Sabbath  evening.  The  time  is  dark.  We  have  a 
singing-school^  begun,  which  I  hope  will  be  useful. 

7.  Warm.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  Thess.  v :  3.  My  cousin,  Mr.  Benjamin 
Goodwin,^  of  Boston,  came  here  to  make  me  a  visit. 

8.  Very  pleasant.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Rom.  ix :  7,  and  on 
I  Thess.  V :  3.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn  conference.  Have  some- 
thing of  a  cold. 

9.  Carried  my  cousin  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two 
schools.  Quite  cold.  Received  a  letter  from  Chauncey  Millard  at  Wapping. 
Read  Mr.  Madison's  valedictor)'.*     My  time  goes  off  with  little  business. 

10.  Last  night  some  snow  fell.  Rode  a  little  in  a  sleigh.  Visited. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Dr.  Strong  is  quite  low.  Paid  a  man  for  bring- 
ing my  cousin  Goodwin  here  from  Hartford  last  Saturday,  $1.75.*     Read. 


'  Of  Mrs.  Susan  Anderson,  aged  twenty- 
seven. 

^  The  old  parishes,  as  has  been  already 
stated,  used  every  three,  four,  or  five  years 
to  have  a  winter  singing-school,  that  young 
persons  coming  forward  might  be  taught 
to  sing,  and  the  choirs  be  replenished. 

^  Hannah  Le  Baron,  half-sister  of  Dr. 
Robbins's  mother,  married  Benjamin  Good- 


win, and  this  Benjamin  Goodwin  was  one  of 
their  sons. 

*  President  James  Madison  was  now  draw- 
ing towards  the  close  of  his  second  term, 
having  first  taken  his  oath  of  office  March  4, 
1809. 

5  The  distance  was  about  six  miles 
over  a  level  country,  and  for  those  days,  this 
was  a  heavy  charge. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  687 

* 

•II.  Read  Thucydides.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Quite  rainy.  The 
wells  are  very  low. 

12.  Finished  reading  Thucydides.  A  very  valuable  history.  The  most  of 
the  snow  went  off.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.' 

13.  Rode  out  and  visited.  A  very  valuable  woman  died^  suddenly  this 
morning.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Quite  warm.  Received  of  the  society 
collector,  ^177.58.  Paid  a  tailor's  bill,  $6.28.  A  smith's  bill,  $5.85.  Of  the 
sum  received,  $65.50  were  in  Mr.  Wolcott's  taxes,  which  will  be  paid  him 
when  he  and  I  reckon.  Paid  a  tailoress  for  work  in  the  house,  .70.  Took  a 
note  of  the  collector  of  $283.59.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Gen.  Howe,  of  New 
Haven,  and  paid  for  mending  carriage  harness,  .50. 

14.  Cold  and  blustering.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  ix :  4.  Have  great 
difficulty  in  determining  what  is  most  useful  for  my  people. 

15.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxiv:  i  to  21,  Afternoon 
preached  on  John  ix :  4.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  After  which 
spent  a  little  time  in  a  singing-school.  There  are  many  learning  to  sing,  and 
I  think  the  prospect  is  favorable  of  their  doing  well.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
the  good  woman  lately  deceased, 

16.  Wrote.  Read,  Walked  out  and  visited.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  At 
evening  attended  a  private  prayer-meeting. 

17.  Read  the  Bible,  Wrote  to  Rev,  Dr.  Romeyn,^  of  New  York.  Visited 
the  most  of  the  day. 

18.  Quite  warm  and  pleasant.  Began  to  write  a  dissertation  on  the  ques- 
tion proposed  by  Mr.  Etheridge,*  of  Charlestown,  Mass.,  on  the  most  eligible 
mode  in  which  country  clergymen  can  be  furnished  with  a  library.  At  even- 
ing Mr.  Battell  and  my  cousin  Eliza  came  here. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dined  there  with  Mr.  Battell.  Called  at  Dr. 
Strong's,  but  did  not  see  him.  He  will  not  probably  live  but  a  few  days. 
"Take  him  for  all  in  all,  we  shall  not  see  his  like  again." ^  Cold.  We  have 
sudden  and  great  changes  of  weather.  Cousin  Eliza  went  to  Enfield.  Wrote 
on  my  dissertation.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Amos  Bull,  of  Hartford. 

20.  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Read  the  Bible,  The 
ground  perfectly  bare  and  very  hard, 

21.  Read  the  Bible,  A  few  certificates  of  small  lists  were  given  in  pre- 
vious to  our  late  annual  society  meeting.     Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  Stewart,* 


I  Horace  Stoughton,  of  Wapping,  was  abler  men,  and  he  was  unique  to  a  remark- 
married  to  Levina  Kilburn.  able  degree. 

^  Mrs.  Jerusha  Wood,  aged  sixty-seven.  *  Dr.  Robbins  spells  this  name  wrongly. 

^  Dr.  John  B.  Romeyn,  pastor  of  Duane  The   person  referred    to  was   Rev.  Joseph 

Street  Church,    New    York,    1808   to    1825,  Steward,  whose  history  was   peculiar.     He 

when  he  died,  aged  forty-eight.  was  a  native  of  Upton,  Mass.,  born  in  1752, 

*  Mr.  Samuel  Etheridge.  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  in  1780, 

s  These    words     quoted    from     Hamlet,  studied   theology  with   Dr.  Levi    Hart,  was 

though  not  an  exact  quotation,  were  very  fit  ordained  as  an  Evangelist  and   preached  at 

as  applied  to  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of   Hart-  large.     Being  out  of    health,   he   settled  in 

ford.      New  England   has  had   only  a  few  Hartford,  was  chosen  deacon  of  Dr.  Strong's 


688  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1816. 

of  Hartford.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  make  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Stewart,  who 
now  suppUes  Dr.  Strong's  people.  He  rode  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  at 
the  conference  in  the  evening  on  Acts  viii  :  23.  Dr.  Strong  continues  to 
decline.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  On  the  i8th  received  $6.50  as  a  dividend 
at  the  Hartford  Bank. 

22.  Severe  cold.  Preached  on  i  John  iii :  3,  and  Hab.  iii :  17,  18. 
Preached  at  the  evening  conference  on  Ps.  li :  4.  This  people  appear  to  feel, 
in  some  measure,  the  frowns  of  heaven  which  lie  upon  them.  Dr.  Strong  says 
very  little,  as  his  reason  is  at  times  impaired. 

23.  The  weather  moderates.  Saw  Dr.  Strong,  but  did  not  speak  with  him. 
He  appears  almost  as  in  a  dying  state.  Renewed  my  note  at  the  Phoenix 
Bank  and  paid  $34.41.  Paid  for  specie  money,  $1.05.  Purchased  Cooke's 
Voyages,  a  noble  edition,  for  $60.00,'  and  Robertson's  Charles  V  for  $6.00. 
Paid  $36.00  of  this  sum.  Rode  home.  Visited  a  sick  woman  very  low. 
Very  good  riding.     Read. 

24.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  At  night  brother  Frank  came  here 
and  tarried. 

25.  My  brother  went  to  Ellington  to  ministers'  meeting.  Received  a 
letter  from  Norman  Smith,  of  Hartford,  informing  me  of  the  death  of  Dr. 
Strong,  who  expired  today  at  eleven  o'clock.  A  great  man  has  fallen.  Fin- 
ished a  biography  of  him  for  the  newspaper  which  I  began  yesterday.  I  wrote 
it  at  the  request  of  his  son.  Dined  with  Dr.  Tudor^  at  a  Christmas  dinner. 
Warm. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  gave  young  Dr.  Strong^  my  manuscript.  A 
gloom  overspreads  the  town.  Dined  with  Dr.  Cogswell.  It  thaws  very  much. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Cook,  of  Orford,  who  has  suddenly  lost  his  wife. 
A  respectable  Baptist  woman  died  here  yesterday  morning.  Mr.  Cushman,  of 
Hartford,  is  to  attend  her  funeral  tomorrow.  At  evening  wrote  an  obituary  of 
Dr.  Strong  for  the  Boston  Recorder. 

27.  Wrote  an  addition  to  a  sermon  and  rode  to  Orford  and  preached  at  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Cook.  No  minister  was  with  me  but  Mr.  Woodruff,*  of  Coven- 
try. There  were  a  great  many  people.  Brother  Cook  appeared  very  well. 
Preached  on  Matt,  vi:  10.  Returned.  Very  warm.  The  frost  comes  out  of 
the  ground.     Bad  riding.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Bartlett. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Strong.  There 
were  about  twenty  ministers  and  a  great  concourse  of  people.     Dr.  Perkins's^ 


church   in  1797,  and   became  a  painter,  but  and  this  edition  which  Dr.  Robbins  bought 

did  not  wholly  give  up  preaching.     In   Dr.  must  have  been  a  superb  one. 

Strong's   last  sickness,  and   after  his  death,  ^  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor. 

for  a  time  he  had  a  kind  of  charge  of  the  ^  Nathan  Strong,  M.  D. 

pulpit.  ♦  Rev.  Ephraim   T.  Woodruff,   pastor  at 

"  Capt.  James  Cook,  who  was   killed   at  North  Coventry,  1801-1817. 
last   at   the  Sandwich  Islands  in  1779,  was  *  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford, 

one  of   the   most   remarkable   navigators  of  who  had  already  been  in  the  ministry  there 

his  age,  or  of  any  age.     A  very  high  value  about  forty-five    years,   but   was   to   remain 

was  set  upon  the  results  of  his  discoveries,  twenty-two  years  more  before  his  death. 


l8l6.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  689 

sermon  was  not  quite  so  good  as  it  ought  to  have  been.  In  the  evening 
preached  to  the  bereaved  people  at  the  conference  house  without  any  notes 
on  Matt,  xvii :  4.     Rode  home  late.     The  mourning  family  are  deeply  afifiicted. 

29.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxiv :  21  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvi :  5.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    I  have  borne  fatigue  lately  unusually  well. 

30.  Read.  Worked  pretty  hard  carrying  wood  to  the  garret.  At  evening 
attended  a  private  prayer-meeting.     Cold. 

31.  Read.  Rode  and  visited  a  sick  man.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Preached  in 
the  evening  at  a  lecture  for  my  brother  without  notes  on  Matt,  xvii :  4. 
Cousin  Eliza  is  agreeably  situated  here.  My  brother  appears  to  be  getting 
better  health  than  he  has  had.  This  has  been  an  eventful  year  to  me.  I 
never  had  greater  occasion  to  adore  the  wisdom,  the  grace,  and  the  mercy  of 
the  Lord. 


January. 

1.  I  desire  to  devote  myself  this  year  to  the  service  of  God,  praying  that 
I  may  be  brought  to  the  close  of  it  in  mercy,  that  I  may  see  grace  resting 
upon  my  people  and  upon  Zion.  Visited  with  my  brother.  Looked  at  a 
place  which  he  thinks  of  purchasing.  In  the  evening  rode  home.  Read  in 
newspaper  my  biography  of  Dr.  Strong.  The  weather  is  mild  and  the  riding 
very  good. 

2.  Received  a  letter  from  Sophia  Tudor.'  Wrote  to  her  in  answer. 
Wrote  to  Rev.  Dr.  Holmes,  of  Cambridge.  Had  company.  Read  Council  of 
Trent.^     Paid  a  shoemaker,  $1.50. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  2  Chron.  xxxv  :  18. 
Wrote  other  notes  for  preaching.  Mrs.  Skinner,  of  Hartford,  brought  me 
some  books  for  safe  keeping.  Received  another  letter  from  Sophia  Tudor. 
Read  Newton's  Chronology?     At  evening  rode  out  and  visited. 

4.  A  hard  rain  all  day.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  x  :  24,  25.  There  have 
been  thirty-four  deaths  here  the  year  past,  twenty-five  of  which  were  of  grown 
people.* 

5.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  li :  12.  Attended 
the  sacrament.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  The  con- 
gregation were  much  affected.  Our  church  has  diminished  the  year  past.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  Quite  cold  and  blustering.  Gave  to  the 
church  treasury  in  a  contribution,  $10.00.  In  the  evening  brother  Frank 
and  Eliza  came  here.  Dr.  Backus,'  of  Hamilton  College,  has  deceased  sud- 
denly. 

6.  My  brother  rode  to  East  Hartford,  and  returned  home.  Dined  with 
the  town  officers  at  their  annual  meeting.  Wrote.  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

7.  Prepared  this  diary.  Wrote  a  short  biography  of  the  late  Mrs.  Cook. 
Prepared  for  my  journey. 

8.  Last  night  at  twelve  o'clock  set  out  for  New  Haven.     Had  some  idea 


'  Sophia  Tudor  was  a  daughter  of  Mr.  The  disease  with  which  most  of  them  died 

Oliver   Tudor,   and  a   niece   of   Mrs.   Abiel  was  typhus  fever. 
Wolcott.  '  Dr.  Azel  Backus,  nephew  of  Dr.  Charles 

^  See  note  under  date  of  March  6,  1818.  Backus,  formerly   of   Somers,  Ct.     He  was 

2  Sir   Isaac  Newton's  Chronology  of  An-  born  in  Norwich,  Oct.  13,  1765,  was  gradu- 

cient  Kingdoms  was  first  published  in   1728,  ated  at  Yale,  1787.     He  was  successor  to  Dr. 

the  year  after  his  death.  Bellamy  in  the  pastorate  of  Bethlehem,  Ct., 

*  We  have  already  had  occasion  to  notice  and  was  called  from  there  in  1812  to  be  the 

the  great  number  of  deaths  in  the  parish  in  first  President  of   Hamilton  College,  which 

1816,  and  to  notice  also  that  they  occurred  office  he  held  till  his  death.     He  was  an  able 

chiefly   in    January,   February,   and    March.  man,  but  not  equal  to  his  uncle. 

691 


692  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

of  performing  the  journey  so  as  to  return  tonight.'  After  I  crossed  the  river  I 
found  the  riding  quite  bad,  and  the  weather  became  unfavorable.  Stopped  at 
Gen.  Lusk's^  in  Newington  and  staid  till  morning.  In  the  morning  it  snowed 
considerably.  Uncomfortable  riding.  Rode  to  New  Haven  by  one  o'clock. 
Received  a  dividend  of  ^30.00  of  the  Eagle  Bank.  Bought  a  few  books. 
Paid  Gen.  Howe,  $10.00.  Called  on  friends.  Left  New  Haven  at  sundown 
and  rode  to  Leet's  ^  and  tarried.  President  Dwight  is  quite  feeble  and  unable 
to  attend  to  college  duties. 

9.     Rode  home.     The  riding  quite  bad.     Have  had  a  prosperous  journey. 
Visited  a  family  with  a  sick  child.     Quite  tired. 

10.  Read  the  Council  of  Trent.  Worked  some.  Very  warm.  The  frost  is 
mostly  out  of  the  ground. 

11.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account  for  the  year 
past.  Cold  and  blustering.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Paid  for  my  news- 
papers a  year, 

12.  Very  cold.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on  Ps.  Ixxvi :  7. 
At  evening  attended  our  singing-school.     They  perform  very  well. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Heard  of  the  melancholy  and  surprising  death 
of  President  Dwight.'*  A  great  man  has  fallen.  The  two  first  divines  of 
Connecticut  have  been  removed  near  together.  Paid  the  Hartford  Bank, 
^43.59,  and  renewed  my  note.  Paid  a  cabinet-maker  for  brother  Frank, 
$13.00.  Paid  Mr.  Goodwin  for  books,  $20.00.  Paid  a  merchant, 
$10.00.  Another  merchant,  $10.00.  Very  rough  riding.  At  evening 
attended  a  prayer-meeting.  Severe  cold.  On  the  3d  inst.  received  of  my 
collector,  $100.00. 

14.  Wrote  considerably.  Afternoon  walked  out  and  visited.  Visited  our 
academy  school.     Tarried  out.     Severe  cold. 

15.  Visited.  The  ground  very  hard.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and 
brought  up  some  books  lately  purchased  there  and  some  which  I  procured  at 
New  Haven.  They  make  the  most  valuable  addition  to  my  library,  except  the 
Universal  History,  I  have  ever  had.  The  weather  moderates.  Visited  a  sick 
woman. 


'  From  the  place  where  Dr.  Robbins  lived  ford,  were  classmates  at  Yale  in  the  class  of 
in  East  Windsor  to  New  Haven  was  some-  1769.  They  were  the  first  two  scholars  of 
what  more  than  forty  miles.  The  original  the  class,  and  were  so  equal  in  their  scholar- 
plan  was  not  wise,  whether  the  man  or  the  ship  that  the  college  authorities  would  not 
horse  be  considered.  undertake  to  decide  which  of  the   two  was 

^  Brigadier-General    Levi    Lusk,    of    the  entitled  to  the  chief  honor.     It  was  arranged 

Seventh  Connecticut  Brigade.  by  compromise,  that  as  Strong  was  the  older, 

^  Leete's  tavern,  if  we  mistake  not,  was  he  should  have  the  valedictory  at  Commence- 
about  eight  or  ten  miles  out  from  New  ment,  and  that  Dwight  should  have  the  first 
Haven,  on  the  Hartford  road.  place  in  the  Masters'  orations,  three   years 

*  Dr.  Timothy  Dwight  had  been  called  later.  These  classmates  died,  the  one  Dec. 
from  Greenfield  parish,  Fairfield,  in  1795,  to  25,  1816,  and  the  other,  Jan.  11,  1817,  seven- 
be  President  of  Yale  College,  and  his  presi-  teen  days  apart,  and  the  general  impression 
dency  of  twenty-two  years  had  been  illus-  was  that  there  were  hardly  to  be  found  in 
trious.    Dr.  Dwight  and  Dr.  Strong,  of  Hart-  New  England  two  men  greater  than  thejN 


iSiy.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  693 

16.  It  snowed  all  day.  Studied  thirteen  or  fourteen  hours.  Finished  my 
preaching  account  for  last  year.     Read  Cyprian's  JVorks.^ 

17.  Read  Cyprian's  Works.  They  are  exceeding  valuable.  Looked  at 
Cook's  Voyages.''  The  plates  are  very  elegant.  Wrote  on  my  piece  for  the 
Charlestown  premium,^     Visited  a  sick  woman.     It  rained  considerably. 

18.  The  rain  last  night  carried  ofif  the  snow.  Cold.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
Eph.  ii :  4,  5.     Read  the  Bible. 

19.  Extreme  cold  and  tedious.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes 
on  Matt,  ix  :  22.  Afternoon  on  Eph.  ii :  4,  5.  Meetings  very  short.  The 
new  singers  were  introduced  and  performed  exceedingly  well.  The  whole 
number  was  about  eighty.  At  evening  walked  out.  Yesterday  paid  for  a 
mourning  ring  which  I  gave  to  Mrs.  Wolcott/  $2.25. 

20.  Wrote.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  Walked  and  visited.  Read. 
At  evening  visited  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolcott. 

21.  Read  Cyprian's  i5//j-//<?j'.  Hindered  by  company.  At  evening  visited. 
I  fear  the  Baptist  sentiments  are  increasing  here.  Put  out  a  cask  of  cider  to 
freeze.  Paid  for  my  New  Haven  religious  paper,  $3.25,  I  think  I  shall  not 
take  it  another  year.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Cold  and  very  tedious.  The  roads 
very  rough.     Mr.  Blakeslee  is  making  great  efforts  to  make  Baptists. 

23.  Received  a  good  letter  from  my  mother.  Another  from  my  cousin  at 
Marietta,  and  another  from  Rev.  Dr.  Holmes,  of  Cambridge,  Brother  Frank 
came  here  and  returned.  There  is  difficulty  in  the  church  at  Norfolk.  It 
seems  to  be  needful  for  us  to  go  there  next  week.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  and 
preached  an  evening  lecture  for  him  with  short  notes  on  Ps.  Ixxvi:  7.  The 
meeting  was  very  full  and  solemn.  The  work  of  divine  grace  here  seems  to 
increase.  The  morning  extreme  cold.  Had  a  very  fine  load  of  wood  brought 
me  from  Wapping.     Wrote  to  my  sister. 

24.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably,  previous  to  which  the  ground  was 
perfectly  bare.     Rode  home.     Had  company.     Sleighs  move  considerably. 

25.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Hos.  xi :  4.  I  write  quite  slow.  I  am 
something  troubled  with  a  tremor  in  my  hand. 

26.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Hos.  xi :  4.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Emerson,  at  Norfolk,  informing  me  that  it  is  unnecessary  for  me  to 
go  there  this  week  on  account  of  the  church  matters.  Wrote  to  him  in 
answer.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Pretty  good  sleighing. 
Towards   night   it   grew   very   cold.     Visited   a   family  with  a  dying   infant. 

27.  Severe  cold.     Paid  $13.75  for  one  half  of  a  sulky  which  I  have  bought 


'  Saint  Thascius  Caecilius  Cyprian,  one  of  ^  His  edition  of  Cook's  Voyages,  it  will  be 

the  principal  Latin  Fathers,  born  at  Carthage  remembered,  cost  him  $60.00. 
about   the   beginning   of   the   third   century,  ^  Which  Mr.  Samuel    Etheridge  had  of- 

made  Bishop  of  Carthage  248,  and  suffered  fered.     The  premium  for  the  best  paper  on 

martyrdom  258.     Dr.  Robbins's  library,  when  the  subject  of  libraries  for  ministers  has  been 

he  had  made  an  end  of  gathering  books,  was  mentioned  before. 

rich  in  choice  editions  of  the  early  Christian  "•  Because    of    the    recent   death    of    her 

Fathers.  mother,  Mrs.  Tudor. 


694  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  ["^^I?* 

with  Mr.  Wolcott.     Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.     Wrote  on  my 
library  dissertation.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Extreme  cold  and  blustering.  In  the  morning  set  out  in  a  sleigh  to 
ride  to  Norfolk.  Rode  half  a  mile  and  found  the  weather  so  tedious  that  I 
returned.  Wrote.  Had  a  visit  from  Dr.  Strong,'  and  Mr.  Perry.  They  think 
of  publishing  their  father's  works.  I  find  the  want  of  a  thermometer.  Read 
Cook's  Voyages. 

29.  The  weather  moderates.  Wrote.  Put  up  my  frozen  cider.  Reduced 
twenty-eight  gallons  to  about  twelve.  Had  company.  At  evening  it  snowed 
some. 

30.  Finished  my  dissertation  on  the  prize  question  respecting  a  minister's 
library.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Paid  $4.67  for  eight  bushels  of  oats. 

31.  Read  in  the  first  book  of  Virgil's  ^mid.  Its  beauties  are  wonderful.* 
Rode  out  and  visited. 

February. 

1.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  v:  17.  Wrote  slow  and  poorly. 
Hindered  by  company. 

2.  Expected  assistance,  but  was  disappointed.  In  the  forenoon  ex- 
pounded on  Matt,  xxv :  i  to  31.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
I  Sam.  XV :  29.     At  evening  visited  a  sick  man  and  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

3.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Visited  our  academic  school.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Had  the  assistance  of  Mr.  John 
Marsh.^ 

4.  Rode  to  Windsor  in  a  sleigh  and  met  with  the  Association.  The 
cold  was  very  tedious  and  severe.  I  was  scribe  of  the  Association.  Our 
meeting  was  not  very  full.  Mr.  Fairchild"*  preached  at  an  extra  evening 
meeting. 

5.  The  weather  seems  to  be  the  coldest  we  have  had.  It  is  very  severe. 
The  Association  did  considerable  business.  Afternoon  set  out  for  Norfolk 
and  rode  to  my  brother  Ammi's  and  tarried.  Ammi's  health  is  not  good.  I 
feel  anxious  about  him.     The  sleighing  is  indifferent  the  snow  is  so  thin. 

6.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  My  mother  grows  old,  but  is  pretty  well.  Mr. 
Emerson  is  an  excellent  man.  I  hope  the  difficulties  in  the  church  here  will 
not  be  lasting.     The  weather  moderates. 

7.  Brother  Samuel  seems  to  prosper  in  his  business.  I  suspect  the  popu- 
lation in  this  town  is  diminishing.  It  thaws  some.  Mr.  Emerson  is  in  some 
trouble  respecting  a  matrimonial  connection, 

8.  Rode  home.  Warm  and  thawy  all  day.  Came  much  of  the  way  on 
bare  ground.  Walked  a  good  deal.  Got  home  at  dark.  Visited  a  sick  man. 
Quite  tired. 


'  Nathan  Strong,  M.  D.,  of  Hartford.  »  Rev.  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  of  Wethersfield, 

*  Many  persons  will  recall    the   keen  de-  who   had    recently  finished  his   studies   and 

light  with  which   they  first  made   their  way  was  laboring  somewhat  miscellaneously, 
slowly   and  laboriously   into   these  new  and  *  Rev.  Joy  H.  Fairchild,  the  newly  settled 

"  wonderful  beauties."  minister  at  East  Hartford. 


1817.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  695 

9.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Windsor  and  made  an  exchange  with  Mr. 
Rowland.  It  is  very  good  crossing.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day. 
Preached  on  Acts  viii :  23,  and  Heb.  xi :  16.  The  meeting  pretty  thin. 
Returned.     Read. 

10.  Warm.  Rode  to  Enfield.  The  sleighing  not  good.  At  evening 
attended  a  prayer-meeting  on  my  return.     At  night  it  became  very  cold. 

11.  Extreme  cold.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Flint.  Paid  for 
postage  for  my  newspaper,  .31.  My  green  trees  were  hurt  with  the  frost 
during  my  absence  last  week.     Studied  Virgil. 

12.  It  snowed  some.  Wrote  to  Gen.  Perkins,  of  New  Connecticut. 
Read.  At  evening  rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  made  a  visit  at  Mr.  Olcott's  in 
Orford.     Very  cold. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Good  sleighing.  Saw  the  presentation  of  a  sword 
from  a  committee  from  the  Legislature  of  New  York  to  Commodore 
Macdonough.'  The  scene  was  gratifying  and  imposing.  The  public  dinner 
was  very  elegant  and  splendid.  A  very  good  load  of  wood  was  brought  me 
from  Wapping.^ 

14.  Most  extreme  cold.  The  wind  high  and  severe.  Had  four  good  loads 
of  wood  brought  me  from  Wapping.  Had  company.  Was  considerably  hurt 
by  a  fall  down  stairs.  I  feel  very  much  the  want  of  a  thermometer.  Read 
Dr).-den's    Virgil.^ 

15.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote.  Visited  sick  persons.  The  cold  still  very 
severe.  Many  persons  were  partially  frozen  yesterday.  Read  Edwards's 
Works. 

16.  The  cold  seems  to  abate  a  little.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Acts 
viii :  8.  Sleighing  pretty  good.  Am  exceedingly  troubled  with  wandering 
and  unprofitable  thoughts.  At  evening  brother  Frank  and  cousin  Eliza  came 
here.  Went  with  them  to  our  singing-school.  That  appears  well.  The  even- 
ing very  cold. 

17.  My  brother  returned.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  It  snowed  the  most  of 
the  day.     Read  Cyprian. 

18.  The  snow  continues  to  fall  and  blow.  We  have  many  accounts  of  the 
extraordinary  cold  of  last  Friday.  At  Dartmouth  College  the  mercury  is 
said  to  have  sunk  to  30°  below  zero.  Read  Newton's  Chronology.*  It  is  a 
great  work  and  very  valuable. 

19.  The  snow  is  about  a  foot  deep.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Rode  out. 
Good  sleighing.  Put  up  my  dissertation  on  the  subject  of  a  ministers' 
library,  and  put  it  in  the  post  office  to  go  to  Charlestown.  Paid  the  post- 
age, .50.     Read  Newton's  Chronology. 


'  Commodore  Thomas  Macdonough,  for  ^  All  of  the  wood  given  to  Dr.  Robbins 

his  important  services  in  the  War  of    1812,  seems  to  come  from  Wapping. 
especially  for  his  victory  on  Lake  Champlain.  '  We  had   supposed  before  that   he  was 

Commodore  Macdonough  was  born  in  New  reading  Virgil   in   the   Latin,  but   he  seems 

Castle   Co.,  Del.,  1783,  and  died   at   sea  in  now  to  be  using  Dryden's  translation. 
1825.     His  life  was  short,  but  he  left  behind  *  Sir   Isaac   Newton's  Chronology  of  An- 

an  honored  name.  cient  Kingdoms,  before  noticed. 


696  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

20.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Rode  to  Enfield  with  company,  and  visited 
my  brother  and  cousin.  Returned  in  the  evening.  Very  pleasant  and  very 
fine  sleighing.     Our  visit  was  agreeable.     There  is  a  great  deal  of  sleighing. 

21.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  his  accounts.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Afternoon 
and  evening  wet  and  rainy.  Had  company.  I  am  too  irresolute  and  negli- 
gent to  do  much  business. 

22.  Quite  warm.  The  snow  thaws  very  fast.  Worked  considerably.  Got 
my  feet  wet  and  took  some  cold.  Towards  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Fairchild.     The  roads  very  wet. 

23.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  immediately  after 
meeting.  Warm  and  pleasant.  The  snow  goes  fast.  Preached  on  Acts  viii : 
2,  3,  and  Hos.  xi :  4.  Meetings  rather  thin.  In  the  evening  rode  home. 
Read  considerably. 

24.  A  very  violent  snow-storm  all  day.  Finished  reading  Newton's  Chro- 
nology.    Read  Brown's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible.^     A  valuable  work. 

25.  The  snow  is  very  much  drifted.  Cold.  Visited  and  catechised  a 
school.  At  evening  attended  a  singing-school.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Have 
a  little  of  my  rheumatism.  I  hope  to  persuade  Mr.  Wolcott  to  make  an  addi- 
tion to  his  house.     I  want  a  better  room."^ 

26.  Wrote  considerably.  Rode  out  in  a  sleigh.  In  some  places  the  snow 
is  verj'  much  drifted.  I  have  a  great  many  hindrances  in  study.  Paid  a  shoe- 
maker, $1.30.  We  have  a  great  deal  of  visiting  this  winter,  There  is  a  petty 
dancing-school  agoing.     There  are  many  accounts  of  the  late  cold. 

27.  Read  Virgil's  ^neid.  It  snowed  considerably.  There  is  now  a  great 
weight  of  it  on  the  ground.  Hindered  by  company.  I  think  I  have  never 
known  the  moral  state  of  my  people  so  low  and  discouraging.  Will  the 
mighty  God  be  our  helper. 

28.  Paid  for  several  late  repairs  of  my  sleigh,  $2.48.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
A  great  deal  of  riding  and  business  on  the  snow.  I  think  it  doubtful  whether 
Dr.  Strong's  people  will  get  a  minister  soon.^  Visited.  At  night  we  had  a 
good  deal  of  snow.     I  do  not  accomplish  as  much  business  as  I  ought  to. 

March. 

1.  The  snow  is  quite  deep  and  verj'  heavy.  Wrote  all  day,  but  I  cannot 
write  very  fast.  I  fear  I  have  got  a  permanent  tremor  on  my  hand.  Wrote 
late. 

2.  Finished  and  preached  a  sermon  on  Matt,  v:  17.  The  subject  of  the 
divine  law  is  very  important.  I  regret  that  I  could  not  have  treated  it  in  a 
better  manner.  Visited  a  sick  family.  Attended  a  singing-meeting.  When 
I  am  present  the  meeting  is  usually  concluded  with  prayer. 

3.  Read.  Very  cold.  Last  evening  received  a  good  letter  from  my 
brother  James.     Mr.  Cook  is  very  desirous  that  I  would  prepare  my  sermon, 


*  Diciiojiary  of  the  Bible,  by  John  Brown,  ^  xt  was  two  years  and  two  months  after 
of  Haddington,  first  published  in  176S.  Dr.  Strong's  death  before   Dr.  Joel  Hawes 

*  His  library  is  growing  rapidly,  and  he  was  settled  as  his  successor.     The  two  men 
wants  more  room.  were  both  able,  but  very  unlike. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  697 

preached  at  the  funeral  of  his  wife,  for  publication.     At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     Rev.  Mr.  Loomis  assisted  me. 

4.  It  begins  to  thaw  with  pleasant  weather.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
visited.  Towards  night  rode  over  to  Windsor  and  returned.  Fine  crossing. 
At  evening  performed  a  marriage.' 

5.  Rode  early  to  Turkey  Hills  and  met  with  a  new  formed  ministers' 
meeting.  I  am  expected  to  be  a  member,  but  can  be  no  more  than  an  occa- 
sional. Afternoon  returned.  Quite  warm.  Oppressed  with  a  severe  head- 
ache.    My  cousin  Eliza  called   here. 

6.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  sleighing  grows  poor. 
There  is  a  good  deal  of  water,  but  little  bare  ground.  Read.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Battell.  Paid  my  annual  tax  to  the  Hartford  Tract  Society,  $1.00.  The  ice 
of  the  river  is  sound. 

7.  Wrote.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  his  accounts.  Worked  at  my  water- 
drain.     It  thaws  very  much.     Wrote  to  my  brother  James. 

8.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke  xviii:  13.  I  write  slow  and  have  many 
interruptions.     Did  not  finish  my  sermon  till    late. 

9.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxv :  31,  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Our  meeting  was  attentive  and 
solemn.  At  evening  attended  at  a  singing-meeting.  The  snow  diminishes 
very  much.     The  sleighing  verj^  poor. 

10.  It  rained  some.  In  the  forenoon  performed  a  marriage.^  Read.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting ;  very  thin. 

11.  Read  President  Monroe's  inaugural  speech.  It  is  tolerably  good; 
better,  I  think,  than  Madison's  or  Jefferson's,  but  we  do  have  babes  to  rule 
over  us.^  Wrote  copying  my  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Cook  for 
publication.     Visited. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  dividend  at  the  Phoenix  Bank  of 
$55.50.  They  do  exceeding  well.  Paid  Amos  Bull  towards  my  books 
bought  of  him,  S15.00.  Paid  Mr.  Chapin,  for  brother  Frank,  ^lo.oo.  Paid 
Caleb  Goodwin,  $10.00.  Paid  Mr.  Potter,  for  two  encyclopedias,  $8.00.  Paid 
for  framing  my  portrait,  $3.25.  Cold.  Bad  riding.  Dr.  Strong's  congrega- 
tion appear  to  be  in  a  critical  state.  I  am  not  sorr}'  that  Mr.  Chase"  has  left 
Hartford.     Worked  bottling  cider. 


'  Between  Timothy  Mather,  of  Windsor,  Sophia  Strong.     Mr.  Dobson  was  an  English- 

and  Frances  Olcott,  of  East  Windsor.  man,  and  Uobson's  Factory  was  a  well-known 

Neither  of  these  family  names  belonged  institution  in  Vernon,  standing  not  far  from 

to  the  early  settlers  of  Windsor.     The  name  the  Vernon  depot,  on  the  Hartford  &  Prov- 

Mather  was  brought  there  by  Rev.  Samuel  idence  Railroad. 

Mather,  who  was  called  from  Branford,  Ct.,  ^  Both  James  Madison  and  James  Mon- 

to  the  ministry  in  Windsor  in  1681.     lie  was  roe  have  somehow  come  to  be  regarded  as 

a  native  of  Dorchester,  Mass.,  and  was  grad-  very  able  and  excellent  men  in  spite  of  all 

uated  at  Harvard  College  in  1671.  the  prejudices  of  their  own  times. 

The    name    of   Olcott,    which    belonged  *  This  was  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  D.  D., 

especially  to  flartford,  came  into  East  Wind-  who  from  iSii  to  1S17  had  been  rector   of- 

sor  by  way  of  Bolton.  Christ  Church,  Hartford.     He  was  then  ap- 

^  The  parties  were  Mr.  Peter  Dobson  and  pointed  to  be  Bishop  of  Ohio. 


698  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

13.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Read  Encyclo- 
pedia.    The  spring  season  seems  not  to  advance  at  all. 

14.  Last  night  there  was  a  little  snow.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Hartford 
in  a  sleigh  and  brought  up  a  hamper  of  bottles.  The  sleighing  is  about  gone. 
Worked  the  remainder  of  the  day  and  evening  bottling  cider.  We  have  put 
into  the  cellar  two  hundred  and  seventy-three  bottles.'  Paid  for  my  hamper, 
$10.00.  It  contained  one  hundred  and  forty-eight,  and  none  broken.  Paid 
for  two  gross  of  corks,  $i.oo.  The  Democrats  are  making  great  exertions  for 
our  approaching  election. 

15.  Wrote  and  sent  the  most  of  my  manuscript  to  the  printer.  Rode  into 
the  woods  and  assisted  Mr.  Wolcott  in  cutting  some  timber.  Afternoon  Mr. 
Amasa  Loomis  came  here  and  concludes  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with  me. 
Read  in  Brown's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible. 

16.  Mr.  Loomis  preached  for  me.  He  preached  well.  Read  the  Bible. 
Wrote  on  my  sermon  for  publication.     Attended  a  singing-school. 

17.  Finished  my  manuscript*  and  carried  it  to  Hartford.  Rode  up  to 
Windsor  and  crossed  to  this  side  on  the  ice.  It  is  all  sound  at  the  mouth  of 
Scantick,^  which  has  never  been  known  before  so  late  in  the  season.     Visited. 

18.  Quite  rainy.  A  good  deal  of  snow  went  off.  Worked  some  in  the 
wet.     Read  the  Council  of  Trent.     Visited. 

19.  Quite  cold.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Wrote.  Afternoon 
walked  out  and  visited.     The  wind  very  rough  and  severe.     Tarried  out. 

20.  Walked  and  visited.  Looked  at  a  thermometer  in  the  morning  when 
the  sun  was  more  than  an  hour  high,  which  was  at  8°.  I  believe  electioneer- 
ing efforts  have  never  been  greater  in  this  State  than  at  this  time.'*  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell  and  another  from  my  brother  Frank. 

21.  On  the  15th  received  of  my  collector,  $75.00.  In  the  forenoon  cate- 
chised a  school ;  visited  it  in  the  afternoon  with  the  other  visitors.  Wrote. 
Paid  a  clothier,  $1.17. 

22.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Acts  xvi:  30.  I  do  not  write  a  page 
in  an  hour.     The  ground  thaws  considerably. 

23.  Warm.  The  ground  has  become  quite  wet.  Full  meeting.  Preached 
in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  John  i :  29.  Finished  and  preached  in  the 
afternoon  the  sermon  on  Acts  xvi :  30.  At  evening  attended  a  small 
conference. 

24.  Am  quite  feeble  with  the  opening  of  the  spring.     Read.     Wet.     At 


'  This  was  then  regarded  as  one  of  the  would  have  been  his  way  of  crossing,  if  the 

necessaries  of  life.  ice  had  gone. 

^  Sermon   preached    on   occasion   of    the  *  Connecticut  had  been  Federal  ever  since 

death   of   Mrs.  Cook,   wife   of   Rev.    Elisha  this  diary  opened  in  1796,  twenty-one  years 

B.  Cook,  of  Orford  (Manchester).  before,  and  it  was  not  strange  that  the  Dem- 

^  This  was  the   17th  of  March,  and  cer-  ocrats    should    come    to    power,    especially 

tainly  remarkable  that  the  ice  of  the  river  as  the   National   Administration    had    been 

had  not  yet  been   broken  up.    The  mouth  Democratic    (Republican,    as    it  was    often 

of  Scantic  was  where  the  ferry  was,  which  then  called)  for  sixteen  years. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  699 

evening  attended  the    prayer-meeting.     I    think   the   Democrats    have  never 
made  so  loud  exertions  before  an  election  in  this  State  as  now  since   1806. 

25.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Catechised  and  visited  a  school.  Wet  and  warm. 
The  frost  comes  out  of  the  ground  very  fast.  Mr.  Blakeslee  '  makes  me  a 
good  deal  of  trouble.     Visited  families. 

26.  Read  Cowicil  of  Trent.  It  rained  considerably.  Wrote.  Visited.  I 
have  got  much  in  arrear  in  visiting. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  State  is  very  much  agitated  with  the  uncom- 
mon efforts  of  Democracy.     At  evening  attended  a  small  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Read  EncydopcRdia.  There  is  yet  a  great  depth  of  frost  in  the  ground, 
though  thawed  at  the  surface.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  There  appears  to  be 
very  little  scarcity  of  hay. 

29.  Wrote  a  sermon  in  less  than  nine  hours  on  Acts  xvi :  31.  Wrote 
hymns  for  the  singers."     The  weather  continues  cold.     The  river  has  got  open. 

30.  Expounded  on  Matt,  xxvi :  1-30.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon 
written  yesterday.  I  think  my  expositions  appear  to  grow  more  interesting. 
At  evening  attended  the  singing-school. 

31.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  dry  considerably.  Paid  a  note  of 
$500.00  in  the  Phcenix  Bank,  took  up  one  of  $270.00,  and  received  cash, 
$221.83.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.     Visited. 

April. 

1.  Warm.  Got  out  my  green  trees.  Catechised  and  visited  a  school. 
Visited  the  sick  and  others.     Sowed  some  early  seeds. 

2.  Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Enfield.  Began  a  sermon  for  Fast  on  Eccles. 
vii:  14.  Am  much  indisposed  for  writing.  Visited.  At  evening  attended 
our  Moral  Society  meeting.  It  was  adjourned  to  the  evening  of  the  second 
Tuesday  of  May,  of  which  I  am  to  give  notice. 

3.  Wrote  all  day.  Wrote  eleven  pages.  The  spring  advances  slowly  for 
want  of  wet. 

4.  Fast.  Very  pleasant.  Mr.  Blakeslee  had  a  meeting  at  the  school- 
house  near  here.  Preached  on  Eccles.  vii:  14.  Did  not  finish  it  till  in  the 
intermission.     Very  tired.     Attended  a  little  while  at  the  singing-school. 

5.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  We  have  considerable  change  of  in- 
habitants this  spring.     Am  wholly  unable  to  study. 

6.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxviii :  5.  After- 
noon an  old  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxvi :  7.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The 
meetings  and  the  church  full  and  solemn.  Much  overdone  by  my  late  labors. 
A  part  of  the  Fast  day  exercise  was  considered  preparatory  to  the  sacrament. 
Contributed  at  the  communion,  $5.00. 

7.  Attended  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  efforts  of  Democracy  are 
astonishing.     Votes:  Smith,  233;  Wolcott,   128.'     It  is  supposed  that  nearly 


'  The  Baptist  minister.  ^  If  all   the   towns   had    been   like   East 

^  Dr.  Robbins  seems  not  unfrequently  to  Windsor,  the   State  would   have   been  safe 

have    exercised    himself    in   the   writing   of  enough  for  the  Federalists  for  many  years  to 

hymns  and  New  Year's  poetry.  come. 


700  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

thirty  Federalists  voted  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Was  prevented  by  a  thunder-shower 
from  attending  the  monthly  prayer-meeting  in  the  evening.  The  day  was  wet 
and  unfavorable  to  Federalism.     The  rain  was  very  refreshing  to  the  ground.' 

8.  Visited.  Worked  some.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school.  I  have 
now  done  them  all  except  one  in  Wapping,  in  which  case  I  was  not  informed 
of  the  time.  Visited  a  family  about  moving  to  Hartford.  On  the  5th  paid  for 
garden  peas.     We  are  much  alarmed  about  our  election. 

9.  Worked  some.  Wrote  the  greater  part  of  a  sermon  for  a  singing 
lecture.  It  is  supposed  that  Mr.  Wolcott  is  elected  Governor.  We  deserve 
the  divine  judgments,  and  are  now  called  to  bear  them.^ 

10.  Finished  my  sermon  and  preached  at  the  singing  lecture  on  Ezra 
iii :  II.  The  singing  was  very  excellent.  Much  the  best,  I  think,  that  I  have 
ever  heard  on  a  similar  occasion.     Very  tired.     Visited. 

11.  Drove  the  plough  to  plow  my  garden.  Drove  the  scraper  consider- 
ably. On  the  8th  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  He  was 
prevented  from  being  here  at  our  singing. 

12.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day  in  my  garden.  Planted  peas.  Last  night 
there  was  a  small  shower,  but  the  ground  is  very  dry. 

13.  A  severe  wind.  The  dust  flies  very  much.  In  the  forenoon  ex- 
pounded on  Mat.  xxvi:  31  to  46.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
Ps.  li :  iS.  At  evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.^  My  brother 
from  Enfield  came  here  and  tarried. 

14.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting. 
Tarried  out.     A  severe  wind.     The  ground  wants  rain  exceedingly. 

15.  Rode  to  Enfield  with  Mr.  North*  to  introduce  him  there  as  a  young 
physician.  Returned  and  attended  the  examination  of  our  academy.  The 
performance  was  very  good.     Warm. 

16.  Remarkably  warm ;  like  a  hot  summer  day.  Rode  to  Hartford.  My 
Lardner  and  some  other  volumes  are  bound  very  well.  Paid  my  merchant 
tailor,  $20.00.  Paid  for  repairing  our  carriage  and  other  things,  $1.37.  Much 
oppressed  with  the  heat.  Visited.  The  Democrats  triumph  with  the  result  of 
the  late  election. 

17.  Wrote.  In  the  morning  was  called  to  see  a  woman'  who  died  sud- 
denly with  a  paralytic  affection.  Afternoon  rode  to  Vernon  and  attended  a 
singing  lecture.  Mr.  Nash,*  of  Tolland,  preached.  They  sung  very  well. 
Visited  old  Mr.  Kellogg.'  He  is  pretty  low.  Returned.  Tarried  at  Captain 
r>isseirs*on  account  of  a  ball  at  our  near  neighbor's. 


'  The  logic  of  these  sentences  seems   to  ^  M^g   garah  Olcott,  aged  fifty-nine, 

be  that  what  was  good  for  the  ground  was  *  Rev.  Ansel  Nash,  colleague  pastor  with 

bad  for  Federalism.  the    venerable    Dr.   Nathan    Williams.     Mr. 

^  The  peculiar  judgments  which  he  was  to  Nash  was  settled  there  1S13-1831.     He  was 

bear  proved  more  tolerable  than  he  thought.  afterwards  an  agent  for  the  Education  Society. 

M)aniel  Stocking,  of  Scantic,  was  married  ''Rev.  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  who  had   been 

to  Mary  Pease.  pastor  at  Vernon  since  1762,  but  is  to  pass 

*  Milo  L.  North,  who  formerly  taught  the  away  by  death  during  this  year  1817. 

academy  at  East  Windsor  Hill.  s  q^^^  Aaron  Bissell's,  at  the  Hill. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  70I 

18.  Visited.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Olcott.  Quite  cold. 
The  dust  blows  exceedingly. 

19.  Last  night  it  froze  quite  hard.  Worked  piling  my  wood.  Assisted 
Mr.  Wolcott  in  moving  a  large  stump.  At  evening  rode  to  Enfield  to  ex- 
change with  my  brother. 

20.  My  brother  went  to  Springfield.  A  candidate,  Mr.  Lombard,' 
preaches  for  me.  Preached  on  Acts  xvi :  30,  and  Acts  xvi :  31.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.  The  river  is  quite  high  by  the  melting  of  the  snow  at 
the  northward  in  the  warm  weather  of  last  Wednesday  and  Thursday.  My 
brother's  congregation  is  perceptibly  larger  than  Mr.  Prudden's  used  to  be. 

2  1.  Rode  home.  Very  dusty.  My  brother  returned  last  evening.  Vege- 
tation advances  very  little.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.  Received  a 
letter  from  Rev,  Mr.  Stewart,^  of  Hartford. 

22.  Worked  driving  a  scraper  all  day.  The  labor  fatigues  me  pretty 
severely. 

23.  Worked  all  day  driving  a  scraper.  The  ground  seldom  suffers  as 
much  by  drought  as  at  this  time. 

24.  Wrote.  We  had  in  the  forenoon  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Paid  at  the  Hartford  Bank,  $220.00,  and  took  up  my  note.  Made 
some  orange  cordial. 

25.  Worked  in  my  garden  all  day,  making  beds,  setting  roots,  etc.  The 
rain  is  an  immense  advantage  to  vegetation,     I  find  I  am  a  poor  gardener. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Stewart.  Towards  night  we  had  a  short  but  hard  shower.  In  the  even- 
ing preached  at  the  conference  from  Rev.  iii :  2,     The  meeting  rather  thin, 

27.  Mr,  Stewart^  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  for  him,  as  he  is  now 
employed  to  supply  Dr.  Strong's  people,  on  Acts  xvi:  30,  and  Acts  xvi:  31. 
At  evening  preached  at  Mr.  Flint's  conference  on  Rom.  xii :  2.  A  candidate 
was  at  the  other. 

28.  This  society  appears  to  be  in  a  critical  state.  I  know  of  no  suitable 
man  for  them.  Rode  home.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  small  prayer- 
meeting. 

29.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Visited  twelve  families.  Visited  a  man 
apparently  near  dying.     People  are  generally  gardening. 

30.  Quite  warm.  Visited.  Have  never  completed  my  annual  visitation 
till  now.  At  the  first  of  May  of  last  year  there  were  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  families  in  this  society,  thirty-six  of  whom  were  certificate  people.  I  have 
now  visited  them  all  but  two.     We  have  had  a  great  deal  of  moving  this  spring. 


'  Rev.  Horatio  J.  Lombard,  a  graduate  of  ^  This  Rev.  Joseph  Steward  was  so  much 

Williams   College   in   1S15.      His    principal  of  a  preacher  that  the  Thanksgiving  sermon 

ministry   was   in   the   State   of    New   York.  preached  by  him  in  1816,  a  short  time  before 

He  was  a  native  of  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  and  Dr.  Strong's  death,   was   asked  for  publica- 

died  in  1856,  at  the  age  of  sixty-four.  tion,  and  was  published.     Had  he  not  been  a 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Steward.     See  note  under  man  of  good  abilities  he  would  not  have  been 

date  Dec.  21,  1816,  called  to  stand  in  the  place  of  Dr.  Strong. 


702  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

Our  number  rather  diminishes.  .Wrote.  Visited  the  sick  man.  Saw  blos- 
soms on  the  daffas.  Had  our  first  asparagus.  The  Moral  Society  is  to  hold 
their  next  meeting  at  the  academy  on  the  evening  of  the  fourth  Wednesday  of 
September  (24th),  of  which  I  am  to  give  notice. 

May. 

1.  Worked  in  the  garden  making  beds,  etc.,  all  day.  Quite  warm.  At 
evening  visited.     I  have  studied  lately  but  little. 

2.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant 
child  in  the  lower  part  of  Scantick.  The  ground  is  dry  and  dusty.  People 
are  gardening  and  sowing  summer  crops. 

3.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iv  :  20.  I  have  worked  and  been 
about  so  much  lately  that  I  write  very  poorly.  My  thoughts  are  dissipated 
and  my  hand  trembles.     Very  warm.     Had  no  fire  in  my  chamber. 

4.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Acts  xiii :  27.  Did  not 
finish  my  sermon  begun  yesterday  till  the  intermission.  Preached  it  in  the 
afternoon.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  It  was  quite  full.  The 
ground  is  exceeding  dry  and  dusty.  Vegetation  exceedingly  wants  rain. 
Yesterday   saw   peach   blossoms. 

5.  Visited  sick  persons.  Dined  with  a  military  company.  Two  compa- 
nies came  together  and  they  performed  very  well.  At  evening  had  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  It  was  pretty  thin.  I  have  never  known  a  time  of 
so  great  apparent  stupidity  in  this  place.     May  the  good  Lord  help  us. 

6.  Worked  in  my  garden  planting,  etc.  In  the  morning  my  brother  came 
here.  He  bought  a  chaise  in  this  place.  At  evening  attended  the  meeting  of 
the  Moral  Society.  Deacon  Reed'  delivered  a  very  good  public  address. 
The  drought  is  ver}'  severe.  We  have  to  water  the  gardens.  Our  asparagus 
produces  abundantly.     Gave  a  black  woman,  $1.00. 

7.  Wrote.  My  studies  have  been  too  much  neglected  of  late.  Wrote  a 
short  piece  for  publication.  Visited  a  sick  man.  The  air  is  almost  filled  with 
dust.  I  think  I  have  seldom  known  so  dry  a  time.  Warm.  I  took  off  my 
flannel  on  the  first  instant,  and  have  not  replaced  it. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  Wet  and  rainy  the  most 
of  the  day.  The  military  companies  did  not  go  out.  The  collection  of  people 
was  less  than  usual.  Gov.  Wolcott's^  majority  of  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  was  less  than  was  expected.     There  have  never  been  so  many  votes  given 


'  Dea.  Abner  Reed.  Hon.  John  Cotton  Smith  continue  in  office 
^  A  mistake  has  crept  into  some  of  our  1813-1818,  and  Mr.  Wolcott  stands  in  his 
biographical  dictionaries  touching  the  year  table  1S1S-1827.  But  Gov  Wolcott  certainly 
when  the  second  Governor  Oliver  Wolcott  took  the  place  of  Gov.  Smith  in  1S17.  Fran- 
came  to  his  office.  Charles  Lanman,  Esq.,  cis  S.  Drake,  Esq.,  who  is  generally  accurate, 
in  his  Dictionaiy  of  Congress,  in  his  lists  of  must  have  copied  Lanman's  mistake  into 
State  Governors,  makes  the  first  election  of  his  Dictiomiry  of  American  Biography.  The 
Mr.  Wolcott  to  the  governorship  take  place  second  Oliver  Wolcott  was  Governor  of 
in  1818.     And  to  be  consistent  he  makes  the  Connecticut  ten  continuous  years,  1S17-1S27. 


iSiy.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  703 

in  the  State  before  by  some  thousands.  Mr.  Pinneo'  was  unwell,  and  Mr. 
McEwen^  preached.  The  sermon  pretty  good.  Attended  the  Bible  and  An- 
nuity Societies,  The  House  of  Representatives  by  a  very  small  majority 
chose  Democratic  clerks.  Rode  home  in  the  rain.  The  rain  is  exceedingly 
refreshing  to  the  ground. 

9.  Saw  blossoms  on  the  apple-trees  yesterday.  There  is  a  great  deal  of 
visiting.  Dined  at  Dr.  Tudor's.  Read  Encydopczdia.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  my  mother,  and  one  from  brother  Samuel,  and  one  from  brother 
Frank. 

10.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost.  Am  so  languid  that  I  thought  I 
could  not  write  a  sermon.     Read  Council  of  Trent.     Worked  in  my  garden. 

11.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxvi :  46  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  r  Sam.  xv :  22.  Our  meeting  was  thin.  There 
was  a  baptism  at  Wapping  of  two  persons  by  Mr.  Blakeslee.  We  had  our 
missionary  contribution.  It  was  more  liberal  than  I  expected.  We  collected 
1547.14.  There  were  three  bills  of  $5.00,  two  of  $3.00,  eleven  single  dollars,  a 
bill  of  .50,  and  one  hundred  and  one  pieces  of  smaller  silver.  At  evening 
attended  a  conference.     It  is  a  time  of  great  stupidity  with  us. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  a  book,  $1.00.  The  new  Governor  is  to 
make  his  public  entry  today.  Yesterday  afternoon  we  had  a  refreshing 
shower.  Vegetation  appears  remarkably  well.  The  apple-trees  are  nearly  in 
full  bloom.  Wrote  to  brother  Francis.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

13.  Wrote  to  brother  James.  Quite  cool.  There  was  considerable  frost 
this  morning.  Visited.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Mr.  Emerson,^  from  Nor- 
folk, came  here   and  tarried. 

14.  Carried  Mr.  Emerson  to  Hartford.  He  is  much  embarrassed  about  a 
connection.*  Saw  my  brother  Battell.  Visited  the  deaf  and  dumb  school. 
Saw  the  Governor  and  many  other  acquaintances  belonging  to  the  Assembly. 
Paid  for  a  book,  .50.  Read.  People  are  generally  planting.  Read.  Am 
very  languid. 

15.  Cool.  Last  night  we  had  a  little  rain.  Read  the  Triangle?  Wrote. 
Began  a  sermon  on  Prov.  xxii :   8.     Am  very  languid. 

16.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  I  write  with  difficulty,  slow 
and  feebly.  Worked  some  in  my  garden.  This  morning  there  was  a  hard 
frost.  I  fear  things  are  injured.  There  is  a  full  blowth  on  the  fruit-trees. 
Visited  a  sick  man.  Our  new  Governor  has  given  us  a  very  good  speech.^ 
Have  a  steady  fire   in  my  chamber. 


'  Rev.  Bezaleel    Pinneo,  of   Milfoid,  Ct.,  only  know  that  he  married  a  highly  intelli- 

pastor  there  1796-1849.     He  was  one  of  the  gent   and  excellent  wife,  who  brought  up  a 

abler  ministers  of  the  State.  superior  family  of   children  and  lived  with 

^  Dr.  Abel  McEwen,  pastor  of  the  First  him  to  old  age. 

Church  in  New  London,  1806-1860.  ^  Rev.  Samuel    Whelpley's   work,  before 

^  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.  noticed. 

*  Marriage  connection.     We  do  not  know  *  He  was  a  truly  excellent  and   superior 

what  his  present   embarrassment  was.     We  man. 


704 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 


17.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  the  most  of  the  day.  Read.  The  weather  is  dry 
and  cold.     People  are  fearful  of  such  a  season  as  last  year. 

18.  Preached  all  day  on  the  education  of  children  from  Prov.  xxii :  6. 
Did  not  finish  what  I  delivered  till  in  the  intermission.  Have  not  completed 
the  subject.  Visited.  A  man  died'  in  this  place  this  morning  with  an  affec- 
tion of  the  liver.  The  corpse  has  been  opened  and  the  liver  weighed  more 
than  twenty-six  pounds.     Attended  a  singing-meeting. 

19.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  man  who  died  yesterday.  To- 
wards evening  rode  to  East  Hartford.  Mr.  Fairchild  has  procured  a  very 
convenient  place.  In  the  evening  crossed  over  to  Hartford  and  returned. 
Was  out   late. 

20.  This  morning  there  was  some  frost.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Bartlett.  Set  out 
to  collect  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  churches  for  Association.  Rode  to 
Granby  and  Hartland.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Linsley's.  There  is  a  great  blowth  on 
the  fruit-trees.     Here^  the  apple-tree  blossoms  are  just  coming  out. 

21.  Rode  to  West  Hartland,  Barkhamsted,  and  Simsbury.  Tarried  at 
Mr.  McLean's.  Warm.  Our  churches  are  in  a  very  cold  state.  People  are 
early  in  planting.     The  most  have  done. 

22.  Rode  to  Northington,  Farmington,  Hartford,  and  home.  Warm  and 
ver}-  dry.     The  dust  is  very  severe.     Tired. 

23.  My  garden  is  very  much  affected  with  the  drought.  The  grass  gener- 
ally is  suffering.     Wrote.     Am  too  languid  to  do  much. 

24.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  Wintonbury  on  my  Association  business  and 
returned.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis,  of  this  town,  set  out  on  a  mission  to  the 
State  of  Ohio.  We  have  many  prospects  of  rain  which  fail.  A  small  worm 
appears  to  be  doing  great  mischief  in  our  gardens  and  fields. 

25.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  xxvii :  i  to  33.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv:  2.     At  evening  visited  sick  persons. 

26.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Weston  to  attend  the  wedding  of  my  brother 
Samuel.  Rode  to  Warren.  The  roads  very  dusty.  In  Canton  met  my 
brother  going  by  way  of  Hartford.  My  good  Uncle  Starr  appears  very  well. 
Rode  through  Litchfield.  Apple-trees  in  these  western  towns  are  now  in 
blossom.  People  are  much  alarmed  with  the  dr}-ness  and  coldness  of  the 
season. 

27.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  I  conclude  not  to  go  on  in  my  journey,  as  I 
should  probably  not  be  able  to  get  to  Weston  without  difiiculty.  Had  a  pleas- 
ant visit  with  Uncle  Starr  and  his  family.  The  rain  is  very  refreshing,  though 
there  was  much  less  than  we  hoped  for. 

28.  Left  Warren  in  the  morning  and  rode  through  New  Milford  and  Dan- 
bur)^  to  Weston,  about  forty  miles.     Got  to  Mr.  Osborne's^  about  four  o'clock. 

'  Mr.  Rodolphus   Hawkins,  aged   thirty-  '  The  family  in  which  his  brother  Samuel 

eii^ht.  found  his  wife.     The  family  that  sprung  from 

2  That  is,  at  Granby.  Postage  was  then  this  marriage  proved  to  be  a  very  intelligent 
so  high  and  public  communication  so  slow  and  successful  one.  Many  of  Samuel  Rob- 
that  it  would  have  been  tedious  to  collect  bins's  descendants  have  filled  honorable  and 
the  information  he  wanted  by  letter-writing.  useful  positions  in  society. 


iSi;.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  705 

My  brother  was  married  last  evening  agreeably  to  previous  appointment. 
They  much  regretted  that  I  could  not  have  been  there.  I  am  much  pleased 
with  this  family  and  my  new  sister.     I  think  Samuel  has  been  quite  fortunate. 

29.  Wet  and  rainy.  Rode  out.  The  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  this  town 
are  pretty  low.  Towards  night  rode  to  Danbury.  Kindly  received  at  Mr. 
Whittlesey's.'     He  has  a  worthy  family.^ 

30.  Walked  and  visited.  Find  many  old  friends.  Quite  cool.  Vegeta- 
tion is  very  backward  and  advances  but  little.  Paid  Col.  White  for  a  beaver 
hat  he  has  lately  sent  to  me,  with  a  box  containing  it,  $10.25.  -^^  evening 
preached  in  the  meeting-house,  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Andrews,^  on  Acts  xvi : 
31.  Had  a  good  audience.  The  religious  state  of  this  town  is  far  better  than 
it  was  when  I  resided  here.     People  generally  sit  with  fires. 

31.  Left  Danbury  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  arrived  at  home  at 
nine  in  the  evening,  Came  through  Newtown,  Woodbury,  Plymouth,  Farming- 
ton,  etc.  This  morning  there  was  some  frost.  Had  some  showers  in  the  day, 
but  still  we  have  but  a  little  rain.  Found  my  brother  and  his  new  wife  here 
at  my  return.  They  left  Weston  yesterday  afternoon.  I  never  rode  so  far  in 
a  day  before.  The  distance  is  sixty-five  miles.  The  Assembly  rose  today, 
having  done  but  little  hurt  and  very  little  good."*  Am  less  tired  than  I 
expected.  Found  my  new  hat  lately  sent  from  Danbury.  It  is  a  very  fine 
one. 

June. 

1.  Last  night  it  was  very  cold  and  it  froze  some  vegetables,  but  by  a 
steady  wind  there  was  but  little  frost.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor. 
i :  23,  24,  all  day.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  My  brother's  wife 
appears  very  well.     I  think  my  journey  has  been  beneficial  to  my  health. 

2.  In  the  morning  my  brother  and  sister  went  off  for  Norfolk.  We  had  a 
little  frost.  Can  do  but  little  at  study.  Wrote  on  a  report  for  the  General 
Association  of  the  state  of  our  churches.  At  evening  attended  the  monthly 
concert  of  prayer.     The  meeting  was  quite  full.     Visited. 

3.  Rode  to  West  Suffield  and  met  with  the  Association.  Finished  and 
presented  my  report  for  General  Association.  Our  meeting  was  unusually 
full.  We  have  now  seventeen  members,  sixteen  of  whom  were  present. 
Crossed   at   Enfield.^ 

4.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Wet  all  day.  Afternoon  returned. 
Am  much  fatigued  by  my  late  exertions. 


'  Where  he  used  to  board.  rietta  College,  and  of  Rev.  Edward  W.  An- 

^  It   is   now  sixteen   or    seventeen  years  drews,  for  a  few  years  pastor  at  West  Hart- 

since  his  life  in  Danbur}',  and  Mr.  Whittle-  ford,  Ct.,  and  afterwards  for  a  time  at  the 

sey's  children   have   grown   to   be  men  and  New  York  Tabernacle. 

women.  *  Dr.  Robbins  said  a  good  word  for  Gov. 

^  Rev.  William  Andrews,  who  was  pastor  Wolcott's  inaugural,  but  it  is  hard  for   him 

at  Danbury  from  1S13  to  1826.     He  was  the  yet  to  speak  in  a  kindly  way  of  Democrats, 
father  of  Rev.  William  Watson  Andrews,  of  ^  On  the  Enfield  bridge.     There  was  no 

Rev.   Samuel   J.   Andrews,   D.  D.,    of    Rev.  bridge   between   Enfield  and   Hartford,  but 

Israel  W.  Andrews,  D,  D.,  President  of  Ma-  there  were  two  or  three  ferries. 


706  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iSl?- 

5.  Worked  some  in  my  garden.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Quite 
warm.     Gave  something  to  assist  in  mending  the  road, 

6.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Wrote.  Read.  On  the  2d  received  a  good 
letter  from  Henry  Loomis'  in  New  Connecticut.  On  tlie  3d  received  a  very 
good  pair  of  new  boots  made  for  me  at  Hartford.  At  evening  attended  a 
prayer-meeting.  Paid  for  two  bushels  of  oats,  $1.20.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Flint,  and  received  one  from  him  in  answer. 

7.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  Got  quite  wet  in  a 
shower.     The  corn  and  gardens  suffer  very  much  from  a  worm. 

8.  Vegetation  appears  to  have  great  life.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on 
Matt,  xxvii :  33  to  57.  It  was  very  solemn.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  ser- 
mon on  Hos.  xiii :  9.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

9.  In  the  morning  set  out  for  Norfolk.  Ursula  goes  with  me.  We  were 
much  hindered  by  rain.  It  was  quite  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Tarried  at 
Cowles's^  at  New  Hartford.     The  rain  is  very  refreshing. 

ic.  Rode  early  to  my  brother's  and  to  Norfolk.  Slow  riding.  My  mother 
is  pretty  well.  Samuel's  wife  appears  well.^  Wet  and  shower}-  all  day. 
Brother   Frank   is   here ;    he    came   yesterday. 

11.  Worked  with  brother  Samuel  putting  up  his  new  furniture.  Dined  at 
Mr.  Battell's.  He  made  me  a  valuable  present  of  some  linen.  His  liberality 
is  very  great.  Weighed  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  pounds.  At  evening 
brother  and  his  wife  came  here.'*  He  is  considerably  unwell.  I  feel  some- 
thing anxious  about  him. 

12.  Brother  Frank  and  Eliza  went  off  to  Enfield.  Quite  cool.  Afternoon 
preached  a  lecture,  which  Mr.  Emerson  had  appointed  for  me,  from  Acts  xvi : 
31.  After  which  attended  a  church  meeting.  This  church  is  not  very 
harmonious. 

13.  Rode  early  a;nd  got  home  at  four  o'clock.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
examined  with  the  church  committee  three  women  for  our  communion.  They 
appear  well.     Gave  fifty  cents  to  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  here. 

14.  Visited  sick  persons.  Gave  one  a  dollar.  Read.  Am  much  fatigued. 
In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Woodbridge,'  of  Hadley,  came  here,  anxious  to  have  me 
go  to  Enfield  on  an  exchange.''     I  conclude  to  go  tomorrow  morning.     Wet. 

15.  Rode  early  to  Enfield.  Got  considerably  wet.  The  most  of  the  fore- 
noon it  rained  quite  hard.  The  meetings  ver)-  thin.  Brother  Frank  rode  to 
Springfield.     In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  former  part  of  the  26th  of 


'  Henry  (Harry)  Loomis  joined  Dr.  Rob-  of  Southampton,  Mass.,  a  graduate  of   Will- 

bins's  church  during  the  first  year   of  his  iams  College,  1804,  pastor  at  Hadley,  1810- 

ministry  at  East  Windsor.  1830. 

^  Cowles's  tavern.  ^  This   seems   to   have   been  a  multiplex 

^  He  takes  special  satisfaction  in  his  exchange,  as  Rev.  Francis  Robbins,  of  En- 
brother  .Samuel's  recent  marriage.  Samuel's  field,  did  not  go  to  Hadley,  but  only  to 
home  was  still  in  Norfolk.  Springfield.    Probably  Dr.  Osgood,  of  Spring- 

*  James  Watson  Robbins  and  wife,  from  field,  went  to  Hadley  and  Dr.  Woodbridge 

Lenox.  stayed  in  East  Windsor.     These  complex  ex- 

^  Rev.  John  Woodbridge,  D.  D.,  a  native  changes  of  ministers  are  not  infrequent. 


l8l7-]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  707 

Matthew.     Afternoon  preached  oh  Ps.  li :  4.     My  brother  returned  at  even- 
ing. 

16.  In  the  morning  rode  home.  The  streams  are  considerably  raised. 
Worked  in  my  garden.     It  suffers  much  from  worms.     Visited.     Read. 

17.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Win- 
tonbury'  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Dr.  Perkins^  was  with  us. 
People  are  generally  in  their  first  hoeing.     The  river  has  risen  a  good  deal. 

18.  We  have  had  quite  a  pleasant  meeting.  Rode  home.  Paid  my  shoe- 
maker at  Hartford,  ^8.00.  Received  a  dividend  of  $12.00  at  the  Hartford 
Bank,  one  half  of  which  is  Mr.  Wolcott's.  Coming  from  Norfolk  last  Friday 
Ursula  and  I  visited  Mr.  Wadsworth's.  Elegant  seat  on  Talcott  Mountain.^ 
It  is  a  great  curiosity.  Warm.  Wrote.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Amos  Bull,  of  Hartford.  On  the  14th  received  one  from  brother  Frank.  On 
the  nth  borrowed  of  brother  Frank,  $60.00,  and  gave  him  my  note.     Visited. 

19.  My  studies  have  been  greatly  neglected  of  late.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Hartford.  Visited  Mr.  Wainwright,''  the  Episcopal  clergyman.  Paid  my  mis- 
sionary contribution  and  $5.00,  my  annual  payment  to  the  Annuity  Society. 

20.  Wrote  on  the  remaining  part  of  a  sermon  on  religious  education  begun 
May  15th.     I  write  slow. 

21.  Wrote  pretty  steadily.  Two  ministers  from  New  Hampshire  called 
and  dined  with  me.  We  had  some  showers.  Quite  warm.  The  season  is 
very  fine.     Paid  a  tailoress,  .75. 

22.  Finished  my  sermon  and  preached  the  latter  half  in  both  parts  of  the 
day  on  Prov.  xxii :  6.  I  think  the  subject  useful.  The  meeting  was  full  and 
attentive.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

23.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  hard  shower.  Visited  sick  persons.  After- 
noon rode  to  Hartford  and  saw  the  President  of  the  United  States.'  He  is 
now  on  a  tour  through  the  Northern  States.  I  was  introduced  to  him  with  sev- 
eral others.  There  was  a  great  parade,  and  it  was  very  fine.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

24.  Wrote.  Visited.  Rode  with  Capt.  Rockwell  to  Windsor  and  visited 
Col.  Loomis.*     In  the  morning  early  the  President  left  Hartford  and  rode  on 


*  Now   Bloomfield.     Rev.   John   Bartlett,  Eng.,  of  American  parents,  in  1793.     He  died 

brother  of  Rev.  Shubael,  was  pastor  there  at  in    New    York    city    in    1854.      He   was   a 

the  time  of  this  meeting  of  the  Association.  graduate   of   Harvard   College   in  1812,  and 

^  The  reason  why  Dr.  Perkins's  name  was  was  a  teacher  of  elocution  there  1815-1817. 
here  mentioned  was  because  he  was  a  mem-  ^  James    Monroe    was    first    inaugurated 

ber  of  the  Hartford  South  Association,  and  President  of    the   United    States   March  4, 

attended  this  meeting  of  the  Hartford  North  1817.     "In   May-November,  1817,  he   made 

as  a  kind  of  guest.  a  tour  of  inspection  of  our  frontier  defences 

^  The  Wadsworth  House  and  Tower  have  from    Portland    to    Detroit,   the    results   of 

been    visited   by   individuals   and   excursion  which  were  published  8vo,  1818."    It  was  a 

parties  from  that  day  until  now.  good  thing  for  Dr.  Robbins  to  see  anjl  shake 

''  Jonathan   Mayhew   Wainwright,   D.  D.,  hands   with    President  Monroe.     Prejudices 

afterwards  Bishop  of  New  York.      He  was  are  often  removed  by  a  good  hand-shake, 
rector  of  Christ  Church,  Hartford,  1817-1819.  ''The   President  was   to   go   up   on  that 

Bishop  Wainwright  was  born  in  Liverpool,  side  the  river. 


joS  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

the  west  side  of  the  river  to  Springfield.     Towards  night  he  rode  down  on  our 
side.'     He  is  very  diligent. 

25.  Read  Owen  On  the  Death  of  Christ!'  He  has  some  notions  materially 
wrong.  Visited  a  number  of  families.  People  begin  a  little  to  mow.  We 
had  our  first  green  peas.     Paid  for  a  new  wheelbarrow  made  for  me,  $6.00. 

26.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Paid  a  man  for  half  a  day's  work,  .42.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Miss  E.  Dabney.^ 

27.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  had  a  public  catechising  of  the 
children.  A  large  number  attended.  The  occasion  was  interesting  and 
pleasing.     I  hope  to  continue  the  course. 

28.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xix  :  7.  I  write  slow 
and  with  a  great  want  of  feeling. 

29.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Matt,  xxvii :  57,  to  the  end  of  the  book. 
I  think  the  exposition  has  been  useful.  Afternoon  preached  on  Ps.  xix  :  7. 
After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  at  old  Mr.  Gideon  Grant's  from 
Luke  xxii :  31,  32.  An  old  written  sermon.  After  sermon  admitted  two 
women  to  the  church  and  administered  the  sacrament.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grant, 
by  reason  of  age  and  infirmity,  had  not  been  at  a  communion  before  for  ten  or 
twelve  years.  The  greater  part  of  the  church  were  present.  The  season  was 
solemn  and  impressive.     Mr.  Grant  is  ninety  years  of  age.     Very  tired. 

30.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  The  ground  is  pretty  finely 
watered.     Visited.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

Jdly. 

1.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Cherries  are  pretty  plenty  and  good.  Rode  with 
Mr.  Flint  to  Wethersfield  and  made  a  short  visit  to  Mr.  Tenney.'*  Paid  Amos 
Bull  for  books,  $15.00.  Paid  Mr.  Scarborough  for  books,  $2 0.00.  Received 
a  present  of  Neal's  History  of  New  England^  from  Mr.  Charles  Olmstead,^  of 
East  Hartford.     It  is  highly  acceptable.     Read. 

2.  Worked  in  my  garden.  The  peas  yield  very  well.  Wrote.  Walked 
and  visited.     Tarried  out. 

3.  Visited.     Gave   Mr.   Haskell    an   order  on  the   society  treasurer  for 


'  In  returning,  he  would  pass  directly  by  might  agree  substantially,  would   find  some 

the  house  where  Dr.  Robbins  lived.  things  to  criticise. 

»  Dr.  John  Owen  wrote  a  work  with  the  ^  Perhaps  living  in  Salem,  Mass. 

Latin   title,  Salus  Electoriim,  Sanguis  yesii :  *  Rev.  Caleb  J.  Tenney,  D.  D.,  in  the  year 

"  The  blood  of  Christ  the  safety  or  salvation  1816  was    settled    as    colleague   with    Rev. 

of  the  elect."     It  was   probably  this   work  John  Marsh,  D.  D.     Dr.  Marsh  died  in  1821, 

which  Dr.  Robbins  was  reading.     Dr.  Rob-  after   a   ministry   of  forty-seven   years.     Dr. 

bins  says,  "He  has  some  notions  materially  Tenney  continued  till  1 841,  when  he  resigned, 

wrong."     Dr.  Owen   is  said   to   have   spent  and  died  in  1S47. 

seven  years  on  this  work,  and  he  had  such  *  Daniel  Neal's  History  of  A'ew  England 

confidence  in  it,  that  he  is  reported  as  saying  was  in  two  volumes. 

in  substance  that  he  did  not  believe  he  *  Mr.  Charles  Olmstead  was  a  gentleman 
should  live  to  see  a  solid  answer  to  it.  But  of  wealth  and  culture,  living  within  a  few 
a  Christian  thinker,  looking  into  any  theo-  rods  of  the  present  Congregational  meeting- 
logical  work  of  this  kind  one  hundred  and  house  in  East  Hartford.  The  house  is  no 
fifty  years    after   it  was   written,   while    he  longer  standing. 


[8i7.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


709 


goods  and  post  ofifice  change  of  $32.93.     Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory 
lecture  with  old  notes  on  James  ii :  21.     Quite  warm.     Wrote. 

4.  Wrote.  No  great  attention  appears  to  be  paid  to  Independence. 
Planted  some  corn  in  my  garden.  Received  a  letter  from  Miss  Dabney. 
Warm. 

5.  Very  warm, 
dered  by  company. 


24.     Hin- 


Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  James  i :  23, 
Vegetation  advances  with  great  rapidity. 

6.  Finished  early  in  the  morning  my  sermon  on  James  i :  23,  24.  Wrote 
notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Joel  ii :  17.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. Received  a  woman  into  the  church.  The  church  was  very  full. 
Found  at  meeting  Mr.  Sereno  Dwight.'  He  preached  for  me  in  the  after- 
noon. He  performed  very  well.  He  is  about  to  be  settled  at  Boston.  Bap- 
tized a  child.  The  dust  has  become  pretty  bad.  At  evening  rode  with  Mr. 
Dwight  to  Mr.  Watson's.  Gave  him  a  set  of  Theological  Magazines.^  I  had 
two. 

7.  Last  night  we  had  a  moderate  shower.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Gave  the 
Hartford  Bank  a  note  of  $166.00,  and  received  $98.37.  Paid  the  Phoenix 
Bank,  $106.53,  and  gave  a  new  note  of  $400.00.  The  heat  is  severe.  Wrote. 
At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

8.  Rode  out.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Read  Pearson  ^  on  the  Creed. 
Visited.  At  evening  Mr.  Battell  and  my  mother  came  here.  She  has  not 
been  here  before  since  my  ordination. 

9.  My  mother  appears  to  be  quite  smart.  Mr.  Battell  went  off  early  and 
left  her.     They  rode  from  Norfolk  here  yesterday.     Visited  with  mother. 

10.  Rode  and  visited  with  my  mother  at  a  number  of  places.  Cooler  than 
it  has  been.     Worked  some  at  hay. 

11.  Rode  with  my  mother  to  Enfield.  Cousin  Eliza  is  not  very  well. 
Left  mother  and  returned.  The  prospect  of  harvest  is  very  good.  Am  very 
languid. 

12.  Warm  and  sultry.  Visited  the  sick.  We  have  more  sick  persons  than 
usual.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  make  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint.  Vis- 
ited Mr.  Humphrey."*  It  appears  to  be  very  doubtful  whether  he  will  be 
settled  here.     We  had  a  little  rain. 


'  Son  of  President  Timothy  Dwight,  born 
at  Greenfield  Hill,  Ct.,  where  his  father  was 
settled  in  the  ministry,  May  18,  1786,  died  in 
Philadelphia,  Nov.  30,  1S50.  He  was  settled 
two  months  after  this  visit  to  East  Windsor 
(Sept.  3,  1817),  at  Park  Street  Church,  Bos- 
ton, where  he  remained  till  1826.  He  was 
meditating  a  life  of  his  illustrious  ancestor, 
Jonathan  Edwards,  who  was  born  and 
brought  up  as  a  youth  within  Dr.  Robbins's 
parish.  The  object  of  his  journey  was  to 
obtain  information  about  the  Edwards  family 
in  general,  and  about  Jonathan  Edwards  in 


particular.  He  did  not  make  a  very  good 
use  of  his  opportunities,  for  there  were  large 
stores  of  information  near  at  hand,  which  Dr. 
Dwight  did  not  discover. 

^  This  was  the  Magazine  published  for  a 
few  years  in  New  York. 

^  Eliphalet  Pearson,  LL.  D. 

*  Rev.  Heman  Humphrey,  D.  D.,  after- 
wards President  of  Amherst  College,  was 
one  of  the  candidates  that  preached  in  Dr. 
Strong's  pulpit,  but  did  not  receive  a  call. 
Nevertheless,  he  became  one  of  the  leading 
divines  in  New  England. 


yiO  DIARY   OP'    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

13.  Mr.  Flint*  rode  to  East  Windsor  with  my  horse  and  returned  after 
meeting.  Warm  and  faint.  Preached  on  Acts  viii :  23,  and  Luke  xiii :  8,  9. 
Preached  for  Mr.  FUnt  last  evening  at  his  conference  house  with  notes  on 
Joel  ii :  17.  Towards  evening  rode  up  and  attended  conference  for  the  lower 
part  of  my  society.     Quite  tired. 

14.  Rode  in  a  small  sulky  to  New  Haven  and  Bridgeport,  fifty-seven  miles. 
Received  at  the  Eagle  Bank  a  dividend  of  $30.00.  The  crops  appear  ver}^ 
well.     Tarried  with  Mr.  Waterman.^ 

15.  Conversed  with  a  silversmith  respecting  his  making  some  communion 
furniture  for  our  church.  Rode  through  New  Haven  home.  In  Stratford 
called  on  old  Dr.  Johnson.^  He  has  a  very  valuable  library.  Paid  Mr. 
Waterman  for  a  valuable  French  Bible,  $5.00.  Saw  some  harvesting  in  Wal- 
lingford  and  none  other.     Had  a  prosperous  journey. 

16.  People  have  a  very  fine  season  for  haying.  Read.  Visited.  Attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Verj'  warm.     Received  of  my  collector,  $50.00. 

17.  Exceeding  warm.  Visited.  Read  the  Bible.  Towards  evening  rode 
to  Hartford.  The  ground  has  become  quite  dry.  People  are  generally  at 
their  haying. 

18.  The  heat  is  very  oppressive  this  season.  Visited.  At  noon  my  mother 
and  my  brother  came  here  from  Enfield.  My  brother  returned.  Am  so  lan- 
guid with  the  heat  that  I  can  do  but  little. 

19.  Am  very  faint  and  languid  with  the  heat.  Wrote  j^art  of  a  sermon  on 
Ex.  x:  17.     Mother  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  made  a  visit.     Walked  out. 

20.  Wrote  the  remainder  of  a  sermon  on  Ex.  x :  17.  Preached  that  and 
one  written  some  time  since  on  James  i :  23,  24.  We  had  a  slight  rain.  The 
ground  is  very  dry  and  hot.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Very  tired. 
Yesterday  received  from  Dr.  McClure  •*  a  long  paper  to  be  laid  before  the 
church.     I  fear  it  may  give  us  trouble.     The  Lord  help  us. 

21.  Rode  out  with  mother  and  visited  all  day.  The  prospect  of  the  harvest 
is  very  pleasing.     Brother  Frank  and  Eliza  came  here  at  night  and  tarried. 

22.  Mother  visited  at  Deacon  Reed's  all  day.  Was  there  the  most  of  the 
time.  Frank  and  Eliza  took  tea  with  us  and  went  home.  We  had  a  heavy 
and  most  grateful  shower.     Read. 

23.  Worked  in  my  garden.  People  are  beginning  their  harvest.  We  had 
considerable  company  who  came  to  visit  mother. 

24.  Rode  with  mother  to  Norfolk.'     She  bore  the  ride  very  well.     Cool. 


'  Rev.  Abel   Flint,  D.  D.,  of  the  Second  College,  New  York.     It  may  be  remembered 

Church,  Hartford.  that  Samuel  Johnson,  afterwards  of  Colum- 

^  Rev.  Elijah  Waterman,  pastor  at  Bridge-  bia  College,  while  tutor  in  Yale,  became  an 

port,  1806-1825.    He  was  a  graduate  of  Yale,  Episcopalian.     This  event  caused  great  com- 

1791,  and  a  native  of  Bozrah,  Ct.  motion  at  the  time. 

3  William  Samuel  Johnson,  LL.  D.,  born  ■*  The  relations  between  Dr.  McClure  and 

in  Stratfcird,  Ct.,  1727,  died  there  1819,  at  the  Dr.  Robbins  had  not  been  what  they  ought 

age  of  ninety-two.     He  was  therefore  ninety  to  have  been  as  between  colleague  pastors, 
years  of  age  at  the  time  of  this  visit.      He  ^  This  journey  of  some  thirty-five  miles  in 

was  the  son  of  Rev.  Samuel  Johnson,  D.  D.,  one  day  would  show  that  she  still  had  a  good 

the  first  President  of  King's  (now  Columbia)  measure  of  vigor. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  71I 

Brother  James  it  seems  remains  considerably  unwell.  I  feel  anxious  about 
him.  Paid  Caleb  Goodwin,  of  Hartford,  ^lo.oo.  I  believe  more  than  twice 
the  quantity  of  potatoes'  are  now  on  the  ground  in  this  State  to  what  have 
been  in  any  past  year. 

25.  People  here  are  just  beginning  their  haying.  Mr.  Humphrey,  late  of 
Fairfield,  came  here  and  tarried  on  his  way  to  Pittsfield.  Wrote  to  brother 
James. 

26.  Rode  to  West  Suffield  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Mix.  He  is  gone  to  East 
Windsor.^     Warm.     People  are  harvesting  considerably. 

27.  Preached  on  Ps.  li :  4,  and  James  i :  23,  24.  This  society  appears  to 
be  improving.  I  think  Mr.  Mix  is  faithful  and  useful.  A  few  societies  in  this 
neighborhood  are  in  a  pretty  low  state.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Enfield  and 
preached  for  my  brother  at  a  conference  on  Heb.  xi :   16.     Very  tired. 

28.  Rode  home.  Warm.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field  and  carried  dinner. 
The  harvest  is  exceeding  good  through  the  country.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our 
souls.^     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Was  up  late. 

29.  W^orked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  warm.  Dr.  Strong's 
society  are  in  a  pretty  bad  situation.*  I  fear  for  them.  The  ground  is  quite 
dr}\  Read.  Am  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  My  garden  pro- 
duces very  well, 

30.  Read.  Went  into  the  water.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Very  warm. 
Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport,  and  one  to  Gen.  Howe,  of  New 
Haven.     Received  a  letter  from  brother  James.     His  health  is  improving. 

31.  Read.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Visited  the  sick.  We  have  a  number 
of  persons  that  are  unwell.  I  find  an  inconvenience  in  lending  my  books  so 
much.     People  have  a  fine  season  for  their  harvest.     It  is  seldom  so  good. 

August. 

1.  Read  Hopkins's  System  and  Doddridge's  Lectures}  Began  a  sermon 
on  Ex.  viii:  19.  Wrote  but  little.  Afternoon  had  a  public  catechising  of  the 
children. 

2.  Wrote  ten  pages  by  daylight  on  my  sermon  on  the  being  and  perfec- 
tions of  God.     I  have  been  latterly  too  inattentive  to  study. 

3.  Wrote  four  pages  and  finished  my  sermon  on  Ex.  viii:  19,*  Did  not 
complete  it  till  in  the  intermission.     Preached  it.     The  subject  appeared  more 


'  The  cold  summer  of  1816,  the  previous  young  Robbins  was  at  Williams  College, 
year,  revealed  the  importance  of  the  potato  then  in  its  infancy,  the  trustees  (1796)  threw 
crop.  It  has  been  said  that  many  of  the  out  Hopkins's  System  of  Divinity  as  a  text- 
people  of  New  England  would  have  died  of  book,  and  substituted  Doddridge's  Lectures. 
hunger  in  1816  had  it  not  been  for  the  Between  'the  two,  Dr.  Robbins  thought  he 
remarkable  yield  of  potatoes.  should  get  about  the  right  doctrinal  balance. 

^  They  took  different  roads,  or  they  would  ^  The   text  for   this    sermon   was   rather 

have  met.  peculiar,  and  was  probably  meant  to  be  so. 

^  That  was  uttered   with   more  emphasis  The  subject  itself  was  one  requiring  careful 

in  view  of  the  experiences  the  year  before.  thought.     "  Then   the   magicians    said   unto 

''  They  could  not  unite  upon  any  of  their  Pharaoh,   This   is   the   finger   of   God :   and 

candidates,  though  they  had  able  ones.  Pharaoh's  heart  was  hardened,  and  he  heark- 

^  In  the   first  year   of   this  diary,   when  ened  not  unto  them ;  as  the  Lord  had  said." 


712  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

interesting  than  I  expected.  Perhaps  I  shall  make  it  the  first  of  a  series, 
forming  with  divine  permission  and  assistance,  something  of  a  theological 
system.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Brother  Frank  came  here  and 
tarried. 

4.  Wrote.  Am  ver)'  languid.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting.     It  is  interesting  and  solemn. 

5.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Worked  in  my  garden.  The  ground 
very  dr)'.     Read  Doddridge's  Lectures. 

6,  W^orked  in  my  garden.  Afternoon  worked  in  the  meadow  raking  hay. 
The  crop  of  grass  is  light, 

7.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  People  have  had  a  very  fine  time  to  get 
in  their  harvest,  which  is  now  mostly  done.  This  people  are  very  stupid.  My 
efforts  appear  to  be  very  inefficacious.     A  little  rainy. 

8,  Read  Christian  Observer.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts  for  the 
last  quarter  year.  My  expenses  have  been  greater  than  usual.  Paid  on  a 
charity  subscription,  $2.00.     Wet  and  showery  all  day. 

9,  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Prov,  ii :  4,  5,  Wrote  more  than  five  pages  before 
dinner.  Raiiiy  all  day.  I  believe  we  have  not  had  so  much  rain  at  one  time 
this  year.     It  is  very  refreshing  to  the  ground.     Hindered  by  company. 

10.  Wrote  notes  in  the  morning  on  2  John  ix,  and  preached  with  them  and 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Warm  and  very  pleasant  after  the  rain,  I  fear 
people  will  work  some  at  their  hay  that  is  out.  At  evening  attended  the  con- 
ference.    Quite  full.     Yesterday  picked  a  first  ear  of  green  corn. 

11.  Last  night  much  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Read,  Towards 
night  something  rainy.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mrs,  Benjamin,  of 
Bridgeport,  Wrote.  So  rainy  I  did  not  attend  our  prayer-meeting.  I  am 
forty  years  of  age.  The  period  of  youth  and  early  manhood  has  passed 
away.  I  am  now  in  the  maturity  and  decline  of  life.*  O  righteous  God, 
how  little  have  I  attained,  how  little  have  I  done.  How  far  am  I  from 
that  usefulness  and  from  those  attainments  which  I  have  anticipated  should  I 
arrive  at  this  period  of  life. 

12.  Showery  and  wet  last  night  and  all  day.  Some  of  the  time  it  rained 
very  hard.  The  greatest  rain,  I  Believe,  we  have  had  since  September,  18 15, 
Wrote  on  my  catalogue  of  books  and  preaching  accounts, 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  river  rises  rapidly  and  overflows  the  mead- 
ows. The  freshet  will  probably  do  much  damage.  There  is  a  great  deal  of 
hay  and  grain  out.  Paid  $16,36  for  old  books  from  the  library  of  Rev,  Mr. 
Whitman,"  Visited.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Miss  Dabney,  The 
first  society  have  but  little  prospect  of  getting  a  minister.     Very  warm. 

14.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.     The  flood  is  over  the  meadows.     People 

*  Physically  this  may  be   true.     But   in-  ^  Rev.  Elnathan  Whitman,  who  had  been 

tellectually  this  ought  not  to  be  sc,  and,  as  dead  for  many  years.     He  was  pastor  of  the 

an  ordinary  rule,  is  not  so.     The  productions  Second  (South)  Church   in    Hartford,  1733- 

of  the  mind  are  likely  to  be  far  more  able  1777,  when  he  died.     There  are  some  inter- 

and  symmetrical  for  many  years  after  forty  esting  narratives  and  traditions  that  are  di- 

than  before,  rectly  or  indirectly  connected  with  his  family. 


iSi;.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  713 

suffer  a  good  deal.     It  destroys  some  crops.     The  weather  is  still  unsettled. 
The  heat  very  severe.     Worked  raking  hay  the  most  of  the  afternoon.     Read. 

15.  Read.  Began  a  sermon  on  the  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures  on  2  Peter 
i :  ig.  The  heat  is  very  oppressive.  It  makes  it  hard  forme  to  write.  Re- 
ceived another  letter  from  Miss  Dabney. 

16.  Wrote  all  day  on  my  sermon.  Showery.  The  heat  is  very  debilitating, 
on  account  I  suppose  of  the  great  degree  of  wet.     The  river  falls  very  slowly. 

17.  Wrote  three  pages.  Finished  my  sermon  in  the  intermission,  and 
preached  it,  on  2  Pet.  i:  19.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick 
woman.     Very  much  fatigued  by  my  labor  and  languor. 

18.  The  heat  very  severe.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point  and  heard  Bishop 
Hobart'  preach,  and  saw  him  confirm  several  persons.  Brother  Frank  and 
Eliza  came  here  and  tarried.  The  bishop  preached  well,  allowing  him  to  be 
an  Arminian  and  churchman.^ 

19.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Hot  and 
showery.  Preached  on  James  i :  23,  24.  We  had  a  very  good  meeting 
among  ourselves. 

20.  Afternoon  rode  home.  Frequent  showers.  Very  bad  weather  for  hay 
or  grain  that  is  out.     ilm  quite  unwell  with  fatigue  and  the  weather. 

21.  Last  Sabbath  evening  received  from  my  good  friend,  Mrs.  Reed,  a 
present  of  an  elegant  cambric  pocket-handkerchief.  Visited  the  sick  and 
others.  Edward  Wolcott  is  very  low,  and  I  think  will  not  live  long.  Am 
troubled  with  a  severe  headache  and  diarrhoea. 

22.  Received  two  military  letters  as  orders  in  my  chaplaincy.  Rode  to 
Windsor  and  attended  a  meeting  of  military  officers.  Returned.  The  water 
has  mostly  left  the  meadows,  but  there  is  a  very  bad  effluvia.^  We  have  a 
pretty  poor  colonel. 

23.  Am  quite  feeble  with  a  continued  diarrhoea  and  headache.  Am  unable 
to  write  a  sermon.     Visited.     Not  so  warm  as  it  has  been.     Wrote. 

24.  Cold  all  day.  We  had  a  great  change  of  weather  last  night. 
Preached  with  old  notes  on  Jer.  x:  16,  and  an  old  sermon  on  John  i:  10. 
Meeting  pretty  thin.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Quite  thin.  We 
are  very  stupid  here.  Yesterday  received  a  present  from  Mr.  Dabne)^,  of 
Salem,"  of  two  valuable  volumes  and  a  number  of  useful  pamphlets. 

25.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost.  Vegetation  however  seems  not 
to  have  suffered.     Gave  $1.00  to  two  Hollanders  who  were  along  soliciting 


'  John  Henry  Hobart,  D.  D.,  a  graduate  ■*  This  confirms   our   impression  that  the 

of    Union   College,   native   of    Philadelphia,  Miss  Dabney,  who   has   two  or  three  times 

Assistant  Bishop  of  New  York  in  181 1,  and  written    to    Dr.    Robbins,   was    resident    in 

made  Bishop  in  1816.  Salem,  Mass.     Mr.  Jonathan  Peele  Dabney, 

^  The  Church  of  England  has  long  been  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College  in  181 1,  was 

called   Arminian    in    doctrine,   rather    than  a   thorough   antiquarian,    and    a    man    with 

Calvinistic.  whom  Dr.  Robbins  would   naturally  sympa- 

^  Such   experiences    make    the    meadow  thize.      He    never    married,   and    had    two 

towns   along   the   Connecticut   River  sickly,  sisters  in    Salem.     They   all   three   lived  to 

and  especially  subject  to  fevers.  old  age. 


714  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

charity.     Visited  a  sick  man.     Attended  our  prayer-meeting  in  the  evening. 
It  was  solemn.     Tarried  out. 

26.  It  was  cold  last  night,  but  no  frost.  Visited  all  day.  I  fear  that  noth- 
ing can  check  the  prevailing  vice  of  intemperance.  We  have  now  more 
sickness   than   usual. 

27.  Last  evening  a  man  died  near  here  suddenly  who  has  been  sick  for 
several  years.  A  man  belonging  here  has  lately  died  in  Charlestown,  having 
been  absent  nearly  two  years.  Visited  the  two  afflicted  families  and  others. 
I  fear  we  shall  have  -trouble  in  the  church  with  Dr.  McClure. 

28.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Capt.  Elmer.*  He  was  buried  by  Free 
Masons.  Wrote  and  delivered  an  address  to  the  Masons  and  mourners. 
Warm.     My  garden  has  produced  a  good  number  of  fine  watermelons. 

29.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Afternoon 
attended  a  public  catechising  of  the  children.     Visited  the  sick  and  others. 

30.  There  has  been  a  Methodist  camp-meeting  in  Orford'  this  week,  which 
has  excited  great  attention.  I  suppose  they  were  pretty  orderly  for  such  an 
occasion,  but  some  of  the  works  were  bad  enough.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  ser- 
mon on  Prov.  v:  12.  Flies  and  insects  are  uncommonly  thick.  Paid  my 
shoemaker  at  Hartford,  $5. 00. 

31.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Acts  xiii :  26.  Finished 
and  preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  on  Prov.  v:  12.  After  meeting 
rode  to  East  Hartford  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Horace  Olmstead.  The  funeral 
was  over ;  visited  the  mourners.  Spent  the  evening  with  the  deacons  con- 
versing on  Dr.  McClure's  complaints  of  the  church. 

September. 

1.  Worked  in  my  garden.  It  has  produced  a  great  deal  the  present 
season.  Read.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Mr. 
Brace, ^  of   Newington,   came  here   and  tarried.     Quite  warm. 

2.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two  schools.  Great  efforts  are  made  in 
the  State  for  the  approaching  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  Lord  be  our  helper. 
Visited  a  sick  man.  Received  from  Mr.  Flint  my  annual  consociational 
letter.  § 

3.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  attended  a  ministers'  meeting.  The  heat  very 
severe."  My  brother  has  lately  received  a  handsome  present  from  the  ladies 
of  his  people. 

4.  Returned  in  the  afternoon.  This  hot  weather  is  very  favorable  for  the 
corn.  Spent  the  evening  with  the  deacons  and  Dr.  McClure  on  the  subject 
of  his  unreasonable  complaints. 


'  Justus  Elmer,  aged  fifty.  a  noticeable  fact  that  his  ministry,  coupled 

"  It  has  been  before  stated  that  Orford  with   that  of  his   predecessor,   Rev.  Joshua 

(Manchester)  was  a  place  where,  for   many  Belden,  covered  about  one  hundred  and  eight 

years,  camp-meetings  were  held.  years. 

^  Rev.  Joab  Brace,  D,  D.,  who  had  then  *  We   have   confirmation  here   of  a  fact 

been  settled  in  Newington  only  twelve  years,  before  noticed,  the  usual  prevalence  of  hot 

but  he  remained  till  he  had  filled  out  a  min-  weather  in  the  early  days  of  September,  last- 

istry  of  fifty  years,  when  he  resigned.     It  is  ing  sometimes  eight  or  ten  days. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  715 

5.  Am  much  enervated  by  the  severe  heat.  It  is  thought  to  be  equal  to 
any  day  we  have  had  this  j^ear.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Eccles.  vii :  29. 
Was  obUged  to  leave  my  chamber  on  account  of  the  heat.  At  evening  walked 
out.     We  had  in  the  evening  a  pretty  hard  thunder-shower. 

6.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  the  most  of  the  day  and  evening.  Was  called  in 
the  morning  to  see  a  sick  man  probably  near  to  death.     I  write  poorly. 

7.  Preached  all  day  on  the  innocence  and  fall  of  man,  from  Eccles. 
vii :  29.'  Did  not  get  it  quite  completed  before  I  went  to  meeting  in  the 
afternoon.  Had  four  pages  to  write  today.  I  am  not  well  satisfied  with  my 
sermon  for  so  important  a  subject.  An  elderly  man  died  pretty  suddenly.^ 
Visited  the  family.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport.     Cool. 

8.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  pra3^er- 
meeting.     I  am  very  anxious  respecting  our  approaching  Freemen's  Meeting.^ 

9.  Visited.  Early  in  the  afternoon  attended  a  funeral ;  after  which  set  out 
for  Commencement  and  rode  to  Leet's  tavern,  North  Haven.  Received  of 
Phoenix  Bank,  ^55.50.     Warm.     Rode  pretty  late. 

10.  Rode  early  to  New  Haven.  Tudor  "^  came  here  yesterday  and  had 
his  horse  fall  and  break  the  shafts  of  his  sulky,  three  miles  from  New  Haven. 
Found  him  there.  Attended  the  public  exercises.  They  were  better  than 
usual.  A  great  collection  of  people,  particularly  ministers.  The  new  Presi- 
dent^ performed  remarkably  well.  Very  warm.  At  evening  attended  the 
Concio  ad  Clerum.  Paid  up  my  account  with  Gen.  Howe  for  books,  $23.55. 
Well  accommodated  at  Capt.  Dummer's. 

11.  Attended  and  took  the  lead  in  the  prayer-meeting  in  the  morning. 
The  heat  very  severe  all  day.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Charitable  Educa- 
tion Society.*  Paid  $20.00  and  became  a  life-member.  I  think  this 
institution  is  doing  much  good.  Afternoon  rode  to  Meriden.  Much  op- 
pressed with  the  heat.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Ripley's.^  Wrote  to  Mr.  Benjamin,  of 
Bridgeport,  and  sent  him  $50.00  of  money  belonging  to  the  church.  At  even- 
ing there  was  a  severe  thunder-shower.     Crops  appear  very  well. 

12.  Some  damage  done  here  by  the  lightning  last  evening.  Rode  home. 
The  heat  very  severe,  but  not  equal,  I  think,  to  yesterday.  Very  much 
fatigued.  We  have  fine  melons  from  my  garden.  We  had  a  little  rain.  Lost, 
I  believe,  .25. 

13.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Cooler.  Am  too 
tired   to   write    much. 


'  "  Lo,  this  only  have  I  found,  that  God  as  gold  refined,  and  was  to   hold  his   high 

hath  made  man  upright ;  but  they  have  sought  office  twenty-nine  years. 

out  many  inventions."  ^  This   was  near   the    beginning    of    the 

^  Mr.  Benjamin  Gillett,  aged  sixty-six.  Connecticut    Education   Society,   afterwards 

^  The  drift  in  Connecticut  was  then  away  merged  in  the  American  Education  Society, 

from  Federalism.  Dr.  Robbins  showed  his  hearty  interest  by  a 

**  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott.  liberal  gift. 

*  Rev.  Jeremiah    Day,   D.  D.,  was    sue-  '  Rev.  Erastus  Ripley,  pastor  of  the  First 

cessor  to  Dr.  Dwight,  and  this  was  his  first  Church  in  Meriden,  1803-1822.    Graduated  at 

Commencement.     He  was  pure  and  genuine  Yale,  1795. 


7l6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l^I?- 

14.  Quite  cool.  Wore  my  cloak.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  xxv  :  11. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

15.  Visited  sick  persons.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Quite  cool,  but  so 
cloudy  that  we  have  no  frost.  We  have  now  an  unusual  number  of  sick.  Did 
not  attend  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  votes  for  nomination  were,  as  I  am 
informed,  Federalist,  189  ;  Democratic,  94.     Many  staid  at  home. 

16.  Something  rainy.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.  Worked  in  my  garden. 
Read.     Visited.     One  of  my  best  women  I  fear  is  not  like  to  live. 

17.  Read.  Warmer,  and  through  divine  goodness  we  have  had  no  frost. 
Democracy  appears  to  have  obtained  a  perfect  triumph  in  the  State  at  the 
late  Freemen's  Meeting,  Our  God  frowns  upon  us  in  his  holy  and  terrible 
judgments.  I  hope  and  pray  that  we  may  not  long  be  given  up  to  the  rage 
of  the  wicked.  I  consider  it  the  success  of  iniquity  against  righteousness.' 
Afternoon  attended  the  Female  Auxiliary  Bible  Society's  annual  meeting  and 
paid  .50.     Visited  the  sick  and  others. 

18.  Attended  a  regimental  training  and  did  the  duty  of  chaplain.  The 
regiment  paraded  in  front  of  our  house  and  performed  pretty  well.  The 
colonel  is  rather  inadequate.     The  general  appeared  very  well. 

19.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  We  have  quite  an  unusual 
number  of   sick. 

20.  Wrote  to  brother  Frank.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxiii :  6. 
I  write  quite  slow.  Democracy  in  this  State  triumphs  and  scoffs.  The  Lord 
be  our  helper. 

21.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cxiii:  6. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Luke  x:  21.  I  have  made  this 
sermon  unusually  long.     At  evening  had  a  full  conference.     Visited  the  sick. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  At  evening  did  not 
attend  our  prayer-meeting  on  account  of  rain.  My  brother  came  here  and 
tarried.  Last  night  was  quite  cold,  but  no  frost  was  visible  to  produce  any 
effect. 

23.  My  brother  went  off  very  early  and  took  my  military  insignia  to  wear 
on  a  parade.  Quite  warm.  Worked  some.  Read.  Visited  a  school.  Vis- 
ited the  sick.     Have  very  little  time  for  study. 

24.  Read.  Visited.  Some  of  our  young  men  conduct  badly.  At  evening 
attended  the  meeting  of  our  Moral  Societ}\  That  institution  languishes. 
Was   out   late. 

25.  Wrote.  Read.  A  merciful  providence  yet  keeps  off  the  frost. 
Yesterday  receiv^ed  from  my  collector,  $60.00.  Attended  the  training  of  a 
rifle  company.     Their  exercise  is  quite  amazing.     Visited. 

26.  There  was  a  little  frost  this  morning,  but  a  thick  fog  seems  to  ha\e 
prevented  any  visible  effects.  Paid  for  a  pair  of  shoes,  $2.50.  Paid  a  sad- 
dler, .^^.     Afternoon  attended  a  public  catechising  of  the  children.     I  have 


'  It  would  probably  be  the  general  opin-  an  immense  evil  as  it  then  seemed  to  many 
ion  of  the  people  of  Connecticut  that  the  good  men  to  be.  Oliver  Wolcott,  who  kept 
triumph  of  the  Democrats  in  1817  was  not  such       the  office  ten  years,  is  esteemed  honorable. 


1817.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  717 

now   had   four   the    present   season.     I    think   they   have    done   good.     The 
children  have  attended  pretty  well.     Am  ver)^  much  occupied  with  business. 

27.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Acts  xxiv :  25.  Spent  the  afternoon 
in  visiting  the  sick.  I  seldom  find  time  to  write  a  double  sermon.  People 
here  have  a  good  crop  of  tobacco.'  I  think  I  do  not  gain  any  in  writing  as  to 
rapidity.     At  evening  we  had  a  thunder-shower. 

28.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Acts  xxiv:  25. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii :  42.  At  evening 
performed  a  marriage.''  Quite  cool.  Wrote.  Get  but  little  time  for  rest. 
Have  a  fire  in  my  chamber.     Took  in  my  green  trees. 

29.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Carried  Miss  Cravath  with  me,  who  has  been  at 
school  here  some  time  past.  Mother  appears  to  be  very  well.  There  has 
been  no  frost  here  to  stop  vegetation,  no  more  than  at  East  Windsor.  In  the 
evening  preached  a  lecture  in  the  meeting-house,  which  Mr.  Emerson  had 
appointed,  on  James  i :  23,  24. 

30.  Rode  to  Colebrook  with  Mr.  Emerson  and  Uncle  Starr,  who  came 
along  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  The  Consociation  and  Association 
hold  their  meetings  at  the  same  time.  At  evening  preached  by  the  request  of 
Mr.  Lee  on  Ps.  cxxii :  3,  4,  5.  The  subject  of  our  church  government  is 
imperfectly  understood  by  our  ministers  and  churches.^ 

October. 

1.  In  the  morning  there  was  a  hard  frost.  The  first  that  has  been  to 
stop  vegetation.  The  Consociation  finished  their  session  about  noon.  After 
dinner  rode  home.  Got  home  half  after  nine.  The  effects  of  the  frost  are 
visible  all  the  way.  The  evening  quite  cold.  The  frost  seems  not  to  have 
been  quite  so  hard  here  as  at  Colebrook.  A  regiment  of  artillery  has  been 
reviewed  today  in  East  Hartford.  The  first  instance  of  the  kind  in  the  State. 
Our  sick  are  better  by  account  than  I  expected  to  find  them. 

2.  Am  something  rheumatic.  Wrote.  Yesterday  the  Consociation  at 
Colebrook  decided  that  the  excommunication  of  a  member  by  a  church  with- 
out a  minister  is  invalid."  The  frost  this  morning  was  harder  than  yesterday, 
but  a  thick  fog  seems  to  ha\e  prevented  the  most  of  its  effects.  Visited  a 
school.     At  evening  rode  to  Scantick  and  performed*  a  marriage.' 

3.  The  weather  is  more  moderate.  Read.  I  find  some  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing  places   for   the    members    of    the    Consociation,*      Received   a    ver}' 


*  In  modern  times  the  tobacco  crop  is  the  mise   between   Presbyterianism  and  Congre- 

chief  crop  in  the  Connecticut  valley  far  up  gationalism. 

and  down  the  river.     But  we  were  not  aware  *  That  is  a  good  illustration  of  the  high 

that  it  was  a  crop  of  any  special  importance  governmental  ideas  of  Consociations  in  the 

at  so  early  a  date  as  is  here  indicated.  past,  e.xalting  the  minister  out  of  all  propor- 

^  Daniel  Hinsdale,  of  Hartford,  was  united  tion  to  the  whole  membership  of  a  Christian 

in  marriage  with  Catherine  Wolcott.  church.     In  true  Congregationalism  the  min- 

^  That  was  very  true,  back  in  those  days.  ister  is  but  simply  one  voting  member. 
Members    of     Congregational     churches    in  '  The    parties    were    Levi    Webster   and 

many  places  called  them  Presbyterian.     And  Sabra  Allen. 

indeed  the   Congregationalism    of    the    Say-  "  This  was  the  local  Consociation  which 

brook  Platform  was  only  a  kind  of  compro-  was  soon  to  meet  in  East  Windsor. 


yiS  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

interesting  paper  from  one    of    the    members    of   the   church.     Visited   the 
sick. 

4.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Heb.  iv  :  15.  Visited.  The  growth  of 
the  corn  is  not  yet  obstructed  by  the  frost.     Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Enfield. 

5.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  the  humanity  of 
Christ,  from  Heb.  iv :  15.  The  subject  is  very  interesting.  In  the  forenoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  2  Cor,  v:  11.  Full  meeting.  Received  a  letter 
from  brother  James.  Quite  warm.  At  evening  attended  a  little  while  at  a 
singing-meeting.     Paid  for  two  volumes  of  the  Christian  Observer,  $8.00. 

6.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Called  on  Mr.  Hawes,'  the  candidate.  He 
appears  well.  Warm  and  dry.  My  unavoidable  expenses  seem  to  be  great. 
Wrote.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

7.  In  the  forenoon  our  Consociation  met  here.  The  most  of  the  mem- 
bers were  present.  Afternoon  it  was  rainy,  and  our  meeting  was  very  thin. 
The  state  of  religion  in  our  limits  is  low.     We  had  an  evening  session. 

8.  We  had  a  meeting  in  the  forenoon.  Mr.  Hawes,  of  Hartford,  preached 
ver)'  well.  The  Conso  finished  their  session  a  little  after  noon.  They 
expressed  themselves  gratified  with  their  accommodations.  Our  singing  was 
much  admired.  The  next  meeting  of  Consociation  is  to  be  at  Bristol.  We 
had  some  good  watermelons.  Quite  tired.  Read.  Last  evening  wrote  to 
my  cousin  Eliza  Olmstead  at  Norfolk.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from 
brother  James. 

9.  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  called  on  a  number  of  families. 
Afternoon  walked  and  visited.  Mrs.  Wolcott  I  think  cannot  live  long.  The 
crops  of  all  kinds  come  in  very  well.     Paid  for  four  bushels  of  oats. 

X  o.  This  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  This  will  probably  stop  vegetation, 
though  it  has  continued  till  this  time.^  Tobacco  had  not  been  killed.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Battell.  Worked  some.  Read  the  Bible.  On  the  8th  paid  my  annual 
tax  to  General  Association,  $1.00.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory'  lecture 
with  old  notes  on  2  Cor.  v:  14.     Meeting  very  thin. 

11.  W'rote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  2  Chron.  xxix  :  10.  Visited  Mrs. 
Elizur  Wolcott.  I  think  she  is  near  the  close  of  life.  We  could  hardly  lose 
so  exemplary  a  Christian  ©r  a  more  useful  woman. 

12.  Warm.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  begun 
yesterday  on  covenanting  with  God.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes 
on  Matt,  xvii :  4.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Baptized  a  child.'  At  even- 
ing attended  the  conference.  We  had  an  interesting  solemn  day.  Very  tired. 
Contributed  for  the  church,  $5.00. 


'  Rev.  Joel  Hawes,  a  native  of  Medway,  their  favorite  candidate.     He  proved  to  be  a 

Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Brown  University,  1S13,  very  able  and  successful  minister, 

and  of  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  1817.  ^  It   was    unusual    (though   it   sometimes 

The    First   Church   of    Hartford,   after   the  happens)    that  there   had   been   no  frost   to 

death   of    Dr.    Strong,   ten    months    before,  kill  so  delicate  a  plant  as  tobacco  before  the 

having    heard   a  goodly   number    of   young  loth  of  October. 

preachers    who    afterwards     became    distin-  ^  Harriet   Tracy,  daughter  of    Nathaniel 

guished,   turned   at  last   to    Mr.   Hawes   as  Rockwell. 


1817.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  719 

13.  Mrs.  Wolcott' died  last  evening.  Visited  the  family.  Brother  Frank 
came  here  to  go  to  the  eastward.  We  expected  cousin  Eliza  to  go  with  him, 
but  she  does  not  come.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  to  the  Phoenix  Bank, 
^106.54,  besides  a  sum  which  I  received  at  the  other  bank.  Found  Mr.  Bat- 
tell  at  Hartford.  He  and  little  Sarah  came  here  and  tarried.  In  the  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

14.  Rode  early.  There  was  a  hard  frost.  Rode  forty-five  miles  to  a 
tavern  in  Rhode  Island  (Fish's),  fifteen  miles  v/est  of  Providence. 

15.  The  eastern  part  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  is  very  dry. 

16.  Rode  through  Providence  and  Taunton  to  a  tavern  in  the  south  part  of 
Middleborough,  forty-seven  miles.  The  road  about  Taunton  is  pretty  poor. 
The  season  in  this  quarter  has  been  good.     Pretty  tired. 

17.  Rode  in  a  cold  morning  fifteen  miles  to  Fairhaven.  Very  kindly  re- 
ceived by  our  cousins.^  They  are  in  very  good  circumstances.  This  is  a 
considerable  town.  New  Bedford  opposite  is  a  large  and  handsome  town. 
The  people  of  this  county,  Bristol,  have  an  uncommon  habit  of  attending  court 
at  Taunton  as  spectators. 

18.  Rode  to  Uncle  Le  Baron's,  Rochester,  five  miles.  My  uncle  and  his 
family  are  agreeably  situated.  Cool  for  the  season.  My  uncle  has  had  whoop- 
ing-cough at  seventy  years  of  age.     Brother  Frank  returned  to  Fairhaven. 

19.  Preached  for  my  uncle  on  Ps.  cxiii :  6,  and  James  i :  23,  24.  At  even- 
ing attended  another  meeting  and  preached  without  notes  on  Matt,  xvii :  4. 
This  congregation  is  small.  They  have  recently  erected  a  fine  meeting-house, 
which  must  be  a  great  benefit  to  them.     Tarried  with  my  cousin  William.^ 

20.  My  uncle's  family  do  very  well.  Four  of  them  are  settled  here  and 
one  at  Roxbury.  Visited  cousins.  This  place  had  increased  very  much  in  a 
few  years.     They  do  a  good  deal  at  ship  building  and  something  in  navigation. 

21.  Walked  about  with  my  uncle.  He  retains  his  powers  uncommonly 
well.  Dined  at  a  cousin's.  Brother  Frank  came  here  from  Fairhaven. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Fairhaven  and  left  my  brother  at  Rochester.  In  the  even- 
ing preached  a  lecture  in  the  meeting-house,  for  Rev.  Mr.  Wheeler,'*  on  Acts 
xvi :  31.     This  congregation  is  small. 

22.  Wrote.  Warm.  My  cousins  are  agreeably  situated.  Afternoon 
crossed  the  river  in  a  sail-boat  to  New  Bedford.  This  town  appears  wealthy 
and   flourishing.     At   evening   preached   for  Mr.  Holmes^  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2. 


'  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Wolcott,  aged  fifty-three,  with  whom   he  stayed,  was   the   sixth  child, 

wife  of   Mr.  Elizur  Wolcott.     She   was  the  born  in  1786. 

daughter    of     Dr.    Alexander     Wolcott,    of  *  Rev.    Abraham    Wheeler,   a    native   of 

Windsor,  and  was  born  Jan.  13,  1763.  Holden,  Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Williams  Col- 

^  Among     his    very    numerous      cousins  lege,  1810,  was   pastor   at   Fairhaven,  1813- 

in    all    that    part    of    the    country,   without  18 18. 

farther  light  it  will  be  difficult  for  us  to  name  '  Rev.  Sylvester    Holmes,   born    in    Ply- 

them.  mouth,  1788,  pastor  of  the  North  Church  in 

^  Rev.  Lemuel  Le    Baron,  of  Rochester,  New    Bedford,    181 1,    where    he    remained 

married  in  1774  Elizabeth  Allen,  of  Martha's  many  years.     He   died    in   New  Bedford   in 

Vineyard,  and  had  nine  children.     William,  1866,  aged  seventy-eight. 


720  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

After  which  returned  to  Fairhaven.     The  principal  people  in  New  Bedford  are 
Quakers.     The  ecclesiastical  societies  in  this  quarter  generally  are  small. 

23.  In  the  morning  early  set  out  with  my  brother  on  our  return.  Our  visit 
has  been  exceedingly  prosperous  and  pleasant.  I  am  very  glad  that  we  came. 
Rode  to  Providence,  forty-seven  miles.  We  had  a  little  wet.  The  season  in 
this  quarter  is  very  dry.     This  town  appears  flourishing. 

24.  Very  warm.  The  heat  was  oppressive  and  severe.  Rode  to  Wind- 
ham, forty-four  miles.  My  horse  performs  well.  My  brother  has  a  pretty 
chaise. 

25.  Rode  to  Enfield,  thirty-one  miles,  and  home  at  dusk.  Something  wet 
the  most  of  the  day.  Have  had  a  very  prosperous  journey.  Bless  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul.  Found  our  family  under  trials.  Mrs.  Wolcott'  was  taken  on  the 
1 6th  with  vomiting  blood  and  discharged  great  quantities,  perhaps  two  or 
three  quarts.  The  family  and  others  mostly  despaired  of  her  life.  She  is  now 
gaining,  but  quite  low.     An  aged  man^  has  died  in  my  absence.     Cool. 

26.  Cold  and  rainy  all  day.  Meeting  very  thin.  Preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Eph.  iv :  24.  Am  not  greatly  fatigued  with  my  journey.  At  evening 
walked  out. 

27.  Read.  Wrote.  Mrs.  Wolcott  seems  to  be  gaining.  On  the  21st  Mr. 
Clapp,  my  collector,  paid  Mr.  Wolcott  for  me,  $50.00.  Mr,  Wolcott  lent  me 
the  same  on  the  13th,  of  which  I  then  took  no  account.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Read.  Rode  to  Enfield,  and  with  my  brother  to  West  Suffield  and 
attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  We  were  quite  attentive  to  business.  I  am 
the  senior  member. 

29.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Read  Christian  Observer,  Preached  a  sacramental 
lecture  for  my  brother  on  Ps.  cxiii :  6.  He  went  to  Longmeadow  to  attend  a 
ministers'  meeting.     Rode  home.     Quite  cool. 

30.  Last  night  it  froze  very  hard.  Worked  abroad  some.  Wrote.  Occu- 
pied with  company.  Carried  wood  into  the  garret.^  Am  considerably  troubled 
with  rheumatism. 

31.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Read  the  Bible.  Walked  out  and 
visited.  Our  Assembly  adjourned  yesterday.  They  have  not  done  much  evil, 
but  they  have  had  a  contemptible  session.  A  holy  God  frowns  upon  our 
State." 

November. 

I.  Our  church  communion  cups  have  arrived  from  Bridgeport.  There 
are  six,  and  they  appear  very  well.  They  cost  one  hundred  and  twenty-three 
dollars ;  a  little  less  than  I  expected.  We  have  two  old  ones  of  silver. 
Wrote  a  sermon  on  John  xii :  23.  It  rained  without  the  least  intermission  all 
day.     Wrote  quite  slowly. 


'  Mrs.  Abiel  Wolcott,  where  he  lived.  *  Politically  Mr.  Robbins   must  certainly 

^  Mr.  Edward  Bragg,  aged  seventy-one.  be  regarded  as  a  severe  critic.     As  one  looks 

^  That  was  to  have  his  wood  in  convenient  back  to  that  particular  period  in  Connecticut 

proximity  to  his  chamber  fire.  history  he  fails  to  find  what  was  so  very  bad. 


tSi;.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


721 


2.  It  rained  moderately,  but  without  any  intermission.  Meeting  very  thin. 
Wrote  short  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Neh.  i :  7.  Afternoon 
preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening  rode  out  in  the  wet  and 
performed  a  marriage.' 

3.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  returned.  The  road  quite  wet.  Borrowed  of  my 
brother,  ^50.00,  and  gave  him  my  note.  The  river  rises  considerably.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Benjamin,*  of  Bridgeport,  and  one  from  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin,^ 
of  New  Marlborough.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  Mr.  Chapin,  on  account  of  brother  Frank, 
$10.00.  Paid  Imlay,  $5.00,  Dea.  Tileston,*  $4.25,  and  a  shoemaker,  $2.50. 
Quite  cold.  Read  Fox's  Martyrology?  There  appears  to  be  some  prospect 
that  Mr.  Hawes  will  be  settled  in  Hartford, 

5.  This  morning  there  was  a  very  hard  fr(5st.  Read  old  books.  Wrote. 
Worked  some.     It  is  a  good  year  for  cider. 

6.  Read  in  Cave's  Life  of  Athanasius!'  He  is  a  very  good  biographer. 
Worked  considerably.     Wrote  on  a  communication  for  a  member  of  the  church. 

7.  Read  Cave.  Wrote  considerably.  Worked.  Manured  my  asparagus 
beds.     Quite  warm. 

8.  Worked  at  cider.  Read.  Rode  to  Scantick  to  make  an  exchange 
with  my  brother  Bartlett.  My  horse  has  a  bad  sore  back.  Paid  for  three 
pounds  of  honey. 

9.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartlett  appear  to  be  much  burdened  with  their  numer- 
ous family.'  Mr.  Bartlett  went  to  my  society.  Preached  on  Heb.  iv  :  15,  and 
James  i :  23,  24.  The  congregation  was  quite  large.  Baptized  ten  children 
belonging  to  three  families.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  The  happy  effects 
of  the  late  revival  are  very  visible.     Returned  in  the  evening. 

10.  Worked  putting  up  cider  for  bottling.     Visited.     At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

11.  Remarkably  warm.     Visited.     Read.     Mrs.  Wolcott   gains   in  health 
quite  favorably.     Read.     Hindered  by  company. 

12.  Wrote.     I   spend   considerable   time   unprofitably.      Finished   Cave's 
Lfe  of  Athanasius.     Received  a  letter  from  my  sister. 

13.  Worked  some.     Read  the  Bible.     Hindered  by  company.     Gave  $1.10 
to  a  young  man  who  was  soliciting  charity  for  the  heathen  school  at  Corn- 


'  Between  John  Williams,  of  East  Hart-  *  Dr.  William   Cave,  of   England,    1637- 

ford,   arkd   Clarissa   Starkweather,   of   Wap-  17 13.     He  wrote  Lives  of  the  Apostles,  Lives 

ping.  of  the   Fathers,   and   Primitive    Christianity, 

^  Mr.  Benjamin,   of   Bridgeport,  was   the  which  were,  in  times  past,  standard  works. 
man  who    had    furnished    the    silver   com-  '  They  then  had  seven  children,  and  two 

munion  cups.  more  were  born  afterwards.      With  a  small 

^  Rev.  Jacob  Catlin,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  the  salary  it  was   no   doubt   hard   to   make   the 

North    Church,    New    Marlborough,   Mass.,  ends   meet.     But   the  children  all   grew  up, 

1 787-1 826.  and  three  of  the  sons  went  through   Yale 

*  Dea.  Thomas  Tileston.  College.      The  two  daughters  in  the  family 

^  John   Fox,  author  of  the   Martyrology,  were  honorably  married,  and  their  lives  have 

died  in  1587,  but  his  book  has  been  current  been  filled  with  activity  and  great  usefulness, 

through  the  intervening  generations.  Three  or  four  of  these  children  are  yet  living. 


722  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^8x7. 

wall.'     My  brother  Samuel  has  some  inclination  to  sell  his  place  and  remove.^ 
I  hope  God  will  preserve  him  from  such  a  course. 

14.  Began  a  sermon  in  my  system  on  depravity  and  the  covenant  of 
redemption.  Wrote  considerably.  Worked  some.  I  have  neglected  visiting 
of  late  too  much. 

15.  Finished  the  sermon  begun  yesterday  on  i  Pet,  i:  20,  Wrote  ten 
pages.  Eight  of  them  in  eight  successive  hours,  I  have  usually  for  some 
time  past  written  much  slower  than  this,  and  slower  than  in  years  past.  Wet 
and  rainy. 

16.  On  the  13th  received  a  present  of  two  gallons  of  good  wine  from  Mr. 
Battell.  Preached  on  i  Pet.  i :  20.  Meeting  full  and  attentive.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  It  was  pretty  thin.  My  brother  Frank  came  here 
in  the  evening  from  Orford  and  tarried. 

17.  Had  company.     Something  rainy.     Read.     Examined  my  pamphlets. 

18.  Rainy  all  day.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  in  looking  over  and  arrang- 
ing my  pamphlets.  Read  in  Gibbon's  History.  I  much  want  more  room  for 
my  books. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  river  is  considerably  high.  My  rheumatism 
is  burdensome.  Paid  for  boards  and  nails,  $1.78.  Read.  We  had  snow- 
squalls. 

20.  Worked  ploughing  my  garden.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel.  Vis- 
ited, Paid  for  oats,  ^1.50.  Warm.  People  have  had  very  fine  weatlier  for 
fall  work. 

21.  Worked  at  my  garden.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Read  Cave's  Lives. 

22.  This  morning  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow.  The  first  we  have 
had.  Read  the  interesting  life  of  St.  Basil. ^  Paid  a  shoemaker,  .60, 
Visited,  We  have  a  number  of  people  who  have  been  long  ill  who  are  now 
apparently  recovering.  Wrote,  Warm.  The  most  of  the  snow  went  off. 
Read  the  Bible. 

23.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Eph.  ii: 
4,  5.  In  the  afternoon  jDreached  an  old  sermon  on  Luke  ii  :  7.  Quite  cold. 
At  evening  attended  a  little  while  at  a  singing-meeting.  Baptized  a  child. 
Read. 

24.  Severe  cold.  Read  Gibbon.  Rode  out.  I  hope  we  are  not  now  to 
have  winter.  Wrote  to  brother  Francis.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

25.  Last  night  it  froze  very  hard.  The  weather  moderates.  Read  Gib- 
bon. Worked  some.  Have  considerable  trouble  with  our  green  trees.  At 
evening  began  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving  on  Isa.  liv  :  7,  8, 

26.  Wrote  the  most  of  my  sermon.  Finished  it  late  in  the  evening. 
Wrote  pretty  slow.     Our  proclamation  for  Thanksgiving  is  pretty  ordinary. 

27.  Thanksgiving,     A  pleasant  day.     Meeting  pretty  full.     Preached  on 


*  The  school,  famous  for  a  time,  for  the  "  He    had    hitherto  made   his    home    in 

education  of  heathen  youth,  was  then  in  full       Norwalk. 
and  successful  operation.  ^  t^js  ^^as  in  Cave's  series. 


1817.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  y23 

Isa.  liv :  7,  8.     Mrs.  Wolcott  sat  at  table  with  us  at  dinner  the  first  time  in 
her  sickness.     Walked  out. 

28.  Read  Gibbon.  Got  in  our  celery.  Pleasant  and  warm.  The  ground 
is  something  frozen.     Had  company. 

29.  Wrote.  Read.  I  am  too  much  taken  up  with  unimportant  things. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange  with  my  brother.  The  frost  comes  out 
of  the  ground. 

30.  My  brother  rode  early  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Rom.  iv :  15. 
Meeting  quite  full.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  The  state  of  this 
society  appears  to  be  improving. 

December. 

1.  Rode  quite  early  to  East  Windsor'  with  Mrs.  Parsons;^  then  my 
brother  and  she  went  to  Norfolk.  Worked  considerably  at  manure  for  my 
garden.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

2.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  Rode  in  a  sulky.  Afternoon  quite  rainy.  Got 
considerably  wet.  Tarried  with  my  brother  Ammi.^  He  is  expecting  to  send 
his  son  to  college.     I  doubt  whether  it  is  best. 

3.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mother  is  quite 
well.  Mr.  Emerson  was  married  to  Miss  Rockwell/  of  Colebrook,  last  Friday. 
Brother  Samuel  seems  disposed  to  remove  from  this  town.  I  do  exceedingly 
regret  it.  I  think  it  owing  considerably  to  the  feelings  of  his  wife.  At  even- 
ing attended  a  small  conference. 

4.  My  brother  Frank  and  Mrs.  Parsons  went  off  to  Enfield.  It  is  quite 
cold.  A  Baptist  preacher  was  ordained  at  the  northwest  corner  of  this  town 
today.  I  fear  he  will  do  some  injur)^  A  few  people  went  and  attended  the 
transaction.  I  think  mother  and  Samuel  will  live  separate.  I  am  very  sorry 
that  it  is  necessary. 

5.  Rode  home.  Quite  cold.  It  thawed  very  little  through  the  day.  The 
ground  is  hard  frozen.  There  is  no  snow  here.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Stewart/  one  from  Dr.  Whitman,  and  one  from  Mrs.  Skinner,  all  of  Hartford. 
Paid  brother  Samuel  for  wool,  .66.  Took  considerable  cold  by  being  wet  on 
Tuesday. 

6.  Severe  cold.  Worked  considerably  carrying  wood  to  the  garret. 
Read  the  President's  Message.  I  think  it  the  best  we  have  had  since  Federal 
times.*     Wrote. 

7.  Steady  cold  and  pleasant.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Rom.  vii :  9. 
Meetings  were  short.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  My  cold  does 
not  much  affect  my  speaking.  Preached  pretty  poorly.  Read.  Had  a  very 
good  number  of  the  Recorder. 


'  That  is,  from  Enfield,  where  he  had  Emerson  died  in  1863,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
preached  for  his  brother.  six,  and  his  wife  survived  him. 

^  Mrs.  Parsons  is  a  new  name,  and  we  do  '  This  name  is  spelled  wrongly,  as  before 

not  as  3'et  understand  who  she  is.  e.\plained.     It  was  Rev.  Joseph  Steward. 

^  His  brother  Ammi  lived  in  Colebrook.  *  Dr.  Robbins   shook   hands   with    Presi- 

*  Miss  Eliza  Rockwell,  and  the  marriage  dent  Monroe  a  few  months  before,  and  liked 

took  place  Wednesday,  Nov.  26,  1817.    Dr.  him  better  than  he  expected. 


724  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1817. 

8.  Visited.  Afternoon  visited  the  school  at  the  Hill,  now  divided  into 
two.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  It  was  full  and  solemn.  The 
cold  abates.  My  cousin  Eliza  came  here  and  tarried.  I  have  some  anxiety 
for  the  ecclesiastical  interests  at  Norfolk. 

9.  Warm  and  very  pleasant.  Read.  Worked  some.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother  James  and  one  from  Clarissa  Cowles,'  now  living  at  Pitts- 
burgh.    That  town  it  seems  has  become  a  city.     Read  Cave. 

10.  Rode  with  Tudor  to  Colchester.^  Left  him  there  to  attend  the 
academy.  Rode  back  to  Marlborough^  and  tarried.  Good  riding.  Warm 
for  the  season, 

11.  Rode  home.  Read  Cave.  Wrote  to  Gen.  Howe,  of  New  Haven. 
Wrote  a  short  piece  for  publication.     Something  rainy. 

12.  Read  Cave.     Very  valuable.     Visited  a  school.     Quite  rainy, 

13.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Dan,  xii :  lo.  Wrote  very  slow  and 
late.  Wet.  I  am  greatly  troubled  with  dissipated  thoughts.  Congress  have 
commenced  their  session  with  appearance  of  great  harmony. 

14.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Meeting  very  thin.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on 
Isa,  xxvi :  4,     Read  the  Bible,     Wrote. 

15.  Read  Cave,  The  fourth  century  was  an  active,  and  learned  age  of  the 
church.  Worked  at  my  library.  At  evening  the  weather  cleared  off,  having 
been  steadily  wet  for  five  days, 

16.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills. ■•  Attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  Cold. 
The    prospects   of   this    society  are   favorable, 

17.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  some.  Rode  home.  The  river  is  high  and 
the  crossing  bad.  Our  society  had  their  annual  meeting  yesterday.  Their 
accounts  are  favorable.  No  certificates  were  given  in.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Visited  Mr.  Hawes/  who  has  lately  returned  there. 

18.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Gen,  Howe,  of  New  Haven,  Gave  a 
boy,  who  does  errands  for  me,  cloth  for  a  great  coat.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
tarried.     Visited, 

19.  Visited  the  two  Wapping  schools,  I  have  difficulty  in  getting  out  the 
other  visitors.  Received  of  my  collector,  $255.27.  Paid  Mr,  Wolcott  on  my 
boarding-bill,  $56.19,  Paid  a  merchant's  bill,  $32,93;  a  blacksmith's  bill, 
$4,15,     The  collector  has  done  better  than  usual, 

20.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Hindered  by  company.  My  cousin  Eliza 
came  here.     Wrote  on  a  sermon. 

21.  Severe  cold  and  tedious  all  day.  Meeting  very  thin.  Preached  an 
old  sermon  on  Isa.  xlvii :  4,  At  evening  walked  out.  Propounded  a  man  for 
our  communion. 

22.  The  cold  is  severe  and  unabated.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 


'  Probably  from  one  of  the  Cowles  fami-  ■*  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark,  whose  acquaintance 

lies  of  Norfolk.  we  first  made  at  Chatham,  now  Portland,  Ct., 

^  Tudor  Wolcott  was  still  connected  with  it  will  be  remembered,  had  been  settled  there 

Bacon  Academy,  Colchester.  the  year  before,  but  was  not  to  remain  very 

^  Marlborough,  Ct.,  the  first  place  where  long. 
he  preached  for  a  considerable  time.  '  Rev.  Joel  Hawes. 


1817.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  725 

meeting.     The  attendance  increases.     Visited  a  school.     Received   a   letter 
from  my  brother  and  sister  Battell. 

23.  Rode  to  Enfield  with  my  cousin  Eliza.  Returned  and  attended  a 
funeral  at  Wapping.     Visited.     The  cold  abates. 

24.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  riding  is  very  good.  The 
river  is  frozen  over.  The  country  is  remarkably  still  on  political  subjects. 
Visited. 

25.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  sister,  and  one  to  Rev.  Mr.  Mills,'  of  Torringford. 
The  forenoon  was  quite  rainy.  Visited  a  sick  man.  The  ground  is  consider- 
ably thawed.     I  have  something  of  a  tremor  in  my  hand. 

26.  Worked  some.  Read.  Visited.  Dined  with  Dr.  Tudor^  at  a  Christ- 
mas dinner.  I  spend  much  time  unprofitably.  I  am  wanting  in  exempla- 
riness.^     Paid  for  oats. 

27.  Read  old  New  England  books.  The  churches  had  much  contention 
on  the  subject  of  the  Half-Way  Covenant.''  Hindered  by  company.  Paid 
$12.00  for  Whitby's  Commentary?  Visited.  Pleasant  and  no  snow.  Read  a 
sermon  of  Increase  Mather. 

28.  Finished  a  sermon  which  has  now  Iain  over  two  Sabbaths  on  account 
of  the  weather,  on  Dan.  xii :  lo.  Preached  with  it  both  parts  of  the  day. 
Meeting  full  and  solemn.  At  evening  we  had  a  good  conference.  Warm. 
Baptized  a  child.^ 

29.  Visited  the  sick.  Visited  a  school.  The  ground  thaws  considerably. 
Read.     Our  schools  appear  well. 

30.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  in  the  rain  to  Hartford.  Saw  Mr.  Battell. 
Took  tea  with  him.  Received  a  dividend  of  $16.00  of  the  Hartford  Bank, 
one  half  of  which  I  paid  to  Mr.  Wolcott.  Paid  for  Stiles's  fudges,''  .75.  Got 
quite  wet  on  my  return.  The  riding  is  exceeding  bad.  The  most  of  the  frost 
is  out  of  the  ground.     Brother  Frank  came  here  and  tarried. 

31.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Scantick  and  attended  ministers' meeting.  I 
fear  we  have  some  unpleasant  things  in  our  church.  The  Scantick  people 
have  erected  a  very  good  academy.'     God  be  thanked  for  this  year. 


'  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Mills,  previously  noticed.  *  Elizur,  son  of  Elihu  Wolcott,  a  graduate 

^  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor,  at  this  time,  was  about  of  Yale,  1S39,  now  living  at  Jacksonville,  111. 

eighty-five  years  old.  '  Rev.   Ezra    Stiles,   D.  D.,  President   of 

^  Others,  probably,  would   not   so   judge  Yale   College,  wrote  a   small   book   entitled 

him.  History   of  the    Three   Judges  of   Charles  I. 

'■  Dr.  Robbins  speaks   here  of  the  Half-  These   judges,  who  fled   to  this  country  for 

"Way  Covenant  as  a  thing  of  the  past,  and  refuge,  were  Goffe,  Whalley,  and  Ireton. 

though  at  the  time  he  wrote  this  the  practice  ^  The  writer   of  these   notes   recited   his 

still  lingered  in  a  few  New  England  churches,  first  lessons  in   Latin   in  that  building.     It 

generally  it  had  ceased.  is  still  standing,  but  would  be  called  a  very 

5  Daniel   Whitby,   1638-1726,   before   no-  plain  and  humble  affair  by  the   people  of 

ticed.  this  generation. 


1818. 

January. 

1.  Attended  ministers'  meeting  till  afternoon.  Had  considerable  conver- 
sation with  Mr.  Bartlett,  Rode  home.  Visited.  Endeavored  to  commit 
myself  to  God  and  to  covenant  M'ith  him  for  the  present  year.  The  roads 
quite  wet  with  the  thawy  weather.     Received  of  my  collector,  $100.00. 

2.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on 
Matt,  xxvi:  31.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping.  There  are  some  objections 
against  a  man  I  lately  propounded  for  our  communion.  I  hope  for  divine 
guidance  and  teaching. 

3.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Sam.  iii :  22,  23.  The  frost  is  mostly  out  of  the 
ground, 

4.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  liv :  10,  and  the  sermon  written  yes- 
terday. Administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  Received  two  women  to  our  com- 
munion by  letter.  Cold.  The  church  not  very  full.  The  meeting  in  the 
afternoon  full  and  solemn.  It  is  a  day  of  darkness  and  gloom  with  us  in 
spiritual  things.  We  have  had  but  eight  deaths  the  year  past.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference. 

5.  Our  new  silver  cups  were  used  yesterday  at  the  sacrament.  They 
appear  very  well.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  the  Hill  and  dined  with  the  town 
officers  at  the  January  meeting.  It  snowed  some.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  meeting  of  prayer.     It  was  pretty  thin. 

6.  The  British  nation  have  experienced  a  very  great  loss  in  the  recent 
death  of  the  Princess  of  Wales  and  her  infant  child.*  I  consider  it  a  most 
mysterious  and  afflictive  appointment  of  divine  providence.  Wrote.  Worked 
at  my  library.  Visited.  We  have  a  number  of  sick.  Paid  for  my  Hartford 
newspaper  for  a  year,  $2.00.     Worked  some. 

7.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  Warm.  The  roads  very  wet. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Received  of  the  Eagle  Bank  of  New  Haven,  a 
dividend  of  $150.00.  They  divided  $15.00  on  a  share.  I  view  it  as  a  special 
providential  favor.  The  Phoenix  Bank  took  my  order  for  this  money.  Paid 
the  Phoenix  Bank,  $200.00,  and  took  up  my  note.  Made  a  donation  of  $10.00 
to  the  Domestic  Missionary  Society  of  this  State.  Paid  to  the  Hartford  Tract 
Society,  $10.00,  and  became  a  life-member.     In   the   evening   attended  the 


*  Charlotte  Augusta,  daughter  of  George  ever  were  the  hearts  of  the  people  of  Eng- 

IV   of    England,   commonly   known    as   the  land  more  stirred  than  by  this  event.     The 

Princess  Charlotte,  was  married  at  the  age  great  preachers   of    England   and    Scotland 

of  twenty,  in  1S16,  to  Prince  Leopold,  after-  made   this   the   occasion  for   some   of  their 

wards   King  of  the    Belgians.     She  died  in  ablest  sermons.     The  sermons  of  Dr.  Thomas 

connection  with  the  birth  of   her  first  child  Chalmers   and   Robert  Hall  were  especially 

(the  child  also  dying)  Nov.  5,  1817.     Hardly  noteworthy  in  this  connection. 

727 


728 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1818. 


annual  meeting  of  the  Tract  Society.  Mr.  Flint  delivered  a  public  address. 
Paid  for  a  small  hand-saw  for  my  own  use,  $1.50.  Paid  for  a  ring  for  my 
sister,  $1.50.  There  is,  I  think,  a  prospect  that  Mr.  Hawes  will  be  settled  in 
Dr.  Strong's  congregation. 

8.  Have  a  good  many  little  things  to  do  in  the  family  which  take  up  my 
time.  In  the  forenoon  Mr.  Parsons,'  of  East  Haddam,  came  here  and  spent 
the  day.  Rode  out  with  him  and  introduced  him,  at  his  request,  to  several 
young  ladies. 

9.  Last  evening  received  from  Norfolk  a  very  valuable  present  from  my 
sister,  and  partly  from  my  brother,  consisting  of  a  handsome  bedstead  and 
curtains,  a  bed  and  bed-quilt.  She  is  a  most  excellent  sister.  Mr.  Parsons 
left  us  in  the  morning.  Cold.  Worked  considerably.  Visited  the  sick. 
Read.     Prepared  this  diary.     Will  a  merciful  God  enable  me  to  complete  it. 

10.  Assisted  in  putting  up  my  bed.  It  makes  a  very  good  appearance. 
Last  night  there  was  a  fall  of  snow  of  a  few  inches.  Sleighs  move  consider- 
ably.    Rode  to  East  Hartford  to  make  an  exchange. 

11.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  after  meeting.  Had 
a  full  meeting.  The  stove  ^  in  the  meeting-house  makes  it  quite  comfortable. 
Preached  on  Ps.  cxiii :  6,  and  Dan.  xii :  10.  Baptized  a  child.  Quite  cold. 
Rode  home  in  the  evening.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

12.  Read.  Brother  Frank  called  here.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

13.  Read  old  Mr.  Bulkley's^  excellent  preface  to  Gov.  Wolcott's  Poems. 
Visited.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Etheridge,"  of  Charlestown,  and  Mr.  Benjamin,  of 
Bridgeport.     Paid  a  tailoress,  .89. 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Paid  Mr.  Goodwin, 
$34.30,  and  took  up  my  note,  which  I  gave  him  almost  two  years  ago,  for 
Calvin's  Works.  Paid  Hills,  my  merchant  tailor,  $26.33.  ^'^^^  C.  Goodwin 
for  merchant's  goods,  $17.57.  Paid  J.  Olmstead  for  merchant's  goods,  $20.14. 
Paid  Gleason,  $20.00,  $15.00  of  which  I  would  reckon  for  books.     I  hope  not 


'  Rev.  Isaac  Parsons  was  settled  in  East 
Haddam  in  1816,  and  remained  there  till 
1856.  He  was  the  father  of  Rev.  Henry  M. 
Parsons,  pastor  at  Springfield  and  Boston, 
and  now  of  Canada. 

*  They  were  just  beginning  to  put  stoves 
into  the  meeting-houses,  but  the  house  at 
Scantic  had  none  till  nine  or  ten  years  later. 

^  The  old  Mr.  Bulkley  here  spoken  of 
was  Rev.  John  Bulkley,  the  first  minister  of 
the  town  of  Colchester,  Ct.  He  was  the  son 
of  Rev.  Gershom  Bulkley,  and  the  grand- 
son of  Rev.  Peter  Bulkley,  the  first  minister 
of  Concord,  Mass.  Gov.  Roger  Wolcott  in 
his  life-time  published  three  volumes,  one  of 
which  was  poetical.  The  full  title  of  this 
was  "  Poetical  Meditations^  Being  the  Improve- 


ment of  Some  Vacant  Hours  by  Roger  Wol- 
cott, Esq. ;  with  a  Preface  by  the  Reverend 
Mr.  Bulkley,  of  Colchester.  New  London: 
Printed  and  Sold  by  T.  Green,  1725."  The 
longest  of  these  poems  bears  the  following 
extended  title:  "A  Brief  Account  of  the 
Agency  of  the  Honourable  John  Winthrop, 
Esq.,  in  the  Court  of  King  Charles  the 
Second,  Anno  Dom.  1662,  when  he  Obtained 
for  the  Colony  His  Majesty's  Gracious  Char- 
ter." Rev.  John  Bulkley  was  graduated  at 
Harvard  College,  1699,  and  was  pastor  at 
Colchester  from  1703  to  his  death,  in  1731. 
He  was  regarded  as  one  of  New  England's 
foremost  scholars. 

*  The  man  who  offered  the  prize  for  the 
best  paper  on  private  libraries. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  729 

to  have  so  much  debt  upon  me  soon  again.     Towards  evening  rode  to  Wap- 
ping  and  visited  four  sick  families.     Severe  cold. 

15.  Wrote  to  my  sister.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid  a  shoemaker,  .75. 
Paid  for  covering  the  dasher  of  my  sleigh,  $1.00.  The  weather  moderates. 
A  trifling  dancing-school  is  set  up  here. 

16.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  It  thaws  considerably.  Worked 
carrying  wood  into  the  chamber.  Rode  out  with  Mrs.  Wolcott.  She  is  still 
pretty  feeble.  Received  of  my  collector,  $81.50.  The  most  of  my  last  salary 
is  now  paid.     Rode  and  visited. 

17.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mrs.  Grant, 
aged  ninety-two.     Quite  pleasant.     Read  the  Bible. 

18.  In  the  morning  and  at  noon  wrote  my  notes  and  preached  all  day  on 
Eccles.  xii :  14.  Wrote  early.  The  subject  was  solemn.  Communicated  to 
the  people  the  application  of  the  heathen  school  of  Cornwall  for  some  chari- 
table assistance.  At  the  conference  in  the  evening  a  committee  were 
appointed  to  make  the  collection.     Warm.     The  most  of  the  snow  went  off. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Renewed  my  note  at  the  Hartford  Bank  and  paid 
$52.45.  Paid  Imlay,  $7.68.  I  now  owe  veiy  little  in  Hartford,  except  one 
debt  at  the  bank.  Paid  for  a  book  for  Eveline,'  .87.  For  wool  for  the  Corn- 
wall school,  .50.  For  corks,  .50.  For  other  things,  .32.  Towards  night  rode 
to  Enfield. 

20.  Last  night  it  rained  considerably.  Returned.  Read  Beverley's  His- 
tory of  Virginia^  In  the  evening  rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances.  Paid  for  a 
handsome  thermometer  with  a  mahogany  case,  $8.00.^  The  first  society  in 
Hartford  have  given  a  call  to  Mr.  Hawes  today  to  settle  with  them.  They 
are  not  quite  united.     At  evening  quite  cold. 

21.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  14°.  Wrote.  Read  Beverley's 
History  of  Virginia.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

22.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  two  wills  for  a  man  and  his  wife.  Received 
of  my  collector,  $26.88,  being  in  full  of  my  last  salary.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Par- 
sons,* of  East  Haddam.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  sick  persons. 

23.  Finished  Beverley's  ZT/j/^rj.  Very  cold.  Thermometer  in  the  morn- 
ing 14°,  and  below  20°  all  day.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

24.  Read  Cave's  Biography!'  Wrote  minutes  of  a  will.  It  has  become 
necessary  that  my  will  should  be  renewed.*  Read  the  Bible.  It  snowed 
steadily  all  day. 

25.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Luke  xii  :  32.     The  snow  is  nine  or  ten 


'  Eveline  Wolcott,  the  youngest  child  of  dollars   would   be  a   high   price  for   a   ther- 

Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott,  with  whom  he  boarded.  mometer. 

She  was  now  fourteen  years  old.  *  Rev.  Isaac  Parsons,  whom  he  introduced 

-  Robert   Eeverley's   History  of  Virginia  to   several    East   Windsor    ladies   not    long 

from  its  first  settlement  down  to  1705.     The  before, 

book  was  first  published  soon  after  1705.  5  Which  covers  the  lives  of  many  of  the 

^  Dr.  Robbins  evidently  liked  a  nice  ther-  early  Christian  Fathers, 

mometer.     Now  when  money  is  not   practi-  ''  Such  changes  had  probably  taken  place 

cally   worth    half    as   much   as    then,   eicrht  that  it  needed  reconstruction. 


730  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1818. 

inches  deep.  Meeting  in  the  forenoon  quite  thin.  I  feel  anxious  about  a 
young  brother  in  the  church.  The  Baptists  work  at  him.  Thermometer  in 
the  evening  at  8°.     Read. 

26.  Read  the  Life  of  Spencer}  He  was  a  wonderful  youth.  Sleighs  move 
briskly.  Am  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  teeth.  Yesterday  received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

27.  Finished  reading  the  Lfe  of  Spencer,  and  Cave's  Lives.  This  latter 
work  I  hope  to  be  able  to  procure.  Filed  my  letters  of  last  year.  Worked 
some.     Warm.     It  thaws  considerably. 

28.  The  pain  in  my  jaw  some  of  the  time  is  quite  severe.  Wet  and  rainy 
all  day.     Read  old  pamphlets.     Read  Gibbon. 

29.  The  trees  are  exceedingly  loaded  with  ice.  My  brother  Frank  came 
here  and  we  rode  together  to  Hartford.  Afterward  he  went  home.  The 
snow  remains,  though  there  is  a  good  deal  of  water.  Towards  night  it  grew 
quite  cold.  Visited.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  and  sister  Battell. 
Paid  Cooke  for  four  numbers  of  Clarke's  Cotninentary ^  $6.00,  and  for  the  Tri- 
angle^ $3.00.     Read  the  Triatigle. 

30.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  4^*  below  zero.  It  did  not  rise  to 
6°  above  in  the  day,  though  most  of  the  time  clear  sunshine.  Read  Clarke's 
Commentary.  Finished  reading  the  Triangle.  It  is  a  very  valuable  work. 
Thermometer  at  bed-time  4°  below  zero. 

31.  Thermometer  this  morning  2°  below  zero.  Read  the  whole  of  Jay's 
Life  of  IVinfer.*  He  was  a  very  good  man,  but  not  a  most  important  char- 
acter.    Very  cold  and  rough.     Thermometer  rose  to  about  15°. 

February. 

1.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Phil,  ii :  6,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Jer. 
xxiii :  33.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Quite  thin.  Very  good 
sleighing.     Thermometer  in  the   morning   10°,   and  rose  to  about  25°. 

2.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°,  and  rose  a  little  above  the  freezing 
point.  Rode  out.  Visited.  Read.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Miss 
Charlotte  Verstille,'  with  eight  dollars  to  be  bestowed  in  charity.  At  evening 
attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Full  and  attentive. 

3.  Rode    to   Turkey   Hills   and    attended   Association.     Four   members 


'  The  reference   here  is  probably  to  the  ^  The  name  Verstille,  which  is  very  rare, 

great  English  poet,  Edmund  Spenser,  though  seems  to  have  been  brought  to  East  Windsor 

he  spells  the  name  with  a  c.     There  seems  to  by    the    second    marriage    of    Rev.   Joseph 

be  no  other  person  to  meet  the  case.      An  Perry,  successor  to  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards, 

edition  of  Spenser's  works  in  eight  volumes  Mr.  Perry  was   pastor   of  the  church  1755- 

was  published  in  London  in  1806.  1783,  when  he  died.     He  was  twice  married, 

-  Dr.     Adam     Clarke's     Commentary    in  and  his  second  wife  was  the  widow  of  Peter 

eight  volumes,  published  in  numbers.     The  Verstille.      At   the    middle   of    the    present 

publication  of  this  great  work  was  begun  in  century  Mr.  Perry's  house  was  still  standing, 

1810.  and  was  occupied  by  Miss  Nancy  Verstille. 

*  Rev.   Samuel    Whelpley's   work,  before  She  and  Miss  Charlotte  may  both  have  been 
noticed.  daughters   of   Mrs.  Perry  by  her   first  mar- 

*  Admiral  John  William    De    Winter,   a  riage.      They   were   certainly   in   some   way 
Dutch  naval  commander,  who  died  in  181 2.  connected  with  Mr.  Perry's  family. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  73I 

absent.  My  brother  preached  very  well.  Very  good  sleighing.  Afternoon 
and  evening  we  had  a  severe  snow-storm.  The  Association  licensed  George 
Allen/  who  studied  some  with  me,  some  time  ago. 

4.  Last  night  after  the  snow  it  rained  considerably.  After  dinner  rode  to 
Enfield  and  home.  Considerable  water  under  the  snow.  Late  in  the  evening 
received  a  letter  from  my  sister  informing  me  that  my  good  Uncle  Starr  has 
had  a  terrible  hurt  by  a  fall  from  a  carriage,  and  is  not  expected  to  live, 
requesting  me  to  go  and  see  him.     Holy  is  Jehovah  in  his  severe  visitations. 

5.  A  member  of  our  church  at  Wapping  is  said  to  have  been  guilty  of  a 
great  fault.  We  have  great  reason  to  be  humble  before  God  under  his  holy 
frowns.  Wrote  to  brother  Francis  and  sent  him  Sally's "^  letter.  Conclude 
to  set  out  tomorrow  for  Warren.  Jt  thaws  some.  Rode  out.  Wrote.  Re- 
ceived an  anonymous  letter  with  $10.00  for  charitable  institutions.  At  the 
Association  we  had  an  application  for  charitable  assistance  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Backus,  of  Bridgeport,  who  is  very  indigent.  Gave  $i.oo,  as  did  most  of  the 
members. 

6.  Set  out  early  and  rode  to  Warren,  near  fifty  miles.  Very  good  sleigh- 
ing. The  latter  part  of  the  way  the  path  was  not  well  made.  Found  my  good 
uncle  more  comfortable  than  I  expected.  His  head  is  terribly  torn  and  it 
does  not  appear  to  heal.  The  pain  is  not  very  severe.  He  was  hurt  on  the 
first  day  of  January.^  Aunt  Starr  is  getting  better.  She  was  with  him  and 
was  severely  hurt. 

7.  Looked  over  uncle's  pamphlets.  Saw  the  surgeons  dress  his  head.  I 
think  he  cannot  live.  The  people  here  are  trying  to  build  a  new  meeting- 
house.    They  find  considerable  difficulty. 

8.  Preached  on  Matt,  xi :  30,  and  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  The  weather  very 
favorable  and  the  meeting  full  and  solemn.  Uncle  Starr  and  the  people 
appear  to  be  highly  gratified  with  my  being  here.  My  uncle  requested  me  to 
preach  at  his  funeral. 

9.  On  the  6th  paid  for  six  bushels  of  oats,"*  $2.25.  Last  night  the  weather 
changed,  and  it  is  ver}'  cold  and  tedious.  Rode  by  Canaan  to  Norfolk.  A 
very  good  road.  My  mother  has  been  very  unwell  with  an  inflammatory  fever, 
but  is  now  some  better.  She  and  Samuel  live  separately.  I  did  not  suffer 
greatly  with  the  cold. 

10.  The  cold  is  extreme  and  a  hard  wind.  I  fear  my  good  mother  is  wear- 
ing out.  Mr.  Battell  gave  me  four  yards  of  elegant  blue  cloth  for  a  cloak. 
His  liberalities  are  very  great. 

11.  Rode  home.  The  sleighing  is  excellent.  Rode  from  Norfolk  home, 
and  had  some  hindrances,  in  eight  hours.  My  thermometer  this  morning  was 
16°  below  zero.     Yesterday  morning  it  was  some  below  zero.     It  has  been 


■  This  was  Rev.  George  Allen,  of  Worces-  ^  That  was  thirty-seven  days  before,  and 

ter,  of  whom  we  have  spoken  in  a  previous  it   had  taken  the  news  a  long   time  to  get 

note,  who  was  a  truly  remarkable  man,  and  around. 

who    has   recently  passed    away   at   a  very  ■*  That  was  before  he   left  home,  but  he 

advanced  age.  forgot  to  enter  it.     Dr.  Robbins  often  makes 

^  Sally  is  Sarah,  Mrs.  Joseph  Battell.  slight  repairs  or  corrections  in  this  way. 


732  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [lSl8. 

today  perfectly  clear  and  still,  but  severe  cold.  1  believe  my  green  trees  are 
not  injured.  Mr.  John  Marsh' preached  here  for  me  last  Sabbath.  It  was 
very  unexpected.  Received  a  letter  from  brother  Frank.  He  has  gone  to 
Fairhaven.^ 

12.  Thermometer  this  morning  io°  below  zero.  Read.  The  people  of 
Wapping  brought  me  five  very  good  loads  of  wood.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

13.  Thermometer  this  morning  5°  below  zero.  It  thawed  some.  Wrote  a 
will  for  Dr.  Tudor.^     Read.     Rode  out.     Wrote. 

14.  Warm.  It  rained  considerably.  Bottled  cider.  Drew  off  our  frozen 
cider  and  put  it  in  a  cask.  We  had  nearly  two  barrels  reduced  to  a  half 
barrel.     Read  the  Bible. 

15.  Rode  early  to  Windsor  and  made  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland. 
Preached  on  Ex,  X :  17,  and  James  i:  23,  24.  Cold.  Returned  in  the  even- 
ing and  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

16.  Thermometer  this  morning  was  at  zero.  The  snow  is  almost  wholly 
ice.  The  walking  is  very  difficult.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Hawes's  ordina- 
tion is  fixed  for  the  4th  of  March.     The  cold  is  severe. 

17.  Thermometer  this  morning  4°  below  zero.  By  comparing  my  ther- 
mometer with  the  Hartford  account,  I  think  it  must  have  been  from  4°  to  8° 
below  on  the  mornings  of  the  9th  and  loth  when  I  was  absent.  Our 
ministers'  meeting  met  here.  We  had  an  agreeable  meeting.  Mr.  Clarke* 
preached. 

18.  My  brother  went  off  in  the  morning.  Frances  has  a  very  severe  turn 
of  colic.  Rode  to  Enfield,  attended  a  prayer-meeting,  and  preached  at  a 
conference  in  the  evening  without  any  notes  on  Ex.  x:  17.  The  evening 
meeting  was  quite  full.  My  brother  is  absent.  Visited  a  sick  child.  Re- 
turned late.     Am  much  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  face. 

19.  Read.  Read  some  very  valuable  old  pamphlets.  Wrote.  I  fear  I 
am  -  slothful  in  business."  I  hope  to  be  able  to  procure  a  complete  set  of 
election  sermons  of  this  State. 

20.  The  ague  in  my  face  is  very  severe.  Read  Gibbon.  Wrote.  The 
thermometer  this  morning  was  at  6°.     Walked  out. 

21.  Warm.  It  thawed  very  much.  The  thermometer  was  above  temper- 
ate. In  about  thirty  hours  from  yesterday  morning  it  rose  fifty  degrees.  A 
man  in  Scantick  and  one  at  Long  Hill  have  got  the  small-pox  the  natural  way 
without  knowing  how  they  took  it.^  People  are  considerably  alarmed  and  are 
vaccinating.  Several  have  been  exposed.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Steward,  of  Hartford,  requesting  me  to  preach  at  their  ordination.^  Fast  next 
Friday.     Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Jude  v.     Hindered  by  company. 


'  Dr.  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  of  Wethersfield.  clothing   of   a  quasi    physician    in   want   of 

^  Fairhaven,  Mass.  practice,  from  a  small-pox  hospital  in  New 

^  Dr.    Elihu    Tudor,    of  whom   we    have  York,  he  having  been  vaccinated. 

often  spoken.  *  We   have   before   noticed  the  fact  that 

*  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark.  the  habit  then  was  to  have  a  day  of  fasting 

^  It   used   to   be   said  that  the  small-pox  with   solemn   religious   services   preparatory 

was  brought  to  Scantic  intentionally,  in  the  to  an  ordination  or  installation. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  733 

2  2.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Thin  meeting.  Finislied  and 
preached  the  sermon  on  Jude  v.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on 
Isa.  xxviii :  i6.  At  evening  my  brother  came  here.  He  has  had  a  prosperous 
journey  to  the  eastward.     He  expects  to  be  married  in  the  spring.* 

23.  My  brother  returned.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  $12.00  for  Numbers 
16,  17,  and  18  of  the  Encyclopcedia.'  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
My  face  grows  better.     Cold. 

24.  Wrote.  It  snowed  considerably.  Read  EncydopcBdia.  Tlie  work  is 
exceeding  valuable,  but  I  look  for  some  things  which   I  do  not  find. 

25.  Read  Encydopcedia  the  most  of  the  day.  Visited.  A  young  married 
woman  in  the  neighborhood  apparently  near  the  close  of  life  with  a  consump- 
tion.    Wrote. 

26.  At  bed-time  5°  below  zero.  The  thermometer  was  at  7°  this  morning, 
and  did  not  exceed  15°  in  the  day.  Visited  a  school.  Read.  We  have  in 
the  neighborhood  a  very  poor  and  vicious  family. 

27.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  14°  below  zero.  It  rose  in  the 
day  higher,  I  believe,  than  36°,  making  50°.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached 
at  the  fast,  preparatory  to  ordination.'  Mr.  Fairchild  preached  in  the  fore- 
noon. People  attended  well.  Preached  on  2  Chron.  vi :  41.  That  people 
appear  happy  in  their  prospects. 

28.  Wrote.  Dr.  Fansher'*  is  vaccinating  this  town,  hired  by  the  selectmen 
for  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  2  Thess. 
2-13.  Warm.  It  thawed  a  good  deal.  The  thermometer  was  nearly  at 
temperate.  I  have  a  tremor  in  my  hand  which  affects  my  writing.  We  have 
had  an  unusually  pleasant  and  favorable  winter. 

March. 

1.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  2  Thess.  ii :  13,  Warm.  Rainy 
in  the  afternoon  and  evening.  Divided  my  sermon  and  preached  with  it  both 
parts  of  the  day.     Read.     Visited  a  sick  child. 

2.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  The  rain  continued  moderately  through  the 
day.  I  think  I  never  saw  so  much  water  on  the  surface  of  the  ground. 
Wrote.  Did  not  attend  our  monthly  prayer-meeting  on  account  of  the 
weather.     Rode   out.     Read   Life  of  Budiaiian}' 


I  This  was  perhaps  the  result  of  the  visit  have   taken  up  this  business  of  vaccination 

made  in  that  quarter  a  few  months  before.  as  a  specialty.     He  afterward  applied  to  the 

^  Such  works  were  made  to  cost  fearfully  Connecticut  Legislature  for  a  grant  of  a  lot- 
in  those  days.  This,  it  will  be  remembered,  tery  that  he  might  vaccinate  the  whole  State, 
was   the    Edinburgh   Encyclopadia,   and    its  In  this  project  he  failed. 

getting  up  was  cheap.     But  type-setting  and  ^  Dr.  Claudius  Buchanan,  born  near  Glas- 

printing    have    made   great   advances    since  gow,  Scotland,  1766,  one   of  the  early  and 

that  day.  distinguished  Christian  workers  in  the  East. 

^  This  was  the  service  at  which  Dr.  Rob-  He  went  to  India  in  1796  as  chaplain  of  the 

bins  was  inviled  to  preach.  East  India  Company.     His  published  works, 

*  This  Dr.  Fansher  is  not  found   among  the  sermon  entitled  Star  in  the  East,  and  his 

the   surgeons   or  physicians  of   Connecticut  volume,   Christian   Researches    in   Asia,   had 

for  the  year  1S18.     Whether  he  was  techni-  an  immense  circulation.     He  died  in  York- 

cally  a  physician  does  not  appear.     He  may  shire,  England,  in  181 5,  of  a  paralytic  shock. 


734 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1818. 


3.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  After  which  set  out  to  go  to  Hart- 
ford to  attend  the  ordination.  Rode  to  the  river  in  East  Hartford  and  found 
it  impassable.  The  ice  broke  in  the  morning  and  carried  off  the  draw  of  the 
bridge.  After  an  hour  or  two  it  was  tolerable  boating  till  one  o'clock.  The 
ice  then  came  from  above  and  run  till  night.  I  viewed  it  a  considerable  part 
of  the  afternoon.  The  scene  was  tremendous.  The  river  was  perfectly  full  of 
ice,  very  solid,  and  from  eighteen  to  twenty-four  inches  thick.  Many  of  the 
cakes  were  very  large.  The  most  of  one  of  the  arches  fell,  and  all  the  others 
were  injured  in  some  degree.  The  piers  have  suffered  very  much.'  Towards 
niglit  returned. 

4.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Hartford.  Grossed  in  a  boat.  The  meadows 
are  almost  wholly  covered  with  water.  It  was  two  feet  deep  and  more  on  the 
East  Hartford  causeway.  Attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Hawes.  The  j^arts 
were  well  performed.  Dr.  Woods  preached  excellently.^  Attended  the  coun- 
cil a  little  while  before  the  public  exercises,  x^ll  accounts  represent  the 
greatest  destruction  in  bridges.  The  council  was  ver^-  large,  and  the  most  of 
the  members  tarried  over  night.  Mr.  Fitch, ^  of  New  Haven,  preached  in  the 
evening  very  well.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Battell  and  Mrs.  Olmstead  came  into  town 
in  the  morning  and  attended  the  ordination.  In  the  evening  it  snowed  con- 
siderably.    Very  kindly  entertained  at  Maj.-  Caldwell's. 

5.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  my  Norfolk  friends.  Much  disappointed 
that  they  cannot  go  to  East  Windsor  as  they  intended.  Crossed  the  river 
towards  night,  could  not  before,  and  rode  home.  My  horse  was  this  side. 
Several  of  the  Connecticut  River  bridges  are  said  to  be  gone.  Mr.  Bartlett 
and  his  delegate  came  here  and  tarried.  Several  bridges  on  Scantick  River 
are  gone."*  It  seems  that  Obookiah'  of  the  Cornwall  school  is  dead.  A  most 
mysterious  appointment  of  providence.     Bad  riding. 

6.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Catlin,*  of  New  Marlborough,  on  the 
subject  of  church  government.'  There  are  some  of  our  ministers  who  are 
rather  unfriendly  to  the  existing  order  of  our  churches. 


'  All  this  is  a  graphic  description  of  the 
river  in  one  of  the  extra  great  floods.  Those 
who  have  lived  in  the  river  towns  any  consid- 
erable number  of  years  have  witnessed  simi- 
lar scenes.  The  bridge  built  in  1S09,  which 
was  carried  away  March  3,  18  iS,  was  an 
open  bridge.  The  one  built  in  1818  is  the 
present  bridge. 

^  Dr.  Leonard  Woods,  Professor  of  Chris- 
tian Theology  in  Andover  Theological  Sem- 
inary, under  whom  Mr.  Hawes  had  studied, 
graduating  in  1817. 

■'  Dr.  Eleazar  T.  Fitch,  who  only  a  few 
months  before  had  entered  upon  his  duties 
as  Professor  of  Theology  and  Preacher  at 
Yale  College,  in  which  offices  he  continued 
till  1852,  and  was  professor  emeritus  when 
he  died  in  187 1. 


*  This  was  an  extraordinary  flood,  such 
as  comes  once  in  fifteen  or  twenty  years. 

'  Henry  Obookiah  was  a  Sandwich  Is- 
land youth,  brought  in  a  ship  to  New  Haven 
some  years  before  any  missionaries  had  gone 
to  those  islands.  The  school  at  Cornwall 
was  formed  in  1816,  to  educate  heathen 
youth,  of  whom  Obookiah  was  a  kind  of 
forerunner.  By  the  year  1822  there  were  as 
many  as  thirty  heathen  youth  in  this  school. 
The  death  of  Obookiah  made  a  most  pro- 
found impression  upon  the  Christian  people 
of  the  country. 

*  Rev.  Jacob  Catlin,  D.  D. 

'  The  Consociation  system,  with  its  semi- 
Presbyterian  ideas,  was  always  galling  to 
many  minds,  especially  among  the  more 
thinking  men  of  the  laity. 


iSlS.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  735 

7.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Tim.  i:  15.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Cold.  Thermometer 
this  morning  at  5°.     Pretty  good  sleighing  in  our  street. 

8.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  5°.  Finished  and  preached  in  the 
afternoon  my  sermon  on  i  Tim.  i:  15.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old 
notes  on  Ps.  Ixxiii :  25.     The  ague  in  my  face  is  quite  severe.     Read. 

9.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  an  aged  man  apparently  near  dying. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin.  Received  a  valuable 
pamphlet  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  and  an  excellent  letter  from  my 
sister. 

10.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Rode  to  Vernon  to  attend  an  ordination.' 
Mr.  Ely^  appeared  very  well  on  examination.  The  council  was  small  but 
respectable.     Warm  and  pleasant.     The  roads  are  very  muddy. 

11.  The  parts  of  the  ordination  were  well  performed.  Returned.  The 
riding  very  bad.  My  aged  and  good  neighbor,  Mr.  Reed,'  died  last  night 
with  a  short  turn  of  influenza.  An  aged  man,  a  Baptist,"*  whom  I  visited  on 
Monday,  was  buried  this  afternoon.     Visited  the  afflicted. 

12.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Mr.  Reed.  Got 
out  my  green-house.  The  trees  have  been  well  kept  during  the  cold  weather. 
Read.     Paid  a  shoemaker,  .60. 

13.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Very  warm.  The  frost  comes  out  of  the 
ground  very  fast.  A  young  woman  in  the  neighborhood  appears  to  be  almost 
gone  with  the  consumption. 

14.  It  has  been  very  clear  and  pleasant  weather  all  this  week.  For  five 
days  past  the  thermometer  has  been,  I  believe,  above  60°  each  day.  The 
sleighing  continued  tolerably  good  till  the  9th.  We  had  from  Jan.  25th  to 
March  ist  excellent  sleighing  without  intermission.  But  little  snow  is  now  to 
be  seen.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxi :  28.  Wrote  it  by  daylight  in  eight 
and  one  half  successive  hours.  I  cannot  write  well  if  I  drink  coffee.  Yes- 
terday wrote  to  Mr.  Hawes,  of  Hartford.     Wrote. 

15.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Isa.  xlv :  5.  Afternoon 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  The  roads  begin  to  dry.  At  evening  attended 
a  singing-meeting. 

16.  Read  the  Bible.  On  the  9th  received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  George 
Starr.  My  uncle  seems  to  be  a  little  better.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
The  riding  grows  better,  but  some  places  are  very  bad.  A  large  pine  book- 
case was  brought  me,  lately  made  for  me.  Quite  cold.  The  thermometer  was 
scarcely  above  freezing  point  with  a  clear  sun. 

17.  Worked  laboriously  at  my  library  all  day.  The  cold  continues.  Ther- 
mometer between  20°  and  30°  most  of  the  day.     Read.     Quite  tired. 

18.  Began  a  sermon  for  Fast  on  Amos  vi :  6.     Wrote  but  little.     The 


'  Rev.  Ebenezer  Kellogg,  who  had  been  ^  Rev.  William  Ely,  who  was  ordained  in 

pastor  at  Vernon  fifty-five  years,  died  in  Sep-  Mr.  Kellogg's  place,  was  pastor  1S18-1822. 
tember,  1817.     lie  fulfilled  his  ministry  in  the  ^  Mr.  Ebenezer  Reed,  aged  eighty-four, 

old  square  meeting-house  on  the  hill.  •♦  Mr.  Obadiah  Wood,  aged  sixty-eight. 


j^S  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

subject   does   not   appear   easy.      Received    a    letter   from    brother   Frank. 
Visited. 

19.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Wrote  slow  and  poorly.  My  heart  I  fear  is 
cold  in  my  great  work. 

20.  Fast.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Amos  vi :  6.  Did  not 
finish  writing  till  in  the  intermission.  It  appeared  better  than  I  feared.  Our 
Fast  appears  to  be  better  observed  than  usual.  At  evening  at  a  prayer- 
meeting.  Not  so  tired  as  I  expected.  Endeavored  to  humble  myself  and 
renew  covenant  with  God. 

2  1.  Rode  to  Enfield.  My  brother  thinks  some  of  building  a  house.  At 
my  return  found  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin,  of  New  Marlborough,  here.  He  had  just 
arrived;  came  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with  me.  I  could  never  have  more 
kindly  assistance.  He  is  about  publishing  a  volume  of  Systematic  Divinity^ 
The  manuscript  appears  very  well. 

2  2.  Mr.  Catlin  preached  very  well.  The  meeting  was  thin.  The  weather 
unfavorable.  At  evening  we  had  a  hard  rain,  though  not  long.  I  fear  a  dry 
spring. 

23.  Mr.  Catlin  went  off  in  the  morning.  His  assistance  was  a  peculiar 
favor.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  North  School.  It  has  been  very  well 
instructed.     Came  home  late.     The  riding  quite  bad. 

24.  Had  compan}^  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  South 
School.  There  has  been  an  insurrection  in  that  school  the  present  season, 
and  the  first  teacher  left  the  school.  Received  a  present  of  three  dollars  from 
Capt.  Hall.  We  passed  the  school.  The  second  teacher  has  done  tolerably 
well. 

25.  Wrote.  Read.  Afternoon  ploughed  a  small  piece  of  my  garden  for 
early  planting.     The  frost  is  not  wholly  out  of  the  ground.     Visited. 

26.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  considerably.  Rode  out  and  visited  two 
sick  children.  Paid  towards  my  book-case,  lately  made,  $6.75.  Visited  a  sick 
woman  very  low.     The  ground  is  quite  covered  with  snow. 

27.  Finished  reading  my  Bible  in  course.  I  am  ashamed  that  I  have  been 
so  long  reading  it  through.  A  young  married  woman ^  in  this  neighborhood 
died  this  morning  of  a  consumption.  Looked  over  the  whole  of  my  library, 
which  I  have  not  done  before  in  a  long  time.  A  few  volumes  are  missing,  but 
I  think  they  may  be  found.  I  have  more  than  eight  hundred  volumes.  I 
thank  a  merciful  God  for  them.  The  snow  remains  on  the  ground.  Mr. 
Wolcott  went  to  Colchester  yesterday  and  returned  today  with  Tudor.     Wrote. 

28.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Prov.  viii :  4.  It  snowed  more  or  less  all  day. 
Sleighs  move  considerably.     Wrote  too  slow. 

29.  This  morning  the  thermometer  was  down  to  11°.  Rode  to  meeting  in 
a  sleigh.  The  sleighing  in  the  forenoon  quite  good.  In  the  forenoon 
expounded  on  Rom.  i :  i  to  17.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written 
yesterday.     Attended  a  funeral.     Meeting  very  full.     Read. 


'  Dr.  Catlin,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  ^  Mrs.  Juliette   Hosmer,  aged  twenty-six, 

one  of  the  recognized  teachers  of  divinity.         living  not  far  from  Dr.  Robbins. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST  WINDSOR.  737 

30.  Read  Life  of  Buchanan}  Something  rainy.  I  fear  a  dry  spring. 
Visited.     Wrote. 

31.  Visited.  The  snow  is  mostly  gone.  Visited  the  South  School.  It  has 
been  well  kept.     Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Skinner,  of  Hartford. 

April. 

1.  The  weather  is  cold.  Wrote  to  Mr,  Battell  and  sent  twenty  dollars  to 
procure  some  articles  for  me  at  New  York.  On  the  30th  ult.  received  a 
present  of  six  yards  of  excellent  linen  from  a  neighbor,  a  friend.  Planted 
peas  in  my  garden.  We  had  some  small  seed  sown.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Catlin,  of  New  Marlborough,  and  one  from  Mr. 
Parsons,  of  East  Haddam. 

2.  Wrote.  Planted  peas  and  potatoes.  Cold.  Visited  the  school  near 
us.     Rainy.     Read  Life  of  Buchanan. 

3.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Pet.  ii :  7.  Catechised  a  school.  Preached  a 
preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Luke  xxii :  46,  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Cold  and  wet.     Our  lecture  was  quite  thin. 

4.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  eleven  pages.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  I  cannot 
wholly  get  rid  of  the  tremor  in  my  hand. 

5.  Wet  and  cold  all  day.  Some  of  the  time  it  rained  very  hard. 
Meeting  quite  thin.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  was  thin. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  xxv :  22.  Afternoon  an  old 
sermon  on  Eph.  iii :  10.  Had  nearly  completed  my  sermon  begun  on  Friday, 
but  omitted  to  preach  it  on  account  of  the  weather.  The  thermometer  was 
but  a  few  degrees  above  freezing  all  day.     Wrote.     Read. 

6.  Wrote  a  paper  for  ministers'  meeting.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  My  brother  came  down,  attended  the  meeting  with 
me  and  tarried. 

7.  My  brother  went  home.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and  attended  ministers' 
meeting.  The  riding  very  bad.  In  Wintonbury  it  is  horrible.  Preached  on 
Matt,  xxi :  28. 

8.  Returned  home.  The  weather  is  constantly  cloudy,  wet,  and  cold. 
Paid  donations  to  the  Bible,  Missionary,  and  Tract  Societies  for  ladies  in  this 
society,  amounting  to  $37.00.  Received  of  the  Phoenix  Bank  a  dividend  of 
$60.00.  Paid  the  Hartford  Bank,  $31.96.  Paid  for  a  lock,  etc.,  for  my  book- 
case, .35.  For  the  first  volume  of  Dwight's  Systematic  Sermons^  $3.00. 
Wrote.     Paid  for  one  and  one  half  gross  of  corks,  $1.38. 

9.  It  snowed  and  rained  all  day.  Worked  bottling  cider.  We  have  now 
in  the  cellar  two  hundred  and  fifty-one  bottles,  forty-six  of  which  were  put 
down  in  the  winter.     The  ground  is  covered  with  snow. 

ID.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  People  do  nothing  in 
ploughing.     The   weather   is   very   chilly   and   uncomfortable. 

II.  We  have  clear  weather  after  nine  days  in  succession  of  wet,  cloudy, 
and  cold,  in  which  the  sun   has   not   clearly  shined.     Vegetation   has   been 


'  Dr.  Claudius  Buchanan.  Series  of  Sermons ;    with    a   Memoir  of  tha 

^  Theology  Explained  and  Defended  in  a      Author's  Life.    In  five  volumes,  octavo,  1818. 


y^S  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

Stationary.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Horace  Loomis,  of  New 
Connecticut,  and  one  from  Mr.  Etheridge,  of  Charlestown.  Wrote  to  my 
sister.  Afternoon  rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
Towards  evening  Mr.  Clark  came  here  from  Turkey  Hills  to  exchange.  I 
did  not  much  expect  him,  and  had  concluded  not  to  go. 

12.  Rode  quite  early  and  got  to  Turkey  Hills  a  little  after  eight  o'clock. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  at  the  prison  from  Luke  xviii :  13.  The  meeting 
was  interesting.  There  are  seventy-one  convicts.  At  noon  attended  a 
funeral.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  from  Matt,  xxi :  28.  The  meeting  very 
full.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  the  meeting-house  to  a  good  number  from 
I  Tim.  i :  15.  Very  tired.  The  prospects  of  this  society  are  improving.  Mr. 
Clark  came  home  late.  Yesterday  received  from  an  esteemed  friend  a  pres- 
ent of  twelve  dollars  for  the  purchase  of  a  watch-chain. 

13.  Rode  home  early.  The  river  quite  high.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of 
the  Freemen's  Meeting.  Votes  for  treasurer  were  Kingsbury,  188  ;'  Spencer, 
1 11.^  The  first  vote  for  a  Democratic  representative,  late  a  Federalist,  was 
136.  The  meeting  continued  quite  late.  Democracy  does  not  appear  to 
abate    in    zeal    or  malignity. 

14.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  Capt.  Gibbs,^  of  Fairhaven.  Walked  out 
and  visited.     Cold  and  wet. 

15.  Worked  at  my  wood.  People  plough  some,  but  the  ground  is  very 
cold.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Several  children  are  sick. 

16.  Gave  ten  dollars  to  Horace  Bissell  to  procure  some  silk  for  me  at 
Canton.*  Visited  the  North  School.  It  has  been  divided  into  two  the 
present  season.  Rainy.  The  ground  becomes,  very  well  wet.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Parsons,  of  East  Haddam.*  Visited  a  woman  who  has  of  late 
hopefully  got  religion. 

17.  Worked  piling  wood.  Read  the  Biography  of  Dr.  Dwight.  It  is  too 
much  of  a  eulogy.  Visited.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  and  tarried.  Received 
a  letter  from  Dr.  Whitman,  of  Hartford. 

18.  Rode  home.  Visited.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  Whit- 
man at  Hartford.  Cold  and  wet.  The  river  is  high.  The  Federalists  have 
been  very  remiss  at  the  late  Freemen's  Meeting..    Paid  for  repairing  my  watch. 

19.  Finished  a  sermon,  which  was  mostly  written  a  fortnight  ago,  on  i 
Pet.  ii :  7,  and  preached  it.  At  noon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child. 
Very  cold  and  chilly.  I  have  some  cold.  At  evening  attended  a  singing- 
school. 


'  Andrew   Kingsbury,   of   Hartford,    who  She  was  the   sister  of   Priscilla   Le   Baron, 

was  for  many  years  State  Treasurer  of  Con-  born  1781,  who  married,  yfrj/,  Mr.  Gideon  S. 

necticut.  Alden,   of   New   Bedford,   and   second.  Rev. 

^  Mr.  Spencer  was  the  Democratic  candi-  Francis  Le  Baroji   Robbins,  of  Enfield,  Ct. 

date.  So  she  was  the   magnet  that  was  attracting 

^  Anselm   Gibbs,   of    Fairhaven,   Jan.   4,  the  Enfield  pastor  to  make  his  "journeys  to 

1800,  married  Lucy  Le  Baron.     She  was  the  the  eastward." 

daughter  of  William   Le   Baron  (brother  of  *  Canton,  China. 

Dr.  Robbins's  mother),  and  was  born  in  177&.  '  Rev.  Isaac  Parsons. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  739 

20.  The  ground  last  night  was  hard  frozen.  Worked  piling  wood.  Paid 
an  Irishman  for  a  half  day's  work,  .37.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  young 
child.     Visited.  * 

21.  We  had  a  hard  frost  this  morning.  The  thermometer  was  at  24°. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man.  We  had  in  the  course  of  the  day 
two  severe  squalls  of  snow. 

22.  The  ground  was  mostly  covered  with  snow  this  morning.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  The  water  has  fallen,  but  the  crossing  is  bad.  Paid  for  books, 
$2.50.     Read.     Visited. 

23.  Worked  considerably.  Read  the  Life  of  M.  W.  Montagu}  The 
weather  is  something  warmer,   but  vegetation  has  scarcely  started   at  all. 

24.  \\'rote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  People  are  much  engaged  in  sowing 
summer  wheat  and  rye. 

25.  Warm.  Worked  in  the  garden.  At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  to 
exchange  with  Mr.  Fairchild.  I  think  ministers  are  not  sufficiently  careful  not 
to  ride  on  the  Sabbath.^ 

26.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  late  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  immediately 
after  meeting.  We  had  a  considerable  shower.  Preached  from  Matt,  xxi :  28, 
and  James  i:  23,  24.  Had  pretty  long  meetings.  The  congregation  was 
large  and  attentive.  Saw  Dr.  Chapin.^  There  is  a  powerful  revival  of 
religion  among  his  people.  Rode  home.  Brother  Frank  came  down  here 
this  evening.  He  concludes  not  to  go  to  the  eastward  so  soon  as  he  had 
calculated.     Received  a  letter  from  him. 

27.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Drove  the  team  to  plow  my  garden.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  On  my  return  it  rained  hard  and  was 
extremely  dark.     We  had  a  good  meeting. 

28.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Two  sloops  lie  in  the  ri\-er  at  Strong's 
landing,  loading  with  brick.  The  water  is  so  high  that  ver}'  little  is  done  in 
fishing. 

29.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Read  Lady  Montagu.  Mr.  Lee,  of  Cole- 
brook,  called  here.  He  made  the  most  of  his  visit  at  Dea,  Reed's.  I  am 
alarmed  at  a  spirit  of  innovation  prevailing  in  our  churches.  Mr.  Lee  seems 
to  be  very  fearful  of  the  consequences.'* 

30.  Visited,  I  have  not  till  now  completed  my  annual  visitation  of  the 
people  for  the  year  now  closing.  At  the  first  of  May  of  last  year  there  were 
in  this  society  one  hundred  and  sixty-one  families,  thirty-eight  of  whom  were 
certificate  people.     I  have  visited  all  of  them  since  that  except  two.     We 


'  Lady  Mary  Wortley  Montagu,  born  in  as  many  New  England  families  had  to  make 

1690,   died    1762.      "Marrying  in    1712   Mr.  in  their  Sabbath  attendance  at  church. 
Edward     Wortley     Montagu,     she     became  ^  Dr.  Calvin  Chapin,  Rocky  Hill, 

through  her  beauty  and  wit  at  once  a  chief  *  It  is  comforting  to  know  that  there  have 

ornament  of  fashionable  society,  and  a  flat-  been  just  such  fears  and   apprehensions  all 

terecl   friend   of   Addison,    Pope,   and   other  the  way  along.     There  never  is  a  time  when 

men  of  letters."  some  people  do  not  see  impending  ruin  just 

-  The  journey  from  Dr.  Robbins's  home  before  them.     The  danger  is  as   great   and 

to  East  Hartford  was  not  long  —  not  so  long  dreadful  now  as  ever. 


740  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818, 

have  not  failed  to  cut  asparagus  in  April  every  year  since  we  have  had  any.* 
Now  I  cannot  see  a  stalk  above  the  ground.  Paid  a  woman  for  spinning  and 
knitting  a  pair  of  stockings,  $1.38.  Saw  u^  street  one  daffa  blossom. 
Plowed  my  garden.  In  the  afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and  preached  a 
preparatory  lecture  for  Mr.  Fairchild.  I  took  one  sermon  with  me  hastily, 
and  when  I  got  to  Mr.  Fairchild's  I  found  that  I  preached  it  there  last 
January.  It  was  time  to  go  to  meeting.  I  went  and  preached  by  divine 
assistance  without  any  notes  on  Ps.  viii :  8.  I  succeeded  better  than  I 
expected."  The  meeting  of  the  Moral  Society  was  holden  April  6th  and 
adjourned  to  Wednesday,  Sept.  i6th,  in  the  evening  at  the  meeting-house,  of 
which  I  am  to  give  public  notice. 

May. 

1.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Planted  peas  and  potatoes.  I  get  tired  very 
easily.  Wrote  to  my  sister  and  to  Mr.  Parsons,  of  East  Haddam.  The 
weather  appears  to  be  growing  warmer. 

2.  Quite  warm.  The  thermometer  rose  to  above  80°.  Read  Jamieson's  ^ 
Sacred  History.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ex.  xx :  5,  6.  Wrote  very 
slow.  My  hand  has  a  bad  tremor.  Received  an  excellent  piece  of  black 
cloth  which  Mr.  Battell  procured  for  me  at  New  York.  I  think  he  has  made 
me  a  good  saving.  He  is  a  very  kind  brother.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
sister  and  one  from  my  cousin  William  H.  Robbins,"*  of  Hallowell. 

3.  Last  night  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Warm. 
Finished  my  sermon  on  Ex.  xx  :  5,  6,  and  preached  it  both  parts  of  the  day. 
I  did  not  expect  to  have  divided  it,  but  found  that  it  required  much  addition. 
Meeting  pretty  thin.     Visited. 

4.  Rainy  and  cold  all  day.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral. 
The  Baptist  Blakeslee  is  about  leaving  there.  God  is  very  holy  and  good  in 
ordering  such  an  event.'  Attended  a  while  at  a  training.  At  evening 
attended   our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Wrote   to   my  sister. 

5.  Wrote  a  statement  respecting  the  late  vaccination*  of  this  town,  at  the 
desire  of  the  civil  authority  and  selectmen,  to  be  published  in  newspapers. 
Wrote  a  report  for  our  Moral  Society  to  be  presented  to  the  State  Society. 
Wrote  the  most  of  an  address  to  be  delivered  before  our  Moral  Society. 

6.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Finished  my  address.  Attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Moral  Society.     So  few  persons  were  present  that  the  address  was  not 


'  This  may  stand  over  against  the  spring  ■*  William  H.  Robbins  was  a  graduate  of 

of    1775,  when   apple-trees  are  said  to  have  Bowdoin  College,  1814. 

been  in  blossom  April   19.         Our  seasons  ^  The   removal   of   a  minister  is  a  some- 

individually  vary  much,  but  the  average  con-  what  peculiar   occasion  for   devout   thanks- 

tinues   about   the  same   from   generation  to  giving, 
generation.  ^  Sylvanus  Fansher  was  employed  for  one 

-  Mr.     Robbins's    missionary    experience  hundred  and   fifty  dollars   to  vaccinate   the 

had  trained  him  for  extempore  speaking.  whole   town.     He  afterwards   tried   through 

^  Rev.  John  Jamieson,  a  Scotch  seceding  the  Legislature  to  set  up  a  lottery,  from  the 

minister,   born    at    Glasgow,    1759,   died    at  avails  of  which  he  would  vaccinate   all   the 

Edinburgh,    183S.      An  extensive   and   able  people  of  the  State.     But  this  plan,  as  before 

"'iifer-  stated,  miscarried. 


.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


741 


delivered.  Visited.  Our  Moral  Society  languishes.  The  water  is  higher 
than  it  has  been  for  several  years,  and  as  high,  I  think,  as  at  any  time  since  I 
have  lived  here.'     The  meadows  are  covered. 

7.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's.  We  completed  our- report  on  vaccination  for 
publication  in  the  newspapers.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Read  M.  IV.  Mon- 
tagu.    I   can  work  but  a  little. 

8.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Planted  potatoes  and  peas  together.  The 
water  falls  very  slow.  Read.  It  is  quite  cool.  The  season  advances  but 
little.     It  is  supposed  there  is  a  good  deal  of   snow  still   at  the  northward. 

9.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xxxvii :  37.  I  write  slow.  I  feel  unwilling  to 
spend  so  much  time  in  unnecessary  labor.  Wrote  late.  I  am  greatly 
burdened  with  stupidity  and  indifference  in  divine  things. 

10.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Rom.  i  :  17,  to  the  end.  A  most  awful 
catalogue  of  the  vices  of  the  heathen  world.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon 
written  yesterday.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  tired.     Warm. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  water  has  fallen  considerably.  Quite  warm. 
The  thermometer  rose  to  82°.  Saw  some  fruit-tree  blossoms.  Paid  for 
marking  a  plate  for  Uncle  Starr,  .50.  .  Paid  for  various  articles,  ^2.66.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  We  had  a  thunder-shower.  The  Deaf 
and  Dumb  Institution^  increases  very  much.     It  is  an  honor  to  the  State. 

12.  Wrote.  We  had  our  first  asparagus.  We  might  have  cut  a  little 
yesterday  or  the  day  before,  but  not  earlier.  Our  vacine  communication  is  in 
the  newspaper.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Had  a  row  of  currant  bushes  set. 
Rainy.     The  ground  is  quite  wet. 

13.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  Warehouse  Point  yesterday  one 
seine  took  four  thousand  shad  and  another  one  thousand.  But  few  are  taken 
down  the  river  on  account  of  the  water.^ 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  The  day  was  wet  and 
unpleasant.  Mr.  Croswell,"*  the  churchman  of  New  Hav^en.  preached  and 
read  service.  It  was  pretty  barren.  None  but  a  Congregational  minister  ever 
preached  before  and  never  ought  to  again.'  The  number  of  people  and  of 
ministers  was  less  than  usual.     The  Governor  appeared  but  indifferently.*     It 


'  As   high,   therefore,   as   in   March   just  *  Rev.  Harry  Crosvvell,  D.  D.,  began  his 

before.     In  some  accounts  it  is  said  that  the  ministry    at    Trinity   Church,    New    Haven, 

bridge  over  the  Connecticut  at  Hartford  was  1S15,  and  continued  till  his  death,  1858.     He 

carried   away   in    March,    1S18,   while   other  was  a  native   of    West    Hartford,  Ct.,  born 

accounts  say  May,  i8i8.     Both  floods  prob-  June  16,  1778.     Noah  Webster,  the  lexicog- 

ably  helped  in  the  work  of  destruction,  rapher,  born  at  West  Hartford,  twenty  years 

^  The  American  Asylum  for  the  Deaf  and  earlier     (1758),   was    Mr.    Croswell's     early 

Dumb  was  incorporated  in  1S16,  so  that  in  school-master. 

1S18   it  was  in  its  very  infancy.     Its  work  ^  xhat  utterance  comes  out  of  the  strong 

has   l)een  of  the  most  beneficent  character.  intrenchments   of  the   standing  order.     The 

^  The   water   is    more    shallow   near   the  Episcopal  preacher  was   here  the  dissenter, 

Enfield  Falls  than  below.     This  was  the  old  reversing  the  English  rule. 

style    of    shad-fishing    in    the    Connecticut.  ^  Gov.    Oliver    Wolcott  was   a  very    re- 

Afterwards    it  was   greatly  reduced,  but   is  spectable  Governor,  and  left  behind  a  traly 

now  improving.  honorable  name. 


742  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

is  very  painful  to  see  several  of  the  best  men  in  the  State  left  out  of  the 
Council,  and  their  places  to  be  su[)plied  with  poor  fellows.  Returned.  The 
water  is  rising  again.  Attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity 
Society.  Paid  $12.00,  a  sum  lately  presented  to  me  for  the  purpose,  for  an 
elegant  gold  watch-chain.  Paid  for  H.  Loomis's '  pamphlets  on  Infant  Bap- 
tism, $1.00.     I  have  seen  some  fruit  Ijlossoms,  but  none  yet  on  the  apple-trees. 

15.  Visited  a  black  man  very  sick.  Read  M.  W.  Montagu.  On  the  13th 
wrote  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Trumbull,^  of  North  Haven.  Paid  towards  my  large 
pine  book-case,  $2.35.  The  whole  cost  of  it  is  almost  $12.00.  Mr.  Dow,^  of 
Thompson,  came  here  and  tarried.  The  water  is  as  high,  within  less  than  two 
feet,  as  last  week.     Quite  cool. 

16.  Mr.  Dow  went  away  in  the  forenoon.  I  feel  such  a  degree  of  imbecility 
as  to  be  unable  to  write  a  sermon.  Worked  some  in  my  garden.  Planted 
cucumbers.  Read  Loomis's  letters  on  baptism.  They  are  very  good.  Am  very 
cold  and  stupid  and  worldly.     The  Lord  make  me  wholly  devoted  to  his  service. 

17.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  iv :  6.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  16.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Meeting 
very  thin.  I  think  we  grow  worse  about  attending  meeting  in  bad  weather. 
Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Whitman,  of  Hartford,  and  one  from  my 
Uncle  Starr,  He  is  getting  better,''  but  has  not  yet  attempted  to  preach. 
Wrote.     At  evening  walked  out. 

18.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Wethersfield.  The  roads  on  the  west 
side  of  the  river  quite  bad.  The  water  has  fallen  some.  Wrote  to  my  sister. 
Gov.  Wolcott  has  delivered  a  very  good  speech.  Some  apple-tree  blossoms 
are  nearly  out,  but  I  see  none  fully  so. 

19.  It  rained  steady  all  day.  Read.  Wrote.  People  are  considerably 
alarmed  with  the  long  continued  wet  season.     It  is  difficult  to  plant. 

20.  Read  Lady  Montagu.  Worked  at  my  furniture.  Rode  out  and 
visited.     This    morning   there    was    considerable    frost. 

21.  Planted  peas  and  potatoes.  The  water  continues  high.  Our  Assembly 
do  very  badly.  They  are  perfectly  Democratic.  Visited.  My  brother  Frank 
came  here  and  tarried.     Read  Dwight's  Sermons. 

22.  My  brother  returned  in  the  morning.  Wrote.  We  have  made  a  good 
collection  for  the  Cornwall  school.  On  the  19th  and  20th  wrote  a  will;  my 
former  one  required  much  alteration.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Battell.  Mr.  Freeman,^  of  Weston,'  came  here  and  tarried.  Saw 
apple-tree  blossoms.     I  have  seen  none  before. 


'  Rev.  Hubbell  Loomis,  pastor  at  Willing-  ^  Dr.  Daniel  Dow,  of  Thompson,  Ct.,  one 

ton,  Ct.,  1804-1828.     Jared   Sparks,  I,L.  D.,  of  the  prominent  ministers  of  the  State,  from 

President  of   Harvard   College,  a   native  of  1824  to  his  death,  1849,  o'^^  ^^  *^^^  trustees 

Willington,   Ct.,   in    humble    circumstances,  of  Yale  College, 

recited   his  first  Latin  to  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis.  ''  After  his  injury,  at  first  thought  to  be 

'^  Dr.  Benjamin  Trumbull,  author  of  His-  fatal. 

tory  of  Connecticut,  born  Hebron,  Ct.,  1735,  '  Rev.  Nathaniel  Freeman, 

now   eighty-three   years   old.     He   died   two  '  That  part  of  the  town   now  known    as 

years  later  in  1820.  Easton. 


.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


743 


23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Col.  iii :  2.  I  am  languid  and  poorly 
able  to  write. 

24.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Acts  ii :  38.  Finished  and 
preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  on  Col.  iii :  2.  Meeting  very  full. 
Warm.  Left  off  my  flannel.  The  thermometer  was  up  to  80°.  We  had  our 
missionary  contribution.  It  much  exceeded  my  expectations.  We  collected 
$56.10.  There  were  four  $5.00  bills,  one  $3.00,  one  $2.00,  eleven  of  one 
dollar,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  smaller  pieces  of  silver.  I  hope  it  will 
do  good.  For  certain  reasons  I  gave  more  than  I  have  ever  done  on  a  like 
occasion.  I  contributed  $5.00,  and  gave  to  children  for  the  same  purpose, 
.34.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  much  fatigued. 

25.  Quite  unwell.  In  the  morning  was  faint  and  sick.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  carried  down  Eveline  and  Charlotte  Reed  to  attend  Dr.  L.  Strong's 
school.  Vegetation  advances  very  rapidly.  The  lilacs  begin  to  blossom. 
The  thermometer  was  at  85°.  Called  on  Gov.  Wolcott,  but  did  not  see  Iiim. 
Received  a  letter  from  brother  Frank.  At  evening  we  had  a  good  prayer- 
meeting. 

26.  Am  very  languid,  with  much  dejection  of  spirits.  Wrote  to  my  sister 
and  brother  Frank.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  sick  persons.  Read  the 
Bible.     Thermometer  85°. 

27.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  There  is  a  very  full  blowth  on  the  fruit- 
trees.  Began  a  long  letter.  In  times  of  trial  the  Lord  is  my  helper. 
Visited.     The  thermometer  rose  to  90°. 

28.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Finished  a  long  letter  to  my  cousin  W.  H. 
Robbins,  of  Hallowell.  Gave  him  at  his  request  an  account  of  our  family 
ancestry.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  a  very  interesting  exhibition  of  the 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum.  The  Governor  and  Assembly  were  present.  We 
had  a  very  refreshing  shower.  At  evening  attended  the  conference  with  Mr. 
Hawes.  Mr.  McEwen,  of  New  London,  preached.  Heard  from  Norfolk. 
Mother  is  pretty  smart.  CajDt.  D.  Phelps  is  not  likely  to  live.  Tarried  at 
Maj.  Caldwell's.     Thermometer  84°. 

29.  In  the  morning  called  on  the  Governor.  Prayed  in  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, and  afterwards  with  the  Council.  Mr.  Hawes  was  unexpectedly 
absent.  Attended  the  introduction  of  Mr.  Wainwright '  as  pastor  of  the 
Episcopal  church  by  Bishop  Hobart.^  His  sermon  was  but  middling.  Rode 
home.     Wrote.     Thermometer  84°. 

30.  Yesterday  and  this  morning  wrote  an  account  of  the  exhibition  of  the 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  for  the  newspaper.  Have  so  much  other  writing  to 
do  I  cannot  write  a  sermon  today  as  I  had  calculated.  Wrote  a  paper  for 
Association.     Am  considerably  troubled  with  nervous  affections. 

31.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  second 
chapter  of  Romans.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  v :  4.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.     Pretty  thin. 


'  Rev.    Jonathan     Mayhew    Wainwright,  ^  Rev.  John    Henry   Hobart,  D.  D.,  then 

D.  D.,  afterwards  Bishop  of  New  York.  Bishop  of  New  York. 


744  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

June. 

1.  We  had  a  steady  and  hard  rain  all  day.  Wrote  a  report  of  the  state 
of  our  churches  for  the  Association,  to  be  presented  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion. We  have  had  no  revival  the  year  past.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting ;   but  very  few  were   present. 

2.  In  the  forenoon  rode  in  company  with  my  brother  to  Farmington,  and 
met  with  the  Association.  It  was  pretty  full.  Mr.  Whittlesey,'  of  Hartford, 
preached.  The  two  appointed  preachers  were  absent.  We  had  a  good  deal 
to  do.     Quite  warm.     The  river  rises  pretty  fast. 

3.  We  ordained  a  Mr.  Fowler,^  a  worthy  young  man,  as  a  missionary  for 
Ohio  country.  I  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  Had  but  little  written. 
Returned  in  the  afternoon.  Very  warm.  Our  family  did  not  observe  the 
thermometer.  The  water  is  a  good  deal  in  the  meadows.  Received  of  Mr, 
G.  Spencer  at  the  bank,  borrowed,  $59.10.     Very  tired. 

4.  My  garden  is  becoming  very  weedy.  The  worms  work  badly  in  the 
corn  and  gardens.  Last  year  they  were  supposed  to  be  the  effect  of  dry  and 
cold  weather.  We  know  but  little.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister  and  one 
from  Mr,  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport.  Wrote.  The  thermometer  89°.  I  con- 
clude it  was  about  the  same  yesterday.     Rode  out, 

5.  Am  very  languid  with  the  heat.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  the  morning. 
The  Assembly  make  themselves  ridiculous.  Visited.  A  very  fine  season  for 
vegetation.  Am  disappointed  about  a  preacher  to  supply  my  pulpit  in  my 
absence.^     The  thermometer  was  at  90°.     Paid  my  annuity  tax,  $5.00. 

6.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Acts  iv :  12,  latter  part.  I  write  slow. 
Received  a  good  letter  from  my  mother.  The  Assembly  have  risen  and  con- 
cluded the  first  Democratic,*  and  probably  the  most  disgraceful  session  ever 
held  in  this  State.     Thermometer  88°. 

7.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  xi :  i.  Finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  Acts  iv  :  12.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  95°.  The  warmest  of  this  year.  Meeting  very  full. 
Attended  the  conference.  In  the  evening  my  cousin  Eliza'  came  here  to  go 
with  me  on  our  eastern  journey. 

8.  Rainy  and  wet.  My  brother  Frank*  came  here,  and  he  and  Eliza  with 
me  set  out  towards  night  on  a  journey  to  the  eastward.  Rode  to  Tolland.' 
Tarried  at  the  tavern.     Got  something  wet. 


'  This  must  have  been  Rev.  .Samuel  Whit-  other  ministerial   service,  he  was  pastor  at 

tlesey,  a  native  of  Wallingford,  Ct.,  a  gradu-  Fall  River,  Mass.,  for  twenty  years.     He  was 

ate  of  Yale  in  1803,  who  had  been  pastor  at  M.  C.  from  Massachusetts  from  1848  until  his 

New  Preston,  1807-1817,  and  was  now  appar-  death  in  Washington  in  1852. 
ently  without  charge.     He  died  in  1842.  ^  He  is  making  arrangements  to  go  East 

^  Rev.  Orin  Fowler,  D.  D.,  who  had  been  to  attend  his  brother  Francis's  wedding, 
licensed  by  the   Fairfield  West  Association  *  Connecticut     had     been    the    strongest 

in  1816,  and  was  now  commissioned  by  the  Federal  State  in  the  Union  up  to  that  time. 
Connecticut  Missionary    Society  for   service  '  Mrs.  Olmstead. 

in  Indiana.     He  became  a  somewhat  eminent  ^  Francis  Le  Baron,  at  Enfield, 

man.     He  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Ct.,  1791,  ^  Ten  or  twelve  miles  from  East  Windsor 

was  graduated  at  Yale,  1815.     Besides  much  to  Tolland. 


l8l8.1  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


745 


9.  Quite  cool.  Rode  through  Ashford  and  Pomfret  to  Providence,  fifty- 
two  miles.  The  roads  are  much  washed  by  the  rains.  I  am  a  good,  deal 
afifected  with  general  debility. 

10.  Rode  through  Taunton  to  Fairhaven,  forty-eight  miles.  Warm,  but 
not  oppressive.  We  have  had  a  very  favorable  season  for  our  journey,  by 
God's  blessing,  and  have  been  much  prospered  on  our  way.  Found  our 
friends  well.     Am  fatigued  wrth  our  journey.     We  were  expected  today. 

11.  The  season  here  is  much  the  same  as  with  us.  Two  large  whaling 
vessels  have  just  come  in  here  laden  with  oil.  The  business  is  much  pursued 
here  and  at  New  Bedford.  In  the  evening  my  brother  was  married  to  my 
cousin  Priscilla  Alden.'  We  had  a  very  pleasant  wedding.  Our  friends  were 
over  from  Rochester.  Six  ministers  were  present.  I  pray  God  that  his 
blessing  may  long  rest  on  their  connection.  Warm.  Afternoon  rode  out 
with  my  cousin  Mrs.  Gibbs.* 

12.  Crossed  to  New  Bedford  and  returned.  Rode  in  the  forenoon  with 
my  brother  and  sister  and  Eliza  to  Rochester.  Found  many  cousins  and 
friends  at  Uncle  Le  Baron's.^     Visited. 

13.  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Fairhaven  and  returned  to  Rochester.  My 
uncle  is  not  willing  that  I  should  not  be  with  him  tomorrow.  Warm,  but  not 
equal  to  last  week.  In  the  afternoon  we  sailed  out  two  or  three  miles  in  a 
vessel.  The  village  at  the  harbor  is  flourishing.  My  cousins  here  appear 
to  be  prosperous. 

14.  I  have  an  unusual  degree  of  anxiety  respecting  home.  The  Lord  be 
our  helper  and  preserver.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Thin  meeting. 
Preached  for  my  good  uncle  on  Matt,  xxi :  28,  and  Heb.  xi :  24,  25.  This  is 
a  good  congregation.  Towards  night  rode  to  Fairhaven  and  preached  in  the 
evening  from  Acts  iv :  12.  My  brother  preached  today  at  New  Bedford. 
The  society  here  is  in  a  precarious  state.     Our  connections  do  well  for  it. 

15.  We  reckon  my  share  of  the  expenses  of  our  journey  hitherto  at  $5.00. 
Visited.  Rode  to  Rochester  and  dined  at  my  cousin  William  Le  Baron's.'' 
My  uncle  is  greatly  smiled  upon  in  his  family.  Gave  cousin  Polly,^  $1.00. 
Cool. 

16.  In  the  morning  left  Rochester.  Visited  Mr.  Everett,  of  Wareham. 
My  brother  and  sister  joined  us  on  the  way.  Rode  to  Plymouth.  Kindly 
received  at  our  cousin's,  Mrs.  Russell.*  Saw  at  upper  Rochester  some  con- 
nections of  my  neighbor,  Mr.  Haskell. 


'  Priscilla  Le  Baron,  daughter  of  William  prosperous   condition   were   settled   near   at 

and   Sarah  (Churchill)  Le  Baron,  was  born  hand. 

in  1781.     She  was  first  married  to  Gideon  S.  *  His  cousin  William  was  born  1786,  and 

Alden.     She  was  own  cousin  to  Rev.  F.  L.  was  now  thirty-two  years  old. 
Robbins,  her  second  husband.  ^  The  cousin  he  calls  Polly  was  born  in 

^  iVIrs.  Gibbs  was  Lucy  Le  Baron,  sister  1791. 
to  the  bride  just  mentioned.  *  Nathaniel  Russell  in  the  year  iSoo  mar- 

3  Rev.  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  of  whom  already  ried  Martha,  daughter   of   Isaac   Le   Baron, 

notice   has  been  frequently  taken.     He  had  Mrs.  Russell  was  own  cousin  to  Thomas  and 

a  large  Lamily,  and  several  of  his  children  in  Francis  Robbins. 


746  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

17.  Called  on  many  relations  and  old  friends.  My  uncle  Isaac  Le  Baron 
grows  old.  Called  on  Mr,  Kendall.'  At  evening  we  had  a  hard  shower, 
which  prevented  a  meeting  at  which  my  brother  was  to  have  preached.  Saw 
my  poor  cousin  Philemon  Robbins.^     He  lives  ver}'  comfortably. 

18.  Visited.  Wrote.  Mr.  Russell  has  a  valuable  and  extensive  manu- 
factory. Visited  the  burying-ground.  The  arm-chairs  of  Governors  Carver, 
Bradford,  and  Winslow  are  still  preserved.  At  evening  my  brother  preached 
for  Mr.  Kendall  to  a  full  house. 

19.  Find  many  acquaintance  and  kind  friends.  My  brother  and  sister 
returned  in  the  morning  to  Fairhaven.  His  preaching  last  night  was  quite 
acceptable.  Afternoon  rode  with  friends  to  the  beach  in  the  harbor.  It  is 
quite  a  curiosity.  My  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins  came  here  ver}'  unexpectedly 
from  Marietta.     Visited  at  Rev.  Mr.  Torrey's.^     Cool. 

20.  Find  my  time  quite  taken  up.  Rode  two  miles  out  of  town  and  dined 
at  my  cousin's,  Mr.  Jackson.*     Returned  towards  evening.     Crops  appear  well. 

21.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  for  Mr.  Torrey  at  the  south  meeting-house 
on  James  i :  23,  24.  He  has  a  very  good  congregation.  Afternoon  preached 
for  Mr.  Kendall,  in  my  good  uncle's  meeting-house,  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  His  con- 
gregation is  very  large  and  very  respectable.  Warm.  After  meeting  some 
Quaker  women  from  abroad  held  a  meeting.  It  excited  much  attention.  In 
the  evening  preached  to  a  very  numerous  assembly  in  Mr.  Kendall's  meeting- 
house on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25.  My  cousin  preached  in  the  forenoon  for  Mr. 
Kendall,  and  afternoon  for  Mr.  Torrey. 

22.  Made  several  calls.  My  preaching  is  commended  quite  unnecessarily. 
Took  leave  of  friends  and  rode  with  cousin  Eliza  to  Milton.  Quite  warm. 
We  missed  our  way.  Kindly  entertained  at  Gov.  Robbins's.*  Found  him 
absent  from  home.     My  horse   is  considerably  lame. 

23.  Rode  in  a  very  warm  morning  to  Roxbury.  Put  up  at  my  cousin's.  Dr. 
Peter  Robbins.^  He  has  got  a  new  wife  who  is  rich,  and  they  live  in  great 
style.  Found  my  cousin  Sam.  P.  there.  Called  at  my  cousin's,  Dr.  Lemuel 
Le  Baron,'  who  lives  near  cousin  Peter's.  Afternoon  rode  with  cousins  Sam. 
P.  and  Peter  and  Eliza  into  Boston.  Treated  with  much  attention  by  Mr. 
S.  J.  Prescott.*  Found  some  other  friends.  Very  warm.  Boston  appears 
much   better  than    I   expected.     The   late    improvements   are    very   great. 


'  Rev.  James  Kendall,  D.  D.,  successor  to  Rev.  Nathaniel   Robbins,  pastor  at   Milton, 

Dr.  Chandler  Robbins.  Mass.,  1750-1795.     See  previous  notes. 

^  Philemon  Robbins,  son  of  Dr.  Chandler,  ^  This   is   the    Dr.    Peter    Robbins    with 

born  1777,  died  1826.  whom  he  has  corresponded  for  some  years. 

^  Rev.  William   T.   Torrey,   a   native   of  ^  Dr.    Lemuel    Le    Baron,   son    of    Rev. 

Scituate,  Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Harvard,  1S06,  Lemuel,   of   Rochester,   born   Jan.  10,  1780, 

was  settled  over  the  third   church  in  Plym-  was  graduated  at  Brown  University  in  1799, 

outh   in    1818,  and  dismissed   in    1823.     He  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Thomas  Kittridge, 

died  in  1861.  of   Andover,  and   was   for  several   years  in 

*  His   uncle,  William    Le    Baron,   had    a  Roxbury. 
daughter   Sarah   born  in  1776,  who  married  ^  S.  J.  Prescott,  LL.  D.,  a  notary  public 

Mr.  Thomas  Jackson.  of  Boston  and  a  man  of  considerable  distinc- 

5  Lieut.-Gov.  Edward  H.  Robbins,  son  of  tion.     He  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1795. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  747 

24.  Breakfasted  with  my  cousin  Dr.  Le  Baron.  He  does  very  well  in  his 
practice.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Cambridge.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with 
President  Kirkland.*  The  colleges  appear  very  well.  Returned  through 
Boston  to  Roxbury.  At  Boston  called  on  Rev.  Mr.  Dwight."  The  ground  is 
quite  dry.  The  heat  and  dust  are  very  oppressive.  After  dinner  we  took 
leave  of  our  cousins  and  set  our  faces  this  way.  Cousin  Sam.  P.  came  on  with 
us.  The  turnpike  from  Boston  to  Dedham  is  very  fine.  Much  oppressed 
with  the  heat.  The  surface  of  the  ground  is  quite  dry.  Had  green  peas  at 
dinner.  The  first  they  had  had  at  my  cousin's.^  Rode  to  Medway  and 
tarried    at   a  tavern,    eighteen    miles. 

25.  Rode  to  Pomfret,  about  forty  miles.  The  heat  very  oppressive. 
Cousin  Sam  P.  is  pretty  feeble  and  languid.  My  horse  is  quite  lame  ;  he 
limped  badly.  Was  quite  apprehensive  in  the  afternoon  that  he  could  not  go 
home.     The  road  was  hilly,  but  pretty  good.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

26.  My  cousin  concluded  to  remain  a  little  while  at  Pomfret.  Rode  home. 
"By  the  good  hand  of  our  God  upon  us,"  we  are  returned  after  a  very  pros- 
perous jo.urney.  The  heat  was  very  oppressive.  There  is  very  little  wind. 
We  had  a  little  rain  just  as  we  got  home  ;  all  that  we  have  had  on  the  road 
since  the  afternoon  we  left  home.  My  horse  traveled  better  than  he  did 
yesterday.  Found  all  things  well  at  home,  though  I  have  had  much  anxiety 
in  my  absence.  A  man  in  the  society  has  died  very  suddenly  in  my  absence.* 
Our  folks  think  the  thermometer  has  been  94°  today  and  96°  yesterday.  I 
conclude  that  it  is  about  correct.  Cousin  Eliza  paid  me  $3.90,  which  is  to  be 
deducted  from  the  preceding  expenses  of  my  homeward  journey.  She  has  paid 
$6.00  of  the  expenses  of  our  journey.  We  found  my  cousin  William  Lawrence' 
here,  who  came  from  Norfolk  for  Eliza.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell. 

27.  Eliza  and  William  went  off  early  for  Norfolk.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 
My  brother  and  his  wife  came  by  Hartford,  and  went  by  here  on  Thursday. 
Wrote.  Read.  Our  State  is  in  a  great  ferment  respecting  our  approaching 
Convention.^     Thermometer  94°.     Vegetation  is  very  flourishing. 

28.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Gen. 
iv  :  7.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Lev.  xxvi :  41.  The  heat  was 
about  insupportable.  When  we  returned  from  meeting  in  the  afternoon  the 
thermometer  was  98°.     Baptized  three  children.^     At  evening  attended  the 


'  John  Thornton  Kirkland,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  ^  William  Lawrence  was  a  younger  brother 

whose    father,    Rev.    Samuel    Kirkland,   we  of  Mrs.  Eliza  (Lawrence)  Olmstead,  son  of 

have  had  occasion  to  notice  as  missionary  in  Grove   and   Elizabeth   (Robbins)  Lawrence, 

Central    New   York,   had    now    been   eight  and  was  born  at  Paris,  New  York,  June  28, 

years  President  of  Harvard  College,  and  was  1801. 
to  continue  ten  years  more.  *  The   Connecticut   State   Convention  of 

^  Rev.  Sereno  Edwards  Dwight,  who  was  1818  to  propose  changes  in  the  constitution, 

settled   the   year   before  as   pastor  of   Park  etc.,  was  a  very  important  item  of  Connecti- 

Street  Church,  Boston.  cut  history. 

3  We   are   not   certain  with  what   cousin  ''  Emily   Smith,   daughter   of   Mr.  Justus 

they  dined.     It  may  have   been  at  Roxbury  Reed;  Sarah  Ann  Miller,  daughter  of  Sam- 

or  Milton,  on  their  way  to  Dedham.  uel  Waterman;  and  Benjamin,  son  of  Benja- 

*  Mr.  Wareham  Strong,  aged  forty.  min  Gillett. 


748  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

conference.     My  health,  I  think,  is  improved  by  my  journey.     Our  family  had 
their  first  peas  last  Sabbath. 

29.  Wrote.  The  heat  is  such  that  I  can  exercise  but  very  little.  The 
expenses  of  our  late  journey  were  about  $13.00.'  In  the  afternoon  my  cousin 
Sam.  P.  and  his  companion,  Capt.  Howe,  came  here.  He  came  today  from 
Tolland.  The  thermometer  in  the  afternoon  was  91°.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting. 

30.  I  aj^prehend  I  never  saw  a  warmer  day.  It  was  very  hot  last  night 
and  in  the  morning.  The  thermometer  was  soon  above  90°  and  before  noon 
it  was  99°.  It  varied  from  that  to  97°,  till  near  four  o'clock,  when  it  was  com- 
pletely 100°.  I  have  never  seen  it  so  high  since  I  owned  a  thermometer.  In 
the  morning  my  cousin  went  off  for  Norfolk  and  Marietta.  Made  him  some 
presents.  Read  the  description  of  Boston.  Could  not  be  comfortable  on 
account  of  the  heat.  Towards  night  we  had  a  moderate  shower  with  a  good 
deal  of  thunder.  It  sensibly  cooled  the  air.  The  surface  of  the  ground  is 
quite  dry. 

July. 

1.  The  weather  is  much  altered  since  the  thunder  of  last  evening.  It  is 
now  very  comfortable.     Worked  in  my  garden.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Read. 

2.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  Yearby,  of  Baltimore,  request- 
ing me  to  take  a  young  lad  for  instruction.  Read.  Worked  some.  After- 
noon rode  to  Enfield  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  for  my  brother  on 
Col.  iii :  2.  Returned  late  in  the  evening.  My  brother  and  his  wife  have 
commenced  housekeeping  today.  They  have  many  presents  from  the  people. 
Paid  a  man  for  working  in  my  garden  today,  $1.00. 

3.  Wrote.  I  am  ver}'  languid  with  the  heat  and  can  do  but  little.  After- 
noon preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  i  Cor.  xi :  25.     Visited. 

4.  Rode  to  Scantick  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  and  attended  the  town  meeting 
which  elected  delegates  for  our  State  convention.^  The  Democrats  appeared 
to  be  much  disappointed.  They  had  one  hundred  and  forty-five  votes,  the 
same  number  as  last  spring.  The  Federalists  had  more  than  two  hundred.^ 
There  were  about  sixty  new  freemen.  The  universal  suffrage  law  is 
horrible.*  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  meeting.  Did  not  get  home  till  near 
night. 

5.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Jobv:  19.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Hos.  viii :  14.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping 
and  preached  at  five  o'clock  from  Ps.  i  :  11.  Very  tired.  Administered  the 
sacrament.     Warm  and  sultry. 

6.  I  find  my  lungs  much  affected  by  my  labors  yesterday.  Read.  Hin- 
dered by  company.  Thermometer  about  90°.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     On  the   4th  wrote   to  my  cousin  Mrs.  Olmstead. 


For  himself  and  Mrs.  Olmstead.     Very  though  the  State  has  gone  over  to  the  Dem- 

cheap  traveling.  ocrats. 

^  This   meeting,  it   may   be   noticed,  was  *  And  that  was  not  tmiversal  in  the  full 

called  on  the  Fourth  of  July.  modern  sense,  for  there  were  still  property 

'  East    Windsor    still    remains    Federal,  qualifications. 


H 


1818.] 


PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


749 


7.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  Cook' 
joined  with  us.  Very  warm.  Our  meeting  was  quite  attentive  to  business. 
People  generally  are  haying.     There  is  a  good  crop  of  grass. 

8.  Rode  home.  Suffered  much  with  the  heat.  The  election  has  issued 
more  favorably  than  was  feared.     Thermometer  this  afternoon  95°. 

9.  Wrote.  Received  on  the  4th  from  the  ladies  of  this  society  a  donation 
of  $30.00,  to  constitute  me  a  life-member  of  the  American  Bible  Society. 
They  have  done  the  same  for  Dr.  McClure.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Alexander  Yearby, 

.of   Baltimore.     Heard   from  Norfolk.     Mother  is  feeble.     We  had  a  pretty 
hard  and  very  refreshing  thunder-shower.     Thermometer  about  94°. 

10.  Worked  considerably  in  my  garden.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 
Went  into  the  water.     Read.     Thermometer  98°. 

11.  The  heat  did  not  appear  very  unusual  in  the  forenoon,  but  in  the  after- 
noon it  was  unprecedented.  I  took  pains  that  no  accidental  heat  should 
affect  the  thermometer,  but  it  rose  steadily  till  about  three  o'clock,  when  it 
was  complete  102°.  It  continued  at  that  and  a  little  over  till  four  o'clock, 
and  sunk  but  little  till  near  sundown.  I  think  I  never  saw  such  effects  from 
heat.^  The  ground  is  dry  and  very  warm.  I  was  unable  to  write  in  the  after- 
noon anywhere.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John  xi :  42.  Began  early. 
Laborers  were  obliged  to  leave  or  be  very  moderate  in  their  work.  I  think 
our  Convention  ^  is  likely  to  be  moderate  in  talents.  On  the  gth  bottled  our 
frozen  cider.  It  has  been  in  a  tight  cask  since  winter.  There  are  about  sixty 
bottles.  Paid  a  man  for  a  job  in  my  garden,  .40.  Planted  my  Rochester 
cabbage-turnips. 

12.  The  heat  very  great,  but  hardly  equal  to  yesterday.  Many  people 
attended  meeting  without  coats.'*  Meeting  rather  thin.  The  thermometer  at 
half  past  three  o'clock  was  just  100°.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon 
my  sermon  on  John  xi :  42.     In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on 


'  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook,  of  Orford  (Man- 
chester). 

^  It  is,  of  course,  very  rare  for  the  ther- 
mometer to  rise  above  100  degrees  in  any 
part  of  New  England.  It  is  one  of  the  sin- 
gular and  unexpected  laws  of  nature  that 
the  thermometer  is  more  likely  to  be  over 
100  for  a  day  or  two  at  Montreal,  some 
hundreds  of  miles  north  of  us,  than  here. 
There  is  a  good  philosophical  reason  for 
this,  and  after  the  fact  we  discover  the 
reason,  but  we  would  not  be  likely  to  antic- 
ipate such  a  result. 

'  Something  ought  to  be  said  about  this 
Convention,  that  we  may  understand  the 
circumstances  in  which  it  was  convened.  It 
was  a  matter  of  grave  importance.  Ever 
i"?ince  the  organization  of  the  government 
mider  the  Federal  Constitution,  between 
thirty  and  forty   years,  the    Federalists  had 


held  firm  possession  of  Connecticut.  All 
parties  are  human  and  corruptible,  and  the 
Federalists  were  no  exception.  The  people 
at  large  had  suffered  wrongs  under  this  rule, 
and  just  as  soon  as  the  Democrats  came 
into  power  they  took  prompt  action  to  call 
a  convention  to  revise  the  constitution  and 
rectify  wrongs.  Although  the  Federalists  at 
the  time  strongly  decried  it,  probably  no 
intelligent  man  now  would  say  that  such 
action  was  not  needed.  The  result  was  in 
many  ways  healthful. 

'■  It  would  be  regarded  now  as  indecorous 
for  men  to  appear  in  church  in  their  shirt- 
sleeves. But  there  are  thousands  of  people 
yet  living  who  can  remember  that  the  farm-  ^ 
ers  in  the  country  towns  used  to  come  to 
meeting  without  their  coats,  or  rise  and  take 
them  off  in  the  time  of  service,  and  no  one 
thought  it  improper. 


75°  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

Prov.  viii :  6.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  at  five  o'clock  on 
Jude  V.  Much  oppressed  and  fatigued.  Mrs.  Ellsworth  at  Hartford  is  very 
sick.' 

13.  We  have  very  hot  nights.  Worked  a  little  in  my  garden.  Wrote. 
Read.  Am  pretty  languid.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Ther- 
mometer 98°. 

14.  Set  out  to  go  to  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  met  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Battell  on  their  way  to  New  London.  At  their  recommendation  and 
desire  I  concluded  to  defer  my  journey  thither  for  a  little  time.  Had  an 
agreeable  visit  with  them  and  their  friends.  Returned  towards  evening. 
People  are  well  satisfied  with  our  late  election  of  delegates  for  the  Conven- 
tion.    Some  are  beginning  to  harvest.     Thermometer  95°. 

15.  Worked  in  my  garden.  It  suffers  much  from  the  drought.  Our  peas 
have  done  poorly,  as  has  been  the  case  generally.  The  surface  of  the  ground 
is  very  dry.  The  first  cool  day  we  have  had  for  more  than  three  weeks. 
Thermometer  but  83°.     Read   Dwight's   System^ 

16.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mrs.  Wolcott '  and  saw  Mrs.  Ellsworth.  She 
will  not,  probably,  live  but  a  short  time.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Romeyn,*  of  New 
York,  and  sent  him  our  donation  for  the  American  Bible  Society.  Rode  out 
and  visited.  The  grass  comes  in  very  well.  Paid  for  a  pair  of  Boston  shoes, 
$8.00.  In  the  spring  Dea.  Reed'  paid  for  me  at  Boston  for  two  years' 
Recorder,  $6.00.  I  called  today  to  pay  him,  having  been  put  off  once  or  twice, 
and  he  refused  to  take  anything.  A  generous  donation.  Yesterday  we  had 
our  first  cucumbers.     Thermometer  89°. 

17.  We  are  constantly  disappointed  in  signs  of  rain.  Mr.  Battell  told  me 
on  the  14th  tkat  he  had  purchased  of  brother  Samuel  his  home  lot  of  about 
eighty  acres.  I  am  greatly  rejoiced  that  he  has  purchased  it,  since  Samuel 
was  resolved  to  sell.  It  is  an  act  of  great  generosity  and  filial  love  in  Mr. 
Battell.  He  gives  him  fifty  dollars  an  acre.  All  accounts  represent  the  late 
heat  as  exceeding  any  known  for  many  years.  Wrote  to  brother  Frank  and 
to  Horace  Loomis,  of  New  Connecticut.  Read  Dwight's  System.  Have  to 
water  vegetables  a  good  deal.     Thermometer  91°. 

18.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Things  are  perishing  with  the  drought. 
Wrote  to  my  mother.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Hawes.*  He  rode  to  East  Windsor  with  my  horse.  Visited  Mrs.  Ellsworth. 
She  is  very  low.     Thermometer  90°. 


'  The  widow  of  Chief-Justice  Oliver  Ells-  sister  to  Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott,  with  whom  Dr. 

worth,  of  Windsor.  Robbins  boarded. 

^  The    same    work    before    referred     to,  *  John   Brodhead    Romeyn,   D.  D.,   from 

Theology  Explained  and  Defended  in  a  Series  1808  till  his  death,  1825,  pastor  of  the  Dutch 

of  Sermotis ;   with  a  Memoir  of  the  Author'' s  Reformed    Church    in    Cedar    Street,   New 

Life,     In  five  volumes,  octavo,  181S.  York  city. 

3  Mrs.   Abiel    Wolcott.     Mrs.   Ellsworth,  ^  Dea.  Abner  Reed,  before  noticed.     He 

who  was  sick,  was  Abigail  Wolcott,  daughter  afterwards  removed  to  Ohio, 
of  Hon.  William  Wolcott,  of  East  Windsor.  *  Dr.  Joel    Hawes,  the   new   minister  of 

She  was   born   Feb.  8,  1755,  and   was   own  Center  Church,  Hartford. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  '  751 

19.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  moderate  and  most  refreshing  rain.  Wet 
and  cloudy  all  day.  The  air  warm  and  very  languid.  Preached  on  John 
xi :  42,  and  James  i :  23,  24.  At  evening  preached  at  the  conference  house  on 
Heb.  iv:  15.     Mr.  Hawes  appears  to  be  well  married.' 

20.  Visited  Mrs.  Ellsworth.  Rode  home.  The  afternoon  a  hard  rain. 
It  was  very  much  needed.     Read  description  of  Boston.     Thermometer  85°. 

21.  Worked  all  the  forenoon  in  my  garden.  Cloudy  and  wet,  yet  the 
thermometer  rose  to  90°.  People  feel  anxious  about  the  grain.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Enfield.  We  had  considerable  rain.  My  brother  thinks  of  making  a 
purchase.     I  think  he  has  a  favorable  opportunity. 

22.  A  fine  harvest  day.  Vegetation  is  greatly  revived.  Returned.  At- 
tended the  funeral  of  a  young  man  at  Wapping,  whose  disease  and  death  were 
wholly  the  effect  of  intemperance.  O  that  others  might  look  and  be  wise. 
Visited  a  sick  man.     Thermometer  I  conclude  above  90°. 

23.  The  river  has  risen  a  good  deal  and  unexpectedly.  Rode  to  the 
harvest  field  and  carried  dinner  to  the  reapers.^  The  harvest  is  good. 
Wrote.     Visited.     Am  much  oppressed  with  languor.     Thermometer  91°. 

24.  Began  a  sermon  on  John  iii :  16,  17.  Consulted  a  number  of  volumes 
on  the  subject  of  the  atonement.  Wrote  but  little.  Showery.  Inconvenient 
for  harvesting.     Thermometer  90°. 

25.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  sermon.  It  requires  much  close  attention. 
Wrote  nine  and  one  half  pages  by  daylight.  Am  troubled  some  with  a  tremor 
in  my  hand.     Thermometer  86°. 

26.  Wrote  three  pages  and  finished  my  sermon  on  the  atonement  before 
meeting.  Preached  it  both  parts  of  the  day  on  John  iii :  16,  17.  Afternoon 
was  more  than  an  hour  in  sermon.  Something  wet  and  cool.  After  meeting 
rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  with  notes  on  Luke  xiii :  3.  I  fear  I  shall  not 
be  able  to  bear  this  additional  labor. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  Hartford  Bank  $120.00,  and  took  up  my 
note.  I  now  owe  no  bank.  Received  of  the  Eagle  Bank  a  dividend  of 
$35.00.  On  the  2d  instant  I  borrowed  of  my  brother  Frank  $100.00,  and 
gave  him  my  note.  In  the  afternoon  my  brother  Frank  and  his  wife  called 
here.  We  had  something  of  a  shower.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.  Thermometer  91°.  Paid  my  brother  $25.00  on  a  note  he  holds 
against  me. 

28.  Wrote.  In  the  afternoon  worked  laboriously  at  hay  in  the  meadows. 
There  is  a  very  good  crop  of  grass.  Am  troubled  some  with  rheumatism. 
Thermometer  86°. 


'  Dr.    Hawes   went    back   to    his    native  ^  These   harvest  fields,  to  which   almost 

region  for  his  wife.     He  was  born  in   Med-  every  year   Dr.  Robbins  carries  dinners  for 

way,  Mass.,  and   he  married  Jmie  17,  1818,  the   reapers,   were    not    the    rich    meadows 

Miss  Louisa  Fisher,  of  the  neighboring  town  along  the  river,  but  the  more  dry  and  sandy 

of  Wrentham.    They  lived  together  forty-nine  fields,  some  distance  east  from  "the  street." 

years,  buried   all  of   their   six  children,  and  The    harvest  which    they  reaped   was   rye, 

she  died  June  8,  1867,  three  days  after  her  which  grew  here  of  excellent  quality,  but  was 

husband.  largely  turned  into  gin  or  whiskey. 


752  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D,  [1818. 

29.  Rode  with  Frances  to  Enfield  and  got  a  girl  of  twelve  years  old,  to  be 
kept  if  she  suits.  I  think  my  brother  has  made  a  fortunate  purchase  of  a 
place.  A  very  good  house  and  other  buildings  and  five  acres  of  land  for 
$2,650.  Visited.  The  heat  is  severe.  Last  night  we  had  a  considerable 
shower. 

30.  Worked  in  the  garden.  It  produces  rather  poorly.  Visited.  Read. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  catechised  the  children  at  the  meeting-house. 
The  thermometer  was  92°.  I  conclude  it  was  about  the  same  yesterday.  It 
was  not  observed. 

31.  Looked  over  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  ordinar\-  expenses  seem  to 
increase.  My  property  does  not  increase  much  except  by  interest.*  The 
forenoon  was  very  warm.  The  thermometer  about  noon  rose  to  98°.  Cate- 
chised the  children  at  the  meeting-house.  Visited.  The  harvest  has  come 
in  well,  but  it  is  thought  not  equal  to  some  of  the  late  seasons. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vi :  13.  Wrote  five  pages  before  dinner. 
Finished  before  night.  ]My  sermonizing  is  too  intellectual.  Thermometer 
about  88°. 

2.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  third  chapter  of  Romans.  After- 
noon preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  I  have  preached  this  summer 
quite  too  long.  Meeting  quite  full.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on 
Matt,  xi :  26.     The  collection  of  people  was  large.     Thermometer  91°. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Mrs.  Ellsworth;  apparently  in  a  dying 
state.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport.  Gave  a  note  of  $550.00  at  the 
Hartford  Bank  and  received  $541.02.  Received  of  the  same  a  dividend  of 
$8.00.  Am  troubled  with  a  rheumatism  in  my  back.  We  had  a  moderate 
and  refreshing  shower.  Thermometer  92°.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended 
our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

4.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Set  out  in  the  morning  about  four  o'clock  and  got 
to  brother  Ammi's  a  little  after  noon.  My  rheumatism  is  quite  troublesome. 
I  suffered  much  pain  in  riding.  Mother  has  been  quite  feeble  this  summer, 
but  is  better  now  than  she  has  been.  Brother  Frank  and  his  wife  came  here 
yesterday.  At  evening  brother  James  and  his  wife  came  here."  Brother 
Samuel's  wife  has  a  young  child. 

5.  Brother  Samuel  has  a  great  harvest.  He  is  now  in  the  midst  of  it. 
Last  evening  attended  the  marriage  of  Bailey  Birge  and  the  youngest  daughter 
of  Capt.  Phelps,  lately  deceased.  Settled  accounts  with  Mr.  Battel!.  Paid 
him  $355.67,  and  took  up  a  note  given  him  for  borrowed  money.  Paid  him 
$29.41,  and  took  up  a  note  given  for  a  store  debt.  I  now  owe  him  nothing 
but  gratitude.  Paid  brother  Frank.  $143.37,  '^"<^1  ^ook  up  three  notes  he  held 
against  me  for  borrowed  money.     Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.     Brother  Ammi  and 


'  One   rather  wonders   how  it  could    in-  *  This  seems  to    have   been  an  arrange- 

crease  at  all,  amid  the  purchases  of  so  many       ment  for  a  kind  of  family  meeting,  at  least 
rare  and  costly  books.  most  of  the  family  were  there. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


753 


his  wife  were  here.     Not  so  warm  as  it  has  been.     The  prospect  of  brother 
Samuel's  removal  is  painful. 

6.  Brother  Frank  and  his  wife  went  off  in  the  morning.  Dined  at 
mother's.  Visited  Mr.  Emerson.  His  health  is  not  very  good.  At  evening 
quite  cool. 

7.  Rode  home.  My  rheumatism  is  not  as  bad  as  it  has  been.  Mrs. 
Ellsworth  died  on  Monday  night,  and  was  buried  Wednesday  afternoon  at 
Windsor.'     At  East  Hartford  eat  a  part  of  a  watermelon. 

8.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Jer.  ix :  9.  The  thermometer  was  85°, 
and  I  conclude  has  been  about  the  same  each  day  since  Monday. 

9.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday,  and  preached  with  it  both  parts 
of  the  day.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on  Matt,  xi :  30.  The  meeting 
was  full.     Very  tired. 

10.  Rode  to  Hockanum  and  visited  sick  persons.  People  have  a  good 
season  to  get  in  their  hay  and  grain.  Thermometer  yesterday  and  today 
about  85°.  Mr.  Goodrich,^  bookseller  of  Hartford,  called  on  me  to  get  a  little 
literary  labor  done  for  him.  I  think  I  shall  attempt  it.  Visited.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     My  lungs  are  feeble. 

11.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  walked  out.  Thermometer  88°. 
My  garden  is  very  dry.  I  have  this  year  completed  the  forty-first  year  of  my 
age.  Devoted  the  day  to  fasting  and  communion  with  God.  I  have  the 
greatest  cause  of  admiration  that  he  does  thus  continue  my  unprofitable  life. 

12.  Rode  to  Berlin  with  Mrs.  Widow  Wolcott^  and  visited  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Skinner.  Their  circumstances  are  quite  favorable.  Visited  Dr.  Smalley.* 
At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  Mr.  Skinner's.     Very  warm. 

13.  Rode  home.  Very  warm  and  the  ground  very  dry.  The  approaching 
Convention  is  the  subject  of  conversation.'  Watermelons  are  very  plenty. 
Rode  out  and  visited.  I  saw  the  thermometer  at  94°  in  the  afternoon,  and  I 
think  it  was  then  falling.  Our  folks  say  it  was  96°  yesterday,  and  I  am  per- 
suaded it  has  not  been  as  high  today. 

14.  Cooler.  Wrote  on  my  pecuniary  accounts.  My  expenses  for  two 
years  past  have  exceeded  my  income,  aside  from  interest  of  money.  This 
ought  not  to  be  the  case.  My  garden  is  very  dry.  Visited.  God  frowns 
upon  me  in  his  holy  and  righteous  judgments.* 

15.  Rode  to   Hartford.     The   ground  is  exceeding  dry  and  dusty.     The 


'  Chief-Justice   Ellsworth   died   Nov.   26,  Berlin  she  was  visiting  her  daughter  Ursula, 
1807,   at   the   age    of    sixty-two.      His   wife  who  was  now  the  wife  of  Rev.  Newton  Skin- 
therefore  survived   him   about  eleven  years.  ner.     This  was  the  part  of   Berlin  which  is 
She  was   ten   years   younger  than   her   hus-  now  New  Britain, 
band,  and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-three.  *  Dr.  John  Smalley,  who  had  been  one  of 

"  Samuel  Griswold  Goodrich  (Peter  Par-  the  truly  eminent  divines  of   New  England, 

ley).  was  still  living  at  the  age  of  eighty-four. 

'  She  was  the  widow  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wol-  ^  Very  naturally,  for  it  was  to  work    im 

cott,  whose  death  ha?  been  mentioned.     He  portant  changes  in  the  affairs  of  the  State 
died  June  7,  1813.     Mrs.  Wolcott  was  herself  "That  is   a  sentence  we   do  not   under 

the  daughter  of  Judge  Erastus  Wolcott.    At  stand. 


754  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1818. 

corn  on  dry  grounds  is  suffering  much.  Afternoon  rode  to  Andover  to 
exchange  with  Mr,  Collins.'  Quite  tired.  Thermometer  about  85°.  My 
neighbor,  Maj.  Hayden,  lost  a  little  child  very  suddenly,  sick  less  than  twenty 
hours.     Perhaps  spotted  fever.     I  was  with  them  repeatedly. 

16.  Preached  on  Acts  iv:  12,  and  Matt,  vi :  13.  At  evening  preached 
again  in  the  meeting-house  without  any  notes  on  Ps.  iii :  8.  This  society  is 
very  small,  but  they  are  making  the  most  laudable  exertions  for  the  settlement 
of  Mr.  Collins,  and  I  hope  he  will  be  a  great  blessing  to  them. 

17.  Rode  home.  Thermometer  about  summer  heat.  Read.  Mr.  Collins 
performed  here  yesterday  pretty  well.  Visited.  A  merciful  God  gives  me 
relief  in  times  of  distress. 

18.  Rode  with  Mr.  Cook,  of  Orford,  to  West  Suffield  and  attended  our 
ministers'  meeting.  All  the  members  were  present.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins,^  of  Roxbury. 

19.  Returned  home.  Cool  and  very  dry.  It  is  feared  the  fall  crops  will 
suffer  much  by  the  drought.  Made  an  unexpected  visit  at  Mr,  Watson's.^ 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Samuel   Stebbins,*     Troubled  with  a  colic, 

20.  Last  night  was  very  unwell  with  the  colic.  Took  physic.  Am  very 
weak  and  have  considerable  pain.  Read.  At  evening  we  had  a  moderate 
and  most  grateful  shower.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr,  M.  Bradford,^ 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Warm  and  sultry.  The  thermometer  rose  to  90°. 
Read  (?)  history.  My  garden  has  a  fine  crop  of  melons.  Wrote,  Visited. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  S.  G.  Goodrich,^  of  Hartford.  Received  a  letter 
from  E.  G.  Dabney,  of  Salem. 

22.  Cool.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Dan. 
ix  :  7.     The  corn  and  potatoes  suffer  very  much  with  the  drought, 

23.  Expounded  on  the  fourth  chapter  of  Romans,  Finished  and  preached 
the  sermon  on  Dan,  ix  :  7,  Preached  at  Wapping  on  Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38, 
Thermometer  about  80°. 

24.  Wrote.  Warm..  Thermometer  90'^.  In  the  afternoon  attended  a 
season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the  severe  drought.  It  was  well  attended. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

25.  Last  night  it  began  to  rain  in  the  evening  and  rained  moderately  the 
most  of  the  night.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  The  ground  is  greatly  refreshed 
by  divine  goodness,  though  we  should  have  been  glad  of  more  rain.     Visited, 

26.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Paid  for  labor  in  it,  ,48,  Our  melons  do  very 
well.     Read  Tytler's  History?     Visited.     Our  State  Convention  met  today  in 


'  Rev.  Augustus  B.  Collins  was  that  very  pastor  at  Simsbury,  Ct.,  from  1777  to  1806. 

year  settled   at  Andover,  Ct.,  where   he  re-  He  died  in  1820. 

mained  till  1827.     In  18 19  he  received  from  ^  Perhaps  Merritt  Bradford. 

"Williams   College   the    honorary  degree   of  ^  Samuel  Griswold  Goodrich,  just  before 

A.  M.  mentioned.     He  established  himself  in  Hart- 

-  Dr.  Peter  Oilman  Robbins.  ford  with  his  brother  in  the  book  business, 

3  Mr.  Henry  Watson's,  probably,  at  East  but  afterwards  removed  to  Boston. 

Windsor  Hill.  7  vVe  shall  probably  find  that  his  reading 

*  Rev.  Samuel   Stebbins,  who   had   been  of  Tytler's  History,  and  his  letters  received 


l8l8.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  755 

Hartford.     I  feel    concerned  about  their  proceedings,  but  I  hope   God  will 
guide  them  and  preserve  them  from  evil. 

27.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  Dr.  Robbins,  of  Roxbury,  and  to  Mr.  Stebbins,  of 
Springfield.     Rode  to  Wapping  and  catechised  the  children.     Visited. 

28.  Visited  the  sick.  There  are  several  among  us.  Read.  Catechised 
the  children  at  the  meeting-house.  Visited.  I  fear  that  our  Convention  will 
be  governed  by  the  spirit  of  Democracy. 

29.  Visited  a  school.  Wrote  to  Mr.  M.  Bradford  at  Canterbury.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Battell  at  Hartford,  and  received  a  letter  from  him.  Gave  E.  L.  Ban- 
croft an  order  on  the  society  of  $16,82.  Resid  Tytltr's  Ifisfory.  Cool.  We 
have  a  great  supply  of  watermelons,  and  they  are  very  good.  I  think  there 
are  more  in  this  town  and  East  Hartford  than  there  have  been  in  any  year 
since  I  have  lived  here.     Wrote. 

30.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  John  xii :  26.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  li :  15.  Preached  at  Wapping  on 
Gen.  xxxii :  26.  The  people  there  appear  better  than  when  I  first  had 
meetings  there. 

31.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  Enfield  and  returned.  There  was  a  refreshing 
shower  at  the  upper  part  of  our  society,  but  it  was  limited  to  three  or  four 
miles.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Rev.  Mr.  Cooley,'  of 
Granville,  came  here  and  tarried. 

September. 

1.  Visited  the  two  schools  at  Wapping;  after  which  rode  to  Andover  to 
attend  ordination.  Quite  warm.  Much  fatigued.  The  Wapping  school  have 
done  well. 

2.  Attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Collins.^  The  parts  were  well  per- 
formed. I  hope  this  small  society  will  be  able  to  maintain  the  institutions  of 
the  gospel.     In  the  evening  rode  home. 

3.  Wrote  pieces  for  the  newspaper.  Hindered  by  company.  Two  men 
from  Norfolk  called  on  me.  Sent  a  large  watermelon  to  my  mother.  The 
ground  is  very  dry.     Visited. 

4.  Received  of  my  collector,  $23.00.  Rode  to  Hartford.  My  sister 
Battell  and  Mrs.  Olmstead  are  there.  The  Convention  do  but  little  business, 
and  are  in  considerable  confusion.  Paid  at  the  Hartford  Bank,  $20.60. 
Paid  for  a  feather-bed,  $10.00,  and  for  a  new  mattress,  $20.00,  for  the  Corn- 
wall school,^  of  the  money  my  people  gave  for  that  charity.  Paid  a  tailoress, 
.50.     The  dust  is  very  tedious. 

5.  On  the   I  St  received  a  letter  from  Esq.  Burnap,  of  Andover.     Wrote 


from  S.  G.  Goodrich,  have  some  connection.  '  Rev.  Timothy  M.  Cooley,  D.  D.,  settled 

Alexander   Fraser   Tytler,  author  of  an  out-  in  Granville,  Mass.,  Feb.  3,  1796. 

line  01    Universal  History,   which  was   long  *  Rev.  Augustus  B.  Collins,  spoken  of  in 

used  in  our  colleges,  was  born  in  Edinburgh,  previous  note. 

Sc(jtland,  in  1747,  and  died  in  1S13,  a  man  ^  For   the    education    of   heathen   youth. 

eminent  not   only  as  a   historian,  but   as   a  The  congregations  of  the  State  seem  to  have 

lawyer  and  judge.  made  contributions. 


756  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xii :  35.     Hindered  by  company.     The  tremor 
of  my  hand  is  burdensome.     I  cannot  write  fast.     Cool. 

6.  Wrote.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  vii :  14. 
Afternoon  Mr.  Sprague,*  of  Andover  in  this  State,  a  young  candidate,  preached 
for  me.  Preached  at  Wapping  on  Rev.  iii :  20.  At  evening  walked  out.  At 
Wapping  baptized  a  child." 

7.  Visited.  Read.  We  have  some  persons  dangerously  sick.  Afternoon 
we  had  a  season  of  prayer,  on  account  of  the  continued  drought,  in  connection 
with  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  The  afternoon  was  wet  and  rainy,  for  which 
we  bless-  God,  but  it  affords  a  scanty  supply.  My  niece,  Sarah  Battell,  came 
here  for  a  short  visit.     Wrote.     In  the  evening  my  brother  came  here. 

8.  Set  out  with  my  brother  quite  early  for  Commencement.  At  Hartford 
Mrs.  Battell  and  Mrs.  Olmstead  joined  us.  It  was  wet  and  rainy  all  day.  We 
did  not  get  much  wet.  Got  to  New  Haven  towards  night.  In  the  evening 
Mr.  Gillett,^  of  Branford,  preached  before  the  Education  Society.  In  the 
morning  received  at  the  Phoenix  Bank  a  dividend  of  $60.00.  My  face  is  much 
swollen  on  one  side  in  consequence  of  pain  in  a  tooth.  Wore  a  large  patch 
upon  it. 

9.  It  was  steadily  rainy  through  the  day.  Very  refreshing  to  the  ground. 
The  Commencement  services  were  good.  There  was  no  humor.*  No  masters 
performed.  Mr.  Day^  presided  very  well.  Five  other  presidents'  were 
present.  The  house  was  quite  full.  Dr.  Chapin^  preached  well  at  the 
Concio.  My  face  is  something  troublesome.  Contributed  at  dinner  $1.00,  for 
old  Mr.  Backus,*  of  Bridgeport.  In  the  evening  my  brother  went  off  in  the 
stage  for  home. 

10.  Attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Education  Society.  There  has 
been  a  pretty  large  colleciion  of  ministers.  Have  many  hindrances.  Paid 
Gen.  Howe  for  books,  $5.06.  Paid  for  tracts,  .41.  Afternoon  left  New 
Haven  with  my  sister  and  niece,  and  rode  through  Wallingford  to  Middletown, 
Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Vegetation  is  greatly  revived  by  the  rain. 

11.  It  was  cold  last  night,  but  I  see  no  appearance  of  frost.  Rode  home. 
Left  Sally  and  Eliza  at  Hartford.  The  Convention  do  badly.'  Am  quite 
tired.     Kept  the  patch  on  my  face  during  my  absence.     Read.     Received  an 


'  Afterwards    Rev.  William  B.   Sprague,  Branford   in  1S08.      The  Education  Society 

D.  D.,  of    Albany,   now   widely    known    for  was  then  new  and  attracted  great  attention, 

his    ability   as   a  preacher    and    his   varied  *  Usually,  in  old  times,  they  had  one  or 

scholarship.     Author  of  Annals  of  Amej-icmt  two  amusing  dialogues  to  enliven  the  Com- 

Pulpit,  nine  volumes.     Born  in  Andover,  Ct.,  mencement  e.xercises. 

Oct.  16,  1795,  graduated  at  Vale,  1815,  died  in  *  Jeremiah  Day,  D.  D.,  in  the  second  year 

1876.  of  his  office. 

*  Ralzaman   Thomas,   son   of   Mr.   Xoah  *•  From  other  colleges. 

Sadd.     The   name    Sadd,  which   we   should  "  Dr.  Calvin  Chapin,  of  Rocky  Hill, 

judge  to  be  rather  an  uncommon  name,  in  ^  Rev.  Simon  Backus,  then  fifty-nine  years 

the  country  at  large,  was  a  name  not  infre-  out    of    Yale    College,   formerly    settled    in 

quent  in  Windsor,  especially  in  East  Wind-  North   Madison.     He  died  in  1S23. 

sor.  9  It  must  be  judged  by  its  after  fruits.     Of 

^  Rev.  Timothy  Phelps  GilJett,  settled  at  the  changes  wrought  some  are  accepted  now. 


k 


1818.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  757 

order  to  attend  a  meeting  of  military  officers  as  chaplain  of  the  first  regi- 
ment. 

12.  Wrote.  Had  a  little  fire  in  my  chamber.  Worked  in  my  garden. 
Mr.  Cook  came  here  to  exchange.  Rode  to  Orford.  My  niece,  Sarah 
Battell/   went   to    Hartford. 

13.  Quite  cold  and  chilly.  I  believe,  however,  we  have  had  no  frost. 
Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  13,  and  Jude  v.  Meetings  rather  thin.  After  meeting 
rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on  i  John  iii :  3.  Mr.  Cook  was  there  with 
me.     The  prospects  of  the  Convention  grow  worse  and  worse. 

14.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  procure  a  black  girl  for  Mrs.  Wolcott.  Saw  my 
brother  and  sister  Battell,  who  spent  the  Sabbath  at  Enfield.  Cousin  Eliza 
remains  there.  On  my  return  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of 
an  infant  child.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

15.  Began  to  write  a  continuation  of  Tytler's  History.^  I  think  it  will  be  a 
great  and  difficult  work.  I  hope  my  labors  may  be  useful.  My  face  pains 
me  considerably.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer 
rose   to  90°.     I   conclude  it  was  above  80°  yesterday. 

16.  Visited  the  sick.  Wrote.  Something  rainy.  The  Convention  rose 
and  left  us  a  constitution,  which,  as  a  State  paper,  I  consider  contemptible. ' 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport.  Paid  .50  to  the  Female  Bible  Society 
in  this  place. 

17.  Quite  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Hartford. 
Visited  a  woman  in  East  Hartford  very  sick.     Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper. 

18.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Visited  a  school.  Took  cold  in  my  face  and 
had  a  turn  of  severe  pain. 

19.  Wrote.  It  rained  steadily  all  last  night  and  through  the  day;  some  of 
the  time  pretty  hard.  There  is  much  and  deep  anxiety  in  the  State  respecting 
the  approaching  Freemen's  Meeting.     Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xii :  35. 

20.  Preached  at  Wapping  on  Jer.  1 :  5.     The  streams  are  quite  high. 

21.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  We  did 
unexpectedly  well.  Highest  votes  for  nomination.  Federalist,  232  ;  Demo- 
cratic,   128.''     Cool.     Got   home   late. 

22.  Wrote,  Visited  a  school.  On  the  19th  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
S.  Stebbins,  of  Springfield.     Visited. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.     The  river  is  high.     Our  universal  suffrage  makes 


'  Sarah  Battell,  third  child  of  Joseph  and  ^  It  was  for  this  that  he  had  been  reading 

Sarah  (Robbins)  Battell,  was  born  March  19,  Tytler's  History,  and  this  was  doubtless,  as 

1810,  and  was  now  eight  years  old.     She  was  already  hinted,  the  literary  work  which  Mr. 

united    in   marriage   with    Rev.   Joseph   El-  Goodrich  wished  to  engage  him  to  perform. 

dridge,  D.  D.,  Oct.  12,  1836.     He  was   then  It  was  a  compliment  to  him  as  a  writer  and 

settled  in  the  ministry  at  Norfolk,  where  he  a  scholar  that  he  was  asked  to  perform  this 

remained   till   his  death   in  1875,  forty-three  labor. 

years,  from  1832  to  1875.     She  survived  him  ^  After  times   have   sanctioned   and   con- 
three    years,   dying  June  6,  1878.     She   was  firmed  that  judgment. 

the    pastor's   wife    in    her    native   town  for  ■*  East  Windsor  still  kept    strongly    Fed- 
thirty-nine  years.     She  had  six  children.  oral,  but  not  so  the  State. 


758  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    RODEINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

dreadful  confusion  in  some  of  the  Freemen's  Meetings.     I  fear  our  State  is 
to  be  left  to  great  afiflictions.     The  wicked  rule.     Visited. 

24.  This  morning  there  was  a  frost,  but  not  sufficient  to  affect  vegetation 
materially.  The  first  we  have  had.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspajjer.  Rode 
to  Wapping  and  catechised  the  children.     Visited. 

25.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  was  at  83°.  Hindered  by  company. 
Wrote.  Catechised  the  children  at  the  meeting-house.  I  hope  this  exercise 
has  done  good. 

26.  Wrote  on  my  historj'.  The  late  Freemen's  Meeting  has  issued  as 
favorably  as  was  to  be  expected.  Yesterday  began  to  read  the  Bible  in 
course.  Will  God  enable  «ie  to  do  it  with  attention  and  profit.  Read.  On 
the  2 2d  received  of  my  collector,  $90.00. 

27.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  the  fifth  chapter  of  Romans.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sennon  on  Luke  viii :  15.  Full  meeting.  Preached  at 
Wapping  on  Jer.  xiv  :  8.  I  have  now  preached  there  eleven  Sabbaths,  onQ 
sermon  each.  I  have  omitted  two  since  I  began.  I  hope  it  may  do  good 
I  told  them  I  did  not  wish  them  to  make  me  any  pecuniary  compensation. 
Walked  out. 

28.  This  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  Rode  to  Hartford  with 
Dr.  Tudor.  Saw  his  son,  Dr.  Tudor,  of  Vermont,'  married  in  the  church.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin 
P.  G.  Robbins,  and  one  from  Dr.  Romeyn,  of  New  York.  On  the  26th 
received  a  military  order  to  attend  the  regimental  review.  Took  in  our  green 
trees. 

29.  Quite  cold.  Wrote  on  my  history.  I  feel  much  anxiety  respecting 
the  adoption  of  our  proposed  new  constitution.  I  pray  God  to  preserve  us 
from  such  evil.     Visited. 

30.  Wrote.  My  historical  work  is  very  laborious.^  Rode  out  and  visited. 
We  have  had  two  or  three  pretty  hard  frosts. 

October. 

1.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  a  regimental  training.  Rode  as 
chaplain.  The  regiment  did  pretty  well.  Warm.  We  have  a  good  deal  of 
noise  in  our  streets  evenings. 

2.  Yesterday  w-rote  to  my  cousin  Dr.  Robbins  by  a  young  man  whom  I 
have  procured  to  live  with  him.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Preached  a  prepara- 
tory lecture  with  old  notes  on  John  vi :  55.  Preached  pretty  poorly.  Paid 
$6.00  for  Dr.  Trumbull's  History  of  Connecticut.^     \\'rote. 

3.  Wet  and  rainy.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxviii :  38.  The  tremor  in 
my  hand  is  lighter  than  it  has  been.     Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Enfield. 


'  Dr.  Edward  Tudor,  graduated  from  the  ^  The  History  of  Connectiaif,  1630-1764, 
Dartmouth  College  Medical  School  in  1803.  in  two  volumes,  was  written  by  Rev.  Benja- 
Received  the  honorary  degree  of  M.  D.  from  min  Trumbull,  D.  D.,  of  North  Haven.  The 
Middlebury  College  in  1821.  Died  in  1858,  first  volume  appeared  in  1797,  and  the  sec- 
aged  eighty-seven.  ond,  published  in  1S18,  was  just  out  at  the 

^  The  continuation  of  Tytler's  History.  time  of  this  entry. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  759 

4.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Rev.  ii :  7.  Afternoon 
preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The 
church  pretty  full.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
Warm  and  showery.     Very  tired. 

5.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,'  of  Cornwall.  The  people  of  the  State  meet 
today  to  vote  on  the  adoption  of  the  constitution.  Should  it  be  adopted  I 
shall  view  the  event  a  great  frown  of  heaven.^  Rode  to  Farmington  on  my 
way  to  Consociation.  Had  Mr.  Flint's  company  from  Hartford.  In  the 
evening  met  with  a  committee  of  the  Consociation  and  prepared  for  a  report. 

6.  Rode  to  Bristol.  Met  with  the  Consociation.  The  weather  very  cold 
and  rough.  Was  scribe  of  the  Consoci.  Was  kindly  accommodated  with 
Deacon  Loomis  at  a  Mr.  Hough's.  The  most  of  the  members  were  present. 
There  were  thirty-four.     This  society  is  in  a  good  state. 

7.  Yesterday  paid  a  merchant,  $5.00.  1  was  appointed  by  the  Conso  the 
first  on  a  committee  to  make  a  digest  of  our  ecclesiastical  system.^ 

8.  Wrote  on  my  history. 

9.  Wrote  on  my  history.  The  thermometer  was  at  73°  and  nearly  the 
same  yesterday.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  George  Spencer,  of  Hartford. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  in  the  evening  a  sacramental  lecture  for  Mr. 
Hawes  on  Col.  iii :  2.  The  meeting  was  full.  It  appears  that  our  foolish 
constitution  is  to  be  adopted.'*     Returned. 

10.  Paid  the  Hartford  Bank  $39.65,  and  took  up  a  note.  Wrote.  After- 
noon rode  to  Berlin  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Skinner.  Met  him  on  my  way. 
Stayed  at  Dr.   Smalley's.' 

11.  In  the  morning  attended  the  Sabbath-school  at  the  meeting-house.  It 
is  thought  to  have  been  useful.  Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  13,  and  Jude  v.  The 
meeting-house  here  is  poor.  At  sundown  rode  to  Newington  and  preached 
an  evening  lecture  for  Mr.  Brace  ^  on  Col.  iii :  2.  This  society  appears  very 
well.     Very  tired. 

12.  Rode  home.  There  seem  to  be  great  rejoicings  of  Democracy  and 
triumphings  of  the  wicked  at  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution.  They 
evidently  consider  it  a  triumph  over  righteousness.'  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
Afternoon  attended  a  company  training.  Prayed  with  the  company  by  request. 
The  first  time  that  I  have  done  this  since  I  have  lived  in  this  town.^  At  even- 
ing attended  the  prayer-meeting.     Yesterday  I  baptized  a  child  at  Berlin. 

13.  Read.     Wrote   to   Gov.    Clinton,'   of   New   York,    to   thank   him   for 


'  Rev.  Timothy  Stone,  pastor  at  Cornwall,  '  A  very  uncheerful  view  of  the  situation. 

1803-1827.     He  received  the  degree  of  A.M.  ^  Not  a  usual  custom  at  town  trainings. 

from  Yale  in  1804.     He  died  in  1852.  9  Gov.  De  Witt  Clinton,  elected  in  1817, 

^  In  the  political  changes  taking  place  in  and   continuing   till    1S22,   elected    again   in 

his  day  he  was  in  danger  of  being  under  the  1824  to  182S.     Thanksgiving  was  especially 

"frown  of  heaven  "  almost  all  the  time.  a  New  England  festival,  but  has  now  become 

'  A  responsible  and  laborious  task,  for  the  national.     Gov.  Clinton  seems  to  have  been 

Congregational  system  was  not  a  simple  one.  the  first  to  introduce  the  custom  into  New 

*  It  was  almost  certain  to  be  adopted.  York  State,  which  was  probably  done  easily, 

*  Dr.  John  Smalley.  as  that  State  abounded   in   natives  of   New 
^  Dr.  Joab  Brace.  England. 


760  DIARY    OF    REV\    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

appointing  a  Thanksgiving  in  the  State  last  year  and  this.  I  hope  it  may  be 
the  means  of  making  the  practice  common  in  all  the  States.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Perr)-,'  of  Sharon.  We  have  lately  dismissed  two  worthy  brethren  from  our 
church.  Warm.  There  is  a  very  fine  crop  of  corn.  Visited.  Dr.  Tudor  is 
pretty  feeble.     Hindered  by  company. 

14.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  There  was  a  cattle 
show,  etc.,  at  Hartford,  under  the  patronage  of  the  agricultural  society  of  this 
county.  Did  not  attend  on  account  of  the  rain.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Lent  Capt.   Bissell"  $100.00. 

15.  Wrote  on  my  history.  It  requires  much  more  labor  than  I  expected. 
Hindered  by  company.     Wrote  late. 

16.  Wrote.  My  cousins,^  Mrs.  Olmsted  and  Philip  Battell,  came  here 
from  Enfield  to  make  me  a  visit.  At  evening  walked  out  and  visited.  Warm. 
Thermometer  72°. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  histoiy.  I  have  done  little  else  this  v/eek.  In  the 
afternoon  my  cousins  returned  to  Enfield.  Wrote.  Thermometer  76°.  I  am 
extremely  hardened  and  stupid.     I  have  nothing  to  plead  but  divine  power. 

18.  On  the  1 6th  received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Preached  all 
day  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  vi:  22.  The  day  remarkably  pleasant  and  the 
meeting  very  full.  At  evening  attended  a  singing-meeting.  Visited.  Some 
of  our  young  men  conduct  very  badly. 

19.  Visited  a  man  dangerously  sick.  We  had  this  morning  a  jDretty  hard 
frost.     Wrote.     Wrote  an  address  for  ministers'  meeting. 

20.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  to  attend  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  Cook  went 
with  me,  and  from  Enfield  my  brother.  One  of  our  number  absent.  I 
preached  on  Matt,  xii :  35.  Read  an  address  to  my  brethren.  My  brother 
went  home. 

21.  Several  of  the  people  have  requested  me  earnestly  to  go  to  New 
Haven  and  solicit  of  the  Assembly  the  continuance  of  the  grant  of  a  chaplain 
at  Newgate,  apprehensive  that  it  will  be  neglected  or  forgotten. "*  I  finally 
concluded  to  go.  Rode  home  by  way  of  Enfield.  Paid  for  quinces,  .50.  On 
the  igth  paid  for  cotton  for  a  bed-covering,  .90.     Warm. 

22.  Rode  by  Farmington  to  New  Haven.  Quite  cold.  Met  my  brother 
Ammi  on  the  road,  having  been  to  New  Haven  and  entered  his  son  at  college. 
Saw  a  number  of  representatives,  and  was  treated  kindly.  Mr.  S.  Foot,  of 
Cheshire,*  engaged  to  move  a  resolution  for  the  Newgate  grant. 


'  Rev.  David  L.  Perry.  him  to  secure  its  continuance.     The  readers 

^  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell.  of  this  diary  cannot  have  failed  to  notice 

*  The  word  cousins  here  should  more  into  how  many  places  of  public  responsi- 
properly  be  nephew  and  niece.  The  only  bility  Mr.  Robbins  is  urged  by  his  brethren 
reason  for  using  the  word  was,  that  Mrs.  in  the  ministry,  and  he  was  generally  suc- 
Olmsted  by  adoption  stood  somewhat  in  the  cessful  in  his  enterprises. 

relation  of  a  cousin.  s  Hon.  Samuel  A.  Foot,  of  Cheshire,  after- 

*  Dr.  Robbins  had  been  the  man  through  wards,  1S19-1821,  and  1823-1S25,  Member 
whose  special  agency  this  grant  had  been  of  Congress ;  1827-1S33,  United  States  Sena- 
originally  secured,   and   so   they   looked   to  tor,  and  1834-1835,  Governor  of  the  State. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  761 

23.  Conversed  with  representatives,  and  assistants  on  the  subject  of  my 
application.  Mr.  Foot  made  a  motion  for  the  usual  grant  of  three  hundred 
dollars  in  the  morning,  and  after  about  an  hour  it  was  brought  forward  and 
passed  by  a  full  vote.  Deacon  Reed '  spoke  well  on  it.  Soon  after  it  passed 
the  Upper  House.  Saw  my  cousin  James  Robbins  at  college.  The  Feder- 
alists are  determined  to  make  an  effort  to  carry  the  election  next  spring. 
Left  New  Haven  at  half  after  eleven  and  rode  home  in  less  than  eight  hours. 
There  was  a  light  squall  of  snow.  My  expenses  in  this  tour,  $3.80.  I  expect 
to  be  paid  by  the  people  at  Turkey  Hills.  In  the  morning  wrote  a  letter  of 
thanks  to  Mr.  S.  A.  Foot.  Though  our  new  members  of  Congress  are 
Democratic  there  is  one  minister's  son,  as  there  has  almost  always  been.^ 

24.  Much  fatigued  by  my  late  exertions.  I  can  do  but  little  today. 
Wrote  to  Judge  Woodruff,  of  Turkey  Hills.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Frank. 
Read  the  Bible.  In  the  evening  was  called  to  visit  a  woman  very  sick.  Was 
out  late. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  sixth  chapter  of  Romans  pretty 
poorly.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25.  We  had  a  public 
contribution  by  order  of  the  Assembly^  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  at 
Hartford,  and  collected  ^48.75.  It  was  more  than  I  expected,  and  I  think 
liberal.  We  got  two  half  eagles,  one  bill  of  $3.00,  three  of  $2.00,  ten  of  $1.00, 
two  hard  dollars,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  smaller  pieces  of  silver. 
At  evening  attended  a  singing-meeting.  Yesterday  received  a  certificate  of 
membership  from  the  American  Bible  Society. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited.     At  evening  we  had  a  solemn  prayer-meeting. 

27.  Rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.*  Warm  and  dry.  I  have  not 
married  any  persons  before  the  present  year.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening 
studied  on  historical  collections. 

28.  Studied  on  my  history  all  day.  Quite  cold.  Received  a  letter  from 
my  brother  Francis. 

29.  Studied  on  my  historical  work.  It  is  quite  laborious.  Read  the 
Bible.     Quite   cold. 

30.  Finished  my  historical  sketch  of  European  countries.  Read  the  Bible. 
Warmer.     The  ground  is  verj'  dry.     Hindered  by  company. 


'  Abner  Reed,  one  of  his  deacons,  a  culti-  ^  The  yearly  contribution  in  May,  by  all 

vated    man,   assisted    him    in    his   work  of  the  Congregational  churches  of  Connecticut, 

obtaining   the   grant.     He   was,  as   appears,  for  the  Missionary  Society,  was,  as  we  have 

one  of  the  representatives  from  East  Wind-  already  had  frequent  occasion  to  notice,  by 

sor  that  year.  State    authority.      But    other    contributions 

^  In  this  remark   he  is  still    referring  to  were  ordered  by  the  same  authority.     There 

Hon.  Samuel  A.  Foot,  who  had  already  been  was,  perhaps,  a  closer   connection   between 

elected  to  the  next  Congress,  which  would  Church  and    State    in   Connecticut    in    the 

come  into  existence  the  4th  of  March  follow-  early  generations   than   in   any   other    New 

ing.     Mr.   Foot  was   the   son   of   Rev.  John  England  State,  though  this  connection  early 

Foot,  who  had  been  Congregational  pastor  at  existed  in  them  all,  to  a  certain  degree. 

Cheshire,  Ct.,  i767-:Si3,  when  he  died.     His  *  Between  Elisha  G.  Tallmadge,  of  West- 

son,  Samuel   A.,  LL.  D.,  was  a  graduate  of  field,  Mass.,  and  Clarissa  Terry.     The  bride 

Yale  in  the  class  of  1797.  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Eli  Terry. 


762  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

31.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :  2.  Worked  putting  up  cider 
for  bottling.  I  write  pretty  slow.  I  think  I  cannot  do  without  sleep  as  well 
as  I  could  formerly. 

November. 

1.  Quite  warm.  Wore  no  out  coat.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old 
notes  on  Ex.  xxxiii :  15.  In  the  afternoon  on  Heb.  xii :  2.  Did  not  have  my 
sermon  quite  finished.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  visited  a  sick  woman, 
and  preached  at  a  private  house  with  short  notes  on  Job  xxi :  14.  Tarried 
at  Wapping. 

2.  Had  to  give  notice  of  our  monthly  prayer-meeting,  which  we  attended 
in  the  evening,  having  forgot  to  mention  it  yesterday.  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Sims- 
bury,'  came  here  with  a  view  of  pursuing  the  study  of  theology. 

3.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Last  night  there  was  a  great  fire  in 
Hartford  which  was  very  alarming,  but  having  burnt  four  or  five  houses  in  the 
centre  of  the  city  it  was  stopped.  The  wind,  which  had  been  high,  abated  soon 
after  the  fire  commenced.  Mr.  Goodrich  called  for  my  manuscript  of  history' 
before  it  is  completed.^  Paid  $1.00  for  a  gallon  of  honey,  and  $1.00  for 
candles. 

4.  Began  the  copying  of  my  historical  tracts  for  the  press.  Warm.  Put 
up  cider  for  bottling ;  put  two  quarts  of  honey  and  two  of  cider  brandy  into  a 
two  barrel  cask  of  cider. 

5.  The  thermometer  rose  yesterday  and  today  to  65°.  Wrote  steadily. 
On  the  2d  Mr.  Haskell  brought  me  a  bearing  orange-tree,  which  he  procured 
for  me  in  New  York.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Francis. 

6.  Wet  and  rainy.  Wrote  on  my  history.  I  am  too  much  hindered  by 
unimportant  things. 

7.  I  hope  Mr.  Stebbins  will  be  a  diligent  student.  In  the  forenoon  we 
had  a  hard  rain.  The  ground  was  very  dry.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wethersfield 
to  make  an  exchange.  Found  that  Mr.  Tenney'  had  gone  to  East  Windsor. 
The  printers  have  begun  on  my  continuance  of  Tytler. 

8.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  vi :  13.  Afternoon  on  James  i : 
23,  24.  Cold.  Meeting  full  and  attentive.  After  sundown  rode  to  Hartford 
and  preached  at  Mr.  Flint's  conference  on  Acts  iv :  12.  The  meeting  was 
quite  full.     Rode  home.     Very  tired. 

9.  Cold  and  tedious.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  bank,  S3 7. 68.  The 
ferry  ^  very  much  crowded.  The  people  have  had  their  town  meeting.  The 
Democrats  did  not  do  as  much  as  was  expected.  At  evening  we  had  a  good 
prayer-meeting. 


'  This  was  probably  Mr.  Sammel  S.  Steb-  issue  a  new   edition   of  Tytler's  Outlines  of 

bins,   whom   we   have   before   noticed.      He  History. 
was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1816,  and  had  been  ^  Rev.  Cabot  J.  Tenney. 

employed  in  teaching.     He  did  not  become  *  The  bridge,  it  will  be  remembered,  was 

a  minister.  carried  away  with   the   great    spring   flood, 

-  This  confirms  previous  suggestions.    Mr.  and  was  not  yet  ready  for  use.     That  bridge, 

Goodrich,  the   publisher,   was   preparing   to  when  completed,  was  to  stand. 


l8l8.1  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR,  763 

10.  Wrote.     I  am  obliged  to  neglect  most  other  business  for  my  history. 

11.  Wrote  till  quite  late  at  night.     Received  a  proof-sheet  of  my  history. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ferry  is  exceeding  crowded.  Attended  to  the 
printer.  Had  the  misfortune  to  break  a  small  bottle  of  neat's  foot  oil  and 
injured  my  surtout  pretty  badly.  Many  practical  difficulties  are  found  in  our 
new  constitution.     It  is  a  foolish  thing.  . 

13.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  history.  I  find  I  am  much 
fatigued  by  this  close  application.  I  have  written  evenings  late,  as  well  as 
through  the  day.     Warm. 

14.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :   14.     Paid  a  tailoress,  $1.17. 

15.  Expounded  on  the  seventh  chapter  of  Romans  and  preached  the  sermon 
written  yesterday.  The  thermometer  was  at  71°.  At  evening  visited.  Our 
meeting  was  full. 

16.  Got  unusually  fatigued  yesterday.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  At 
evening   rode   to    Enfield.     Ursula   went    with   me. 

17.  We  had  a  good  visit.  Returned  and  visited  the  North  School.  The 
ecclesiastical  society  at  Enfield  appears  to  be  improving. 

18.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Afternoon  performed  a  marriage.*  Rainy. 
Visited.  Celibacy  is  becoming  a  prevalent  evil  here.^  Received  a  letter  from 
G.  Goodwin,  of  Hartford. 

19.  Received  a  proof-sheet.  Wrote  laboriously  all  day.  I  do  not  get  rid 
of  tremor  in  my  hand.  Heard  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Waters,^  the  Baptist 
preacher,  in  Enfield. 

20.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  carried  a  part  of  my  manuscript.  Had 
company.     Quite  cold. 

21.  Wrote  on  my  history.  The  calls  of  the  printer  are  so  earnest  that  I 
concluded  to  omit  writing  a  sermon  for  the  sake  of  that  work.  Wrote  to  my 
brother  Francis.     On  the  i8th  it  snowed  considerably. 

22.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Rom.  v:  6.  Preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Deut.  xxxii :  39.     At  evening  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

23.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two  schools.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.  It  was  pretty  full.  The  President's  Message  represents  our 
country  in  a  very  prosperous  state.     I  think  it  is.* 

24.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Wrote  late.  My  nerves  are  considerably 
affected.     I  fear  I  cannot  bear  so  much  study  as  I  Could  years  ago. 

25.  Wrote  the  most  of  my  Thanksgiving  sermon.  Last  evening  looked 
over  a  proof-sheet  of  my  history. 


'  Between  Jared  G.  Talcott,  of   Glaston-  of  humor  in  making  that  record  when   he 

bury,  and  Electa  Bissell.     She  was  the  daugh-  remembered  that  he  was  now  forty-one  years 

ter   of   Eli    and   Damaris  (Potwine)    Bissell.  old,   and   what   an   example   of  celibacy   he 

Her  mother,  Damaris,  was  the  daughter  of  was  setting  before  his  people. 
Rev.  Thomas   Potwine,   first   pastor   of   the  ^  Rev.  Bulkley  Waters, 

north  or  Scantic  parish  in  East  Windsor.  *  Dr.  Robbins   begins   to   become  recon- 

^  He  had   one  marriage  in  October,  and  ciled  to  the  new  order  of  things.     The  reign 

this  one  in  November,  and  no  other  in  the  of   Federalism   has  gone,  and  it  is  vain  to 

year  iSiS.     But   he  must  have  had  a  sense  hope  for  its  return. 


I 


764  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

26.  Thanksgiving.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  Kings  iii :  9. 
Meeting  full  and  attentive.  We  sang  four  times.  The  music  was  excellent. 
The  people  in  this  society  have  given  to  five  public  charities  the  present  year, 
$245.00.'  At  evening  walked  out.  Warm  and  pleasant.  On  the  24th 
received  an  elegant  new  cloak  made  for  me  of  the  cloth  Mr.  Battell  gave  me 
last  wintev. 

27.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  In  the  afternoon  it  snowed  some.  Wrote. 
Hindered  by  company. 

28.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Afternoon  rode  to  Simsbury  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  McLean.^     Quite  wet  and  cold.     Mr.  McLean  went  to  East  Windsor. 

29.  Preached  from  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  Matt,  xii :  35.  Wet.  The  people 
here  attend  meeting  pretty  well.  Visited.  Tarried  at  Col.  Pettibone's.  Mr. 
McLean  is  very  laborious  and  useful  here. 

30.  Visited.  Rode  home.  The  roads  pretty  wet.  Read.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  I  think  I  never  knew  our  spiritual  prospects 
here  more  gloomy.     Some  time  since  I  paid  $1.00  for  cotton  for  furniture. 

December. 

1.  Wrote  on  my  history.  Cold  and  some  snow.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Augustus 
Fitch/  of  Columbia,  South  Carolina, 

2.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport,  and  to  Gen.  Howe,  of 
New  Haven.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Inspected  a  proof-sheet.  Crossed  on  the 
new  bridge."  It  is  just  completed,  and  is  a  very  noble  structure.  Yesterday  a 
valuable  neighbor  moved  from  here  out  of  town.     Read. 

3.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  history.  It  extends  much  further  than  I 
expected.  Paid  for  oats,  $1.75.  They  are  dear  and  scarce.  I  am  quite 
fatigued  with  my  writing.     Thermometer  this  morning   18°. 

4.  Thermometer  this  morning  13°.  Yesterday  was  quite  a  severe  day. 
Wrote.  Worked  some.  The  ground  is  frozen  pretty  hard.  In  the  evening 
finished  my  history,  except  some  copying,  to  my  great  joy. 

5.  Thermometer  this  morning  16°.  Wrote  copying  my  history.  Read 
the  Bible.  Am  considerably  troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Am  poorly 
prepared  for  tomorrow.     In  the  evening  visited  a  sick  woman. 

6.  Last  night  and  in  the  morning  we  had  a  severe  and  driving  rain. 
Meeting  in  the  forenoon  very  thin.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ex.  iii:  14. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Visited  the  sick  woman.  She  is  verj^ 
low. 

7.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Goodrich  engaged  to  give  me  out 
of  his  store  $75.00  and  six  of  the  volumes,  for  what  I  have  written  for  him 


'  That  was  certainly  liberal  for  a  country  here   mentioned  was   a   distinguished  j^hysi- 

congregation  in  those  days.  clan  in  South  Carolina.     His  father's  name 

-  Rev.  Allen  McLean.  was  John,  and   his  grandfather's,  Augustus, 

^  This  Augustus  Fitch  was  not  a  descend-  and  the   last   named   was   brother  of  John, 

ant  of,  but   of  the   same   family  widi,  John  the  famous  inventor. 

Fitch,   a   nati\e   of    East    Windsor,   who   is  *  Now  the  new  bridge  was  done,  and  that, 

commonly  allowed    to    be    the    inventor   of  as  we  have  just  intimated,   is  the  structure 

the   first   steamboat.      The    Augustus    Fitch  standing  today. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  765 

in  the  continuation  of  Tytler's  History.  It  was  his  own  offer,  and  I  think 
generous.'  I  should  not  have  asked  him  so  much,  though  I  think  it  was  not 
too  much.  I  beheve  I  have  labored  upon  it  at  least  fifty  days.  At  evening 
attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Cold. 

8.  Last  evening  visited  the  sick  woman  and  found  her  apparently  near 
dying.  She  appears  to  have  the  same  fatal  disease  of  our  fatal  epidemic 
three  years  ago.  Wrote  and  finished  copying  my  history.  I  rejoice  to  have 
completed  it.  I  hope  the  study  has  been  of  no  disadvantage  to  me. 
Hindered   by   company. 

9.  Mrs.  Strong  died  last  night.  Visited  the  family,  and  Mrs.  Scar- 
borough, who  is  very  sick.  Read.  In  the  morning  rode  early  to  Hartford 
and  carried  down  my  manuscript. 

10.  Worked  some.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Strong.  Visited.  I 
fear  that  a  holy  God  may  again  visit  us  with  the  pestilence.  Our  hope  is  in 
his  mercy. 

11.  Visited  a  school,  and  examined  Mr.  Wolcott's  son  to  keep  another. 
Afternoon  visited  our  academy.  Mr.  Stebbins  complains  of  being  unwell.  A 
number  are  complaining  among  us.  Perhaps  it  is  influenza.  Mrs.  Scarborough 
is  very  low.     Rainy  and  cold. 

12.  Wrote.  On  the  9th  received  a  letter  from  brother  Frank.  Visited  the 
sick.     Read  expositions.     Quite  cold. 

13.  Thermometer  this  morning  14°.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  the 
eighth  chapter  of  Romans,  eighteen  verses.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Luke 
xv:  21.  I  ought  to  have  written  a  sermon  yesterday,  but  could  not  con- 
veniently.    At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Baptized  a  child. ^ 

14.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting. 
Our  society  had  their  annual  meeting.  They  are  in  some  degree  in  arrears. 
Quite  cold. 

15.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  2°.  The  ground  is  severely 
frozen.  Inspected  the  last  proof-sheet  of  my  history.  Wrote.  In  the  after- 
noon set  out  on  a  journey.     Rode  to  Enfield  and  tarried. 

16.  Rode  early  and  passed  through  Sufiield  and  Westfield  to  Middlefield, 
nearly  forty  miles.  In  the  morning  it  snowed  considerably.  Towards  night 
there  was  a  violent  snow-squall,  after  which  it  became  very  cold.  Kindly 
entertained  at  Rev.  Mr.  Nash's.^  Rode  on  horseback  and  without  drinking 
any  spirits."* 

17.  In  the  forenoon  exceeding  cold  and  tedious.     Mr.  Nash  rode  with  me, 


'  On  the  other  hand,  at  the  present  day,  '  Rev.  Jonathan  Nash,  pastor  at  Middle- 

for   such   an   amount  of   important    literary  field,  Hampshire  County,  Mass.,  1792-1832. 

labor,   which   only   here    and    there   a   man  A  native  of   South  Hadley,  and  a  graduate 

could  properly  perform,  we  should  say  that  of  Dartmouth,  1789. 

the  pay  was  most  meager  and  insignificant.  "■  It  was  the  theory  of  most  people  in  that 

Dr.  Robbins   estimates   that   he   spent  fifty  day  that  one  ought  not  to  expose  himself  to 

days  upon  it.  great    heat    or   cold   without  fortifying    the 

-  Julia  Wolcott,  daughter  of  Mr.  William  system  with  spirits,  which  worked  as  well  for 

Marble.  one  extreme,  it  was  thought,  as  the  other. 


766  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1818. 

and  we  went  and  visited  Dr.  Wolcott'  and  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Dixon.  I 
could  not  make  any  definite  arrangement  with  regard  to  keeping  Dr.  Wolcott. 
Towards  night  left  Middlefield  and  rode  to  Dalton.  The  wind  was  much 
abated.     Tarried  with  Rev.  Mr.  Jennings.^ 

18.  The  cold  is  severe.  Not  snow  enough  for  sleighing.  Streams  and 
wells  are  very  low.  Rode  to  Pittsfield  and  Lenox.  Found  my  brother  James 
and  his  family  in  prosperous  circumstances. 

19.  Visited  Mr.  Shepard.^  Towards  night  rode  to  Lee  to  spend  the 
Sabbath  with  Mr.  Hyde."  He  instructs  his  family  very  well.  The  churches 
in  this  country  are  in  great  need  of  consociational  union. 

20.  Severe  cold.  Preached  for  Mn  Hyde  on  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  James 
i :  23,  24.  His  congregation  is  large  and  respectable.  After  sundown  rode 
to  Lenox  and  preached  in  the  evening  in  the  academy  on  Matt,  xii :  35.  Had 
quite  a  full  meeting.     Very  tired. 

21.  Visited  the  academy.  My  nephew,  Joseph  Battell.'  is  one  of  the 
pupils.  It  has  a  good  preceptor.  Afternoon  rode  to  Stockbridge.  Spent  the 
evening  with  Dr.  West.*  He  and  his  colleague,  Mr.  Swift,^  have  lately  been 
dismissed.  The  town  has  been  in  an  extraordinary  ferment  about  ecclesi- 
astical matters  for  a  year  past.  They  have  conducted  very  badly,  and  the 
majority  have  greatly  abused  Dr.  West.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Woodbridge.*  His 
brother  (blind)  is  lately  settled  as  a  minister  at  Green  River,  New  York. 

22.  Rode  through  New  Marlborough  to  Norfolk.  Quite  a  good  road. 
Mother  is  pretty  feeblf .  She  has  lately  had  a  bad  fall.  Brother  Samuel 
appears  to  be  intent  on  removing. 

23.  Very  cold  and  rough  east  wind.  The  past  season  here  has  been 
favorable.  There  appears  to  be  a  great  stupidity  respecting  divine  things 
through  the  State.     My  niece,  Sally  Lawrence,  does  very  well  with  mother. 

24.  Visited  Mr.  Emerson.'  Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Drank  tea  at  Mrs. 
Birge's.  The  ground  here  is  hardly  covered  with  snow.  Norfolk  meeting- 
house is  quite  a  model  for  others. 

25.  Rode  home  in  eight  hours.  The  weather  has  sensibly  moderated. 
Through  God's  great  mercy  found  all  things  well,  and  have  been  favored  with 
a  very  prosperous  journey.  I  am  undeserving  of  the  least  of  all  his  mercies. 
Very  good  riding.     The  sick  here  are  getting  better. 

26.  On  the   15th  paid  brother  Frank   $20.00  on  what  I   owe    him.     Mr. 


'This   was    Dr.    William    Wolcott,   who  Windham,  Ct.,  graduate  of  Williams  College, 

had  recently  been  afflicted  in  the  distressing  1800,  pastor  at  Dalton,  1S02-1S34. 

death  of  his  wife,  and  was  much  depressed  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Shepard,  D.  D.,  of  Lenox, 

in   spirits.     This    winter  journey  had   refer-  *  Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.  D.,  of  Lee. 

ence  to  him.     He  was  brother  of  Mr.  Abiel  *  Now  in  his  thirteenth  year. 

Wolcott,   of    East    Windsor,    was    a    grad-  *  Rev.  Stephen  West,  D.  D.,  his  old  theo- 

uate    of    Yale,    1775,    and    married    Esther  logical  teacher,  now  eighty-two  years  old. 

Stevens,   of   Rutland,   Vt.     He   was   now   a  '  Rev.   Ephraim   G.    Swift,   settled    i8io, 

man  of  sixty-five   years,  and   died   in   1825.  and  dismissed  with  Dr.  West,  Aug.  27,  1818. 

His  daughter  Esther  had  married  Capt.  Gas-  ^  Joseph  Woodbridge,  Esq. 

ton  Dickson,  of  Middlefield.  'Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.,  settled  in 

^  Rev.   Ebenezer  Jennings,   a    native    of  Norfolk,  June,  1815. 


l8l8.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  767 

Whittlesey  preached  here  last  Sabbath.  My  thermometer  on  the  morning  of 
the  17th  was  i°  above,  and  on  the  i8th  2°  below  zero.  It  has  been  several 
mornings  between  zero  and  10°.  Am  not  greatly  fatigued  with  my  journey. 
Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

27.  Cold  and  tedious.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ps. 
ex  :  3.  Afternoon  an  old  sermon  on  Ex.  ix :  20.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.     The  thermometer  at  bed-time  was  at  zero.     Read  the  Bible. 

28.  Worked  carrying  wood  to  the  garret.  The  weather  is  warmer.  Read. 
At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Dwight,'  of  Boston,  and  one  from  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport. 

29.  Last  night  had  a  light  snow.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  school. 
Wrote  to  my  brother  Samuel.  Read.  On  the  24th  my  mother  paid  me  $5.00, 
for  what  I  paid  for  her  some  time  since  for  shad. 

30.  Gave  a  neighbor  $2.00,  who  has  lately  lost  a  shop  by  fire.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Dined  with  Mr.  Battell  at  Maj.  Ripley's.  Got  a  copy  of  Tytler. 
My  continuation  appears  as  well  as  I  expected.  Read.  Paid  for  a  pen-knife, 
$1.00.     The  snow  thaws. 

31.  Rainy  and  wet.  Wrote.  Yesterday  received  a  dividend  of  $7.00  at 
the  Hartford  Bank.  Read  Gibbon's  History^  Great  is  the  mercy  of  the 
Lord  in  preserving  me  from  year  to  year  when  I  do  so  little  for  him.  I  have 
had  severe  trials  this  year,  but  my  mercies  have  been  much  greater. 


'  Rev.  Sereno  Edwards  Dwight,  D.  D.,  of  ^  The    Decline  and  Fal!  of  the    Raman 

Park  Street  Church,  Boston.  Empire. 


ft 


1816. 

January. 

1.  Attempted  to  commit  my  ways  to  God  for  the  ensuing  year,  resolving 
by  his  grace  to  deny  ungodliness  and  to  be  devoted  to  his  service.  Warm. 
The  surface  of  the  ground  is  quite  wet.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  prepara- 
tory lecture  on  Deut.  xxiii:  21.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
Much  hindered  by  company. 

2.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxv:  19.  We  have  had  but  nine  deaths  the 
year  past.  Am  troubled  with  the  tremor  in  my  hand,  which  retards  my  writ- 
ing. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Col.  ii :  6.  Afternoon 
the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Meeting  full  and  solemn.  The  meeting-house 
was  quite  cold.  Thermometer  this  morning  15°.  Attended  the  sacrament. 
The  church  mostly  together.     At  evening  wrote. 

4.  Worked  carrying  wood  into  the  chamber.  Dined  with  the  January 
meeting.'  Some  of  the  best  members  of  our  civil  authority  are  put  out  of 
office.'^  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Visited.  At  evening 
attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Quite  full ;  after  which  rode  to  Enfield 
and  tarried  with  my  brother. 

5.  Returned.  Hindered  by  company.  Read.  We  have  a  remarkably 
steady  and  pleasant  winter. 

6.  Read  Gibbon's  History,  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  We  have  a  little 
snow,  but  no  sleighing.     Visited. 

7.  Read.  Visited  the  school  at  Long  Hill.  They  have  erected  a  new 
school-house ;  the  first  in  that  neighborhood.  Rode  to  Wapping,  visited  the 
sick  and  tarried. 

8.  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  gave  me  $3.00.  Thermometer  this  morning 
15°.     Read  Gibbon.     Wrote.     Visited. 

9.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxxvi :  23.  Hindered  by  com- 
pany. Wrote  four  pages  in  the  evening.  My  mind  is  too  much  taken  up 
with  unworthy  cogitations.     Warm. 

10.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxxvi:  23.  Did  not 
complete   it   till   in   the    intermission.     At   evening   visited. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ground  thaws  a  good  deal.  Received  from 
the  Eagle  Bank  a  dividend  of  $46.00,  $10.00  at  least  more  than  I  expected. 
Paid  $8.50  for  three  volumes  of  Dr.  Dwight's  System.  Paid  Imlay,  $3.63. 
Got  three  copies  of  Tytler.  Visited  a  sick  woman,  very  low.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 


'  With  the  town  officers.  stand  it,  to   State  officers,  rather  than  the 

^  In  this  sentence  he  refers,  as  we  under-      town. 

769 


770  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

12.  A  woman  died'  here  last  evening  of  a  consumption.  Read.  Paid  for 
my  Mirror  newspaper^  for  a  year,  $2.00.  Received  from  Hartford,  purchased 
yesterday,  a  ream  of  excellent  writing  paper.     Made  this  almanack.     Wrote. 

13.  Last  night  my  brother  Frank  came  here  late,  and  returned  this  fore- 
noon. Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  the  late  Widow  Wolcott.  At 
evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  performed   a  marriage. 

14.  Last  evening  Dea.  Loomis,  of  Winchester,  came  here  and  tarried. 
Read  Gibbon.  Hindered  by  company.  I  like  Gibbon's  History  better  than 
I  expected.     It  is  a  work  of  great  investigation  and  labor. 

15.  Wrote  a  short  piece  for  publication.     Read  Gibbon. 

16.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xvi :  22.  In  the  evening 
my  brother  came  here  to  make  an  exchange  tomorrow.  The  thermometer 
yesterday  morning  was  at  8°. 

17.  Rode  quite  early  to  Enfield.  The  morning  cold  and  frosty.  Preached 
on  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  Ps.  cxxxvi :  23.  The  meeting  ver)'  full.  A  new  set  of 
singers  was  introduced  and  performed  very  well.  This  society  appears  quite 
prosperous.  At  evening  returned.  Attended  a  little  while  at  a  singing- 
meeting.     Quite  tired. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  Saw  Mr.  C.  A.  Good- 
rich,^ of  New  Haven.  They  are  about  publishing  a  theological  magazine  *  at 
New  Haven.  Paid  Mr.  Bull,  $4.79.  It  thawed  a  good  deal.  At  evening 
rainy. 

19.  Read.  Wet.  The  ground  thaws.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick. 
Quite  muddy.  Thermometer  was  50°  most  of  the  day.  Wrote.  Worked 
some.     I    lose    too   much   time. 

20.  Read  the  Bible.  Read  Gibbon.  Wrote  to  Rev.  S.  E.  Dwight,  of 
Boston. 

21.  Visited  the  sick.  The  riding  is  getting  to  be  bad.  Paid  Mr.  Haskell, 
for  an  orange-tree  procured  in  the  fall  at  New  York,  $3.75.  Many  people  are 
burdened  with  colds.     Read. 

22.  Read  above  three  hundred  pages  in  Gibbon.  His  pages  are  quite 
large.  His  History  is  powerfully  calculated  to  depreciate  Christianity.*  The 
weather  continues  dark  and  damp  and  gloomy.     Was  up  late. 

23.  Wrote.  Have  something  of  a  cold.  In  the  afternoon  the  sun  shone 
clear.  It  had  not  appeared  since  noonday.  Towards  night  rode  to  East 
Hartford.     The  riding  very  bad.     Read  the  Bible. 

24.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  after  meeting.  I 
think  this  congregation  is  larger  than  it  was  under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Yates. 


'  Widow  Margaret  Wolcott,  aged  forty-  ten  years  as  a  monthly,  and  was  then  con- 
eight,  tinned   ten    years   longer    as    the    Quarterly 

*  Connecticut  Mirror,  started  in  1809.  Christian  Spectator. 

^  Prof.    Chauncey    A.    Goodrich,    D.  D.,  '  That  seiatence  expresses,  as   accurately 

appointed  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  English  as  can  be  well  done  in  few  words,  the  drift 

Literature  in  Yale  College  in  1817.  and    tendency    of    Gibbon    as    regards    the 

■*  The  first  number  of  the  Christian  Spec-  Christian  religion.     His  opposition  works  by 

tutor  was  issued  in  February,  1819.    It  ran  adroit  suggestions. 


iSig.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  77I 

Preached  on  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  Ps.  cxxxvi :  23.  Before  I  finished  sermon  in 
the  afternoon  I  became  very  hoarse.  My  cold  is  oppressive.  Cloudy  and 
wet.     Did  not  get  home. 

25.  Am  very  unwell  with  cold  and  fever.  Read.  Attended  the  evening 
prayer-meeting. 

26.  The  weather  is  clear,  but  not  cold,  and  no  snow.  Am  a  little  better. 
Read  the  Life  of  Obookiah}     Rode  to  Hartford.     Preparing  for  Association. 

27.  The  riding  is  said  to  be  very  bad  extensively.  The  ground  is  much 
thawed.  Read  Gibbon.  Wrote.  Am  troubled  with  the  headache.  Visited. 
Wrote  to  Messrs.  Howe  &  SjDaulding,^  New  Haven. 

28.  We  have  a  very  high  wind.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Wrote  a  piece  for 
publication.     My  cold  has  produced  a  bad  cough. 

29.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  6°.  We  have  not  had  a  cold 
night  before  the  last  for  a  good  while.  Read  Gibbon.  My  cough  is  severe. 
Worked  carrying  wood  to  the  garret. 

30.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Stone,  of  Hartford.  Last  night  the 
thermometer  was  at  11°,  this  morning  it  was  above  20°.  Wrote.  Finished  a 
sermon  begun  on  the  i6th  on  i  Cor.  xvi :  22. 

31.  Much  distressed  last  night  with  my  cough.  Thermometer  this  morn- 
ing 7°.  Expounded  on  Rom.  viii :  19,  to  the  end.  Preached  on  i  Cor, 
xvi :    22.     Spoke  with  much  difficulty.     Baptized  a  child.^     Wrote. 

February. 

1.  Last  evening  wrote  a  short  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford. Warm  and  pleasant.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the 
funeral  of  an  aged  woman.  Several  people  out  there  are  sick.  At  evening 
attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Dr.  McClure  attended  for  the  first 
time.  Am  much  relieved  from  my  cough  by  taking  last  night  hoarhound  tea. 
Much  fatigued.     Paid  for  two  turkeys,  $3.50.     For  oysters,  $1.35. 

2.  Our  Association  met  here.*  Remarkably  warm  and  pleasant.  The 
thermometer  was  at  56°.  The  meeting  was  pretty  full.  Mr.  Brace,*  of  New- 
ington,  came  as  a  visiting  member  and  preached.  Mr.  Linsley,^  the  appointed 
preacher,  was  not  present.  We  had  a  full  meeting  and  excellent  singing. 
The  Association  have  a  good  deal  of  business.     The  boys  play  ball  in  the  street. 

3.  The  Association  finished  their  business  a  little  after  noon.  Three 
candidates  were  licensed.^    They  appeared  well.     The  gentlemen  appeared 


'  That  story  touched  the  hearts  of  Chris-  *  Rev.    Ammi    Linsley,    pastor    at    East 

tian  people  very  tenderly.     Obookiah  died  at  Hartland,  Ct.,  181 5-1835,  a  graduate  of  Yale 

Cornwall,  Ct,  Feb.  17,  1818,  and   the  little  College,  1810.     Mr.  Linsley  lived  to  old  age, 

book  therefore   had  very  recently  appeared  dying  in  1873. 

when  Dr.  Robbins  read  it.  ''  The  three  candidates  were  Austin  Dick- 

^  The  same  house  that  was  once  Beers  &  inson,   a  graduate    of    Dartmouth    College, 

Howe.  1S13;  Anson  Hubbard,  a  native  of  Glaston- 

^  Horace,  son  of  Bishop  Johnson.  bury,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1817;  William 

*  This  reveals  the  object  of  the   turkeys  C.  Woodbridge,  who  was  graduated  at  Yale, 

and  oysters  mentioned  in  previous  entry.  181 1,  but,  though  licensed,  did  not  follow  the 

5  Dr.  Joab  Brace.  profession  of  the  ministry.    He  died  in  1845. 


772 


DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 


much  pleased  with  our  provision.'     The  thermometer  rose  to  60°.     Very  tired. 
Paid  a  young  woman  for  help  in  the  family,  .50.     Read.     Pleasant,  like  April. 

4.  Read.  Dr.  Tudor  dined  with  us.  Thermometer  at  sunrise  40°,  in 
the  day  59°  for  several  hours.  Received  of  my  collector,  $87.52.  Paid  Mr. 
Wolcott,  $42.82.  Paid  a  merchant's  bill,  $16.82.  A  smith's  bill,  $1.88.  The 
society  are  considerably  in  arrear. 

5.  In  the  morning  we  had  considerable  rain.  Visited  a  sick  man.  The 
riding  quite  bad.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  in  the  school-house  at  Long 
Hill.  Preached  with  notes  on  i  Cor.  i :  18,  nearly  an  hour  and  a  quarter.  A 
good  meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  Horace  Loomis,^  New  Connecticut, 
and  one  from  Mr.  Benjamin,  of  Bridgeport. 

6.  Several  of  our  neighbors  kindly  assisted  us  in  keeping  horses,  etc.,  at 
the  Association.  Have  such  a  lassitude  and  indolence  that  I  do  not  write  a 
sermon  today  as  I  ought.  Wrote.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Read  the  Bible 
considerably. 

7.  Cooler  than  it  has  been,  but  it  is  not  cold.  Preached  all  day  with  old 
notes  on  i  Cor.  iii:  11,  12,  13.  Performed  poorly,  and  was  much  ashamed  of 
my  preaching.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Am  still  troubled  with 
some  cough  which  affects  my  speaking.     Looked  over  my  last  year's  diary. 

8.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Looked  over  my  files  of  newspapers.  Wrote  a 
piece  for  publication.     Read  World  Without  Souls? 

9.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Visited  sick  persons.  The  ther- 
mometer was  at  56°.     Bad  riding. 

10.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  riding 
is  exceeding  bad.  The  thermometer  was  at  50°  at  8  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  afternoon  was  at  64°. 

11.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I 
have  got  very  much  in  arrear  in  visiting. 

12.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  Out  all  day.  The  ground  is 
something  frozen  and  very  rough.  My  time  is  not  employed  with  that  labori- 
ous diligence  that  it  should  be. 

13.  We  had  a  severe  snow-storm  all  day.  Was  out  getting  my  sleigh 
mended,  which  was  broken  last  spring.  Wrote  on  my  preaching  account. 
The  first  snow-storm  of  the  present  winter.     Read  the  Bible. 

14.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xxxvii :  9.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sermon  on  Isa.  viii :  20.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  It  has 
not  been  harnessed  before  the  present  winter.  Meetings  pretty  thin.  Ther- 
mometer this  morning  12°.     The  snow,  I  think,  is  about  a  foot  deep. 

'  Dr.   Robbins,    though    unmarried,    had  forty-five  years.     Though  living  at  the  time 
some  advantages,  by  reason  of  his  boarding-  in  New  Connecticut,  he  died  at  last  at  Cham- 
place,  over  his  brethren,  in  respect  to  a  nice  pion,  Jefferson  County,  N.  Y. 
entertainment.  ^  World   Without  Souls,  written  by  Rev. 

^  Horace  Loomis,  whose  name  has  been  J.  W.  Cunningham,  vicar  of   Harrow,  Eng- 

several    times   introduced,   was   the    son   of  land,   first  published   in    London,    1S05,  but 

Serajah    Loomis,   and   was   a  man   now  of  the  work  went  through  many  editions. 


iSlQ.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  773 

15.  Read  Mr.  Clay's  speech  in  Congress  on  the  usurpations  of  Gen. 
Jackson.'  It  is  a  noble  performance,  and  it  is  astonishing  that  the  govern- 
ment can  let  Jackson  pass  uncensured.  The  Supreme  Court  have  decided 
the  cause  of  Dartmouth  College  against  the  Legislature  of  New  Hampshire,'' 
in  favor  of  the  former,  to  the  great  joy  of  all  good  men.  Wrote.  Finished 
my  last  year's  preaching  account.  It  is  a  good  deal  of  work.  It  snowed  and 
rained  the  most  of  the  day. 

16.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  sleighing  is  poor.  Warm.  Attended  an 
annual  meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  Agricultural  Society.  Joined  the 
society.  Mr.  E.  A.  Andrews  delivered  a  good  oration.  Paid  the  annual  tax, 
$1.00.  I  think  the  institution  will  be  useful.  Paid  the  Hartford  Bank, 
$36.37,  and  gave  a  new  note  of  $390.00  due  May  24th.  Rode  to  Simsbury 
and  attended  ministers'  meeting ;  did  not  get  there  till  dark.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Battell  and  sent  him  a  handsome  volume  of  Tytler. 

17.  We  had  a  good  meeting.  The  sleighing  quite  poor.  There  was  a 
good  deal  of  snow,  but  it  drifted,  and  now  there  is  considerable  bare  ground. 
Paid  to  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  our  contribution,  collected  Oct.  25th,  of 
$50.00.  We  collected  $48.75.  I  added  $1.25  to  make  up  the  sum.  Paid 
C.  Goodwin,  a  store  account  of  $8.57.  Paid  Gleason,  $10.00.  Paid  for  four 
bushels  of  oats,  $2.00.  Yesterday  received  of  my  collector,  $20.00.  Received 
two  new  silver  communion  cups  from  Bridgeport,  the  cost  of  which  is  $41.50. 
Received  a  letter  from  Howe  &  Spaulding,  of  New  Haven,  with  some 
valuable   books.     Walked   out. 

18.  Thermometer  this  morning  12°,  and  did  not  exceed  22°  through  the 
day.     Wrote.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^     Read  new  books. 

19.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  perplexed  about 
building  an  addition  to  his  house.  Read  the  New  Haven  Magazine.  Hin- 
dered by  company.     Wrote. 

20.  Wrote  the  principal  part  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xxxiii :  14.  Rode  out 
and  visited  the  sick.  Much  hindered  in  my  writing.  Wrote  nearly  five  and 
one  half  pages  between  seven  and  twelve  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  snow 
thaws  considerably. 

21.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Isa.  xxxiii :  14.  It  appears  like 
one  written  in  haste.     Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  John  i  :   16. 


*  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  Gen.  An-  Jackson   put   him  to  death.     These  charges 

drew   Jackson   was   of  a  somewhat  violent  against   him  were  true,  but  the   country,  on 

and    headstrong  nature.      In   New   Orleans  the  whole,  chose  to  forgive  him   in  view  of 

he    had    imprisoned  a  judge  of  the   courts  his  great  services. 

(Judge  Hall),  because  he  had  given  a  decision  =*  This   was    the    famous    case   in   which 

hostile   to  some  of   Gen.  Jackson's  arrange-  Daniel  Webster  so  distinguished  himself  in 

ments.      In   the    Seminole   War,  which  fol-  his,  T^\t2i.ior  h.\s  Alma  Mater.    By  the  decision 

lowed  the  War  of  1S12,  he  had  put  to  death  reached  many  points  pertaining  to  the  rights 

two  Englishmen,  Messrs.  Arbuthnot  and  Am-  and  obligations  of  colleges  were  firmly  estab- 

brister.  because  they  had  been  furnishing  the  lished,  and  his  arguments  on  this  subject  are 

Indians  with  information  of  his  plans.     The  often  quoted. 

court-martial    had    decided    that   Ambrister  ^  The  persons  united  were  Elijah  Porter 

should  be  punished  with  forty  stripes.     But  and  Rhoda  Diggins. 


774  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

Pretty  poorly.     At  evening  attended   the   conference.     Am  troubled  with  a 
hoarseness  and  soreness  in  my  throat. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Warm.  The  sleighing  has  got  to  be 
very  poor.  Read.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  troubled  with  his  brother,  who  is  now 
here.*     At  evening  we  had  a  good  prayer-meeting. 

23.  Visited  the  sick.  The  snow  wastes  pretty  fast.  Wrote  to  Mr,  Benja- 
min, of  Bridgeport,  and  sent  him  $41.62,  of  money  belonging  to  the  church,  for 
two  communion  cups  lately  received  from  him.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Twining,''  of 
New  Haven,  enclosing  $10.00  for  the  Education  Society,  a  donation  of  one  of 
my  neighbors.     Wrote  to  Howe  &  Spaulding,  of  New  Haven.     Read. 

24.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  to  see  Mr.  Battell.  He  is  on  his  way  to  New 
York.  Mother  is  pretty  well.  Visited  sick  persons.  Cold.  Thermometer 
in  the  morning  at  14°.  Wrote.  Took  a  bad  addition  to  my  cold.  I  spend 
too  much  time  on  trifling  things.     Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper. 

25.  Thermometer  13°.  Wrote.  Paid  for  late  repairs  of  my  sleigh,  .75. 
Visited  the  sick.     Saw  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Birge,  from  Norfolk.     Tarried  out. 

26.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  Mr.  Benjamin, 
of  Bridgeport,  and  one  from  Mr.  Rejoice  Newton,^  of  Worcester,  informing 
that  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  have  appointed  me  one  of  their 
receiving  officers.'*  It  rained  and  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Ver}-  wet 
going.     Wrote.     Catechised  a  school. 

27.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke  xvii :  5.  Wrote  late.  Rode  out  and  visited 
a  sick  man,  apparently  in  a  dying  state.     Received  a  letter  from  J.  Pillsbury. 

28.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Rom.  ix :  17.  I  was  not  sufficiently 
prepared  for  so  important  a  subject.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Luke 
xvii:  5.  My  cold  is  veiy  oppressive;-  spoke  with  difficulty  and  very  feebly. 
Did  not  attend  any  evening  conference.     The  snow  thaws  very  much. 

March. 

1.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  A  man  in  middle  life  died  last  evening  of  a 
consumption,^  after  a  sickness  of  four  years.  The  sleighing  very  poor.  Read. 
At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Have  a  tedious  soreness 
in  my  throat. 

2.  Last  night  it  snowed  some.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Attended  a 
funeral.  Do  not  feel  able  to  go  out.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Flint  to 
convene  the  Consociation  by  a  special  meeting  at  Northington.     Received  a 


»  Dr.  William  Wolcott,  before  mentioned,  Worcester,    graduate    of    Dartmouth,    1807, 

in  whose  behalf  Dr.  Robbins  made  the  jour-  died  1S68,  aged  eighty-five, 
ney  to  Middlefield.     After  the  death  of   his  *  To  receive   contributions   of  money  or 

wife,   several   months    before,   he   seems   to  books.     The  Antiquarian  Society  of  Worces- 

have  been  in  a  very  depressed  state  of  mind  ter  has  become  one  of  the  most  honored  in- 

for  a  long  time.  stitutions  of  its  class  in  the  land. 

-  Stephen  Twining,  Esq.,  graduated  at  ^  ^r.  Samuel  Rockwell,  Jr.,  aged  thirty- 
Yale  in  1795,  and  from  1S19  to  his  death,  six.  lie  was  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
1832,  steward  of  the  college.  (Sheldon)  Rockwell,  and  was  born  Sept.  9, 

^  Mr.    Newton,   a    much-trusted    man    in  17S2. 


iSig.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  775 

letter  from  brother  Frank.     He  is  considerably  unwell.     Wrote  him  in  return. 
Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 

3.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Ellington  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  see  a  joiner.  I  hope 
he  will  do  something  about  building.'  Returned.  Tolerable  sleighing. 
Visited  Mr.  Brockway.^     The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  7°. 

4.  Visited  a  sick  woman,  apparently  near  dying.  Warm.  The  snow 
thaws  very  much.     Walked  out  and  visited.     I  am  much  in  arrear  in  visiting. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  hope  we  have  some  more  thoughtfulness  on 
divine  things  than  we  have  had.  An  elderly  woman  ^  died  last  night  with  the 
lung  fever.     Read. 

6.  Very  warm.  Thermometer  at  59'^.  The  snow  wastes  very  fast.  I 
have  been  gaining  of  my  cold  I  hope  through  the  week.  Attended  a  funeral. 
It  is  uncommon  of  us  to  bury  two  persons  in  a  week.  We  have  done  it  this 
week,  a  son  and  his  mother.     Am  considerably  debilitated. 

7.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Num.  xxxv :  11,  12. 
Afternoon  an  old  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  20.  Spoke  feebly,  but  am  much  better 
of  my  cold  than  I  have  been.  Very  muddy  and  wet.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Our  meetings  appeared  to  be  unusually  solemn. 

8.  It  snowed  all  day,  some  of  the  time  very  fast.  Afternoon  and  evening 
the  storm  was  very  violent.  Reckoned  accounts  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Found  it 
to  be  a  long  job.  We  had  not  reckoned  before  in  more  than  three  years. 
His  charge  for  my  board  and  housekeeping  is  $136.50  per  yeah  He  allowed 
me  $15.00  for  what  I  have  paid  out  and  done  for  my  garden  since  our  reck- 
oning. I  allowed  him  $11.63  ^^^  grain  had  of  him,  the  most  of  which  has 
been  for  my  horse.  Received  through  him  of  the  society,  $19.45,  $8.00  of 
which  was  an  order  given  Mr.  Haskell,  and  to  be  reckoned  as  a  merchant's 
bill  paid,  and  $11.45  ^^  paid  Mr,  Wolcott.  (The  sums  in  the  last  sentence  to 
be  included  in  my  next  reckoning).  I  owed  him  for  the  last  three  years, 
above  what  I  have  paid  in  the  time,  $107.22.  Took  up  five  notes,  given  in 
years  past,  the  greater  part  of  their  sums  for  money  borrowed  to  pay  for  bank 
stock,  and  gave  a  new  note  for  the  whole  that  I  owe  him,  amounting  to 
$881.25.  The  largest  note  I  ever  signed.  I  had  forgotten  that  I  owed 
him  so  large  a  sum.  I  must  curtail  my  expenses,  or  it  will  be  long  before  I 
can  be  clear  of  debt.  Read.  Scarcely  stepped  out  of  the  house  through  the 
day.  Mr.  Wolcott  allowed  me  $1.47  for  my  expenses  on  my  journey  to  Mid- 
dlefield  in  December,  which  is  now  paid  to  him,  and  to  be  deducted  from  the 
account  at  that  time."* 

9.  The  snow,  I  think,  is  more  than  a  foot  deep.  Walked  and  visited  all 
day.  I  hope  we  have  some  instances  of  seriousness  among  us.  Had  no 
meeting  last  evening  on  account  of  the  storm.  Tarried  out.  Received  a 
letter  from  Maria  Rockwell. 


*  Enlarging  his  house  to  make  room  for  mother  of   Samuel   Rockwell,  Jr.,  who  died 

Dr.  Robbins's  rapidly  growing  library.  four  days  before. 

^  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway,  pastor  at  Elling-  *  This  is  a  long  entry,  full  of  details,  but 

ton,  1799-1849.  it  is  interesting  and  instructive  as  letting  us 

^  Mrs.    Sarah    Rockwell,    aged    sixty-six,  into  his  business  habits  and  arrangements. 


776  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

10.  We  have  a  pleasing  prospect  of  an  addition  to  our  church.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Stone,  of  Hartford.  Thermometer  this  morning  8°.  Taken 
up  with  a  joiner,  who  is  preparing  a  plan  for  Mr,  Wolcott's  building.  The 
sleighing  is  very  good  and  all  seem  to  be  in  motion.  At  evening  my  brother 
and  his  wife  came  here  and  tarried. 

11.  Thermometer  this  morning  5°.  Colder  than  any  time  in  January  or 
February.  Went  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  look  for  timber.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  My  brother  Samuel  is  about  moving  to  Woodbury. 
A  strange  infatuation.'     Visited  a  sick  woman.     Taken  up  with  company. 

12.  It  snowed  and  rained  the  most  of  the  day.  Went  into  the  woods  with 
Mr.  Wolcott.  Got  quite  wet  and  took  some  cold.  At  evening,  with  several 
brethren  of  the  church,  examined  four  persons  for  our  communion.  They 
appeared  ver)^  well.  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  such  an  addition  after  a  long 
interval.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Stone,  of  Hartford.     I  am  gloomy  and  dejected. 

13.  On  the  nth  rode  to  Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.^  It  snowed 
considerably,  but  very  damp  and  wet.  Catechised  a  school.  Feel  too  languid 
and  dejected  to  study  much.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Rejoice  Newton,  of  Worcester. 
Visited  a  sick  woman.     Consulted  expositors. 

14.  Cold  and  very  tedious.  I  think  the  most  tedious  day  we  have  had 
during  the  winter.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Expounded  on  the  latter  half  of 
Rom.  ix.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  16.  Had  no  conference. 
At  evening  walked  out.     My  soreness  of  throat  continues. 

15.  Paid  for  mending  my  sleigh,  .50.  Visited.  Attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.  Full  and  animating.  Cold.  The  roads  very  icy.  Thermometer 
this  morning  10°. 

16.  Rode  with  Dea.  Loomis  in  a  sleigh  to  Northington,^  and  met  with  the 
Consociation.  It  snowed  some  of  the  day  pretty  hard.  The  difficulties  in 
the  church  here  are  great  and  painful.  We  had  a  pretty  long  hearing.  The 
Consociation  were  much  tried  and  perplexed  with  regard  to  their  duty. 
Slept  out.     The  snow  is  deep. 

17.  The  Consociation  finally  resolved  that  it  is  expedient  to  divide  this 
church.  There  were  fourteen  male  members  who  petitioned  to  be  set  off  and 
formed  into  a  new  church,  their  society  having  been  already  incorporated.'*  At 
the  recommendation  of  the  Consociation  the  church  had  a  meeting  and  voted 
to  give  those  members  a  dismission.  They  were  then  formed  into  a  church 
by  the  Consociation.  Towards  night  returned.  The  snow  flew  pretty 
violently   the   most   of   the    day. 

'  We  have  the  impression  that   this  re-  society  respecting  the  location  of  a  new  meet- 

moval,  if  not  wise,  could  not,  in  its  conse-  ing-house.     It  grew  so  serious  at  length  that 

quences,  be  regarded  as  unwise.  in  1818  when  a  vote  was  taken  to  erect  the 

*  The  persons  married  were  David  Rock-  house  of  worship  on  its  present  site,  the 
well  and  Olive  Grant,  both  of  Wapping.  minority  separated  themselves  and  formed  a 

^  Now  the  town  of   Avon,  Ct,  but   until  new  society,  East  Avon."  —  Contributions  to 

1830  the  parish  of  Northington,  in  the  town  Ecclesiastical  History  of   Connecticut.      This 

of  Farmington.  church,  organized  in  1819,  is  now  known  as 

*  The  church  in  Northington  was  formed  the  church  in  Avon,  and  the  other  is  West 
in  1751.    "In  1808  a  difficulty  arose  in   the  Avon. 


r 


iSig.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


777 


i8.  Wrote.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Ellington  to  see  Mr.  Hyde,  the 
joiner.  Very  good  sleighing.  The  snow  pretty  deep.  If  Mr.  Wolcott  should 
proceed  to  build  I  think  I  shall  have  a  considerable  burden. 

19.  Thermometer  this  morning  14°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  of  the 
Phoenix  Bank  a  dividend  of  $55.50.  Paid  Hills,  $15.00;  J.  Olmstead,  $11.43; 
Gleason,  $13.44.  The  two  latter  their  whole  accounts.  I  now  owe  but  little 
to  merchants.  Had  considerable  conversation  with  Mr.  Fairchild  at  East 
Hartford.  The  State  is  in  a  great  ferment  respecting  the  approaching 
election.     Will  the  Lord  be  our  helper. 

20.  Had  to  go  to  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  spend  the  day  looking 
at  timber,  etc.  He  is  much  depressed  in  spirits.  Yesterday  and  today  the 
snow  thawed  fast.  Took  some  cold.  I  intended  to  have  written  a  sermon, 
but  was  prevented. 

21.  Cold  and  tedious.  Preached  all  day  with  old  notes  on  i  Thess. 
iv:  17.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Returning  was  turned  over 
and  my  sleigh  something  broken,  but  was  not  hurt.  Have  a  tedious  ague  in 
my  face. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  their  two  schools.  They  have  been  well 
kept.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at 
10°.     Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.   Strong,'  of  Somers. 

23.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Maria  Rockwell.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
performed  a  marriage.^  In  the  afternoon  and  evening  we  had  a  hard  rain. 
Tarried  out. 

24.  The  sleighing  is  about  gone.  Wrote  records  for  the  new  church  in, 
Northington.^     Hindered  by  company.     The  going  very  bad. 

25.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers.  Visited  the  Long  Hill  school.  It 
has  done  very  well.     Rainy  and  wet. 

26.  Warm.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school.  Afternoon  attended  the 
examination  of  the  academy.  It  has  done  exceeding  well  the  present  season: 
under  Mr.  Stebbins.  Quite  a  number  of  people  were  present.  Very  bad 
riding. 

27.  Thermometer  this  morning  22°.  Quite  cold.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
I   Cor.  XV :    58.     I   am  too  reluctant  about  it. 

28.  Severe  cold  and  tedious.  Thermometer  in  the  morning,  t8°.  The 
ground  pretty  hard  frozen.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on 
Num.  xiv :  8.  Afternoon  on  i  Cor.  xv :  58.  Thin  meeting.  Received  four 
members  to  the  church."*  It  is  a  long  time  since  we  have  had  any  additions  by 
profession.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  soreness  in  my  throat 
continues  and  is  burdensome.  I  have  not  spoken  in  public  with  ease  for  two- 
months.     The  Lord  be  my  helper. 

29.  Went  into  the   woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott.     Read.     At  evening  rainy. 


'  Rev.  William  L.  Strong.  laneous  writing  to  do  for  the  public,  especially- 

-  Between   Rockwell    Hayes   and    Betsey  in  connection  with  Councils  and  Associations. 

Webster,  both  of  Wapping.  ■*  The   four  persons   admitted  were   Ann 

3  Mr.  Robbins   held   the  pen  of   a  ready  Wells,    Prudence    Webster,.  Sarah   Gaylord, 

writer,  and  in  consequence  had  much  miscel-  and  Mary  Bancroft.. 


77S  DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

and  I  did  not  attend  our  prayer-meeting.     Read  the  most  of  Deuteronomy. 
Wrote.      The    apjoroaching   Freemen's    Meeting   will    be    one    of    the    most  J 
important  ever  held  in  this  State.     May  the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers  interpose  ■ 
and  save  us.' 

30.  Rainy  and  wet.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  a 
singing-lecture.  They  had  the  best  singing  I  ever  heard  there.^  Recrossed 
the  river  and  tarried  on  the  hill.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  hard  thunder- 
shower. 

31.  Quite  cold  and  uncomfortable.  Rode  out.  Afternoon  visited  a 
school.  Our  schools  have  done  better  this  year  than  usual.  Visited.  My 
throat  continues  sore,  and  I  have  my  fears  respecting  the  effect. 

April. 

1.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  a  man  very  low.  Thermometer  this 
morning  about  20°.  Afternoon  visited  Tudor's  school.  He  has  done 
exceeding  well. 

2.  Rode  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  looked  out  timber.  It 
seems  to  be  necessary  for  me  to  go  with  him.  Afternoon  preached  a  prepara- 
tory lecture  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  cxxxii :  13.  Visited.  Warm  and  pleasant, 
like  spring.  March  has  been  much  colder  than  February  was.  Am  rather 
feeble. 

3.  Was  obliged  to  go  into  the  woods  in  the  morning  with  Mr.  Wolcott. 
His  hypochondria  is  very  bad.  Did  not  write  a  sermon  as  I  had  hoped  to  do. 
I  think  I  never  knew  so  much  real  anxiety  through  the  State,  at  the  prospect 
of  a  Freemen's  Meeting,  as  there  is  at  this  time.^  Our  whole  strength  is  in 
God.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  Warm.  The  snow  is  mostly  gone,  though  it 
appears  deep  on  the  mountains  at  a  distance.  The  Lord  in  infinite  mercy 
relieves  me  from  my  burdens."*  Have  much  anxiety  for  the  event  of  our 
election. 

4.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  John  xvi :  ^^.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  xix  :  30.  Attended  the  sacrament. 
Several  members  of  the  church  were  absent.  Meetings  full  and  solemn.  At 
evening  quite  rainy.  Had  no  conference.  Troubled  with  my  hoarseness.  A 
man  died  here'  last  night. 

5.  Opened  the  Freemen's  Meeting  with  prayer.  It  was  very  full.  504 
votes.^     Federalist,  327  ;    Democratic,  177.     The   Federalists   did   exceeding 


*  The   question   of   the   adoption   of   the  long-continued  Federal  rule,  and  the  rights 

revised    constitution   was   involved    in    this  of  those  opposed  to  it.     To  him  changes  from 

election.  the  past  were  evils. 

^  Dr.  Robbins  was  a  lover  of  good  sing-  *  This,  and  one  or  two  previous  remarks, 

ing,  and  this  is  certainly  high  testimony  for  relate  doubtless  to  matters  not  set  down  in 

the  Windsor  people.  the  diary. 

^  Dr.   Robbins,   from   his   education    and  ^  Mr.  David  Strong,  aged  fifty-five, 

associations,  was  not  in  a  condition  to  form  *  A    much    larger   vote    than   in   former 

calm   and   righteous  judgments  on   politics.  years,   due   in    part    to   the   enlargement   of 

He  did  not  see  the  wrongs  that  came  from  the  right  of  suffrage. 


p 


[819.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  779 

well.     The   meeting  was  quite   harmonious.     Visited.     At  evening  attended 
our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Quite   full. 

6.  Attended  a  funeral  in  the  forenoon.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  attended  a 
singing-lecture.  My  brother  preached.  The  singers  performed  exceedingly 
well.  Quite  cold  and  tedious.  Mr.  Storrs,"  of  Longmeadow,  here.  There  is 
a  very  unpleasant  difficulty  in  this  church.^     The  river  is  high. 

7.  Rode  home.  The  ground  dries  quite  fast.  Yesterday  Mr.  Stebbins' 
came  here  to  live  and  study.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Towards  night  began  a 
sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Deut.  vii :  7,  8.     Wrote  but  little. 

8.  Wrote  eleven  pages  on  my  Fast  sermon.  The  air  continues  quite 
cold. 

9.  Wrote  three  pages  and  finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Deut. 
i :  7,  8,  at  the  Fast.  Cold.  The  meeting  pretty  thin.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Had  a  laborious  day  and  was  quite  tired. 

10.  Was  out  in  the  woods  the  most  of  the  day  with  Mr.  Wolcott  getting 
timber.*  Towards  night  rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  exchange  with  him.  Our 
State  election  has  issued  unexpectedly  in  a  small  majority  in  favor  of  Democ- 
racy. A  righteous  God  sees  fit  to  chasten  us  with  this  scourge  still  longer.' 
This  county  has  done  well. 

11.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  to  my  society  and  returned  after  meeting.  At 
evening  quite  rainy.  Did  not  go  home.  Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  13,  and 
Heb.  xii:  14.  Meetings  full  and  attentive.  My  voice  is  much  better  than  it 
has  been,  through  the  divine  favor. 

12.  Rode  home  early.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  loss  of  our  election  is  a 
severe  trial  to  our  best  people.  Paid  for  books,  $5.88.  At  evening  rode  to 
the  lower  part  of  Scantick  and  performed  a  marriage.'' 

13.  Mr,  Wolcott  thinks  he  must  go  to  see  his  brother,  and  is  so  much  in 
gloom  that  he  is  not  willing  to  go  alone.'  Concluded  to  go  with  him.  We 
rode  to  a  tavern  above  Westfield  and  tarried.     Warm.     Good  riding. 

14.  Rode  to  Middlefield.  The  latter  part  of  the  way  the  riding  was  very 
bad.  There  are  some  snow-drifts  in  the  road  four  or  five  feet  deep.  Saw  Dr. 
Wolcott.  He  is  to  live  here  with  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Dixon,  for  the  present.* 
The  snow  thaws  and  the  water  runs  very  much. 

15.  Left  Middlefield  at  nine  o'clock  and  rode  home,  fifty  miles.     Got  home 


'  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  grandfather  of  and  perhaps  chiefly,  for  his  accommodation 

Richard  S.  Storrs,  D.  D.,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  with  his  large  library,  which  was  rapidly  grow- 

^  That  is,  at  Enfield.  ing  too  large  for  accommodation. 

^  This  was   Mr.  Samuel    Stiles  Stebbins,  '  That  is  one  way  of  looking  at  it. 

who  had  been  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  ''  The  parties  were  Timothy  Watson  and 

1816,  and  who  had  been  teaching  the  acad-  Elsa  Bissell. 

emy   on   the   Hill.      Though   he   began   the  ''  This  brother,  Mr.  William  Wolcott,  was 

study  of  theology,  he  did  not  enter  the  min-  still     in     Middlefield,     Hampshire     County, 

istry.  Mass.     Mr.   Abiel    Wolcott's   anxiety   about 

"  Dr.  Robbins's   interest  in  this  work  of  this   brother   had   brought   him   also   into  a 

selecting  and  preparing  timber  was  because  depressed  state  of  mind, 
the  addition  to  the  house  was  to  be  partly,  ^  See  note  Dec.  17,  1818. 


L 


ySo  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1819. 

late.     Quite  warm.     Much  fatigued.     I  hope  our  journey  has  done  good.     It 
has  been  prosperous.' 

16.  The  thermometer  yesterday  rose  to  summer  heat.  Rode  out.  Paid 
for  peas  for  planting,  .48.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Planted  peas.  Paid  my 
gardener,  .70. 

17.  Find  but  little  time  for  study.  Am  not  able  to  write  a  sermon  today 
as  I  hoped.     Wrote.     Rainy.     Considerable  thunder. 

18.  Expounded  on  Rom.  v :  7,  8.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Cold  and  wet.     Meetings  pretty  thin.     We  are  all  very  stupid. 

19.  Bottled  cider.  We  have  two  hundred  and  twenty-six  bottles,  and  broke 
none.  The  sixty  gallon  cask  just  fills  them.^  It  appears  to  be  very  good. 
Afternoon  visited  and  catechised  the  school  on  the  hill.  The  water  is  quite 
high.     Visited. 

20.  Mr.  Wolcott  began  to  hew  his  timber.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was 
held-  here.  There  were  six  ministers  besides  Dr.  McClure  and  myself.  We 
had  a  good  meeting.  Sent  $10.00,  a  donation,  to  the  Education  Society  of 
Yale  College.' 

21.  The  ministers  went  away  in  the  forenoon.  Read.  Walked  and 
visited.     Cool.     Tarried   out. 

22.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  have  got  much  behind  in  this  part  of 
my  business.  Our  poor  seem  to  be  increasing  in  number.  People  are 
beginning   to   garden. 

23.  Visited  all  day.  My  visits  appear  to  be  kindly  received,  and  I  hope 
are  useful.  Pretty  tired.  Cool.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Very  full. 

24.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Worked  in  my  garden  setting  currant  bushes. 
Had  our  first  shad.  On  the  22d  received  a  letter  from  my  brother,  and 
yesterday  one  from  Mr.  S.  G.  Goodrich,  of  Hartford.  Wrote.  Rode  to 
Somers  to  make   an  exchange  with  Mr.   Strong.     Quite  cool    and  dr}'. 

25.  Preached  on  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  Heb.  iv:  15.  This  congregation  is 
pretty  large.  The  people  here  are  well  united.  Preached  long.  At  evening 
preached  at  a  conference  without  notes  on  Ps.  iii :  8.  Much  fatigued.  My 
lungs  are  weak.     Mr.  Strong  is  afflicted  with  a  bad  disease  in  his  eyes. 

26.  Rode  home ;  previous  to  which  visited  Mrs.  Backus.'*  She  is  a  very 
venerable  woman.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Mr.  Strong  preached  yesterday 
quite  acceptably.     Gave  a  poor  woman  $1.00. 

27.  Visited  all  day.  My  visits  appear  to  be  kindly  received,  and  I  hope 
they  are  useful.     Tarried  out. 


■  They  evidently  found  Mr.  W.  Wolcott  *  Mrs.   Backus,   who    had    then    been    a 

in  a  better  condition  than  they  expected.  widow  sixteen  years,  since  the  death  of  her 

^  This  was   a   piece  of  yearly  work  that  honored  husband,  Dr.  Charles  Backus,  was 

had   to   be  done,  like   planting   the  peas  or  Bethiah  Hill,  daughter  of  Mr.  Jacob  Hill,  of 

getting  the  fire-wood.  Cambridge,    Mass.      Their   only  son,  Jabez 

^  This  seems  to  have  been  a  local  society,  Backus,  died  in    1794,   while   a   member   of 

especially  for  the  aid  of  needy  students  for  Yale  College,  and  so  lier  life  as  a  widow  was 

the  ministry  in  Yale  College.  a  lonely  one. 


1819.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  78 1 

28^  Visited  an  aged  woman  quite  low.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to 
Enfield  and  preached  at  a  meeting  of  the  Female  Auxiliary  Bible  Society. 
They  gave  me  their  thanks.  In  the  evening  returned.  Preached  on  Luke 
x:  29.     Warm.     The  ground  is  very  dry. 

29.  Worked   considerably.     Wrote.      Warm.      The    thermometer   rose    to 
I  80°.     Visited. 

30.  I  have  not  till  now  completed  my  annual  visiting  of  families. 
On  the  first  of  last  May  there  were  in  our  society  one  hundred  and  sixty-two 
families,  thirty-seven  of  whom  profess  to  belong  to  other  religious  denomina- 
tions. Since  that  time  I  have  visited  all  of  them  except  one.  I  hope  my 
visiting  has  done  good.  Received  a  valuable  pamphlet  from  the  American 
Antiquarian  Society.  We  had  our  first  cutting  of  asparagus.  On  the  27th 
saw  daffas  in  blossom.  Blossoms  appear  on  the  early  fruit-trees.  The  season 
appears  to  be  more  forward  than  in  years  past.  Assisted  in  moving  a  small 
building.' 

May. 

1.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Acts  v:  20.  The  tremor  in  my  hand  is 
quite  troublesome.  I  am  too  much  interrupted  and  hindered  by  unimportant 
things.     Wrote  quite  slow.     Thermometer  at  84°. 

2.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  2  Pet.  ii :  i.  Finished  and  preached  a 
sermon  on  Acts  V  :  20.  Baptized  a  child.^  Attended  a  funeral.^  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  Very  tired.  It  is  something  wet,  but  we  get  but 
little    rain.     The  ground  is  very  dry. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  Wapping,  dined  and  prayed  with  our 
militar}.-  company.  At  evening  attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.  This 
day  completes  ten  years  since  I  have  been  the  pastor  of  this  people.  I  have 
great  reason  to  be  humble,  penitent,  and  thankful.  I  feel  myself  not  to  have 
been  without  a  blessing,  though  an  unfaithful  laborer. 

4.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Thermometer  at  84°.  Read.  I  have  lately 
been  veiy  much  hurried  with  business.     Visited. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.  Very  warm  and  dustv. 
Mr.  Battell  is  here.  The  public  proceedings  were  very  slow.  We  did  not  go 
to  meeting  till  near  two  o'clock,  p.  m.  There  seems  to  be  an  effort  to  inno- 
vate upon  past  usages.  Mr.  Eliot*  preached  very  well.  The  sermon  was 
exceedingly  judicious.  A  less  number  of  ministers  and  a  less  collection  of 
people  than  usual.  The  Governor  appears  very  poorly.  Six  Baptist  preachers 
were  with  the  clergy.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Bible  and  Annuity  So- 
cieties. Was  particularly  requested  to  write  for  the  New  Haven  magazine.' 
The  thermometer  was  about  85°. 

6.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Read.  Visited.  Vegetation  exceedingly 
needs   rain. 


'  Probably  to  make  room  for  the  addition  *  Rev.  Andrew  Eliot,  pastor  at  New  Mil- 

to  the  house.  ford,  Ct,  1S0S-1S29.    He  was  the  son  of  Rev. 

^  Russell,  son  of  Mr.  Russell  Rockwell.  Andrew  Eliot,  pastor  at  Fairfield,  1774-1S05. 

^  Of  Mrs.  Editha  Field  Fitch,  aged  eighty-  ^  The  I^9ligiotis  Intdligcitcer,  which  some 

two,  wife  of  Mr.  Augustus  Fitch.  years  later  was  suspended. 


'i 


7S2  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

7.  \\'rote.     Cold  east  wind.     Read.     Visited  sick  persons.     At  evjning 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

8.  Visited  a  sick  man  very  low.     Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa. 
xlii :    7.     Cold  and  very  dry. 

9.  In  the  morning  visited  a  sick  man  apparently  near  dying.     Preached 
witli  old  notes  on  Luke  xiii :  3,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Luke  xiv  :   17.     We  had^ 
a  moderate  and  very  refreshing  rain.     On  account  of  the  wet  did  not  complet 
the  sermon  begun  yesterday.     Read.     On  the  7th  received  from  an  esteeme 
friend  a  present  of  $3.00.     I  find  mvself  much  crowded  with  business.     Wrote 

10.  Last  night  and  in  the  morning  the  rain  was  hard.  It  was  very  much 
needed.  Read.  The  streams  are  quite  high.  At  evening  received  a  sick 
woman,  a  member  of  the  church.'  She  was  baptized.  It  was  a  solemn 
season.  A  man  died  last  evening  in  the  midst  of  life.^  He  has  lately 
returned  from  Georgia,  where  we  suppose  he  took  his  fever. 

11.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  an  aged  woman 
very  sick.     Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Anderson.     Cold  and  a  tedious  wind. 

'Set  out  to  ride  to  Norfolk.     Rode  to  West  Hartford. 

12.  Was  kindly  entertained  last  night  by  Mr.  Hurlburt  at  his  tavern. 
Rode  to  Norfolk.  Dined  at  brother  Ammi's.  Mother  appears  pretty  well. 
The  old  mansion  appears  lonesome  by  the  removal  of  brother  Samuel.  At 
evening  preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Emerson,  on  Heb.  xii :  14,  at  the  new  con- 
ference room.  It  is  a  very  fine  room.  Mr.  Humphrey,^  of  Pittsfield,  is  here. 
My  sister  has  a  young  son  to  whom  she  gives  my  father's  name.* 

13.  Yesterday  saw  apple-tree  blossoms.  Saw  them  at  East  Windsor  on 
Tuesday.  Quite  cold.  Last  night  it  froze.  Vegetation  here  is  prett}" 
forward.  Hay  is  plenty.  My  brother  James  has  sold  his  place  and  contem- 
plates leaving  Lenox.     At  evening  wet  and  rainy. 

14.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  Cold  and  chilly  east  wind.  Rode  with 
Mr.  Emerson  and  made  a  short  visit  to  Mr.  Cowles,^  of  Canaan.  He  has 
some  of  the  study  furniture  of  President  Edwards.  Am  troubled  with  an  ague 
in  my  face. 

15.  In  the  morning  quite  rainy.  Set  out  near  eleven  o'clock  and  rode 
home.  Got  home  before  dark.  Some  of  the  time  it  rained  hard.  My  face  at 
times  is  quite  painful.     Rode  in  a  sulky,  but  did  not  get  verj-  wet. 

16.  Yesterday  paid  Mr.  Battell  for  an  umbrella,  $4.00.  Wet  and  shower)'. 
Expounded  on   Rom.  xi :    i   to   17.     Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on 


'  Rebecca  Mary  Charlton.  1819,  graduated  at  Yale,  1839,  trustee  of  the 

"  Mr.   Theodore   Anderson,   aged    thirt}--  estate  of  his  brother  Joseph  Battell,  deceased, 

three.  occupying  his  father's  place  in  Norfolk,  Ct., 

^  Dr.  Heman   Humphrey,  born   in  West  with  his  business  office  in  New  York  city. 

Simshury,  Ct.,  March  26,  1779,  was  graduated  ^  Rev.    Pitkin   Cowles,   pastor  at    North 

at  Yale,  1805,  pastor  at  Fairfield,  Ct.,  1807-  Canaan,  1805-1833.     A  native   of   Southing 

1817,   and    at    Pittsfield,    Mass.,    1817-1S23,  ton,  Ct.,  and   a  graduate   of   Yale   in    1800. 

President    of    Amherst   College,    1S23-1S45,  The   younger    Edwards,   it  will    be   remem- 

died  in  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  April  3,*i86i.  bered,  was  for  a  time  settled   in  the  neigh- 

*  Robbins   Battell,   Esq.,  born   April   19,  boring  town  of  Colebrook. 


1S19.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  783 

Isa.  xlii :  7.  We  had  our  annual  missionary  contribution.  The  day  was 
unfavorable.  We  collected  $49.10.  There  were  two  bills  of  $5.00,  two  of 
$3.00,  ten  of  $1.00,  one  dollar,  and  about  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  smaller 
IDieces  of  silver.  I  contributed  $5.00,  $2.00  of  which  I  consider  a  donation.' 
Had  no  conference. 

17.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged 
woman.  Visited  there.  The  people  there  talk  considerably  of  hiring  a 
preacher  for  the  summer.  We  have  had  ten  days  of  uninterrupted  east  wind. 
I  fear  it  will  be  an  injury  to  the  fruit. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Stone,^  the  editor  of  the  Mirror^  was  violently 
beaten  yesterday  by  a  vile  Democrat.  Rode  on  a  journey  to  Lebanon  for  the 
purpose  of  procuring  some  documents  for  a  biography  of  the  first  Gov.  Trum- 
bull.^    Tarried  at  Andover.     At  evening  quite  rainy. 

19.  Rode  to  Lebanon.  Kindly  treated  by  Mr.  Williams*  and  Mr. 
Trumbull.^  Very  cold.  In  the  evening  preached  at  a  conference  for  Mr. 
Ely.^     Mr.  Williams   is    much  of   an  antiquary.     Preached  on  Heb.  xii :    14. 

20.  We  much  expected  a  frost  this  morning,  but  by  a  kind  Providence  it 
was  windy,  and  no  frost  appeared.  Looked  over  pamphlets  and  manuscripts. 
After  dinner  rode  home.  The  weather  moderates.  There  is  a  great  blowth 
on  the  fruit-trees.     People  are  beginning  their  planting. 

21.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Warm.  Wrote.  Visited  a  young  woman 
apparently  in  a  consumption.  Visited  a  young  woman  who  I  hope  has  lately 
got  religion.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Quite  full.  I  am 
very  stupid. 

22.  Wrote.  Arranged  papers  and  pamphlets.  Read.  Had  so  many 
things  which  demanded  attention  I  could  not  write  a  sermon.  Ther- 
mometer 83°. 

23.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  cxix :  97.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sermon  on  Pro  v.  xxix :  i.  Meetings  very  full  and 
solemn.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  ague  in  my  face  con- 
tinues and  is  quite  painful.     Thermometer  %2>' . 

24.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Romeyn,''  of  New  York,  and  to  Mr.  Waterman,  of  Bridge- 
port.    Rode  to  Hartford.     The  Assembly  conduct  very  badly.     Called  on  the 


'  By  this  he  means  probably  that  his  rag-  ^  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Colonial  Governor, 

ular  yearly  offering  was  $3.00,  and  the  $2.00  1 769-1 7S3. 
was  extra  and  special.  *  William  Williams,  of  Lebanon,  son  of 

^  William    L.    Stone,    born    in    Esopus,  Dr.    Solomon    Williams,    was    one    of    the 

N.  Y.,  1792.     He  early  gave  himself  to  jour-  Signers  of  the  Declaration.     He  was  dead, 

nalism,  and    after  serving  as   an  editor   on  and  it  was  probably  a  son  of  his  upon  whom 

various  papers,  in  1821    became  one  of  the  Mr.  Robbins  called. 

editors   and   proprietors   of   the   New   York  '  The  first  Gov.  Trumbull  and  the  second 

Commercial  Advertiser,  in  which  connection  were  dead  when  Mr.  Robbins  made  this  visit, 

he    continued    till    his    death,   at   Saratoga  But  there  were  men  there  of  the  Trumbull 

Springs,  in    1844.     Besides   his  work  as  an  name, 
editor,  he  was  an  extensive  writer,  and  the  *  Rev.  Zebulon  Ely. 

author  of  volumes  not  a  few.      He  was  re-  ^  Dr.   John   B.    Romeyn,   of    the    Duane 

garded  as  a  leading  man  in  his  day.  Street  Presbyterian  Church.  | 


784  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

Governor.     Paid  the  bank,  $85.06,  and  renewed  my  note.     A  very  fine  season 
for  vegetation.     Paid  for  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of  sewing  silk,  $2.50. 

25.  Last  evening  and  in  the  night  I  had  great  pain  in  my  face.  Wrote. 
Very  warm.  Thermometer  86°.  In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  hard  shower, 
with  a  good  deal  of  hail.     Read.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

26.  Worked  at  Mr.  Wolcott's  old  house,  which  he  began  to  take  down  on 
the  24th.  Dined  at  Mr.  Tudor's.  My  brother  and  hib  wife  called  here  on 
their  way  to  Norfolk.  He  is  quite  afflicted  with  a  headache.  Cool.  Read 
Trumbull's'  History  of  Connecticut. 

27.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for 
oats,  $1.17.  For  peas  to  sow,  .62.  The  Assembly  do  but  little.  Read 
Trumbull's  History.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  affected  by  gloomy  dejection. 
Tudor ^  went  off   and  got  a  good  girl. 

28.  Read  several  authors  on  the  millennium.  This  morning  the  frost  was 
pretty  hard.  In  some  instances  ice  was  seen  on  water.  Worked  some.  I 
fear  vegetation  is  injured  by  the  frost.     Wrote.     Visited. 

29.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John  iv  :  29.  Am  frequently  called 
off  from  my  studies  by  Mr.  Wolcott's  business.  Wrote  slowly.  Rode  out. 
The  roads  quite  dusty. 

30.  Wet.  Meetings  rather  thin.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old 
notes  on  Mai.  iii :  2.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday. 
Walked  out.     Mr.  Wolcott  is  considerably  unw^ell. 

31.  Wet  and  rainy.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  Assembly  have  made  a 
semi-annual  grant  for  the  Newgate  chaplain.  Got  a  new  pair  of  boots. 
Worked  in  my  garden.  Vegetation  advances  very  rapidly.  Read.  The  pain 
in  my  jaw,  which  has  been  long,  I  hope  is  subsided.  On  the  29th  wrote  to 
Judge  Woodruff,  of  Turkey  Hills. 

June. 

1.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  met  with  the 
Association.^  Was  scribe  of  the  meeting.  Our  meeting  pretty  full,  though 
the  weather  continues  quite  wet.  Was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  General 
Association.  Received  a  letter  from  Judge  Woodruff,"*  of  Turkey  Hills. 
Yesterday  gave  a  poor  woman  $1.00.  Received  $3.80  from  the  society  of 
Turkey  Hills,  the  amount  of  my  expenses  on  a  journey  to  New  Haven  for 
them  last  fall. 

2.  Pleasant  and  warm.  The  Association  concluded  their  session  at  noon, 
and  after  dinner  I  rode  home.  We  had  a  good  meeting.  Thermometer 
above  80°.     The  carpenters  began  Mr.  Wolcott's  framing.     Wrote. 

3.  Worked  at  the  proposed  building.  Afternoon  worked  getting  a  large 
log  to  the  mill.     Quite  tired.     Took  some  cold. 

4.  Worked  driving  a  scraper  at  the  cellar.     Afternoon  attended  a  cate- 


■  Dr.  Benjamin  Trumbull,  of  North  Ha-  ^  The  Hartford  North  Association, 

ven.  *■  This  correspondence  with  Judge  Wood- 

^  Tudor   Wolcott,   the    son,   now   twenty  ruff  had    reference,   doubtless,   to    Newgate 

'j'cars  old.  and  its  chaplain. 


iSig.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  785 

chising  of  the   children    at   the   meeting-house.      At   evening   attended   our 
prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  88°. 

5.  Received  an  excellent  gold-headed  cane  made  for  me  in  New  York,  a 
present  from  my  good  brother  Battell.'  He  is  very  liberal  and  kind.  Rode 
out.  Visited.  The  heat  severe  and  oppressive.  Thermometer  93°.  Mr. 
Wolcott  has  a  large  number  of  workmen.  Towards  evening  rode  to  East 
Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Fairchild. 

6.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Preached  on  Isa.  xlii :  7,  and  John  iv :  29.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 
Meeting  quite  full.  Found  the  exertion  of  speaking  very  severe  on  my  lungs. 
At  evening  returned.     The  thermortieter  has  been  today  at  98°.     Very  tired. 

7.  Rode  out.  Worked  some  at  the  saw-mill.  Rode  to  Ellington.  Tried 
to  get  a  girl  to  live  here.  The  heat  severe  and  scorching.  Thermometer  in 
the  afternoon  98°.  The  forenoon  was  much  warmer  than  yesterday.  Such 
heat  at  this  season  is  very  uncommon.     Get  very  little  time  for  study. 

8.  Last  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Wolcott's 
building  advances  pretty  well.  Dined  with  Mrs.  Griswold,  aged  eighty-four, 
and  her  two  brothers,  aged  eighty-six  and  eighty-two.  But  little  mitigation  of 
the  heat.  Thermometer  in  the  afternoon  96°.  Visited.  Vegetation  ad- 
vances very  rapidly.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Mix,^  of  West  Suffield, 
and  one  to  Mr.  McLean,^  of   Simsbury. 

9.  Worked  considerably  about  the  new  frame  and  cellar.  Walked  out. 
Thermometer  96°.     Have  but  little  time  in  my  study.     Read. 

10.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Battell.  Cooler.  Thermometer  80°.  My  new 
cane  is  much  admired.  Wrote  on  the  subject  of  the  proper  time  for  the 
administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  A  minister  from  New  Hampshire  called 
and  dined  with  me.  At  evening  assisted  in  examining  two  women  for  our 
communion.  Was  requested  to  preach  to  the  Free  Masons  on  the  24th 
instant  in  Orford,  the  lodge  of  this  vicinity. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Mr.  Flint.  Mr.  Hawes  is  absent  on  a 
journey.  He  has  quite  poor  health.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.  Received  $6.65  from  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  here, 
to  be  applied  to  the  benefit  of  the  children  who  attend  my  catechisings. 

12.  We  had  a  copious  and  very  refreshing  shower.  Wrote.  Worked 
some.  Preparing  for  General  Association.  The  framing  of  the  house  holds 
longer  than  we  expected.     On  the  loth  received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 

13.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxiii :  4.  Mr.  Loomis,"  from  New 
Connecticut,  was  here,  but  declined  preachuig.  Meetings  very  full.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.     Mr.  Loorais  performed  the  services. 

14.  Set  out  early  and  rode  through  Hebron  and  Colchester  to  Lyme,  to 
attend  the  General  Association.     The  distance  nearly  fifty  miles.     Mr.  Cook 


'  Joseph  Battell,  who  married   his  sister  ^  Rev.  Allen  McLean. 

Sarah.  *  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis,  who  for  someVears 

-  Rev.  Joseph  Mix,  pastor   at  West  Suf-  after  Dr.  Robbins's  settlement  was  near  his 

field,  1S14-1829.  home,  but  later  was  a  missionary  in  Ohi". 


^86  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

went  Willi  me  from  Orford  as  my  colleague.  Was  kindly  received  and  enter- 
tained at  Mr.  McCurdy's.  The  weather  was  cool  and  very  fine  for  traveling. 
In  the  morning  paid  .38  to  a  gardener. 

15.  Viewed  a  new  meeting-house  here,  which  is  very  elegant.  Towards 
noon  the  General  Association  met.  Most  of  the  members  of  this  State,  and 
all  but  one  of  the  foreign  delegates,  were  present.  I  waS  chosen  scribe  at  the 
first  vote.  Dr.  Welch,  of  Mansfield,  moderator.'  Mr.  Eliot,^  of  East  Guilford, 
preached  the  associational  sermon.     In  the  evening  we  had  a  sermon.     Warm. 

16.  The  Association  was  very  attentive  to  business.  I  was  much  taken 
up  with  writing.  In  the  afternoon  we  attended  public  worship,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  was  administered.  I  believe  all  the  members  communioned  but 
myself.  A  great  number  of  ministers  were  present.  I  gave  the  Association 
my  reasons  for  believing  the  administration  of  the  ordinance  under  such 
circumstances  to  be  wrong.'  They  were  not  disposed  to  consider  the  ques- 
tion. We  had  an  evening  session.  Quite  warm.  The  meeting  in  the  after- 
noon was  crowded  and  uncomfortable. 

17.  Am  much  fatigued  by  application  and  care.  Am  greatly  favored  with 
regard  to  accommodations.*  Each  day  seems  to  be  warmer  than  the  pre- 
ceding. The  heat  was  severe.  The  Association  finished  their  session  in  the 
afternoon.  Had  to  write  considerably  after  the  session  was  closed.  At 
evening  rode  to  Judge  Griswold's^  and  attended  a  meeting.  Mr.  D.  Austin.* 
Had  but  little  time  to  spend  with  my  brethren.  Much  fatigued.  Gave  $i.oo 
to  old  Mr.  Backus.^ 

18.  In  the  morning  crossed  the  river  to  Saybrook  and  rode  home.*  The 
heat  was  intense.  Traveled  slow.  Had  to  hold  my  umbrella  to  defend  from 
the  sun.  Towards  night  there  was  a  hard  thunder-shower.  Got  home  well  at 
dusk.  Laus  Deo.  Have  had  a  prosperous  journey.  Visited  a  sick  woman  in 
the  neighborhood  very  low.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ritchie,  of  New  York, 
relative  to  the  American  Bible  Society.  Performed  my  journey  in  a  sulky. 
Our  folks  say  that  the  thermometer  yesterday  was  98°,  and  today  over  100°. 
Mr.  Woodbridge,'  of  Stockbridge,  has  called  here  in  my  absence.  Mr.  Wol- 
cott  had  his  house  raised  on  the  15th.  The  frame  appears  well.  Visited  a 
woman  in  the  neighborhood  very  sick. 

19.  Am  very  much  fatigued  by  my  late  labors.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard 
thunder-shower,  though  there  was  not  a  great  deal  of  rain.  Can  do  but  little. 
Walked  out.     Wrote.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 


'  Moses  C.  Welch,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  North  '  Judge   Roger   Griswold  was   dead,  but 

Mansfield,  1784-1824.  perhaps  he  means  his  family. 

^  Rev.  John  Eliot,  of  East  Guilford  (now  ^  Rev.  David   Austin.     His  name  stands 

Madison),  pastor  1791-1824.  here,  not  connected  with  any  sentence.     He 

^  His   reason  was,  probably,  that  such  a  met  him,  probably.     He  knew  him  well  be- 

body  of  men  did  not  constitute  a  church.  fore. 

*  He  was  staying  probably  in  the  family  ^  Rev.  Simon  Backus,  of  North  Madison, 
to    which   Judge    Charles   J.   McCurdy    be-  to  whom  he  contributed  the  year  before, 
longed.     He   was   then   a  young   man,  only  ^  He  took  a  very  different  road  in  return- 
two  years  out  of  college,  but  has  since  been  ing  from  the  one  on  which  he  went  down, 
distinguished.  '  Joseph  Woodbridge,  Esq. 


I 


1819.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  787 

20.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Rom.  xi :  17  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxvi :  10.  Much  cooler  since  the  showers  on 
the  i8th.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Meetings  unusually  full. 
Exercises   long.     Baptized  a  child.'     Much  fatigued. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Carried  to  Mr.  Flint  papers  of  General  Associa- 
tion. Mr.  Hawes's  people  are  indifferently  supplied  during  his  absence.  It 
is  a  very  fine  season  for  vegetation.     Visited. 

22.  Worked  in  my  garden.  On  the  20th  we  had  our  first  peas  ;  they  were 
well  grown.  Visited  sick  persons.  Hindered  by  company.  Afternoon 
attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Am  something  taken  up  with  the 
business  of  instruction.  Thermometer  90°.  Yesterday  received  of  the  Hart- 
ford Bank,  $6.50.     A  small  dividend. 

23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  v :  16.  Have  many  interrup- 
tions. I  write  slowly.  People  are  beginning  a  little  to  mow.  The  tremor  in 
my  hand  is  quite  troublesome. 

24.  Finished  my  sermon  on  Matt,  v:  16,  and  rode  to  Orford  and  preached 
it  to  the  Free  Masons,  at  the  celebration  of  St.  John's  festival.  Mr.  Cook  was 
with  me.  The  company  was  quite  large  and  respectable.  Returned.  Visited 
the  sick.     Yesterday  we  had  considerable  of  a  shower.     Quite  fatigued. 

25.  Wrote.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Paid  a  woman  for  weeding,  .;^^. 
Visited.     Read.     At  evening  we  had  a  good  prayer-meeting.     Cool. 

26.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Kingsbury,^  of 
Hartford,  and  wrote  him  in  reply.  Read  the  Bible.  Paid  for  a  study- table, 
$4.00.  Paid  a  man  for  a  day's  work  in  my  garden,  $1.00.  Late  in  the  even- 
ing, after  we  had  got  to  bed,  my  brother  James  and  his  wife  came  here  on  a 
visit.     Thermometer  92°.     Wrote. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  to  Mr.  Hawes's  people  in  his  absence. 
My  brother  went  with  me.  Mr.  Amasa  Loomis  preached  for  me.  Kept  at 
Mr.  Kingsbury's.^  Preached  on  Heb.  xii :  14,  and  Ps.  cxxxvi :  2,3.  At  the 
intermission  went  for  a  Utile  while  into  the  Sabbath-school.  It  is  very  large. 
At  half  after  six  attended  a  third  exercise  in  the  meeting-house,  and  preached 
0^1  John  iv :  29.  Meetings  quite  full.  At  evening  returned.  The  heat  very 
oppressive.     I  believe  the  thermometer  was  about  98°.     Very  much  fatigued. 

28.  Much  exhausted  by  the  fatigue  of  yesterday.  Visited  a  sick  woman 
very  low.  My  brother  and  his  wife  rode  to  Hartford  and  returned.  After- 
noon attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  who  died  yesterday.  Thermometer  97°. 
At  evening  rode  with  my  brother  and  his  wife  to  Enfield.  Found  that  brother 
Frank  is  absent. 

29.  Rode  to  West  Sufiield  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  The  sun  was 
not  clear,  but  the  heat  was  ver>'  languid  and  oppressive.  Preached  on  John 
iv:  29.  The  Democratic  overseers  of  Newgate  have  dismissed  Mr.  Clark 
from  the  chaplaincy  of  that  prison."     It  is  a  most  wanton  abuse  of  power.     At 


'  Catharine,  daughter  of  James  Flint.  *  This   was   a   hateful    act,   unless  there 

'  Andrew  Kingsbury,  for  many  years  State  w-ere  some  very  cogent  reasons  for  such  a 

Treasurer.  proceeding.     The  Democrats  in  Connecticut 

^  Mr.  Andrew  Kingsbury,  just  mentioned.  in  those  days  hated  the  Standing  Order. 


788  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S19, 

evening  returned  to  Enfield.     James  rode  to  Stafford  and  returned  late  with 
brother  Frank.     Much  oppressed  for  want  of  rest. 

30.  In  the  morning  showery.  Brother  James  and  wife  went  off  to  Nor- 
folk. Rode  home.  People  have  poor  hay  weather.  A  woman' in  the  neigh- 
borhood has  died  in  my  absence  of  a  consumption.  We  had  I  think  the  finest 
June  for  vegetation  that  I  ever  knew.  May  the  Lord  be  praised.  Visited. 
Our  joiners  came  and  began  their  work  on  the  house  yesterday. 

July. 

1.  Not  so  warm  as  it  has  been.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  funeral  of 
my  neighbor,  Mrs.  Porter.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott. 
Wrote.  On  the  28th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Am  troubled  with 
an  inflamed  eye. 

2.  Wrote.  Am  much  hindered  with  our  new  building.  Received  a  letter 
a  few  days  since  from  Mr.  Horace  Loomis,  of  New  Connecticut.  Find  myself 
much  indisposed  for  close  study. 

3.  Last  night  was  quite  ill  in  the  night  and  this  morning  with  a  severe 
cholera  morbus,  and  continued  through  the  day.  I  have  not  had  so  sick  a 
day  for  some  years.  Sat  up  very  little.  Yesterday  afternoon  attended  the 
catechising  of  the  children,  after  which  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with 
old  notes  on  Luke  xii  :  42. 

4.  Am  very  feeble,  but  on  account  of  the  unusual  duties  of  the  day  con- 
clude to  attend  meeting.  In  the  forenoon  had  a  sermon  read.  Received  two 
women  to  the  communion  of  the  church.^  Attended  the  sacrament.  Dr. 
McClure  performed  one  half  of  the  administration.  Afternoon  preached  an 
old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  11.  Spoke  very  feebly.  After  meeting,  Dr.  Reed^ 
came  here  and  gave  me  physic. 

5.  My  physic  has  operated  quite  favorably.  Have  had  a  pretty  severe 
headache  from  the  beginning  of  my  illness.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting,  but  did  but  little.  There  was  a  great  deal  of  firing  in  neigh- 
boring places  on  account  of  Independence.  Some  persons  fired  a  swivel  at 
our  meeting-house  and  did  some  injury. 

6.  Rode  out  east  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  saw  the  surveying  of  a  large  field. 
Cool.  Walked- out.  I  am  weak,  but  I  hope  through  mercy  I  shall  be  better 
than  I  have  been. 

7.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  procured  a  girl  to  live  here.  We  have  been  very 
much  in  want  of  one.  My  brother  continues  to  be  afflicted  with  a  nervous 
headache. 

8.  Rode  out.  People  generally  are  at  their  haying.  Read.  I  can  do 
but  little.  Thermometer  90°.  At  evening  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis  came  and 
tarried.     Our  new  house  appears  well. 

9.  Am  considerably  taken  up  with  instruction.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Gave  a  poor  woman  $1.00.  The  heat  very  oppressive  and  the  ground  very 
dry.     Thermometer  98°.     Read.     Can  do  but  little. 


'  Mrs.  Rhoda  Porter.  '  Dr.  Elijah  Fitch  Reed,  who  had  a  large 

*  Mary  Allen  and  Elizabeth  Wolcott.  practice  in  East  Windsor. 


iSlQ.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR,  789 

10.  We  have  very  hot  nights  and  very  little  dew.  The  sun  seems  to 
scorch  the  ground.  The  thermometer  was  at  98^°.  Wrote.  Read  the 
Bible.  On  the  6th  received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  S.  P.  Robbins,  of 
Marietta.     I  am  so  languid  that  I  can  do  but  little. 

11.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  Iv  :  11.  Am  still  feeble  and  preached 
poorly.  The  heat  was  such  that  the  meeting  was  thin.  Thermometer  in  the 
afternoon  99°.  Towards  evening  we  had  a  good  deal  of  thunder  and  con- 
siderable rain.     A  great  mercy  of  the  Lord. 

12.  Attended  to  our  new  building.  Read.  The  air  is  clear,  but  still  hot. 
Thermometer  94°.     Read  the  Bible, 

13.  Rode  with  Mr.  Flint  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  and  made  them  a  visit.  We 
have  now  visible  a  luminous  comet  in  the  northwest.  Visited.  I  fear  I  am 
growing  indolent.  Thermometer  about  93°.  Received  a  letter  from  my  niece, 
Sally  Lawrence.' 

14.  Wrote.  Planted  French  turnips.  Endeavoring  to  prepare  a  small 
catechism   for  children.     Rode    out   and    visited.     Thermometer  91°. 

15.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  unexpectedly 
Mr.  Battell  and  Mrs.  Olmstead.  They  left  town  while  I  was  there.  Re- 
ceived from  the  Eagle  Bank  a  dividend  of  $35.00.  More  than  I  expected. 
Paid  $5.00,  my  annual  contribution  to  the  Annuity  Society.  Some  able  mer- 
cantile men  in  Hartford  have  become  much  embarrassed.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Battell.     Thermometer  93°. 

16.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Yesterday  it  was  very  dry 
and  dusty.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Enfield.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  91°. 

17.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Job  xxvii:  8.  The  tremor  in  my  hand  is  quite 
troublesome.     Hindered  by  the  joiners.     Thermometer  93°. 

18.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Rom.  xii.  It  appeared  to  be  quite 
interesting.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  on  Job.  xxvii :  8.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  My  health  seems  to  be  kindly  restored. 
Baptized  a  child.^  Last  evening  we  had  a  good  deal  of  thunder.  Cool. 
Thermometer  87°. 

19.  Last  evening  my  brother^  came  here  from  Vernon  and  tarried.  Read 
Cecil's  Remains.*  Attended  to  the  workmen.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Merwin,^  of  New  Haven.  Received  from  Howe  &  Spaulding  Cave's  Historica 
Literaria!'  The  work  makes  a  valuable  addition  to  my  librar}^  Ther- 
mometer 89°. 

20.  Rode  out.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field  and  car- 
ried dinner.     The  harvest  universally  is  uncommonly  abundant,  particularly  the 


'  Daughter  of  Grove  and  Elizabeth  (Rob-  entitled  His  Remains,  etc.,  was  written  by 

bins)  Lawrence,  Mr.  G,  P.  Pratt. 

^  Frances  Jane,  daughter   of  Elihu  Wol-  ^  Rev.    Samuel    Merwin,    of    the    North 

cott.  Church,  New  Haven. 

3  Rev.  Francis  Le  Baron.  *  By    Rev.    William   Cave,    1637-1713,   a 

■*  Robert   Cecil,  Earl   of   Salisbury,  born  learned  English  scholar,  who  wrote  the  lives 

about  1550,  died   May  24,  1612.     The  book  of  the  early  Christian  Fathers. 


790  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1819. 

wheat.  We  have  a  very  fine  season  for  the  ingathering.  How  great  are  the 
mercies  of  the  Lord.  Wrote.  The  anniversary  of  my  ordination.  How  good 
is  Jehovah  in  continuing  me  still  in  his  vineyard.     Thermometer  90°. 

21.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  wagon  and  brought  up  two  large  casks  of  nails. 
Read  Cave.  I  should  estimate  his  work  higher  if  it  were  in  English.'  I  have 
many  interruptions.     Thermometer  88°. 

22.  Read.  Wrote  on  a  catechism  for  children.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Janeway/ 
of  Philadelphia.  Went  into  the  water.  People  have  a  remarkably  fine  time 
for  their  harvesting.     Thermometer  89°. 

23.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  and  assisted  in  picking  out  a  load  of  lumber. 
Wrote.  Hindered  by  company.  The  ground  is  ver)^  dry.  Had  to  water  my 
garden.     Read.     Thermometer  90°. 

24.  Wrote.  Have  so  many  interruptions  and  so  languid  that  I  could  not 
write  a  sermon.  Wrote  on  my  catechism  and  finished  the  small  one.  Read. 
The  drought  and  dust  are  very  severe.  The  gardens  and  pastures  suffer  very 
much.     Thermometer  89°. 

25.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Rom.  vii:  22.  After- 
noon preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  vii :  46.  Warm  and  sultr)\  The  air 
is  almost  filled  with  dust.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  The  drought 
appears  alarming.     Thermometer  93°. 

26.  Rode  out.  In  the  afternoon  and  evening  we  had  a  moderate  and  most 
grateful  rain.  The  air  is  very  sultry.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Read. 
Thermometer  87°. 

27.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Wrote.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  I  find  it 
to  be  a  work  of  labor.     Walked  out. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  many  errands.  The  river  has  risen  seven  or 
eight  feet.  It  is  said  the  rise  of  the  Agawam  has  been  very  great.  Hindered 
by  company.  Read  Owen's  Wofks.^  Paid  for  mother's  head-dress,  .20,  and 
.30  for  postage.     Thermometer  93°.     Yesterday  92°. 

29.  We  have  very  hot  nights.  Rode  out.  The  heat  is  ver)-  oppressive. 
Wrote.  I  have  a  variety  of  hindrances  from  important  duties.  Thermometer 
93°. 

30.  The  gardens  and  pastures  suffer  much  for  want  of  rain.  The  heat  very 
oppressive.  Laborers  complain  very  much.  Read  Owen.  I  cannot  write 
but  little.  In  the  morning  rode  early  to  Hartford  and  returned  soon.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Thermometer  96°  for  two  or  three 
hours. 

31.  Our  nights  appear  quite  as  warm,  proportionally,  as  the  days.  Watered 
things  in  the  garden.  The  heat  is  such  that  I  do  not  feel  able  to  write  a 
sermon.  It  is  difficult  to  be  tolerably  comfortable.  The  thermometer  rose  to 
99^°,  and  was  very  high  all  day.  Vegetation  seems  to  sink  under  the  heat 
and  drought.     Read  Owen.     Wrote. 


'  Latin  in   that  age  continued  to  be  the       eminent  divine,  Vice-President    of    Rutgers 
language  of  scholars.  College. 

^  Dr.  Jacob    J.   Janeway,    1776-1858,   an  ^  ji^g  celebrated  John  Owen,  1616-1683. 


l8ig.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  79I 

When  I  came  to  this  town  to  live,  June,  1808,  I  was  in  the  practice  of 
reading  the  Connecticut  Courant  in  course,  omiting  nothing  but  the  advertise- 
ments. I  had  done  that  I  believe  for  more  than  a  year.  The  same  practice 
1  have  continued  till  this  month  of  July,  and  have  not  omitted  any  num- 
ber, and  as  far  as  I  know  any  article,  for  more  than  eleven  years.  The 
publication  of  the  Connecticut  Mirror  commenced  in  July,  1809,  which  I  have 
taken  and  read,  ten  volumes,  in  the  same  manner,  excepting  that  I  have  not 
practiced  reading  the  same  article  twice  when  it  appeared  in  both  papers.  I 
conclude  not  to  be  confined  to  this  practice  any  longer.' 

August. 

1.  All  persons  seem  to  be  nearly  overcome  with  the  heat.  The  sun 
seems  to  scorch.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi:  11.  Meetings  quite 
thin.  The  thermometer  was  at  90°  by  nine  o'clock  a.  m.,  and  continued  to 
rise  till  one  o'clock  and  half  after,  when  it  was  100°.  It  was  then  checked  by 
the  rising  of  a  cloud,  which  after  a  while  produced  a  little  rain.  Had  the 
weather  continued  clear  I  presume  it  would  have  been  one  or  two  degrees 
higher.  The  abatement  of  the  heat  was  but  little.  All  seem  to  be  longing 
for  rain.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^     We  had  considerable  thunder. 

2.  Am  much  overcome  by  my  yesterday's  labors  in  the  heat,  though  they 
were  less  than  usual.  The  heat  does  not  seem  to  be  hardly  as  great  as 
yesterday,  yet  the  thermometer  in  the  afternoon  attained  the  same  height, 
100°.  I  conclude  I  have  never  known  three  successive  days  of  such  heat. 
Towards  night  we  had  a  short  and  most  grateful  shower.  There  was  a  great 
deal  of  lightning  and  thunder.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting.     It  was  very  thin.     Read. 

3.  Worked  some.  Things  are  much  refreshed  by  the  shower.  Am  much 
taken  up  with  our  building.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  We  have  a 
sensible  change  of  air.     Thermometer  93°. 

4.  Worked  some.  I  fear  we  shall  suffer  with  drought.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  The  roads 
are  extremely  dusty.  The  day  was  very  clear,  yet  the  thermometer  was  no 
higher  than  83°. 

5.  Visited  a  young  family,  who  set  out  on  a  removal  to  New  Connecticut. 
Wrote.  People  are  considerably  alarmed  at  the  effects  of  the  drought  on  the 
corn.     Hindered  by  company.     Thermometer  84°. 

6.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  Afternoon  had  a  public  catechising  of  the 
children.     Taken  up  with  company.     Thermometer  90°. 

7.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  The  drought  is  alarming.  The 
fall  crops  are  much  threatened.     Am  too   languid  to  do  much  writing.     At 


'  This   is   an   intejesting   record    of    Dr.  In  fact,  editors  hardly  thought  of   anything 

Robbins's  habit  concerning  newspapers.    "  A  as  news  unless  it  came  across  the  water,  and 

short   horse   is  soon   curried."     If   one  will  was  consequently   about   a   month  old,  and 

look  back   to  the  newspapers   of   that  day,  even  that  small  in  quantity. 
he  will  find   the  reading  matter,  aside  from  ^  Ephraim    Warfield    and    Eliza   Cahoon 

the   advertisements,  of  very  small   amount.  were  the  parties  united. 


792  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

evening  we  liad  considerable  thunder  and  a  moderate  shower.     Was  up  late. 
Thermometer  97°. 

8.  At  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  Mr.  Hawes,  of  Hartford,  came  here  on 
his  return  from  a  long  journey,  and  wished  me  to  go  to  Harttord.  I  went 
soon,  and  got  there  just  before  meeting  lime.  Mr.  Whittlesey'  preached  in 
the  forenoon,  and  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  and  evening  on  Ps.  cxiii :  6, 
and  Job  xxvii :  8.  The  heat  severe  and  oppressive.  This  town  seems  to 
suffer  more  with  the  drought  than  those  in  the  vicinity.  We  had  a  little  rain. 
Our  showers  this  year  have  been  remarkable  for  a  very  limited  extent. 
Meetings  rather  thin. 

9.  In  the  morning  there  was  a  moderate  and  grateful  shower.  Went 
round  with  Hayden^  to  look  out  lumber.  Rode  home.  Read.  At  evening 
walked  out.     Thermometer  91°.     Yesterday  95°. 

10.  Read.  Taken  up  with  the  builders.  Our  showers  afford  but  a  tem- 
porary relief,  the  ground  on  the  whole  appears  to  be  constantly  growing  drier. 
Walked  out.     Thermometer  90°. 

11.  In  the  morning  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  man.  Attended 
to  the  appropriate  duties  of  my  birthday.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Ther- 
mometer 93°.  I  pray  God  to  have  mercy  on  my  good  mother,  on  my  dear 
connections,  on  this  family,  on  my  afflicted  native  State, ^  and  do  all  for  them 
that  his  rich  grace  and  holy  wisdom  may  prescribe.  I  ask  that  my  life  may 
be  continued  another  year,  if  it  please  God,  that  I  may  be  diligent,  dutiful, 
and  useful,  and  see  evidences  of  God's  glorifying  himself  and  saving  immortal 
sinners.     Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  let  all  within  me  bless  his  holy  name. 

12.  Read.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  We  have  very  hot  nights. 
The  ground  dries  very  much.  The  corn  suffers  severely  with  the  drought. 
People  are  exceedingly  oppressed  with  the  heat.  The  ground  is  hot.  Ther- 
mometer 98°.  I  placed  the  thermometer  in  the  sun  in  the  heat  of  the  day, 
and  it  rose  to  130°.     How  do  laborers  live? 

13.  The  thermometer  was  90°  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  but  it  was 
cloudy  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  and  it  rose  no  higher  than  97°.  Wrote. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands  for  our  building.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting. 

14.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Prov.  viii :  17.  Much  hindered  by  com- 
pany.    The  air  is  very  full  of  dust.     Thermometer  91°.     Paid  a  gardener  .50. 

15.  Wrote  one  half  of  the  sermon  begun  yesterday  (four  pages),  and 
preached  it  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  thirteenth 
of  Romans.  In  the  intermission  we  had  some  rain.  Afternoon  meeting 
pretty  thin.  At  five  o'clock  we  had  a  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the 
severe  drought.     It  was  well  attended.     Thermometer  78".     Read. 


'  Rev.  Samuel  Whittlesey,  who  had  been  ^  A  large  part  of  the  people  of  the  State 

dismissed  two  years  before  from  the  church  thought    they   had    recently  been    receiving 

in  Xew  Preston.  great  and  special  blessings,  but  to  Dr.  Rob- 

^  The  man  probably  who  was  building  the  bins,  if  these  were  blessings,  they  were  cer- 

house.  tainly  blessings  in  disguise. 


iSig.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  793 

16.  Last  evening  it  appeared  as  if  we  should  have  clear  weather  and  no 
more  rain ;  but  this  morning  it  began  to  rain,  and  was  wet  and  rainy  all  day. 
It  was  moderate,  and  the  ground  absorbed  the  whole.  Our  God  is  good,  and 
he  is  a  hearer  of  prayer.  Wrote.  Cool.  The  thermometer  was  below  60°  all 
day.  I  think  I  never  felt  a  deeper  sense  of  divine  goodness  in  the  gift  of 
rain ;  and  I  am  persuaded  I  have  never  seen  here  such  a  want  of  it.  All 
crops  were  suffering. 

17.  The  last  night  was  wet,  and  this  morning  it  rained  pretty  hard.  We 
should  be  glad  of  more,  but  must  bless  God  for  his  gift.  Rode  to  Turkey 
Hills,  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  on  Prov.  viii:  17.  This 
society  have  painful  prospects  on  account  of  the  removal  of  Mr.  Clark'  from 
the  chaplaincy  of  the  prison.     I  hope  a  good  providence  will  not  forsake  them. 

18.  In  the  forenoon  returned  home.  The  ground  is  much  refreshed. 
Read.     Wrote.     Thermometer  86°. 

19.  Wrote.  Hindered  by  company.  My  garden  has  a  fine  crop  of  melons. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Thermometer  go°. 

20.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Have  to  water 
vegetables.     Received  a  military  order.     Thermometer  93°. 

21.  Wrote  to  my  brother.  Paid  some  time  since  for  shad  for  my  mother, 
$9.00,  $5.00  of  which  she  has  paid  me.  The  remainder  ($4.00)  must  go  as  a 
donation.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  to  Hebron.  The  heat  very  severe.  Rode 
quite  slow.     Mr.  Bassett^  is  gone  to  East  Windsor  to  preach  tomorrow  for  me. 

22.  Something  wet.  The  drought  has  not  been  severe  here  as  with  us. 
Read  the  Bible,  Preached  on  i  John  v:  7.  and  Prov,  viii :  17.  This  congre- 
gregation  is  small.  At  evening  preached  in  a  conference  house  without  notes 
on  Ps,  iii :  8. 

23.  In  the  forenoon  rode  home.  Quite  cool.  There  was  a  pretty  hard 
and  seasonable  rain  here  last  night.  Mr.  Bassett  is  gone  to  attend  the  ordi- 
nation at  West  Springfield.^  Visited  a  family  in  the  hither  part  of  East 
Hartford,  in  which  there  are  eight  persons  hard  sick.  My  horse  is  consider- 
ably lame.     Thermometer  72°.     On  Saturday  it  was  96°, 

24.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  about  40°.  Worked  some.  Read. 
The  air  is  quite  cool.     Wrote,     Have  many  interruptions.     Thermometer  73°. 

25.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Read.  The  ruling  party  in  this 
State  are  very  hostile  to  religion  and  the  clergy.     Thermometer  77°, 


'  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark.     The   parish   was  logical    Seminary   in    1819,   and    was   irame- 

poor,  and   by  serving  partly  as  their  pastor,  diately  called  to  West  Springfield,  where  he 

and   partly  as   chaplain   at   the  prison,  they  remained   till    1829,   when   he   accepted    the 

were  enabled  to  retain  him  pastorate  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church 

^  Rev.  Amos  Bassett,  D.  D.  in   Albany,    N.   Y.,   where   his   larger   work 

'  This   was   the   ordination    of    the    now  was  done.     He  died  in  1876,  leaving  behind 

celebrated   Dr.  William  B.  Sprague   as  col-  him    a    rare    reputation    as   a  literary   and 

league  pastor  with  Rev,  Joseph  Lathrop,  of  historical   student.      The   town   of   Andover 

West   Springfield.     Mr,    Sprague   was   born  was   partly  made  out  of  Hebron,  and  so  it 

in  Andover,  Ct.,  Oct.  16,  1795,  was  graduated  was   very   natural   that   Dr.   Bassett  should 

at  Yale  in  181 5,  and  from  Princeton  Theo-  assist  at  the  ordination. 


794 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 


26.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Borrowed  of  Phoenix  Bank,  $98.37.  Paid 
Hartford  Bank,  $83.76.  Saw  Mr.  Battel).  Bayley  Birge  at  Norfolk  has 
failed.  Visited  the  sick  family  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford.  Quite 
cool. 

27.  Worked  some.  Met  with  the  officers  of  the  regiment  and  attended  to 
discipline,  etc.  There  will  be  no  regimental  training  this  year.  A  very 
foolish  law  of  the  State  forbids  it.'  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Cool. 

28.  Had  many  interruptions,  and  found  myself  unable  to  write  a  sermon 
as  I  calculated.  Wrote  on  my  pecuniary  accounts.  Received  of  Elihu  Wol- 
cott,  $100.00  for  my  collector.     Visited  the  sick  family. 

29.  Something  wet.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  xxii :  16.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.     Our  meetings  lately  have  been  rather  thin. 

30.  Worked  at  our  new  building.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  have  done  but 
little  visiting  this  summer.     Read. 

31.  Paid  Mr.  Wolcott  some  money  which  I  borrowed  of  him  in  May. 
Paid  him  $1.04  interest.  Last  night  it  was  quite  cool,  but  I  believe  no  frost. 
Read,     Visited  the  sick  family. 

September. 

1.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands  for  the  new  house. 
Very  warm  and  dusty.  The  ground,  I  think,  appears  as  dry  as  it  has  at  any 
time.  Read.  At  evening  married  my  excellent  friend,  Mr.  Haskell.^  Ther- 
mometer about  90°. 

2.  Wrote.  Am  not  able  to  write  a  piece  for  the  paper  this  week  as  I 
expected.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Vegetation  suffers  exceedingly  from 
drought  and  insects.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school  and  sick  persons. 
Mr.  Stebbins^  returned  here  to  pursue  his  studies.     Thermometer  94^*^. 

3.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  The  heat  was  exceedingly  oppressive.  After- 
noon attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  Gave  them  primers  of  different 
kinds.     Visited  the  sick  family.     Thermometer  96^°.'' 

4.  It  seems  as  if  all  moisture  would  be  dried  from  the  ground.  Wrote 
on  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Could  not  get  time  to  write  a  sermon.  Yes- 
terday wrote  to  Mr.  Stone,^  of  Hartford.     The  thermometer  91°. 


'  This  was  probably  the  beginning  of  the  ^  Samuel    Stiles    Stebbins,  now   studying 

custom   in  Connecticut   of   having   the  regi-  theology  with  Dr.  Robbins,  has  been  several 

mental    trainings    every    other    year.      The  times  spoken  of  in  this  diary.     He  was  the 

town  trainings  went  on  twice  a  year,  spring  nephew  of   Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins,  of  Sims- 

and  fall,  as  before.     The  people  soon  came  bury,  Ct.,  who  was   pastor   there  from  1777 

to   think   that  every  other  year  sufficed  for  to  1806.     As  before  stated,  he  did  not  enter 

these  general  trainings.  the  ministry. 

-  Soon  after  his  settlement  in  East  Wind-  *  They  were   having   the   hot  weather  so 

sor,    Dr.    Robbins    united    in    marriage    his  common  in  New  England,  during  the  early 

friend,   Eli   B.    Haskell,   with    Miss    Sophia  days  of  September. 

Bissell,  daughter  of  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell.    The  *  William  L.  Stone,  Esq.,  then  editor  of 

marriage  now  is  between  Mr.  Haskell   and  the  Connecticut   Mirror,   afterwards   promi- 

Susan  Bissell,  his  first  wife's  sister.  nent  as  an  editor  in  New  York. 


l8l9-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


795 


5.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  fourteenth  chapter  of  the  Romans. 
Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Josh,  xxiv :  20.  Towards  evening  we 
had  a  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the  drought.  It  was  well  attended  and 
solemn.     Thermometer  91°. 

6.  Worked  some.  The  ground  is  almost  covered  with  dust.  The  crop  of 
corn  is  much  diminished  by  the  drought.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  the 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  90°. 

7.  Wrote.  The  heat  extremely  languid  and  oppressive.  Intended  lo  set 
out  for  New  Haven,  but  put  off  on  account  of  the  heat  till  the  weather  pre- 
vented. Towards  night  and  in  the  evening  we  had  a  copious  thunder-shower. 
The  hardest  we  have  had  this  year.  The  rain  is  very  reviving.  The  ther- 
mometer 91°. 

8.  Set  out  for  New  Haven  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  got  there 
a  little  before  noon.  The  Commencement  exercises  for  the  forenoon  con- 
cluded as  I  went  to  the  meeting-house.  In  the  afternoon  they  were  pretty 
good,  but  short.  The  heat  was  severe.  At  evening  Mr.  Spring,  of  New  York,* 
preached  very  well  to  the  Education  Society.  There  was  no  Concio  ad  Ckruni. 
In  the  evening  we  had  a  little  rain.  The  collection  of  the  clergy  was  not  as 
great  as  usual.     No  strangers  of  distinction  were  present. 

9.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Education  Society.  I  believe  they  do 
much  good,  but  their  funds  are  inadequate  to  the  demands.  I  find  myself  in 
the  elder  class  of  the  clergy.  Dined  with  Professor  Fitch.'^  Looked  over  the 
library  of  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Swan,^  of  Norwalk,  for  sale  at  Mr.  Howe's,  and 
purchased  a  number  of  useful  volumes.  Paid  Gen.  Howe  for  books,  $26.95. 
Paid  for  Stewart's  Letters,  a  valuable  pamphlet,  .75.  Paid  for  a  gold  watch- 
key,  ^2.50.  Left  New  Haven  at  half  after  four,  and  rode  home  in  about  eight 
hours.     The  night  quite  cool. 

10.  Am  much  fatigued.  Worked  and  attended  at  the  new  house.  The 
thermometer  here  on  the  eighth  was  90°,  and  yesterday  80°.  Read.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Cool.     Thermometer  about  72°. 

11,  Did  not  perceive  any  frost  this  morning,  though  we  feared  it.  Wrote. 
Visited  the  sick  family.     At  evening  rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  exchange. 

12,  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  to  my  society,  preached,  and  returned.  Preached  on 
Job  xxvii :  8,  and  Prov.  iii :  17.  Returned  and  attended  the  evening  con- 
ference. Late  in  the  evening  my  brother  came  here  and  tarried.  His  chronic 
headache  is  severe.     Very  tired. 

13.  My  brother  went  home.     He  is  about  going  a  journey  to  the  eastward. 


'  Rev.  Gardiner  Spring,  D.  D.,  son  of  Rev.  Theology  at  Yale.     It  will   be   remembered 

Samuel  Spring,  D.  D.,  of  Newburyport,  Mass.  that  Mr.  Fitch  taught  the  academy  at  East 

He  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1805,  first  studied  Windsor  Hill,  soon  after  Dr.  Robbins  went 

law,    then    theology,    pastor    of    the    Brick  to  East  Windsor,  continuing  there  for  some 

Church,  New  York,  1S10-1873.     He  died  in  years. 

the   last-named  year,  at   the   age   of  eighty-  ^  Rev.  Roswell  R.  Swan,  who  was  gradu- 

eight.  ated  at  Yale  in  1802,  was  settled  in  Norwalk 

-  Eleazar   T.   Fitch,   D.  D.,  Professor  of  in  1807,  and  died  in  March,  1819. 


7^6  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

Attended  a  training,  and  dined  with  the  company.     Something  wet.     Visited. 
Read. 

14.  Dined  and  prayed  with  a  military  company.  Have  some  difficulty 
wiili  my  plan  for  conveying  warmth  to  my  chamber'  in  the  new  house. 
Wrote. 

15.  We  feared  a  frost  this  morning,  but  there  was  none  to  do  any  injury. 
Taken  up  with  the  new  building.  Afternoon  visited  and  catechised  a  school. 
Wrote  for  the  newspaper.  God  is  very  wise  and  good  in  calling  me  to  trials.^ 
Will  he  accept  of  my  vows  ?     Had  a  little  fire  in  my  chamber. 

16.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  married  two  couples.^  Attended  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Burnham  of  the  sick  family.  Wrote.  There  was  no  frost  this 
morning,  though  the  night  was  quite  cool. 

17.  Taken  up  with  joiners  and  masons.  I  hope  my  trials  will  do  me  good. 
Rode  out  and  visited. 

18.  Visited.  It  is  very  painful  to  have  so  much  of  my  time  taken  up  with 
unnecessary  things.  Yesterday  Dr.  Williams,''  of  Tolland,  and  wife,  called  on 
me.  Read  Stewart's^  Letters  to  Chamiing.  A  very  valuable  work.  Visited 
the  sick. 

19.  I  fear  the  sickness  in  the  neighborhood  below  us  is  increasing. 
Preached  on  Num.  xxi :  23,  24,  with  old  notes,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Gen. 
iii :  9.  Meetings  pretty  full.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage,*  God  is 
very  merciful  to  me. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Paid  for  primers,  of  money 
received  of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society,  $4.00.  Had  a  cool  and  chilly 
wind.     Took  some  cold.     Read  Channing's  Unitarian  sermon.' 

21.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school.  Afternoon  my  cousin,  Dr.  P.  G. 
Robbins,*  arid  wife,  of  Roxbury,  came  here.  Cold,  windy,  and  very  dusty. 
Have  a  pretty  bad  cold.     Made  fires. 

22.  Rode  out  with  my  cousin.  The  air  is  full  of  dust.  Windy  and 
cold,  but  I  believe  no  frost.  Last  night  a  valuable  house  and  store  in  Hart- 
ford were  burnt.  Gave  a  poor  man  $2.00.  After  dinner  my  cousins  went  off 
for  Norfolk.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage  at  Mr,  E.  Bissell's.'  Had  a 
pretty  splendid  wedding, 

23.  Am  much  oppressed  with  my  cold.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school. 
Wrote,     Walked  out  and  visited. 


'  This   was   the   new   study,  enlarged   to  remarks   on    his   sermon   recently   preached 

hold  his  rapidly-increasing  library,  and  published  at  Baltimore,  1S19, 

^  This  is  another  of  those  references  which  ^  Francis  Peck,  of  Georgia,  with  Cynthia 

are  unexplained.  Newbury. 

^  Lester  H.  Fenton  with  Sophia  Johnson,  '  The   same   sermon,   probably,   just    no- 

both  of  Wapping;  and  Simeon  Dow,  of  Cov-  ticed. 
entry,  with  Almira  Johnson.  ^  Dr,  Peter  Oilman  Robbins,  son  of   Dr, 

■•  Dr.  Nathan  Williams,  pastor  at  Tolland,  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plymouth. 
1760-1829.  9  Frances,  daughter  of  Epaphras  Bissell, 

*  Moses   Stuart's  (not  Stewart)  Letters  to  was  united   in   marriage  with   Mr,  Owen  P. 

the  Rev.    William   E.  Chamiing,  containing  Olmsted,  of  Geneseo,  N.  Y. 


1819.J  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  797 

24.  Quite  warm.  Visited  the  sick.  The  number  increases.  Some  appear 
to  have  taken  the  fever  by  contagion.  Wet.  Wrote  to  Rev.  W.  B.  Sprague.' 
At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

25.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John  xv:  25.  Have  many  hindrances. 
Something  wet. 

26.  Was  called  in  the  morning  to  see  a  sick  family.  Some  of  them  are 
very  low.  Finished  and  preached  all  day  the  sermon  on  John  xv :  25.  After- 
noon quite  rainy.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 
The  rain  was  very  powerful.  Had  difficulty  in  speaking  on  account  of  my 
cold.     Our  meetings  of  late  have  been  rather  thin. 

27.  We  have  had  the  greatest  rain  that  has  been  for  several  months.  It  is 
very  refreshing  to  the  ground.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Visited  and 
catechised  a  small  school.  Quite  warm.  The  thermometer  on  Saturday  was 
at  85°. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping  in  the  forenoon  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited  a 
family  in  a  very  unpleasant  difficulty.  My  cousin,  Dr.  Robbins,  and  wife, 
called  here  today  and  dined,  and  went  on  their  journey  homewards,  in  my 
absence.  My  cousin  Joseph  BattelP  came  here  and  tarried.  He  is  soon 
going  to  Middlebury  to  enter  that  college.'*     Warm. 

29.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Towards  night  rode  to  Hartford. 
Saw  Mr.  Battell.     Did  errands  for  the  building.     Got  home  late, 

30.  Read.  Taken  up  with  the  workmen.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school. 
Quite  warm.     Thermometer  80°.     Visited. 

October. 

1.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  at  tive  houses.  Several  are  very  low.  The 
yellow  fever  appears  to  be  very  bad  at  New  York,  Baltimore,  and  Charles- 
town.'  The  corn  comes  in  well.  People  are  gathering  it  without  having  had 
a  frost.  Afternoon  catechised  the  children  at  the  meeting-house.  I  have 
given  them  a  good  many  catechisms  this  year,  mostly  Coleman's.*  After  the 
catechising  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Rev.  iii :  12. 
Wrote. 

2.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxvi :  26-30.  Hindered  by 
company.     Mr.  Stebbins  does  pretty  well  in  his  studies.     Cool.     Had  a  fire. 


*  Dr.   William    B.    Sprague,   just   before  ■*  He  entered  Middlebury  and  was  gradu- 

settled   at   West   Springfield,    Mass.,  as  col-  ated  in  course,  in  1S23. 
league  with  Rev.  Joseph  Lathrop.  '  While  the  yellow  fever  was  destructive 

^  The  persons  married  were  Isaac  Cleve-  in  these  American  cities,  it  was  not  so  vio- 

land,  of  Cazenovia,  N.  Y.,  and  Anna  Drake,  lent   as   in   some   previous    years.      It  was, 

of  Wapping.  however,  very  fatal  this  year  (1S19)  in  Cadiz 

5  Dr.    Robbins    had    a    habit   of    calling  and  the  Island  of  .St.  Leon, 
nephews   and    nieces  cousins.     This  Joseph  *  We   do    not  find    what    Mr.    Coleman 

Eattell,  whose   name   now  stands  associated  wrote  this  catechism   which   he   was   using, 

with  the  Battell  Chapel  at  New  Haven,  and  It  may  have  been  Dr.  Benjamin  Colman,  of 

who  died,  unmarried,  in  1874,  leaving  a  great  Brattle  Street  Church,   Boston.     He   was   a 

estate,  was  the  son  of  Dr.  Robbins's  sister  very  distinguished  minister  and  interested  in 

Sarah,  and  an  unmistakable  nephew.  that  kind  of  church  work. 


ygS  DIARY   OF   REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1819. 

3.  Was  called  early  to  see  a  man  very  sick.  Finished  and  preached  in 
the  forenoon  my  sermon  on  Matt,  xxvi :  26-30.  Afternoon  preached  with  old 
notes  on  Luke  iv  :  25,26.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Meeting  quite  full. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The  church  had  a  contribution  for  the 
Domestic  Missionary  Society.  We  collected  nearly  $15.00.  More  than  I 
expected. 

4.  This  morning  and  yesterday  there  was  a  little  frost,  but  not  sufficient 
to  stop  vegetation.  Our  garden  vines  are  still  flourishing.  Rode  and  visited 
the  sick.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  On  the  23d 
received  a  letter  from  Asahel  Gaylord,  of  Norfolk.  Heard  the  painful 
news  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Storrs,'  of  Longmeadow.  It  is  a  most  afflictive  and 
mysterious  appointment  of  divine  providence. 

5.  This  morning  we  had  a  pretty  hard  frost.  The  first  to  kill  vegetation. 
Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
attended  a  funeral,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Fairchild.     Visited  the  sick.     Warm. 

6.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  cattle  show.  The  collection  of 
people  was  ver)-  great.  Dined  with  a  very  large  company.  The  exhibition 
was  very  good.  Very  warm  for  the  season.  Towards  night  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  Burnham,  the  elder  son  in  the  sick  family. 

7.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  was  at  83°,  and  I  believe  about  the 
same  yesterday.  I  spend  much  time  unprofitably.  Read.  In  the  evening 
rode  to  Ellington  and  to  Enfield.  Got  to  my  brother's  late.  He  and  his  wife 
have  lately  been  a  journey  to  the  eastward.  The  death  of  Mr.  Storrs  makes 
a  great  breach. 

8.  Rode  home.  Much  fatigued.  Thermometer82°.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.  Performed  pretty  poorly.  Mr.  Stone,^  of  Cornwall, 
called  and  dined  with  me.  A  very  respectable  mission  is  soon  to  sail  from 
Boston  for  the  Sandwich  Islands.^  I  think  their  prospects  are  very  favorable, 
and  I  pray  God  to  give  them  his  blessing. 

9.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Visited  the  sick.  Some  are 
ver}'  low.     Gave  two  poor  persons  $1.50.     Thermometer  80°. 

10.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  violent  rain.  Preached  with  old  notes  on 
Matt.  XX :  30.  Meetings  pretty  thin.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping,  and 
preached  at  four  o'clock  on  Ps.  li :  4.  Baptized  three  children.''  At  evening 
performed  a  marriage.*     Tarried  at  Wapping. 


'  Rev.   Richard    Salter    Storrs,   the  first  made  a  great  impression   in   East  Windsor, 

minister  of  this  name,  was  a  native  of  Mans-  as   Miss   Nancy  Wells,  of  the  north  parish, 

field,  Ct,  and  received  his  baptismal  names  was  in  the  fall  of   1819  united  in   marriage 

from  Rev.  Richard   Salter,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  with  Mr.  Samuel  Ruggles,  and  the  two  went 

Mansfield,  1744-1787.     He  was  graduated  at  in   this  first   company  to   the    Sandwich   Is- 

Yale  in  1783,  and  was  pastor  at  Longmeadow,  lands. 

1785-1819.     He  died  of  the  tj'phus  fever  so  ■•  Charles,  son  of  Alfred  Grant;  Charlotte, 

common  in  the  Connecticut  valley.  daughter  of  Timothy  Munsell;  and    Ammi, 

^  Rev.  Timothy  Stone,  pastor  at  Cornwall,  son  of  Oliver  Skinner. 
Ct.,  1803-1827.  5  Francis  Rockwell   and   Peggy  Johnson 

^  This  mission  to  the  Sandwich  Islands  were  united  in  marriage. 


iSlQ.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


799 


11.  Visited  a  young  man  apparently  near  dying.  Cornelius  Wells,  of  East 
Hartford,  has  failed,  and  Mr.  Wolcott  is  his  endorser  at  the  bank  for  two 
thousand  dollars.  He  has  got  some  security,  but  must  be,  I  think,  a  consider- 
able sufferer.  It  is  a  severe  affliction  upon  us.  I  hope  it  may  be  for  our 
good.     At  evening  my  brother  came  here  and  tarried. 

12.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral.'  After  which  rode  to  West 
Hartford  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  In  the  evening  'my  brother 
preached   the   consociational   sermon    very  well.     Cold. 

13.  In  the  forenoon  the  Conso  performed  a  good  deal  of  business.  The 
case  of  Turkey  Hills  and  Newgate  was  attended  to.  In  the  afternoon  the 
Conso  ordained  Mr.  H,  HulP  a  missionary.  Quite  cold,  with  some  flying 
snow.  In  the  evening  attended  a  meeting  at  Hartford  about  forming  an 
auxiliary  colonization  society.     Rode  home. 

14.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  disturbed  with  his  trials.  Read.  Walked  and 
visited.  Dr.  McClure  has  been  lately  married^  at  Providence  quite 
unexpectedly, 

15.  On  the  nth  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  P.  G.  Robbins,  of  Roxbur}'. 
On  the  12th  received  a  letter  from  the  new  church  and  society  in  North- 
ington,  requesting  the  assistance  of  this  church  at  their  proposed  installation. 
Wrote.     Cold.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

16.  Wrote  on  the  beginning  of  a  sermon  on  the  divinity  of  Christ.  Wrote 
four  pages  in  the  evening.  I  hope  for  the  divine  assistance  in  writing  on  this 
important  subject.     Had  various  hindrances. 

17.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Rom.  xv :  1-28.  Afternoon  preached 
what  I  wrote  yesterday  on  John  i :   1-5.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

18.  Cold.  Worked  in  my  garden.  At  evening  wrote  a  piece  for  publica- 
tion.    Wrote  late. 

19.  Taken  up  at  the  new  house.  Wrote  to  my  cousin.  Dr.  Robbins,  and 
to  Howe  &  Spaulding,  of  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Yesterday 
reviewed  a  part  of  Tytler's  History  for  Mr.  Goodrich,  who  is  about  publishing 
a  new  edition.'* 

20.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Mr.  Wolcott  has  a 
prospect  of  a  new  claim  coming  against  him  on  account  of  Wells. 

21.  Much  taken  up  with  Mr.  Wolcott's  affairs.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Staples,^  of 
New  Haven.     At  evening  walked  out. 


'  Elijah  Elmer,  aged  twenty-seven.  ond  marriage  in  1816.     But  it  took  place  in 

^  Rev.  Hezekiah  Hull,  a  graduate  of  Vale  1819,   only   a  few  months    before    his   own 

in  1814,  to  be  Home  Missionary  in  the  new  death. 

territories  at  the  Southwest.  *  Tytler's   History  was   taken   as   a  text- 

^  Dr.   David    McClure's    first    wife    was  book  into  colleges  and  academies.     It  was  a 

Hannah,  youngest  daughter  of  Dr.  Benjamin  text-book  in   Yale  College  when  the  writer 

Pomeroy,  of   Hebron,  Ct.     They  were   mar-  of  this  note  was  in  college,  and  some  years 

ried  in   1780  and  lived  together  thirty-four  afterwards 

years,  she  dying  in  April,  1814.     His  second  ^  ygth  Perkins  Staples,  Esq.,  a  prominent 

wife  was  Mrs.  Betsey  Martin,  of  Providence.  lawyer  in  New  Haven,  a  graduate  of  Yale, 

Dr.  Sprague,  in  his  Annals,  places  this  sec-  1797- 


8oo  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^9- 

22.  In  the  morning  Mr.  Williston/  of  New  Durham,  called  on  me.  )de 
with  him  to  Enfield  to  give  him  a  conveyance.  Quite  cold.  At  evening 
attended  our  stated  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Batte''  and 
wrote  to  him  at  Hartford. 

23.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  sermon  on  John  i:  i,  etc.  It  requires  much 
labor. 

24.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Gen.  v :  24.  Afternoon  a  part  of  the 
sermon  on  John  i.     At  evening  visited  and  attended  a  singing-meeting. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  good  woman 
in  Wapping,  aged  ninety.     Wet  and  cold. 

26.  Worked  considerably.  Mr.  Wolcott  returned  from  New  York.  He 
went  away  on  the  2 2d.  He  succeeded  in  securing  a  debt  much  better  than 
I  feared.     Read.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^ 

27.  Wrote.  I  am  too  much  taken  up  with  unimportant  things.  Had  a 
long  walk  in  the  meadow  after  my  horse.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage 
in  the  lower  part  of  Scantick.-*     I  feel  some  anxiety  about  our  society  matters. 

28.  Reviewed  Tytler.  Visited  the  sick.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Most 
of  the  sick  are  convalescing.     Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott. 

29.  Wrote.  Wrote  on  my  long  sermon  on  the  divinity  of  Christ.  Hin- 
dered by  company.     My  brother's  wife  and  her  son  called  here. 

30.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Andrus,  of  Hartford,  and  Mr.  Staples,  of  New  Haven. 
Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Afternoon  Mr.  El}-,''  of  Vernon,  called  on  me  wishing 
for  an  exchange  tomorrow.     In  the  evening  rode  out  there.     Took  some  cold. 

31.  Preached  on  Job  xxvii :  8,  and  Ps.  cxxxvi :  23.  This  society-  appears 
very  well.  There  has  been  here  a  good  work  of  grace.  The  Sabbath-school 
appears  to  have  done  much  good.  At  evening  preached  at  a  school-house  on 
Prov,  viii:  17.  Mr.  Ely  attended.  Meetings  all  full  and  solemn.  Quite 
cool.     We  have  had  a  very  pleasant  month. 

November. 

1.  This  morning  we  had  a  very  hard  frost.  Rode  home.  I  am  very 
much  crowded  with  business.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting,  and  preached  without  notes  on  Matt,  xxviii :  20.  Visited  a 
young  man  very  sick. 

2.  Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master,  whom  we  could  not  pass. 
Rode  with  Dea.  Loomis^  to  Northington^  to  attend  the  installation  of  Mr. 
Kellogg.'     He  appeared  very  well  on  examination.     This  small  people  have 


'  Rev.  Seth  Williston,  D.  D.  settled  at  Vernon  about  a  year  and  a  half, 

^  The   parties  married  were  William  F.  afterwards  for  many  years  at  Mansfield,  Ct. 
Andross,  of  Hartford,  and  Julia  Bancroft,  of  '  Dea.  Amasa  Loomis. 

East  Windsor.  ^  Avon,  Ct. 

^  Marriages  are  becoming  frequent  again  ^  Rev.   Bela   Kellogg   was    graduated    at 

after  a  long  season  of  dullness.     The  couple  Williams   College   in    iSoo,   pastor   in    East 

united    this    time   were    Fenn   Johnson   and  Avon,  1819-1829.     He  had    been  previouslv 

Dinah  E.  Darling,  of  Scantic  Parish.  settled   in    Brookfield,   Ct.,    1813-1816.     He 

*  Rev.  William  Ely,  who  had   now  been  died  in   1S31. 


l8l.a>.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  8oi 

ex^Med  themselves  very  much.     In  the  evening  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  West  Haven, 
prej>.ehed. 

-^Ii  We  had  an  agreeable  installation.  The  day  pleasant  and  the  collec- 
tion of  people  great.  I  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  Returned.  A 
young  man  in  the  neighborhood  died  this  morning  unexpectedly  of  a  consump- 
tion.'    Visited  the  family. 

4.  Attended  the  funeral.  Worked  some.  Wrote  the  last  of  eight  num- 
bers for  the  Mirror  newspaper,  in  reply  to  a  violent  attack  upon  our  religious 
institutions  by  a  writer  in  a  New  Haven  paper.^ 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  preached  a  preparatory 
lecture  for  my  brother  on  Heb.  xii :  2.  He  is  quite  afflicted  with  his  nervous 
headache.  Returned  and  attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.  Quite  cold. 
Paid  ninety-two  cents  for  a  bushel  of  quinces. 

6.  Wrote  three  pages  on  my  sermon  on  the  divinity  of  Christ,  and  six  on 
one  from  Prov.  ix :  12.  Wrote  late.  Have  to  attend  considerably  to  Mr. 
Stebbins.^     Wrote  five  pages  in  the  evening. 

7.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Prov.  ix :  12. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  John  i,  etc.  Meetings  full  and  solemn.  O 
that  God  would  awaken  us  from  our  infinite  stupidity.  At  evening  attended 
conference.     Read, 

8.  Read.  Visited  the  sick.  A  very  valuable  young  woman  I  fear  is 
going  into  a  consumption.  Rode  out  and  visited.  On  the  6th  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Fairchild,  of  East  Hartford,  and  one  from  Rev.  Mr.  Sprague, 
of  West  Springfield. 

9.  Read  Tytler.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Assisted  Mr.  Wolcott 
in  making  out  his  list  on  the  new  system,  which  is  poor  enough. 

10.  Reviewed  Tytler.     Gave  a  person  $1.00. 

11.  Paid  foi  work  in  my  garden,  .t^t^.     Studied  late. 

12.  Last  evening  our  joiners  left  here,  after  having  worked  on  the  house 
about  eighteen  weeks.  I  think  it  would  take  them  four  or  five  weeks  more  to 
complete  it.  There  have  been  generally  five  workmen.  They  ha\-e  been 
faithful.  Warm  and  very  dry.  Thermometer  at  70°.  Wrote  laboriously  on 
my  sermon  on  John  i,  etc.     Wrote  five  pages  in  the  evening. 

13.  Much  hindered  by  a  variety  of  objects.  Afternoon  attended  the 
funeral  of  an  aged  woman.*  Cold  and  very  windy.  Visited.  Wrote  on  the 
divinity  of  Christ. 

14.  Hoped  to  have  been  able  to  preach  all  day  on  John  i,  etc.,  but  was  not 
able  to  prepare.  Did  it  in  the  afternoon  only.  Forenoon  expounded  on 
Rom,  XV :  28,  to  the  end  of  the  book.  At  evening  visited  and  attended  a 
singing-school.     Cold. 

15.  Cold,  and  roads  xevy  dry.     Rode  to   Hartford   and  Windsor.     Mills 


*  Solomon  Ellsworth  Newbury,  aged  eight-  from  the  old  Federal  to  the  Democratic  rule 
een.  of  the  State. 

•  This  attack  and  defence  were  doubtless  '  His  theological  student. 

incidental  to  the  change  which  was  going  on  *  Widow  Lucy  Morton,  aged  eighty-four. 


8o2  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

suffer  much  for  want  of  water.     Young  people   here  seem  more  inclined  to 
dancing  than   they  have  been.     Read. 

16.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  cider  brandy,  $2.80.  Worked  some. 
Have  many  interruptions  in  study.  Dr.  McClure  returned  from  Providence 
with  his  new  wife.     She  appears  very  well. 

17.  Wrote.     Borrowed  of  Mr.  Wolcott,  $60.00.     Thermometer  67°. 

18.  Visited  the  sick.  Warm.  Reviewed  Tytler.  Worked  some.  Get 
along   but   poorly  with    my  studies,' 

19.  Wrote  on  my  long  sermon.  Had  company.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     I  hope  my  trials  will  do  me  good.'^     Cool  and  dry. 

20.  Studied  laboriously  on  Tytler,  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  to  ex- 
change with  Mr.  Flint.  On  the  17th  wrote  to  my  mother.  It  is  long  since  I 
visited  her. 

21.  Mr.  Flint  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after  meeting.  Preaciied 
on  Matt,  vi :  13,  and  Ps.  li :  4.  At  evening  preached  at  the  chapel  on  John 
iv  :  29.     I  think  this  congregation  appears  better  than  in  years  past. 

22.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  Paid  my  merchant  tailor,  $23.00.  For  a 
pair  of  boots,  $9.00,  For  three  half  volumes  of  Encydopcedia,  and  two  num- 
bers of  Clarke's  Bible,  $15.00.  Rode  home.  Cold  and  chilly.  Read. 
Hindered  by  company. 

23.  Something  rainy.  Mills  suffer  much  for  want  of  water.  Worked 
some.     Wrote.     Had  company. 

24.  Wrote  an  addition  to  the  chronological  table  of  Tytler.  It  is  a  labori- 
ous work.     Walked  out  and  visited.     Hindered  by  company. 

25.  Had  Dr.  McClure  and  his  wife  and  others  here  to  dine.^  Worked  at 
my  library.     My  time  is  very  much  taken  up.     Very  pleasant  for  the  season. 

26.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  to  my  studies.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
There  is  a  very  great  indifference  to  divine  things  among  us. 

27.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on  John  i.  Rev.  Mr.  Wood"*  called  on  me. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Mix,^  of  West  Suffield,  who  has  lost  his  wife. 
Wrote  late. 

28.  Preached  all  day  on  John  i :  i,  etc.  Wrote  the  latter  sermon  since 
seven  o'clock  last  evening.  Cold  and  chilly.  Meetings  pretty  full.  At 
evening  wrote  an  addition  to  my  sermon  on  Hab.  iii. 

29.  Last  night  we  had  considerable  snow.  The  first  to  cover  the  ground 
we  have  had.  Rode  to  West  Suffield,  and  preached  at  the  funeral  of  Mrs. 
Mix  on  Hab.  iii:  17,  18.     Mr.  Mix  appeared  very  well.     Three  other  min- 


'  Nov.  18,  1819,  as  appears  by  the  record  McClure    and    Dr.   Robbins    have    of    late 

of  marriages  which  Dr.  Robbins  kept  on  the  grown  more  pleasant  and  harmonious  than 

church  books,  he  united  in  marriage  Jonathan  they  were  at  first. 

Blake,  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  Lucy  Bliss,  *  Rev.  Luke   Wood,   probably,  who  had 

of  East  Windsor.     This  marriage  doubtless  been  settled  in  Waterbury,  Ct,  and  settled 

he  forget  to  enter  in  his  diary.  afterwards  in  Westford,  Ct,  and  West  Hart- 

^  "  The    heart    knoweth   his   own   bitter-  land,  Ct.     He  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth 

"ess."  in  1803,  and  died  in  1851. 

*  It  is  noticeable  that  the  relations  of  Dr.  '  Rgy,  Joseph  Mix. 


lSl9-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  803 

isters  were  present.     Quite   cold.     Returned  in   the  evening.     Gave  a  poor 
woman,  $2.00. 

30.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  i6°.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Received  of  the  bank,  $14.28.  Paid  Gilbert  for  things  for  the  new  house, 
$6.79.     Read.     Visited  the  sick.     Received  a  letter  from  Seth  Terry,'  Esq. 

December. 

1.  Made  a  fire  in  our  new  house.  It  does  very  well.  Began  and  wrote 
the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xxiv :  i  for  Thanksgiving.     Wrote  late. 

2.  Thanksgiving.  The  Governor's  proclamation  is  the  same  as  the  last 
year's  one.  Preached  on  Ps.  xxiv:  i.  My  sermon  was  not  quite  finished. 
We  had  a  full  meeting.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mather  were  here.^  Warm  for  the 
season.     Read  Hudibras. 

3.  Read  Hudibras.  Wrote.  Wrote  on  the  chronological  table  of  Tytler's 
History.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Last  evening  the  weather 
changed,  and  it  is  now  quite  cold.  The  thermometer  was  below  the  freezing 
point,  with  a  clear  sun  all  day.     Hindered  by  company. 

4.  Studied  on  Tytler.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  19°.  At  even- 
ing rode  to  Windsor  to  make  an  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.     Cold. 

5.  Mr.  Rowland  sent  Mr.  Hubbard,^  a  candidate,  to  East  Windsor,  and 
heard  me.  Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  13,  and  John  iv :  29.  The  forenoon  quite 
cold.  Meetings  pretty  full  for  this  place.  At  evening  rode  to  Wintonbury, 
and  tarried  with  Mr.  Bartlett.'*     Yesterday  got  my  greenhouse  into  the  house. 

6.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  The  weather  very  mild  and  pleasant.  Met  with 
brother  Frank  at  Colebrook.  Found  mother  quite  comfortable.  In  her 
circumstances  she  is  well  accommodated.  She  keeps  boarders,  who  are  a 
great  comfort  to  her. 

7.  Mr.  Battell  has  made  a  fine  improvement  this  year  in  his  buildings. 
My  brother  Ammi's  wife  came  over  here.  Last  evening  attended  a  monthly 
prayer-meeting  with  Mr.  Emerson.     Visited  a  machine '  grammar  school. 

8.  Looked  over  father's  old  papers.  Find  some  quite  valuable.  After- 
noon preached  a  lecture  for  Mr.  Emerson  on  John  iv :  29.  Full  meeting. 
Warm.  My  brother  Samuel  is  here  from  Woodbury.  The  State  assessment 
makes  a  great  deal  of  trouble  and  difficulty. 

9.  Gave  a  black  man,  $1.00.  My  brothers  Samuel  and  Frank  went  home. 
My  mother  is  not  willing  that  I  should  leave  her.  Hindered  by  company. 
Wrote.     Visited.     Towards  night  the  weather  changed  to  winter  cold. 

10.     Severe  cold  and  blustering.     The  wind  very  high.     Knew  not  how  I 


'  One  of  the  prominent  men  of  Hartford,  ble  that  Dr.  Mather,  of  New  York,  and  his 

greatly  honored  and  trusted.  wife,  are  the  persons  here  meant. 

^  There  was  a  Dr.  Charles   Mather  who  ^  Anson   Hubbard,  a  native  of  Glaston- 

had  been  a  noted  physician  in  East  Windsor  bury,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1817. 
and  Hartford.     He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  '•  Rev.  John  Bartlett,  younger  brother  of 

T763,  and  died  in  1822.     His  son,  Dr.  Charles  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  East  Windsor. 
Mather,  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1784,  and  '  Machine    seems    to    be   the  word,   but 

was  a  physician  in  New  York.     It  is  proba-  what  is  meant,  we  do  not  understand. 


S04  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1819. 

should  ride  home.  My  sister,  in  Mr.  Battell's  absence,  kindly  offered  me 
their  chaise,  with  which  I  left  them  after  dinner,  and  rode  comfortably  to 
Northington. 

11.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  and  home.  Saw  Mr.  Battell  at  Hartford. 
The  cold  and  wind  are  not  much  abated.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  My  ther- 
mometer on  the  morning  of  the  5th  was  14° ;  the  6th  16°;  yesterday  18°  ;  and 
this  morning  20°.  Have  a  hard  rheumatic  pain  in  my  back.  Had  it  bathed, 
and  put  on  my  flannel,  which  I  have  not  done  before.  During  this  week,  S. 
«S:  M.  Ellsworth,'  of  Scantick,  have  failed,  by  whom  Mr.  Wolcott  is  like  to  lose 
a  debt  of  one  thousand  dollars.     Read. 

12.  Thermometer  this  morning  24°,  but  it  is  still  quite  tedious.  Thin 
meeting.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Hos.  vi :  i.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  much  affected  and  depressed  with  his  late  losses. 
My  rheumatic  pain  abates.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell,  and 
one  from  G.  Goodwin,^  Hartford. 

13.  The  cold  abates.  Thermometer  this  morning  26^.  Yesterday  it 
scarcely  raised  a  degree  from  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  to  nine  at  night, 
with  a  clear  sun.  Wrote.  Read.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting.  Quite  full.  Our  annual  society  meeting  was  held.  Our  prospects 
are  more  encouraging  than  they  have  been.     Our  hope  is  in  God. 

14.  Studied  on  Tytler.  Dined  and  spent  a  considerable  part  of  the  day  at 
Dr.  McClure's.     It  snowed  some, 

15.  Worked  at  the  chronological  table  of  Tytler.  Afternoon  visited  a 
school.  At  evening  rode  to  Vv'apping  and  performed  a  marriage.^  I  have 
married  this  year  seventeen  couples.'*  Warm.  Received  of  my  collector, 
$260.00.  Paid  a  merchant's  bill,  $20.63  '■>  ^  smith's  bill,  $3.25.  Paid  Mr. 
Wolcott  on  my  boarding  bill,  $75.15.  The  society  are  considerably  in  arrears. 
Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  Staples,  of  New  Haven,^ 

16.  In  the  forenoon  visited  a  school.  Studied  on  Tytler  laboriously.  Was 
up  late.     Frank  has  a  pretty  severe  trial. 

17.  Finished  the  chronological  table  of  Tytler.  It  has  cost  me  a  good 
deal  of  labor.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Hartford.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting. 

18.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  in  my  long  discourse  on  John  i.     Wrote 
•  nearly  six  pages  in  the  evening.     Mr.  Wolcott  killed  three  hogs  that  weighed 

nine  hundred  and  forty-six  pounds.     Have  various  hindrances. 

19.  Some  snow  and  rain.  Meeting  well  attended.  Preached  with  old 
notes  on  Ps.  xxvii:  14,  and  on  John  i,  etc.  Wrote,  Had  no  conference. 
Read. 

20.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  two  schools.  They  are  larger  than 
usual.  Rogers,  an  Episcopalian  of  good  character,  has  preached  there  lately 
several  times. 


'  Stoddard  &  Moseley  Ellsworth.  *  It   has  been  a  prosperous  year  in  this 

^  George  Goodwin.  respect,  and  he  is  to  have  one  more  wedding 

'  Joseph  Rockwell  was  married  to  Han-       before  the  year  closes, 

nah  Grant,  both  of  Wapping.  s  Seth  P.  Staples,  Esq. 


l8l9-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  805 

21.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  Kelloo-T,  of 
Northington,  joined  us.     Other  neighboring   ministers  were   present.     Cold, 

22.  We  had  a  verj'  good  ministers'  meeting.  Rode  to  Windsor.  Paid  for 
dressing-cloth,  ^3.25.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  home.  Very  pleasant  and  good 
riding.     Paid  Imlay  at  Hartford,  $25.10.     Paid  Caleb  Goodwin,  $1.50. 

23.  Wrote  on  Tytler.  Assisted  in  examining  two  school-masters.  Capt. 
Hall,  of  Wapping,  brought  me  a  valuable  load  of  wood.'  Hindered  by 
company. 

24.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  very  low  with  his  nervous  gloom.  Wet  and  rainy. 
Visited  a  district  and  our  academic  school.     Read.     Wrote. 

25.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  my  long  discourse  on  John  i,  etc.  Am  troubled 
with  many  worldly  and  unholy  inclinations. 

26.  The  morning  very  cold.  Thermometer  at  8°.  Expounded  on  Mark 
i:  1-18,  and  preached  a  sermon  written  yesterday.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference.     Pretty  thin.     After  which  performed  a  marriage.^ 

27.  Read.  Worked  some.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Staples,  of  New  Haven.  Vis- 
ited the  Long  Hill  school.  At  evening  visited  at  Dr.  Tudor's.^  Ther- 
mometer this  morning  15°.  Received  from  a  shoemaker  a  new  pair  of 
slipjDers.     The    first    I   ever  had. 

28.  Thermometer  22°.  Visited  the  last  school.  Rode  to  the  hither  part 
of  East  Hartford  and  attended  a  funeral.     Very  windy  and  tedious.     Wrote. 

29.  Thermometer  18°.  Severe  cold.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  re- 
pairing our  carriage,  $r.oo.  The  ground  very  hard  frozen.  At  evening 
walked  out.     Read. 

30.  Thermometer  10°.  Wrote  a  recommendation  of  Mather's  Magnalia 
for  a  printer."*  Read  some  dramatic  plays.  The  afternoon  and  evening  we 
had  a  violent  snow-storm.     Severe  cold  for  snow.     Wrote. 

31.  Thermometer  8°.  The  snow  is  nearly  a  foot  deep,  but  much  drifted. 
Very  windy  and  tedious.  The  snow  flies  ver)'  much.  Wrote  on  Tytler. 
Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Matt,  xiii :  25.  Had  very  few 
hearers.  With  regard  to  weather  for  this  year  there  has  been  but  a  small 
portion  of  wet,  and  very  little  cloudy  weather.  I  think  I  never  knew  so 
pleasant  a  season.     God  is  constantly  supplying  us  with  unmerited  favors. 


'  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  has  done  this  in  Hartford,  by  Silas  Andrus,  in  the  summer 

same  thing  several  times  before.  of   1820,  a  most   important  publication ;  for 

=  John  Brown  and  Beulah  Johnson  were  copies  of  the  first  edition,  printed  in   Eng- 

the  persons  united  in  marriage.  land  in  1701,  had  become  so  rare  that  it  w.as 

^  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor.  almost  impossible   for  scholars   to    possess 

■*  This  was  the  preface  for  the  edition  of  themselves  of  the  work.      Now  it  is  widely 

Cotton  Mather's  Magnalia,  which  was  issued  scattered  abroad. 


I 


18230. 

Jani  ary. 

1.  The  new  year  opens  upon  us  distinguished  with  the  great  mercies  of 
God.  Endeavored  to  devote  myself  to  him  for  the  present  year  in  a  life  of 
godliness,  self-denial,  and  usefulness.  Got  my  sleigh  and  harness  repaired, 
$1.20.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Acts  xxvi :  22.  Wrote  five  pages  in  the  evening. 
I  am  too  apt  to  be  hindered  by  unnecessary  things.  Severe  cold.  Ther- 
mometer in  the  morning  11°  below  zero.  Several  degrees  colder  than  any 
time  last  winter.     It  rose  during  the  day  to  about  20°. 

2.  Thermometer  this  morning  12°  below  zero.  It  rose  very  slowly. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxiv :  31.  Administered 
the  sacrament.  Had  the  exercises  very  short.  The  cold  was  very  severe. 
The  members  of  the  church  were  well  collected.  Afternoon  preached  the 
sermon  written  yesterday.  Meeting  pretty  full.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Full  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the  season.  The  Lord  give 
us  his  blessing. 

3.  Thermometer  10°.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an 
infant  child.  Dined  with  the  civil  authority.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  It  was  quite  full  and  interesting.  I  fear  my  green 
trees  are  much  injured  by  the  frost. 

4.  Had  a  new  great  coat  cut  by  a  tailor  at  Hartford  so  scant  and  short 
that  I  could  not  have  it  made.  Mrs.  Wolcott  gave  me  the  cloth.  The  tailor 
took  it,  and  I  got  cloth  for  a  new  one.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Pretty  good 
sleighing.  Thermometer  this  morning  15°.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid  a 
post  office  bill,  $3.45.     It  thaws  some. 

5.  Thermometer  14°.  Wrote  on  Tytler.  The  work  is  long  and  labo- 
rious. At  evening  my  brother  came  here  and  tarried.  He  informed  me  that 
my  good  Uncle  Isaac  Le  Baron '  is  dead.  He  deceased  with  a  short  illness 
last  week.     But  two  of  that  numerous  family  now  remain. 

6.  Thermometer  23°.  My  brother  returned.  He  has  a  great  deal  of 
parochial  labor.  Wrote  on  Tytler.  I  fear  I  cannot  bear  as  much  study  as  I 
could  years  ago.  My  new  great  coat  is  a  very  good  one.  Paid  a  tailoress, 
.88.     Lent  Maj.  Hayden,  $25.00. 

7.  Thermometer  10°  below  zero.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  quite  low.  Wrote  to 
my  mother,  giving  her  an  account  of  the  late  death  of  her  brother.  I  hope 
she  may  have  the  divine  support.  Rode  out  and  visited.  I  have  latterly 
too  much  neglected  visiting. 


*  Dr.  Lazarus  Le  Baron  by  two  wives  had  were  Elizabeth,  Dr.  Robbins's  mother,  then 
fourteen  children,  of  whom  Isaac  was  the  nearly  seventy-five,  and  his  uncle  Lemuel, 
eighth.  He  was  born  in  1744,  and  was  about  pastor  at  Rochester,  then  about  seventy- 
seventy-six  years   old.    The   two  remaining      three. 

807 


8o8  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1820, 

8.  Wrote  on  my  long  discourse  on  the  divinity  of  Christ,  sixteen  pages. 
More  than  I  ever  wrote  before  in  one  day.  Wrote  eight  pages  by  daylight, 
and  eight  in  the  evening.  Finished  at  half  after  one.  I  thank  God  that  I  am 
able  to  study  so  much.     The  weather  mild  and  pleasant.     The  snow  thaws. 

9.  Wrote  one  page  and  finished  my  sermon  on  John  i :  1-5.  Preached 
it  both  parts  of  the  day.  The  whole  discourse  contains  ten  sermons.'  They 
have  been  heard,  I  think,  with  much  interest.  I  pray  God  to  give  them  his 
blessing.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Meetings  pretty  full. 

10.  Read.  Worked  at  my  newspapers.  Wrote.  The  sleighing  is  poor. 
Lent  Tudor  $2.00. 

11.  Last  night  we  had  a  good  deal  of  snow.  Wrote  on  Tytler.  The 
weather  is  moderate.  At  evening  walked  out.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
cousin,  Mr.  Russell,"  of  Plymouth,  giving  an  account  of  the  death  of  my  Uncle 
Le  Baron.     Received  another  from  Mr.  R.  Newton,  of  Worcester.^ 

12.  Finished  to  my  great  joy  my  writing  on  Tytler.  It  has  cost  me  more 
than  half  the  labor  of  what  I  did  last  year.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Good  sleigh- 
ing. Paid  Gleason,  $9.62.  About  $2.60  of  this  had  been  given  me  by  a 
charitable  society  to  purchase  catechisms. 

13.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point  and  Windsor  with 
Mr.  Wolcott.  Excellent  sleighing  and  crossing  the  river.  Thermometer  this 
morning  14°. 

14.  Thermometer  8°.  My  best  orange-tree  was  hurt  last  night.  My 
neighbor,  Mrs.  Reed,  presented  me  with  a  good  comforter  for  a  bed  covering. 
Read.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Visited. 

15.  Thermometer  15°.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  i:  28.  Paid  for  my 
Mirror  newspaper  for  a  year,  $2.00. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  i:  18,  to  the  end.  Preached  on 
Rom.  i :  28.  Good  sleighing  and  full  meeting.  I  think  I  can  gain  time  by  rising 
early.     Thermometer  this  morning  S°.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

17.  Prepared  this  almanack.  We  had  a  hard  storm  of  snow  and  rain.  It 
was  quite  violent.     Wrote.     Was  out  in  the  rain  and  took  some  cold.     Wrote. 

18.  Wrote  to  my  cousin,  Mr.  Russell,*  of  Plymouth,  and  to  my  mother. 
Walked  out.     I  regret  that  I  cannot  find  more  time  for  visiting. 

19.  Thermometer  14°.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  I  hope  to  be  able  to 
attend  to  it  without  much  interruption.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Severe 
cold.     My  cold   is   pretty  hard. 

20.  Wrote.  Mr.  Wolcott  has  considerable  business  at  New  Haven,  and 
he  and  I  concluded  suddenly  to  ride  there.  Set  out  about  noon,  and  got  to 
New  Haven  at  eight  o'clock.'  Excellent  sleighing.  Thermometer  this  morn- 
ing 2°  below  zero. 


*  These  sermons  were  published  in  Hart-  ^  Rejoice  Newton,  Esq.,  of  whom  we  have 

ford  during   the   year    1820,  making  a  little  before  spoken, 
treatise  on  the  divinity  of  Christ.  ♦  Mr.  Nathaniel  Russell. 

^  Mr.  Nathaniel  Russell  married  Martha,  ^  A  little  more  than  forty  miles  from  Easi 

daughter  of  Isaac  Le  Baron.     By  reason  of  Wnidsor,   south   parish,  to  New  Haven,  by 

this  marriage  Dr.  Robbins  calls  him  cousin.  the  present  carriage  road. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  809 

21.  Did  considerable  business  with  Mr.  Wolcott  and  for  myself.  Sold  to 
Mr.  T.  Dwight  four  shares  in  Eagle  Bank  for  $400.00,  which  he  paid  me.  At 
the  present  time  I  think  it  fortunate.  Received  of  the  Eagle  Bank  a  dividend 
of  530-00.  Gave  to  the  Education  Society,  $5.00,  and  to  the  Domestic  Mis- 
sionary Society,  $5.00.  Paid  Gen.  Howe  for  books,  $15.00.  Mr.  Wolcott,  I 
think,  must  sustain  loss  by  Potter.  Paid  for  Plays,  .87.  Left  New  Haven  about 
sundown,  and  rode  to  Meriden.     The  late  storm  was  very  severe  at  New  Haven. 

22.  Early  in  the  morning,  and  most  of  the  forenoon,  it  snowed  hard. 
Rode  home.  My  cold  is  much  increased  by  my  journey.  Read.  Wrote. 
My  thermometer  yesterday  morning  was  1°  below  zero;  today  it  was  15°. 
Wrote.     The  new  snow,  I  think,  is  six  or  seven  inches. 

23.  Thermometer  about  10°.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Tit.  iii :  5. 
Much  burdened  with  my  cold.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Not  so 
full  as  I  hoped  to  see. 

24.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  15°.  In  the  evening  it  was  at  6°. 
Worked  some.  The  people  at  Wapping  brought  me  six  good  loads  of  wood.' 
A  fine  present.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  and  back.  Cold  and  tedious.  Paid 
for  two  bushels  of  oats  procured  last  summer,  $1.00. 

25.  Thermometer  19°.  Last  evening  wrote  to  Mr.  C.  Wells,  at  New 
Haven.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Visited.  Some  among  us  are  sick. 
Very  pleasant   for  winter. 

26.  Weather  quite  moderate.  Wrote.  Have  many  interruptions.  My 
two  deacons  called  on  me,  and  expressed  their  desire  that  my  late  sermons  on 
the  divinity  of  Christ  might  be  published.     It  snowed  some. 

27.  Wrote.  Dined  out.  Visited.  The  thermometer  rose  to  about  50°. 
The  sleighing  very  fine.     There  is  a  heavy  body  of  snow  on  the  ground. 

28.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  It  is  like  to  require  more  labor  than  I 
expected.     Visited.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

29.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  v:  17.  Mr.  Hawes,  of  Glaston- 
bury, lately  dismissed,  called  on  me.  The  thermometer  goes  but  little  below 
the  freezing  point. 

30.  Finished  and  preached  both  parts  of  the  day,  my  sermon  on  2  Cor. 
5-17.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  at  the  north  school-house 
on  Acts  iv:  12.  Meeting  there  full.  Yesterday  a  Wapping  man  brought  me 
three  bushels  of  oats.  Thermometer  was  at  about  50°.  On  the  25th  Mr. 
Dixon,-  who  keeps  Mr.  Wolcott,  was  here.  Mr.  Wolcott  has  much  trouble 
with  his  brother.^ 

31.  Last  night  it  snowed.  Quite  blustering.  Worked  getting  in  wood.  I 
fear  I  have  lost  some  books  by  lending.  Wrote.  On  the  29th  received  of  my 
collector,  $90.00. 


'  His  gifts  of  wood  came  almost  wholly  ^  Dr.   Robbins   writes   this   name  iJixon. 

from  Wapping.     This  was  probably  because  In  the  Wolcott  Memorial  volume  it  is  spelled 

the  people  there  thought  they  ought  to  make  Dickson.     The  latter  spelling  is  doubtless  the 

some   special    return  for  the   long   journeys  correct  one. 

the   minister   had  to   make   to  attend   iheir  ^  Mr.   William   Wolcott,   at   Middlefield, 

meetings,  their  weddings,  and  funerals.  Mass. 


8lO  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

February. 

1.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  met  with  the  Associa- 
tion at  Mr.  Hawes's.  I  was  scribe.  After  we  had  commenced  our  business, 
I  had  to  come  home  to  get  the  minutes  of  the  last  session  which  I  had. 
Thermometer  in  the  morning  2°,  and  at  two  o'clock  11°.  Much  colder  in  the 
middle  of  the  day  than  any  one  this  year.  Mr.  Porter'  preached  in  the 
evening. 

2.  Thermometer  this  morning  4°.  Paid  the  bank,  $10,00.  The  roads 
are  drifted.     Severe   cold. 

3.  Wrote.  It  snowed  and  rained  considerably.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
My  visiting  is  much  in  arrear. 

4.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Weather  moderate.  The  snow  is  covered 
with  a  very  sharp  crust.  The  young  people  here  had  a  ride,  and  Mr.  Wolcott's 
four  children^  were  of  the  party.  Rode  to  Wapping  with  the  school  visitors, 
and  examined  the  condition  of  the  South  School,  in  which  there  has  lately 
been  an  insurrection.  We  expelled  two  of  the  pupils.  The  district  is  in  a 
poor  state. 

5.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child. 
The  thermometer  this  morning  was  8°  below  zero.  Last  night  it  grew  cold 
very  much. 

6.  Last  evening  the  thermometer  was  at  12°,  and  this  morning  at  sunrise 
38°.  The  eaves  run.  It  thawed  much  all  day.  Thermometer  rose  to  50°. 
Expounded  on  the  second  chapter  of  Mark.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rev. 
iii :   17.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

7.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  38°.  It  snowed  and  thawed  all  day. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother.  Wrote.  In  the  evening  our  monthly 
praj'er-meeting  was  very  small. 

8.  Thermometer  this  morning  8°  ;  but  it  rose  above  40°.  Wrote.  Yes- 
terday wrote  to  my  brother.     I  get  along  slowly  with  my  catechism.^ 

9.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  We  have  an  immense  body  of  it  on  the 
ground.     Wrote. 

10.  Worked  shoveling  snow.  Thermometer  at  2°.  Wrote  to  Gen.  Howe, 
of  New  Haven.  Afternoon  rode  to  Windsor  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolcott, 
Returned  in  the  evening  in  a  very  thick  snow-storm.  Had  difficulty  in  keep- 
ing the  road.     Not  very  cold. 

11.  The  snow  of  last  night  is  perhaps  a  foot  deep,  and  much  drifted. 
People  are  generally  out  breaking  roads.  It  is  said  there  is  more  than  three 
feet  of  snow  on  the  ground,  and  very  heavy.  The  thermometer  in  the  morn- 
ing was  5°,  but  rose  to  40°,  Received  a  letter  from  Cornelius  Wells,  at  New 
Haven.     Wrote  considerably. 


'  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.  D.,  Farmington.  could  be  better  than  the  Assembly's  Shorter 

*  Frances,  Ursula,  Tudor,  and  Eveline.  Catechism,  and    the   children   generally   on 

'  We  know  but  little  about  this  catechism  Sundav,  and  in  the  week-day  schools,   were 

as  yet,  what  is  its  purpose   and   its  plan.  instructed  in  it.    Probably  Dr.  Robbins's  cate- 

Most    people  in  that  age   thought  nothing  chism  had  a  different  range  and  object. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  8ll 

12.  Theripometer  14°,  and  rose  to  40°.  The  roads  in  many  places  are 
said  to  be  impassable.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ex.  xxxii  :  9-14. 
Have  been  veiy  much  in  my  chamber  this  week,     \^'rote. 

13.  Finished  and  preached  all  day  my  sermon  on  Ex.  xxxii  :  9-14.  The 
thermometer  rose  to  60°.  It  thaws,  and  the  snow  settles  ver}'  much.  The 
walking  is  so  bad  that  I  had  no  conference.  Wrote  letters  to  Mr.  Foot,' 
Member  of  Congress,  to  Gen.  Sterling,"  of  Salisbury,  to  Mr.  Staples,'  of  New 
Haven,  and  to  Mr.  Gillett,"  of  South  Hadley. 

14.  The  thermometer  goes  very  little  below  the  freezing  point.  It  rose 
above  50°.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  The  instructor  of  their  South 
School  has  been  obliged  to  leave  it.     The  district  is  in  a  bad  state.     Wrote. 

15.  Rode  to  Northington  and  attended  ministers'  meeting  at  Mr.  Kel- 
logg's.*  The  sleighing  is  very  bad.  It  thaws  very  much,  and  the  snow  is 
very  deep.  I  preached  on  Ex.  xxxii  :  9-14.  This  congregation  appear  well. 
We  had  a  pleasant  and  useful  meeting.  At  Hartford  paid  my  annual  tax  to 
the  Agricultural  Society,  $1.00.     Renewed  my  note  at  the  bank. 

16.  Read  a  part  of  my  catechism  to  the  meeting.  Rode  home.  It  rained 
a  good  deal.  We  had  a  number  of  showers.  Got  considerably  wet.  The 
mass  of  snow  retains  the  water ;  the  streams  do  not  rise  much.  The  water  in 
the  road  in  many  places  is  quite  deep.  Traded  considerably.  The  ther- 
mometer yesterday  was  at  60°,  today  above  50°.  Paid  for  a  donation,  $1.25. 
For  six  hat  cases,  $1.00.     \\'rote. 

17.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Quite  rainy.  Worked  some.  Got  my  feet 
very  wet.     Read. 

18.  Wrote.  The  water  seems  to  get  into  the  ground,^  which  is  a  great 
favor  in  its  present  dry  state.  The  feelings  of  the  country  are  highly  excited 
by  the  present  debate  in  Congress  on  the  subject  of  slavery.     It  is  shameful.^ 

19.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Prov.  i:  31.  Thermometer  this  morning  19°.  I 
hope  to  write  more  sermons  this  year  than  I  have  done  in  the  last  two. 

20.  Quite  wet.  Meetings  thin.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes 
on  Acts  iii :  21.  Afternoon  on  Prov.  i:  31.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

21.  Read.  Hindered  by  little  things.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Frances 
is  very  unwell  with  a  severe  affection  in  the  head.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
brother.^     His  nervous  headache  is  very  burdensome. 

22.  Warm.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Have  many  interruptions.  I  get 
along  slowly. 

23.  Wrote.     Rode  out  and  visited.     The  sleighing  grows  poor.     I  think 


'  Hon.  Samuel  A.  Foot,  of  Cheshire,  son  *  Such  a  thick  covering  of  snow  takes  the 

of   Rev.   John    Foot,  M.  C,    1819-1821   and  frost  out  of  the  ground  by  allowing  the  inter- 

1S23-1S25.  nal  heat  of  the  earth  to  act  upon  it. 

^  Gen.  Elisha  Sterling,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  ^  This   year,   1820,  was  the   year   of  the 

1787,  a  prominent  lawyer  in  Salisbury,  Ct.  Missouri  Compromise  and  the  great  debate 

^  Seth  P.  Staples,  Esq.  on   the    admission   of    Missouri   as   a  slave 

*  Mr.  Gillett,  probably  a  lawyer.  State,  which  was  effected  Feb.  28,  1S21. 

5  Rev.  Bela  Kellogg.  *  Rev.  Francis  Le  B.  Robbins,  of  Enfield. 


I 


8l2  DIARY    OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182O, 

some  of  our  society  jDrospects  are  favorable.  Yesterday  Dea.  Loomis  brought 
me  a  written  request,  with  about  thirty  names,  for  the  publication  of  my 
sermons  on  the  divinity  of  Christ.' 

24.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  preached  a  singing-lecture  on  Ezra 
iii :   14.     Mr.  Rowland  is  unwell.     Had  to  cross  at  Hartford. 

25.  Visited  all  day.  We  have  a  number  of  persons  that  are  sick.  Wrote 
a  will  for  a  young  woman.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Pretty 
thin.     The  snow  wastes  but  slowly. 

26.  Wrote.  Read.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange  with 
my  brother.     Quite  wet.     The  sleighing  is  poor. 

27.  My  brother  rode  early  to  East  Windsor.  Wet  and  some  of  the  time 
it  rained  hard.  Meetings  thin.  Ecclesiastical  matters  here  appear  well. 
Preached  on  Job  xxvii :  8,  and  Ex.  xxxii :  g-14.  At  evening  rode  home. 
Found  Mr.  Battell  here.  He  came  up  from  Hartford  this  evening.  There  is 
a  great  deal  of  water  on  the  ground. 

28.  Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master  for  Wapping.  My  brothers^ 
went  away.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  carriage.  We  might  have  gone  much 
better  in  a  sleigh.  There  is  still  a  great  body  of  snow.  Received  a  letter 
and  a  bundle  of  useful  books  from  Howe  &  Spaulding,  of  New  Haven. 

29.  Maj.  Hayden  paid  me  $25.00,  borrowed.  Last  night  it  became  cold. 
Thermometer  this  morning  20°.  Read.  Wrote.  Paid  Mr.  Wolcott,  $209.66, 
for  two  shares  in  the  Hartford  Bank  which  he  paid  for  some  years  ago,  and 
which  stand  in  my  name.  Paid  him  $200.00  on  a  note  which  lie  holds  against 
me.  Wrote  to  Howe  &  Spaulding,  of  New  Haven,  and  to  Dr.  Beecher,  of 
Litchfield.^     Visited.     Cold  and  tedious. 

March. 

1.  Wrote  on  my  catechism  the  book  of  Deuteronomy.*  Thermometer  this 
morning  20°.     Dr.  McClure  is  quite  unwell.     Wrote  late. 

2.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably.  Thermometer  13°.  Wrote  to 
Cornelius  Wells,  at  New  Haven.  W^rote  on  my  catechism.  Very  tedious  and 
blustering.     Walked  out.     Filed  my  last  year's  letters. 

3.  Thermometer  this  morning  4°.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Hindered 
by  company.     Visited.     The  sleighing  pretty  good. 

4.  Last  night  there  was  considerable  snow.  Thermometer  about  20°. 
Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  9.  Wrote  quite  slow.  Received  a  letter  from 
C.  Wells,  at  New  Haven. 

5.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  Ixiii :  20.  After- 
noon preached  on  i  John  iii :  9.  Meetings  quite  full.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Thermometer  rose  to  near  60°. 


'  As  we   have   already  stated,  these   ser-  East  Hampton,  L.  I.,  in  iSio.     He  was  set- 

mons  were  published  in  this  year  1S20.  tied  in  East  Hampton,  179S-1810. 

^  His  own  brother  Francis,  and  his  brother  "This  remark  shows  that  his   catechism 

by  marriage,  Mr.  Joseph  Battell.  was  of  a  Scriptural  form,  designed  apparently 

^  1  )r.  Lyman  LJetcher   had   now  been  in  to    take    a   general    survey  of    the    several 

Litchfield  ten  years,  having  come  there  from  books. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  813 

6.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged 
woman,'  who  died  suddenly  in  the  road.  Rainy.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin.     Dr.  McClure  is  quite  poor. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford,  The  weather  very  cold  and  rough.  The  great 
question  respecting  slavery  is  finally  lost  in  Congress,  probably  through 
bribery.  A  great  frown  of  a  righteous  providence.  The  revised  edition  of 
Tytler  is  published. 

8.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  We  had  constant  hail  all  day.  In  the 
evening  the  young  people  here  had  a  dramatic  exhibition. 

9.  Quite  cold.  The  hail  continued  all  day.  Began  to  write  off  my  ser- 
mons on  the  divinity  of  Christ  for  the  press.  Dr.  McClure  fails,  and  his 
disease  '^  increases. 

10.  Wrote  on  my  sermons.  Rainy.  Worked  some.  Do  but  little  in  my 
studies  to  what  I  ought. 

11.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv  :  ii.  Mr.  Hawes,  of  Hartford, 
sent  a  messenger  to  me  wishing  me  to  exchange  tomorrow.  Concluded  to  go. 
Wrote  on  my  copying.  Had  company.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford.  Very 
cold.     The  ground  is  mostly  covered  with  ice. 

12.  Mr.  Hawes  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Preached  on  Prov.  i:  31,  and  Ex.  xxxii :  9-14.  Preached  at  the  conference 
on  I  John  iii :  9.^  Heard  of  the  death  of  the  British  king,"*  and  his  son,  the 
Duke  of  Kent.*  Rode  home  late.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  10°. 
Yesterday  and  today  have  been  severe  cold. 

13.  Much  fatigued  with  my  labor  yesterday.  Visited  the  sick.  Visited  a 
school.     Read. 

14.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Staples,  of  New  Haven.  Wrote  on  my  copying.  Quite 
rainy.  Hindered  by  unprofitable  company.  Mr.  Cook,  of  Orford,  was 
married  yesterday*  at   Hartford. 

15.  Rode  to  Enfield.  Rode  to  Suffield,  etc.  At  evening  performed  a 
marriage  in  the  lower  part  of  Scantick.  My  brother  took  some  black  cloth  of 
me  which  I  lately  procured,  for  which  he  is  to  pay  me  $11.00.  The  sleighing 
is  pretty  good.     There  is  a  plenty  of  snow. 

16.  Wrote   to  Dr.   Park,'  of  Providence,  for  Mrs.   McClure.^     Visited   a 


'  Mrs.  Editha  Bidwell,  aged  seventy-eight.  monies  of  his  coronation  did  not  take  place 

^  His  disease  was  dropsy  on  the  chest.  till  July  19,  1821. 

3  Whenever   Dr.   Robbins    exchanges   at  *  It  will  be  remembered  that  he  lost  his 

Hartford,  they  get  three  sermons  from  him.  wife  some  time  before,  and  that  Dr.  Robbins 

*  George  the  III,  died  Jan.  29,  1820,  after  attended  her  funeral, 

a   reign   of  nearly   sixty   years,   the   longest  ^  Dr.  Calvin   Park,   Professor   in    Brown 

reign  in  British  history.     The  reign  next  in  University.     He  received  his  degree  of  D.  D. 

length  is  that  of  Henry  III.  two  years  before.     He  was  the  father  of  Dr. 

'  The  Duke  of  Kent  was  the  fourth  son  Edwards  A.  Park,  of  Andover  Seminary, 

of  George  III,  and  was  born  in  1767.     He  *  He  wrote  for  Mrs.  McClure.     It  will  be 

was  created  Duke  of  Kent  in  1799.     He  was  remembered  that  the  Mrs.  McClure  of  that 

the  father  of  Victoria,  the  present  Queen  of  day   had    only   been    Dr.    McClure's   wife  a 

England.     He   died    just   before    his  father,  few  months.     She  was   Mrs.  Betsey  Martin, 

Jan.   23,   1820.      George   IV  succeeded    his  of  Providence,  and  perhaps  a  relative  of  Dr. 

father,  immediately,  of  course,  but  the  cere-  Park. 


8l4  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182O. 

school.  Visited.  Dolly  Elmer,  apparently  near  dying  with  a  consumption, 
has  the  most  comforting  views  of  divine  things,  and  a  great  confidence  that 
God  will  visit  this  people  with  his  rich  grace.  The  Lord  grant  that  there  may 
be  no  obstacle  to  his  mercy. 

17.  Wrote  transcribing  my  sermons.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  the 
sick.     Pretty  poor  sleighing. 

18.  Began  a  sermon  on  Acts  XV :  9.  Have  many  hindrances.  Catechised 
a  school.  Dr.  McClure  fails  fast.  I  fear  he  will  not  live  long.  Warm. 
Yesterday  and  today  received  of  Deacon  Loomis  for  the  society,  collected  on 
a  subscription,  ^71.00. 

19.  Was  not  able  to  finish  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  In  the  forenoon 
expounded  on  the  third  chapter  of  Mark.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Peter  iii :  11.  Dr.  McClure  and  Miss  Elmer  were  prayed  for,  as  near 
death.  Meeting  full.  At  evening  had  a  solemn  conference.  On  Friday  Dr. 
McClure  requested  me  to  preach  at  his  funeral,  in  case  of  his  decease.' 
Visited  him. 

20.  Mr.  Wolcott  and  Capt.  BisselP  went  off  to  New  Haven.  Warm. 
Thermometer  rose  to  60°.  The  snow  thaws  fast,  but  it  is  very  solid.  Read. 
Wrote.     Dr.  McClure  is  very  low,  and  very  much  distressed  for  breath. 

21.  Last  night  it  rained  considerably.  The  sleighing  is  about  gone. 
Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman,  who  died  suddenly. 
Visited  the   sick   and  others.     Cold.     Wrote. 

22.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon.  Do  something  in  instruction.  Rode  out 
and  visited.     It  is  a  great  favor  to  us  to  have  the  snow  go  off  moderately, 

23.  Mr.  Wolcott  returned  last  night.  He  has  got  his  claim  at  New  Haven 
settled.  For  his  endorsement  of  the  note  of  $1,500,  he  has  lost  about  $500.00. 
Visited  a  school.  Attended  the  examination  of  our  academy.  At  evening 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  by  desire  of  Mr.  Fair- 
child.  There  is  an  unusual  disposition  there  to  attend  meetings,  and  the 
Baptists  are  laboring  for  proselytes.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt. 
XXV  :   I,  2.     Tarried  out. 

24.  Much  fatigued  with  yesterday's  labor.  Visited.  Very  warm.  Ther- 
mometer rose  to  63°.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
The  road  quite  muddy. 

25.  Was  in  the  woods  the  most  of  the  day  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  getting  timber. 
Thermometer  was  about  70°.  The  snow  goes  off  very  fast.  Dr.  McClure 
appears  to  be  a  little  better. 

26.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Prov,  xiii :  15,  Very  warm.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  83°.^  In  the  afternoon  wore  no  out  coat.  The  ground 
settles  remarkably  fast.  We  have  rode  to  meeting  twelve  Sabbaths  in  suc- 
cession, with  a  plenty  of  snow ;  it  is  now  good  going  with  a  carriage.  Full 
meeting.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  tired. 

'  This   shows  that   all   alienation,  if  any  ^  Here   is   a  fine   illustration  of  the   hot 

had    existed    between     the    two    men,    was  days   which   we   often   have  in   March,  and 

ended.  sometimes  even  in  the  closing  days  of  Feb- 

'  Abiel  Wolcott  and  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell.  ruary. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  8lC 

27.  Went  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited 
a  school.  Wrote  a  will  for  a  man  at  Wapping.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
sister. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  river  is  high.  The  Federalists  have  consider- 
able hope  relative  to  the  approaching  election.  Paid  for  a  bedstead  at 
auction,  $1.06.  Quite  cool.  Read.  Dr.  McClure  appears  to  be  some  better. 
Much  fatigued  with  late  labors. 

29.  Rode  into  the  woods.  Visited  Tudor's  school.  They  have  done  very 
well.     Quite  cold  and  dry.     The  ground  is  generally  dry. 

30.  Worked  some  setting  out  a  large  elm.  Paid  a  laborer,  .38.  Last 
night  it  froze  quite  hard.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  about  15°. 
Began  a  sermon  for  the  Fast  on  Jer.  xxix  :  12,  13.  Wrote  pretty  slow.  Was 
hindered  the  most  of  the  forenoon. 

31.  Fast.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday,  and  preached  with  it 
both  parts  of  the  day.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Dolly  Elmer.'  She  died  on 
the  29th.  Her  Christian  comforts,  of  late,  have  been  very  great.  Her  happi- 
ness was  rather  possession  than  prospect.  Meetings  very  full  and  solemn. 
The  Lord  give  me  his  blessing.  In  the  afternoon  exercise  referred  to  the 
approaching  communion.     Cold  and  very  tedious  wind. 

April. 

Princess  v\lexandrina  Victoire,  daughter  and  only  child  of  the  late  Duke 
of  Kent,  fourth  son  of  George  HI,  presumptive  heir  of  the  crown  of  Great 
Britain,  born  May  24th,  1819.  The  Duke  died  January  23d,  aged  fifty-three; 
and  the  King,  January  29th  of  this  year.  Born  May  24th,  O.  S.,  1738. 
Succeeded  to  the  throne  Oct.  25th,  1760.^ 

1.  Visited  the  sick.  Dr.  McClure  is  much  more  poor.^  Read.  Set  out  some 
spruce  trees.  Am  quite  feeble.  I  fear  I  am  not  agoing  to  be  able  to  study  as 
nmch  as  I  have  done.     Com.  Decatur  has  been  lately  killed  in  a  shameful  duel.'' 

2.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  i  Thess.  ii :  10. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  I'he  church  full  and  solemn.  Spoke  of  the 
expected  death  of  the  senior  pastor.  Afternoon  joreached  an  old  sermon  on 
Matt,  xxiii :  37,  38.  Meeting  quite  full.  Cold.  In  the  evening  was  with 
Dr.  McClure ;  he  received  a  portion  of  the  sacramental  elements  which  had 
been  brought  to  him,  attended  with  prayer.  His  distress  for  breath,  at  times, 
is  very  great. 

3.  The  Freemen's  Meeting  was  at  Scantick.  I  did  not  attend.  Votes, 
as  I  am  informed.  Federalist,  242;  Democratic,  161.  The  majority  much 
less  than  last  year.     Wrote.     Am  pretty  feeble.     Read.     Mr.  Stebbins*  came 


*  Miss  Dolly  Elmer,  aged  thirty-four.  of  181 2,  was  drawn  into  a  controversy  with 
^  In  this  condensed  paragraph,  Dr.  Rob-  Commodore  James  Barron,  and  a  duel  was 

bins  has  set  down  the  facts  which  we  have  the  consequence,  fought  March  22,  1820,  in 

given  in  previous  notes.  which   Decatur  was  mortally  wounded,  and 

^  That  is,  much  worse,  as  we  should  now  Barron  severely  wounded, 

say.  ^  Samuel   Stiles  Stebbins,  his  theological 

*  Commodore    Stephen   Decatur,   greatly  student,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  in 
honored  for  his  gallant  conduct  in  the  War  1816 


8l6  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182O. 

here  again  to  study.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     The 
Lord  help  me  to  keep  covenant  with  him.     Our  evening  meeting  was  full. 

4.  Wrote.     Afternoon  visited  a  school.     Visited.     Quite  cool. 

5.  Wrote  transcribing  my  sermons.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  late  Free- 
men's Meeting  appears  to  have  issued  unfavorably.'  Paid  for  a  share  in 
Hartford  Bank,  $97.00.     Cold.     Dr.  McClure  is  more  comfortable. 

6.  Wrote  on  my  transcribing.  It  snowed  some.  I  think  I  cannot  write 
as  fast  as  I  used  to  do. 

7.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school.  I  have  difficulty  in 
getting  the  assistance  of  the  other  visitors.  Afternoon  it  snowed  quite  hard. 
It  was  so  stormy  that  we  had  no  evening  prayer-meeting.  I  have  now  visited 
all  of  our  night  schools  twice  the  present  season. 

8.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  some  time  since  on  Acts  xv :  9.  Quite 
cold.  There  was  a  good  deal  of  snow  this  morning,  but  it  mostly  went  off. 
Dr.  Parsons,  of  Amherst,^  and  his  daughter,  dined  here. 

9.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Acts  xv :  9.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  Quite  cold.  The  ground  is  ver)-  dry,  and  vegeta- 
tion seems  not  to  advance. 

10.  My  official  labors  seem  to  affect  me  more  of  late  than  has  been  usual. 
Rode  to  Orford  to  see  a  member  of  our  church,  who  has  conducted  badly. 
Did  not  see  him.     Offences  will  come.     Read. 

11.  Went  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  look  for  timber.  He  is 
much  depressed  with  a  nervous  dejection.     I    easily  get   fatigued.     Visited. 

12.  Had  to  go  again  into  the  woods.  I  ver}-  much  regret  having  to  be  so 
employed.  Mr,  Wolcott  is  so  low  it  seems  to  be  in  a  sense  necessary,  and  I 
hope  it  is  beneficial  to  my  health.  Read  the  Bible.  I  find  it  necessary  for 
me  to  retire  to  bed  early.  At  evening  a  Baptist  from  Wethersfield  preached 
at  the  school-house  in  this  neighborhood. 

13.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  preached  a  singing-lecture.  That  is  a  ver}'  good 
society.  Preached  on  Ezra  viii :  11.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  without 
notes  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Matt,  xviii :  3.  The  meeting  was 
quite  full.     Much  fatigued. 

14.  Wrote.  I  get  along  with  my  most  important  business  but  slowly. 
Am  troubled  with  an  unhappy  difficulty  in  the  church. 

15.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  some  time  ago.  Dr.  Flint  came  here  wish- 
ing to  exchange  tomorrow.  Dr.  McClure  is  ver}'  low.  Quite  cold.  Paid  a 
laborer,  .34. 

16.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint.  He  rode  with  my 
horse  to  East  W^indsor,  and  returned  after  meeting.  Preached  on  Acts 
xvi :  30,  and  Acts  xvi :  31.     In  the  intermission  visited  the  Sabbath-school. 


'  Dr.  Robbins's  political    hopes  were  all  died  three  years  later,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 

the  while  clouded  and  dashed.  four.     His  father,   of   the   same   name,  was 

^  David  Parsons,  D.  D.,  had  been  pastor  pastor  of  the  same  church,  1739-17S1.     The 

of  the  First  Church  in  Amherst,  17S2-1S20.  ministries  of    the   father    and    son   covered 

He  was  then  retiring  from  the  ministry.     He  about  eighty  years. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  817 

At  evening  preached  at  the  conference  on  Prov.  viii:   17.     I  think  this  society 
is  improving.     Cold. 

17.  This  morning  we  had  a  very  hard  frost.  Paid  for  a  piece  of  beef,  .75. 
Rode  home  early.     Rode  out  and  visited  all  day.     At  evening  we  settled,  as 

1  hope,  a  difficulty  between  some  members  of  the  church.     Very  tired. 

18.  Received  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  Eaton  at  Troy.  Our  ministers'  meeting 
met  here.  Mr.  Kellogg'  preached;  but  four  came.  We  were  quite  busy. 
Quite  warm. 

19.  Yesterday  we  had  our  first  shad.  My  brother  went  away  in  the  fore- 
noon. The  thermometer  rose  to  84°.  The  surface  of  the  ground  is  very  dry. 
Am  very  languid.     Read  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill^ 

20.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  The  ther- 
mometer rose  to  90°.  Wrote.  Saw  blossoms  on  the  daffas.  At  evening 
rode    to   the    hither   part    of    East    Hartford    and    preached   a   lecture    on 

2  Cor.  X :    4. 

21.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Dr.  McClure  appears  to  be  a  little  better. 
The  ground  very  dry  and  dusty.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Tarried  out.     Thermometer  about  85°.     Took  off  my  flannel. 

22.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  I  find  it  necessary,  having  got  in  arrear 
in  this  duty.  Cooler.  Many  people  go  to  the  occasional  meeting  of  the 
Baptists.^     Read. 

23.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  iv :  1-20.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Acts  xxiv :  25.  At  evening  we  had  a  copious  and  most 
refreshing  shower.  Because  the  Lord's  mercies  fail  not.  There  was  consid- 
erable thunder.  Had  no  conference.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Gov. 
Wolcott.'*     Baptized  a  family.* 

24.  Vegetation  is  exceedingly  refreshed  by  the  shower.  It  advances 
rapidly.  On  Saturday  saw  apricot  blossoms.  Walked  and  visited  all  day. 
The  Baptists  are  making  great  exertions  to  get  an  influence  in  the  lower  part 
of  this  town,  and  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  I  hope  God  will  help 
us.     I  hope  there  are  some  instances  of  seriousness  among  us. 

25.  Wrote.  We  had  a  good  cutting  of  asparagus.  Worked  in  the  garden. 
Mr.  Stebbins  had  a  messenger  come  for  him  from  Simsbury,  who  informed 
him  that  his  uncle  is  very  sick.  He  went  off  with  him.  Wrote  to  Mrs. 
Stebbins.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Clark,*  of  Turkey  Hills.  Last  Sabbath 
was  very  warm.  Thermometer  about  80°.  Wore  no  out  coat.  Walked  and 
visited. 

26.  Rode  to  Newgate.     Conversed  with  the  overseers  of  the  prison  re- 


'  Rev.  Bela  Kellogg,  of  Avon.  Gov.  Oliver   Wolcott,    Senior,   moved   from 

^  Whose  account   of   the   battle    he  read  East  Windsor  to  Litchfield  about  the  middle 

does  not  appear.  of  the  previous  century. 

^  It  was  hard  for  a  minister  of  the  Stand-  ^  The  children  were  Alexander  Lathrop, 

ing  Order  then  to  think  charitably  of  other  Elizabeth  Prior,  Delia  Ann,  and  Mary  Shep- 

denominations.  herd,  children  of  Alexander  and  Sarah  Gay- 

*  Gov.  Oliver  Wolcott,  of  Litchfield,  but  lord. 
ancestrally  of   East   Windsor.      His  father,  ^  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark. 


8l8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

specting  a  chaplain.     I  hope  to  get  Mr.  Clark  re-instated.     Rode  to  Enfield 
and  Scantick.     There  is  a  ministers'  meeting  at  Mr.  Bartlett's.     Very  tired. 

27.  Rode  home.  Received  a  letter  from  my  good  Uncle  Starr.'  In  the 
evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Matt,  ix :  9.  Yester- 
day there  was  a  Baptist  meeting  in  the  lower  part  of  this  town,  and  two  of  my 
neighbors,  who  have  long  been  Bap:ists,  and  a  girl  of  East  Hartford,  were 
baptized.     I  believe  they  expected  to  have  had  several  more. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  The  river  has  been 
pretty  high  for  some  time,  supposed  to  be  from  northern  snows.  It  is  now 
falling.  It  is  a  good  time  for  taking  fish.  Visited.  Paid  for  peas  for 
sowing,  .63. 

29.  Wrote  and  finished  a  sermon,  begun  some  time  since,  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv  :  11. 
Wrote  quite  slow.     Dr.  McClure  appears  to  be  some  better.     Dry  and  cool. 

T,o.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Rom. 
v:  12.  Afternoon  the  sermon  finished  yesterday.  Meeting  quite  full  and 
attentive.  I  am  apt  to  preach  too  long.  At  evening  the  Baptists  had  a  meet- 
ing in  this  neighborhood.  Wrote.  Have  latterly  had  some  considerable 
headache  after  preaching.  I  have  some  fears  for  my  health.  Will  the  Lord 
be  my  holy  helper.  * 

May. 

1.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  training.  Quite 
warm.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  It  was  pretty  thin. 
Dr.  McClure  appears  to  be  getting  better. 

2.  Rode  to  New  Haven ^  in  the  afternoon.  The  roads  very  dust}-.  Quite 
cold.     The  season  is  unusually  forward.     Saw  people  planting. 

3.  Election.  Carried  the  Governor  a  copy  of  old  Gov.  Wolcott's^  manu- 
script history,*  etc.  There  was  a  great  collection  of  people,  but  the  most  of 
them  from  the  town  and  vicinity.  We  did  not  get  into  the  meeting-house  till 
half  after  two.  Mr.  Cushman^  performed  better  than  was  expected.  The 
clergy  had  a  good  dinner  at  the  college  hall.*  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  At  evening 
heard  Dr.  McEwen,  of  New  London,  preach.'     Very  tired. 

4.  Conversed  with  Representatives  respecting  the  Newgate  chaplain. 
Purchased  some  valuable  books.  Rode  home.  On  my  way  married  a  couple 
in  East  Hartford.^     The  dust  very  oppressive.     The  apple-tree  blossoms  begin 

'  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  of  Warren,  Ct.  Hartfm-d  County,  ConmcticiU,  in  the  chapter 

^  This  was  the  year  for  the  Legislature  to  on  South  Windsor. 
meet  in  New  Haven,  instead  of  Hartford.  =  j^g^.  Elisha  Cushman,  Baptist  minister 

3  Old  Governor  Wolcott  was  Roger  Wol-  of  Hartford.     The  Standing  Order  furnished 

cott,  Colonial  Governor  of  Connecticut,  1751  most    of    the    election    preachers,   as   otiier 

-1754,  and  Major-General  of  h^"  army  at  the  denominations  were  small, 
capture  of  Louisburg.  «>  This   was    the    hall    in    Yale    College, 

"*  The  manuscript  history  means  probably  where  the  students  boarded  in  commons, 
the  history  of  his  own  life,  which  is  a  quaint  ^  Yi\.   Abel    McEwen,    of    New    London, 

and  graphic  record.     It  has  since  been  pub-  He  was  one  of  the  strong  and  able  preachers 

lished,  and  large  portions  of  it  may  be  found  of  Connecticut. 

in  the  Wolcott  Memorial,  and  extracts  may  ^  Joseph  Dolliver  and  Levina  Richardson, 

also  be  found  in  the  forthcoming  History  of  of  East  Hartford. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  glQ 

to  appear  below  and  here.     Our  State  government  is  losing  very  much  the 
confidence  of  the  people.     There  is  a  great  want  of  rain. 

5.  Wrote.  Looked  over  new  books.  Am  much  fatigued  by  my  exer- 
tions.    At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Quite  cool. 

6.  Wrote.  Am  much  debilitated.  I  think  I  cannot  study  as  much  as  I 
have  done  in  times  past.     Read. 

7.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  v:  i.  Weather  unpleasant,  but 
pretty  full  meeting.  We  had  our  missionary  contribution,  which  fell  much 
short  of  past  years.  We  got  $31.75  There  was  one  bill  of  $5.00,  one  of 
$3.00,  one  of  $2.00,  four  of  $1.00,  and  one  hundred  and  eleven  pieces  of 
silver.  The  failure  was  in  the  large  contributions.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.     Dr.  McClure  is  more  poor.' 

8.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  man  very  low. 
Wrote  to  my  brother.  Read  a  proof-sheet  of  my  sermons  on  the  divinity  of 
Christ. 

9.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  The  apple- 
trees  have  a  full  blowth.  Wrote.  An  infant  child  died  here  last  week  in  my 
absence. 

10.  Wrote  copying  my  sermons.  Worked  in  my  garden.  Dined  at  old 
Mrs.  Griswold's  with  her  two  brothers  and  others.  The  ages  of  those  three 
are  eighty-seven,  eighty-five,  and  eighty-three.'^  Hot  and  very  dusty.  All 
fruit-trees  have  a  heavy  blowth.  Wrote  a  petition  to  be  presented  to  the 
Assembly  in  behalf  of  Newgate. 

11.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Connecticut  Bible 
Society,  and  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  They  were  thinly  attended.  It 
was  wet  and  rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  The  rain  is  very  refreshing.  My 
brother  and  his  wife  came  here  and  returned.  At  evening  preached  in  the 
hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Num.  x  :  29.  Yesterday  the  Baptists  baptized 
five  persons  in  the  lower  part  of  this  town.  Three  of  them  belonged  in  East 
Hartford,  and  two  here.     I  fear  others  will  be  led  astray.     In  God  is  our  hope. 

12.  Visited  a  young  woman  very  low,  and  wrote  a  will  for  her.^  On  the 
6th  wrote  one  for  Dr.  Tudor.*     Wrote  for  the  printers.     Thermometer  86°. 

13.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Visited  a  young  woman  almost  in  a  dying 
state.  We  had  some  rain.  Vegetation  revives.  Dr.  McClure  is  quite  feeble. 
On  the  nth  the  lilacs  were  in  full  bloom.  The  season  is  forward.  On  the 
loth  wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  Wrote.  Do  not  find  time  to  write  sermons 
as  I  anxiously  wish. 


*  An   awkward   mode   of  expression,   we  noc,  and  widow   of   Mr.   Thomas  Griswold. 

should  now  say.     But  custom  seems  often  to  Her  two   brothers  were   Dr.   Elihu   Tudor, 

make  crooked  things  straight.  often  mentioned  in  our  notes,  and  Mr.  Sam- 

-  Reference   has  been  made  once   before  uel  Tudor.     Dr.  Elihu  Tudor,  was  born  Feb. 

to  these   three  members  of  one  family,  but  3,    1733;  Rhoda   Tudor  was  born   Feb.  25, 

we  were  not  able  then  to  explain  the  refer-  1735;  Samuel  Tudor  was  born  June  22,  1737. 

ence.     We  have  since  ascertained  that  Mrs.  ^  Miss  Sally  Moore,  twentj'-three  years  of 

Griswold  was  Mrs.  Rhoda  (Tudor)  Griswold,  age. 

daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Tudor,  of  Poquon-  *  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor. 


820 


DIARY   OF   REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[lo20. 


14.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  iv:  21,  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  jer.  1 :  5.  The  meeting  very  full  and  solemn.  I 
think  we  have  certainly  the  tokens  of  the  special  influences  of  divine  grace 
among  us.  The  Lord  work  abundantly  for  the  glory  of  his  own  holy  name. 
At  evening  had  a  full  conference.     May  God  help  us  all  to  pray. 

15.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  and  others  all  day.  Rode  to  Wapping.  At 
evening  visited  a  man  and  his  wife  under  very  serious  impressions.  Much 
fati-^ued.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James,  and  one  from  my  cousin 
W.  Lawrence.' 

16.  Visited  a  woman  rejoicing  in  a  new  Christian  hope.  How  great  are 
God';;  mercies.  Visited  the  sick.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Wrote. 
WrOiC  to  R.  I.  Ingersoll,"  New  Haven. 

17.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Visited.  Vegetation  is  very  much  revived. 
Worked  some. 

18.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  pretty  hard  shower.  Rode  to  New  Haven, 
Saw  a  number  of  acquaintance  among  the  Representatives. 

19.  In  the  morning  prayed  with  the  two  Houses  of  the  Assembly,  at  the 
request  of  Mr.  Taylor.^  Presented  to  them  a  petition  requesting  a  grant  for 
the  continuance  of  a  chaplaincy  at  Newgale,  and  the  appointment  of  Mr. 
Clark.  Could  not  get  it  acted  on  through  the  day.  There  are  some  very 
miserable  characters  in  the  Assembly.  Mr.  Battell  is  here  as  a  member. 
Received  of  Gen.  Howe,  $151.00,  and  a  note  of  $450.00,  dated  back,  for  six 
shares  of  Eagle  Bank  stock,  which  he  sold  for  me  last  Februar)\  Paid  him 
for  books,  $20.00.  Purchased  Cave's  Lives,'-  which  he  imported  for  me,  a 
very  valuable  work.  Kindly  treated  by  members  of  the  Assembly.  Called 
on  Mr.  Taylor. 

20.  Yesterday  afternoon  and  through  the  night  we  had  a  hard  rain.  This 
morning  my  petition  was  attended  to  by  the  House,  and  well  advocated.  I 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  House,  and  spoke  on  the  subject.  But  it  was 
opposed  by  the  most  corrupt  Democrats  with  great  violence.^  They  continued 
the  grant,  but  would  not  appoint  Mr.  Clark.  God  is  holy  in  afflicting  our 
State  with  such  depraved  rulers.  Left  New  Haven  at  eleven  o'clock,  and 
rode  home.     The  streams  are  much  raised.     The  river  is  high.     Sally  Moore 


'  This  was  William  Lawrence,  son  of 
Grove  and  Elizabeth  (Robbins)  Lawrence, 
born  in  Paris,  N.  Y..  June  28,  1801,  and 
adopted  by  Mr.  Joseph  Battell  and  his  wife 
in  February,  1806.  In  iS3ohe  married  Caro- 
line Augusta  Rockwell.  He  died  Feb.  22, 
1867. 

*  Hon.  Ralph  I.  Ingersoll,  a  very  promi- 
nent lawyer  in  New  Haven.  He  was  gradu- 
ated at  Yale  in  1808,  was  Member  of  Con- 
gress, 1825-1833,  and  was  made  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  to  Russia  by  President  Polk 
in  1S46. 


^  Dr.  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor,  then  pastor  of 
Center  Church,  New  Haven. 

*  Dr.  William  Cave,  to  whom  we  have 
before  referred,  was  a  celebrated  divine  and 
scholar,  born  at  Pickwell,  Leicestershire,  in 
1637.  He  was  an  extensive  author,  but  those 
writings  which  Dr.  Robbins  especially  prized, 
and  which  he  purchased,  were  his  Lives  of 
the  Early  Christian  Fathers. 

'  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  Democrats 
of  Connecticut  about  that  time,  whether 
justly  or  unjustly,  did  especially  hate  the 
"  Standing  Order,"  the  Ccmgregationalists, 


1820.1  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  82 1 

has  died  in  my  absence.'     Very  much  fatigued.     I  do  not  regret  my  labor  and 
expense  in  going  to  New  Haven. 

21.  Preached  with  considerable  extempore  additions  an  old  sermon  on 
Jer.  viii:  20.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Miss  Moore.  We  had  a  solemn  day. 
At  evening  had  a  full  and  attentive  conference.  The  Lord  give  us  his 
blessing.     Something  wet.     Received  a  letter  from  my  Uncle   Starr. 

22.  Last  night  and  this  we  had  a  good  deal  of  rain.  The  ground  now  is 
finely  wet.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  brother.  At  evening  attended  a  confer- 
ence near  the  meeting-house.  No  public  notice  had  been  given,  yet  it  was 
quite  full.  I  hope  it  may  be  the  first  of  a  succession,  with  the  special  approba- 
tion of  divine  grace. 

23.  Wrote  another  will  for  Dr.  Tudor,  which  I  hope  will  be  the  last.* 
Warm.     Thermometer  87°.     Wrote  on  my  book  catalogue  and  other  things. 

24.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  bank,  $18.43. 
Paid  for  Ministers'  Annuity  Society,  $5.00.  Donation,  .75.  At  evening  there 
was  a  large  Baptist  meeting  here.  Our  people  attend  surprisingly.  I  feel 
alarmed  at  the  prospect.     Our  hope  is  in  the  mercy  of  God  alone. 

25.  Hindered  by  company.  A  very  growing  season.  Last  evening 
received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Welch,  of  Mansfield.^  Wrote.  At  evening 
preached  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Luke  xv :  17.  The  religious 
excitement  in  that  neighborhood  evidently  abates.     Tarried  out. 

26.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Got  quite  wet.  Read.  Wrote 
to  my  mother.  Sent  her  a  bill  of  $5.00.  At  evening  attended  a  prayer- 
meeting  in  this  neighborhood,  which  I  hope,  by  divine  favor,  may  be  long 
continued  and  blessed.     Visited.     Quite  cold. 

27.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixiv :  8.  Have  a  steady  fire  in 
my  chamber.     Wrote  pretty  slow. 

28.  In  the  morning  there  was  considerable  frost.  Late,  in  the  morning 
Mr.  Hooker,*  a  young  preacher  at  Hartford,  came  here  very  urgent  for 
exchange.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  preached  to  Mr.  Hawes's  people  in  the 
forenoon  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  11.  Returned  at  noon  as  I  thought  I  ought  to  do. 
Mr.  Hooker  did  the  same.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Isa.  Ixiv :  8.  On 
account  of  my  interruption  in  the  morning  my  sermon  was  not  completed.  At 
evening  had  a  full  conference.  Our  afternoon  conference  was  very  full  and 
solemn.  Spoke  on  the  subject  of  a  Sabbath-school,  and  recommended  that 
one  be  established  here  as  in  other  societies.* 


'  The   young  woman  already  mentioned,  '•  Probably  Rev.  Horace  Hooker,  a  grad- 

for  whom  he  made  the  will.  uate   of   Yale,  181 5,  a  man  of  fine   culture, 

-  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor,  born  in  1732,  and  now  for  a  time  tutor  at  Yale,  afterward  preach- 
about  eighty-eight  years  old,  had  passed  ing  for  a  few  years  as  pastor,  then  secretary 
through  a  strange  variety  of  fortunes,  and  of  the  Connecticut  Home  Missionary  So- 
probably,    from    Dr.   Robbins's    expression,  ciety. 

had  fallen  into  the  habit  of  writing  his  will  '  This  was  about  the  time  when  Sabbath- 
over  very  frequently.  schools  were  organized  all  over   New   Eng- 

3  Rev.  Moses  C.Welch,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  land     From  1817  to  1820  thousands  of  schools 

North  Mansfield,  Ct.,  1784-1824.  were  organized  throughout  the  land. 


822  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

29.  Very  much  fatigued  by  my  abundant  labors.  Read  Sully's'  Memoirs. 
Mr.  Stebbins  came  here.  His  uncle  is  very  low.  Attended  a  church  meeting, 
and  a  meeting  to  make  preparation  for  a  Sabbath-school.  Appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  make  the  necessary  arrangements.  Showery,  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Received  of  Dea.  Loomis,  for  the  society,  $9.00. 

30.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  Had  company.  At  evening 
expected  to  have  had  a  meeting  at  Long  Hill,  but  was  prevented  by  a  hard 
thunder-shower.     Wrote. 

31.  It  rained  all  last  night.  The  ground  is  very  wet.  Rode  out  and 
visited.  Have  to  do  a  great  deal  to  counteract  the  Baptists,^  Wrote.  I  have 
closed  a  laborious  spring. 

June. 

1.  Wrote  on  a  question  for  the  Association.  Gave  a  poor  man,  .50. 
Visited.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  at  Long  Hill  on  Luke  xvi :  5.  I  hope 
the  Baptist  influence  among  us  is  not  increasing.  Very  pleasant  after  the 
rains.     Much  fatigued. 

2.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Assisted  in  looking  out  lumber. 
Quite  warm.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Full  and 
solemn.     We  have  a  prospect  of   an  addition  to  our  church. 

3.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Spent  most  of  the  day  in  visiting.  I  thought 
it  duty  to  do  it,  though  I  wanted  to  be  in  my  study.  I  am  pretty  languid,  and 
cannot  labor  as  I  wish.     Read,     Thermometer  86°. 

4.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  v.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  an 
old  sermon  on  Heb.  vi :  6.  Had  a  full  and  attentive  conference.  I  fear  that 
my  strength  will  not  be  sufficient  for  my  labors. 

5.  Paid  $10,00,  on  a  subscription  made  some  time  since,  to  preserve  a 
young  man  in  the  north  society  from  being  sent  to  Newgate.  Worked  at 
lumber.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Quite 
full  and  serious.     Much  fatigued. 

6.  Rode  to  West  Hartland,  and  attended  Association.  The  roads  over 
the  Hartland  hills  are  very  bad."  Got  there  late.  We  examined  and  licensed 
a  candidate,  a  Mr.  Goodman."     Quite  cool. 

7.  We  were  very  full  of  business.  Yesterday  left  my  sulky  in  the  western 
part  of  Granby,  and  borrowed  a  horse  and  rode  home.'  The  Baptists  have 
baptized  three  persons  today  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford,  two  of  whom 
belonged  here.     They  were  Baptists  before. 

'  Maximilien  de  Bethune,  Duke  of  Sully,  ■♦  Rev.    Epaphras    Goodman,    afterwards 

one  of  the  chief  of  the  Court  of  Henry  IV  settled  as  colleague  in  1S22  with  Rev.  S.  J. 

of  France.     He  was  born  Dec.  13,  1560,  and  Mills,  of  Torringford,  and  who  remained  there 

died  Dec.  22,  1641,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one.  till  1836.     Rev.  Mr.  Mills  died,  after  a  sixty- 

The  later  years  of  his  life  were  employed  in  four  years'  ministry,  in  1833.     Mr.  Goodman 

composing  his  Memoirs,  which  are  celebrated.  was  a  native  of  West  Hartford,  and  a  grad- 

^TheTcisa  small  Baptist  church  now  in  uate  of  Dartmouth  College  in  1S16. 
South  Windsor.  s  Because   the   roads   were   in  such   bad 

^  Hartland  is  in  the  hill  country  of  north-  condition,  as  to  mud,  that  it  was  hard  for  a 

west  Connecticut.  horse  to  draw  any  carriage  over  them. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  823 

8.  The  Baptists  act  very  badly.  I  am  much  distressed  about  it,  but 
desire  to  put  my  trust  in  a  holy  God,  At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part 
of  East  Hartford  on  i  Peter  iv:  i8.  The  meetings  there  grow  thinner. 
Wrote.     Worked  some  at  lumber. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Dea.  Reed,  and  procured  books  for  our 
Sabbath-school.  Very  warm.  The  roads  have  become  quite  dusty.  Exam- 
ined three  persons  for  our  communion.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     We  had  a  refreshing  shower.     Very  much  fatigued. 

ID.  Wrote  on  my  sermons  for  the  printers.  The  first  day  I  have  had  at 
home  for  some  time.  Am  quite  languid.  Have  needless  hindrances.  We 
had  considerable  rain. 

11.  Our  Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  the  morning  before  meeting.' 
Attended  it  a  little  while.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Isa.  i :  28.  Meeting 
in  the  afternoon  very  full.  At  evening  had  a  very  full  conference.  Spoke 
from  a  text ;    quite  poorly.     Very  much  fatigued. 

12.  It  is  now  twelve  years  since  I  came  here  to  this  town.  Walked 
and  visited.  Gave  a  sick  woman,  $1.00.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference. 

13.  Wrote  copying  my  sermons.  Showery.  Visited.  Dr.  McClure  is 
quite  feeble. 

14.  Wrote.  Very  warm.  Thermometer  92°.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point 
with  Mr.  Wolcott.  He  sold  to  Gen.  Jencks'^  his  share  in  the  Ellsworth  farm,^ 
He  loses  in  that  debt  about  $700.00.     Got  home  late. 

15.  Wrote.  Visited.  I  hope  God  will  protect  us  from  the  machinations 
of  the  Baptists.  Thermometer  90°.  We  had  a  shower.  At  evening  preached 
at  Long  Hill  on  Col.  i :  19.  My  lungs  are  weak.  The  ground  is  wet.  Wrote 
to  Messrs.  Blake  &  Cunningham,''  Boston.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
informing  that  my  mother  is  at  Enfield. 

16.  Wrote.  Read.  Quite  warm.  Am  very  languid.  Visited.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Hear  of  new  instances  of  special  seriousness. 

17.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  v  :  4.  I  study  pretty  poorly. 
Dr.  McClure  sensibly  fails.     Have  many  unnecessary  interruptions. 

18.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Zech.  xii :  10,  with  old  notes.  Afternoon 
on  Isa.  V :  4.  My  sermon  was  not  quite  completed.  At  evening  had  a  full 
and  solemn  conference.  Spoke  in  the  same  manner  as  preaching.  Our 
Sabbath-school  appears  encouraging.     Not  so  tired  as  on  last  Sabbath. 

19.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  saw  my  mother.  Expected  to 
have  brought  her  here,  but  she  was  not  ready  to  come.  Visited.  At  evening 
attended  our  conference.     Very  warm. 


'  A  very  large   number  of  the    Sabbath-  tion  of   the  farm  which  fell   to   him  in  the 

schools  of  New  England  were  organized  in  settlement  of  claims   against   the  estate,  he 

1820."  sold  to  Gen.  Jenks.     This  farm  was   prob- 

*  Gen.  Charles  Jenks.  ably  in  what  is  known  as  Rye  Street,  East 

3  This  was  the  farm  of  Moseley  &  Stod-  Windsor,   for   there   Messrs.    Moseley    and 

dard  Ellsworth,  who  had  recently  failed.     Mr.  Stoddard  Ellsworth  had  their  residences. 
Wolcott  was  surety  for  them,  and   the  por-  *  Blake  &  Cunningham. 


824  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOiMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

20.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Thermometer  92°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did 
a  number  of  errands.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell. 

21.  Rode  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  My  brother's  wife  brought 
my  mother  here.'  She  is  i^retty  feeble.  The  heat  very  severe.  Thermom- 
eter 97°.  Have  some  pain  in  my  teeth.  Dr.  McClure  is  very  low.  In- 
spected a  proof-sheet. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  Visited  serious  persons.  My 
mother  is  pretty  feeble.  The  heat  almost  insupportable.  The  thermometer 
for  about  two  hours  in  the  afternoon  was  at  101°.  As  high  as  any  time  last 
summer.     Can  do  but  little  on  account  of  the  heat. 

23.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited.  The  heat  a  little 
abated.  Thermometer  about  93°.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
A  man  at  Wapping  has  lately  had  his  arm  amputated  by  jointing  the  wrist. 

24.  Yesterday  paid  a  man  for  a  wheelbarrow  lately  sent  to  Mr.  Battell, 
^6.00.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick.  We  have  several  in  a  critical  state. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Dr.  McClure  is  very  low,  and  apparently  near  his  end. 
Began  to  write  a  sermon  in  reference  to  his  death  on  Eccles.  ix :  i.^  Ther- 
mometer 91°,     The  ground  has  become  very  dry. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  vi :  1-29.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlii:  7.  Mother  attended  in  the  afternoon.  During 
the  afternoon  service  Dr.  McClure  deceased.  We  had  in  the  afternoon  a  most 
grateful  and  reviving  shower.  It  rained  moderately  some  hours,  before  which 
the  heat  and  dust  uere  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  95°.  Visited  a  sick 
child.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Am  pretty  feeble. 

26.  Feel  languid.  The  weather  is  exceedingly  refreshed  by  the  showers. 
Our  joiners  came  here  to  work  on  the  new  house.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on 
Eccles,  ix:  i.  Excused  myself  from  attending  the  conference,  and  wrote 
quite  late.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Whitman,  and  one  from  Silas  Andrus,^ 
of  Hartford. 

27.  On  the  25th  received  three  persons  to  the  communion  of  the  church. 
In  the  forenoon  finished  my  sermon  for  the  funeral  of  Dr.  McClure.*  The 
funeral  was  attended  in  the  afternoon.  Ten  ministers  and  a  great  collection 
of  people  were  present.     Mr.  Rowland*  made  the  first  prayer,  Mr.  Bartlett* 


'  Dr.    Robbins's    mother    (Elizabeth    Le  of  Cotton  Mather's  Magnalia,  for  which  Dr. 
Baron,  of  Plymouth,  Mass.)  was  now  seventy-  Robbins  had  written  a  preface, 
five  years  old,  having  been  born  in  1745.     It  ■♦  Dr.  David  McClure  was  born  in  Brook- 
was  a  long  journey  for  one  of  her  age.  field,  Mass.,  in  1749,  was  graduated  in  1769, 

^  The  text  chosen  for  Dr.  McClure's  was  pastor  at  North  Hampton,  N.  H.,  1776- 
funeral  sermon  is  somewhat  singular.  "  P"or  1785;  was  sole  pastor  at  East  Windsor, 
all  this  I  considered  in  my  heart  even  to  south  parish,  1786-1809,  and  nominally  col- 
declare  all  this,  that  the  righteous,  and  the  league  pastor  with  Dr.  Robbins,  1S09-1820. 
wise,  and  their  works,  are  in  the  hand  of  His  health  was  such  in  these  last  years  that 
God:  no  man  knoweth  either  love  or  hatred  he  performed  very  little  ministerial  labor, 
by  all  that  is  before  them."  ^  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor. 

^  Silas   Andrus  was   about,   as   we   have  *  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  East  Windsor, 

said,  to  publish  the   first  American   edition  north  parish. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  825 

the  last,  and  Dr.  Flint' spoke  at  the  grave.     The  weather  very  fine.     I  am 
very  much  fatigued.     My  mother  rode  to  East  Hartford. 

28.  Visited  a  sick  child.  Rode  early,  and  went  to  Norfolk  with  my 
mother.  She  was  pretty  feeble.  Had  to  make  considerable  stops.  Arrived 
in  the  evening.     She  has  made  me  a  good  visit. 

29.  The  ground  here  is  dr^'.  The  crops  appear  remarkably  well.  Dined 
at  Mr,  Battell's.  His  father  and  mother^  are  here.  Warm.  Left  Norfolk 
and  rode  to  Canton.     Tarried   at  a  tavern. 

30.  Rode  very  early  and  got  home  about  nine  o'clock.  Visited  a  sick 
child.  The  heat  was  very  severe  and  oppressive  all  day.  The  air  was  still 
and  languid.  It  was  very  warm  all  day.  From  about  one  to  five  the  ther- 
mometer stood,  with  very  little  variation,  at  99°.  Preached  a  preparator)* 
lecture  with  old  notes  on  i  Pet.  ii :  24.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.  I  have  seldom  seen  people  so  much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Our 
meetings  were  thin.     On  the  28th  received  of  the  Hartford  Bank,  $15.00. 

July. 

1.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Wrote.  Could  do  but  little.  The  ther- 
mometer in  the  afternoon  rose  to  100°.  We  had  considerable  thunder,  but  no 
rain.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  Read.  Afternoon  attended  a  funeral  in  the 
hither  part  of  East  Hartford,^  and  preached  on  John  vi :  48. 

2.  Cooler  and  a  pretty  good  air.  Preached  on  i  Cor.  x :  4,  with  old 
notes,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Mark  ix :  44.  Administered  the  sacrament. 
Our  church,  I  think,  not  so  full  as  sometimes.  Received  four  members  by 
letter.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Very  much  fatigued.  Ther- 
mometer 91°. 

3.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Visited  a  sick  child. 
Am  very  languid.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Ther- 
mometer 92°. 

4.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
The  heat  and  dust  very  severe.  Thermometer  94°.  Have  great  reason  to  be 
humbled  for  my  follies  and  corruptions.  There  appears  to  be  more  than, 
usual  notice  taken   of  our  Independence.'* 

5.  Wrote  for  the  printers;  as  much  as  I  could  in  such  severe  heat. 
Thermometer  99°.  The  ground  dries  and  scorches  very  much.  My  health, 
1  think,  is  better  than  it  has  been.  I  am,  however,  troubled  with  my  tremor 
in  writing. 

6.  In  the  forenoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.  The  warm- 
est forenoon,  I  think,  that  we  have  had.  The  thermometer  was  at  90°  before 
nine  o'clock.  A  little  after  noon  it  was  at  98°,  when  it  was  checked  a  little 
by  a  cloud  that  obscured   the   sun.     Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.     Carried. 


'  Dr.  Abel  Flint,  of  Hartford.  East    Windsor   to    Hartford,   just   after    he 

=  William  and  Martha  (Mitchell)  Battell,  crosses  the  Podunk  Valley. 

of  Torringford,  now  advanced  in  life.    •  •*  The  Fourth  of  July  isfar  more  generally 

3  The  hither  part  of   East  Hartford  was  kept  as  a  holiday  now  than  in  the  early  years 

that   portion  which   one   enters,  going   from  of  the  present  century. 


826 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1820. 


patterns  to  the  furnace.  At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East 
Hartford  on  Prov.  i:  24,  25,  26.'  Thin  meeting.  After  which  rode  to  Wrap- 
ping and  performed  a  marriage.^     Got  home  quite  late. 

7.  Wrote.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Vegetation  suffers  very  much  with  drought 
and  heat.  We  had  considerable  thunder,  but  no  rain.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer- meeting.     Thermometer  94°. 

8.  Wrote.  We  have  many  signs  of  rain  that  disappoint  us.  Do  not  feel 
able  to  write  a  sermon.  Read.  Went  into  the  water.  Thermometer  93°. 
Have  great  occasion  to  lament  and  condemn  myself  for  my  follies  and 
corruptions. 

9.  The  dust  is  very  severe.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon 
on  Ps.  iv:  2.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  ii :  16.  Almost 
overcome  with  the  heat.  At  evening  had  a  meeting  for  prayer  on  account  of 
the  drought.   .  Thermometer  95°. 

10.  Am  very  languid.  Read  Sully' s  Afemoirs.^  Thermometer  95°.  Wrote. 
At  evening  attended  our  conference. 

11.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  back.  The  ground  suffers  exceedingly  with  the 
drought.  People  generally  are  beginning  with  the  harvest.  Dea.  Loomis*  is 
quite  unwell.  Injured,  I  think,  by  the  heat.  Visited.  Read.  Thermom- 
eter 91°, 

12.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  The  Baptist  Bentley'  had  a  meeting.  He 
takes  great  pains  to  ingratiate  himself.  We  had  thunder,  but  no  rain.  I  feel 
much  anxiety  about  this  Baptist,  but  hope  in  the  mercy  of  God  only.  Ther- 
mometer 95°. 

13.  Am  very  feeble.  Do  not  feel  able  to  write.  Read  Sully's  Memoirs. 
The  forenoon  was  excessive  hot.  Thermometer  90°  before  nine  o'clock,  A 
little  after  noon  it  was  99°,  when  a  cloud  arose,  and  we  had  something  of  a 
shower.  It  was  light,  but  ver^-  grateful.  Wrote.  Had  our  first  cucumbers. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 


'  This  frequent  preaching  in  the  "  hither 
part  of  East  Hartford "  was  probably  by 
arrangement  with  Rev.  Mr.  Fairchild,  to  try 
and  stay  the  progress  of  the  Baptists. 

'^  Between  Wyllis  Grant  and  Emily  Bel- 
cher, both  of  Wapping. 

^  See  note,  May  29,  1820. 

*  Dea.  Amasa  Loomis. 

5  Rev.  William  Bentley  was  the  Baptist 
minister  of  Wethersfield,  and  was  a  some- 
what notable  man.  He  was  born  in  New- 
port, R.  I.,  in  1775,  but  his  parents  removed 
to  Providence  in  1777,  when  the  British 
attacked  Newport.  As  a  young  man  he  went 
into  business  in  Boston,  and  was  a  member 
of  Dr.  Stillman's  church,  and  afterwards  of 
Dr.  Baldwin's,  both  leading  Baptist  divines. 
Dr.  Baldwin  persuaded  young  Bentley  to 
prepare  for   the   Baptist   ministry.     He  was 


ordained  at  Salem  in  1806,  and  preached  for 
some  years  at  Worcester.  He  went  to 
Wethersfield,  Ct,  in  18 15,  and  remained  six 
years,  when  he  gave  himself  wholly  to  the 
work  of  an  evangelist,  for  which  he  had 
special  qualifications. 

The  writer  of  this  note  heard  Mr.  Bentley 
preach  in  1826  or  1827,  in  a  time  of  great 
religious  excitement  at  Dobson's  Factory  in 
Vernon,  Ct.  On  one  of  the  very  coldest 
days  of  winter,  when  the  thermometer  was 
down  in  the  zero  ranges,  he  saw  Mr.  Bentley, 
assisted  by  a  younger  Baptist  minister  named 
Jennings,  baptize,  by  immersion,  thirty  per- 
sons or  more,  chiefly  factory  girls,  when  ice, 
more  than  a  foot  thick,  had  to  be  cut  out 
for  the  purpose,  and  when  the  surface  of 
the  water,  if  left  still,  would  skim  over  with 
ice  in  five  minutes. 


l820,]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  827 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  the  harvest  field,  and  carried  dinner.' 
Mr.  Wolcott  began  his  reaping  on  the  12th.  In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  hard 
and  refreshing  shower.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Thermometer  about  92°. 

15.  Wrote  with  much  weakness  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  x:  9.  At 
evening  united  with  several  brethren  of  the  church  in  a  season  of  prayer  on 
account  of  Dea.  Loomis,  who  is  unwell,  and  his  intellect  considerably  affected. 
It  was  an  affecting  and  solemn  occasion.  Paid  a  tailoress,  .50.  Ther- 
mometer 91°. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  latter  half  of  Mark  vi.  Finished 
and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  x :  9.  After  meeting  we  had  a  powerful 
and  most  grateful  thunder-shower.  At  evening  had  a  full  conference.  Very 
tired.     Read.     Thermometer  92°. 

17.  The  ground  is  exceedingly  refreshed  by  the  rain.  Visited.  Carried 
dinner  to  the  harvest  field.  The  harvest  generally  is  very  good,  both  wheat 
and  rye.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Thermometer  86°.  I  think 
we  have  had  the  longest  season  of  severe  heat  that  I  have  ever  known. 

18.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  an  aged  sick  man.  He  appears 
to  be  prepared  for  heaven.  Visited.  I  am  so  feeble  that  the  heat  is  very 
oppressive.     Thermometer  91°. 

19.  Wrote  for  the  printers.  Read.  Had  a  sacking  bottom  made  to  my 
bedstead.  Worked  some.  At  evening  rode  to  Enfield.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother.     Am  quite  feeble.     Thermometer  92°. 

20.  My  brother's^  wife  and  her  son  set  out  on  a  journey  to  the  eastward. 
Rode  home.  Visited.  At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East 
Hartford  on  2  Cor.  iv :  3.  The  meetings  there  grow  thin.^  The  crop  of 
grain  is  very  great.     Thermometer  90°. 

21.  Finished  copying  my  sermons  for  the  printers.  I  have  had  so  many 
hindrances  that  I  have  been  much  longer  about  it  than  I  expected.  Read  a 
proof-sheet.  We  had  a  hard  and  grateful  rain.  Am  troubled  with  bilious 
affections.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  96°. 

22.  Rode  out.  Read  Sully.  Visited.  Towards  evening  rode  to  Mr. 
Bartlett's  to  make  an  exchange.     Thermometer  86°. 

23.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  to  my  meeting-house,  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Preached  on  i  John  iii :  9,  and  2  Cor.  x  :  9.  My  lungs  are  quite  feeble  and 
sore.  Rode  down  ■*  to  the  Hill,  and  attended  the  conference.  Tarried  at  Dea. 
Loomis's.     I  hope  he  is  some  better. 

24.  Am  very  much  fatigued.  Worked  some,  but  am  quite  weak.  Visited. 
Read.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Thermometer  88°. 


"  This  is  a  service  which  Dr.  Robbins  had  ^  Perhaps  the  Baptists  drew  the  people 

performed,  in  harvest  time,  for  several  years.  to  their  meeting,  but  probably  the  excitement 

.The  harvest  fields  were  probably  some  dis-  about  the  Baptists  was  declining,  and  as  this 

tance  to  the  east  from  Mr.  Wolcott's  house.  was  on  the  borders  of  two  towns,  the  motives 

^  Rev.  Francis,  of   Enfield.     Her  former  for  continuing  special  services  had  weakened, 

home,  it  will   be   remembered,  was  at  Fair-  *  That    is,   from    Rev.   Mr.   Bartlett's   at 

haven,  Mass.  Scantic. 


828  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

25.  Read  a  valuable  Thanksgiving  sermon  of  Dr.  McClure's,  preached  in 
1795,  a  century  from  the  establishment  of  this  church.'  Read  Sull)\  Kept 
at  home.     Quite  warm.     Thermometer  92°. 

26.  Read.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  Baptist  man  makes  great 
exertions  here.     The  heat  very  oppressive.     Thermometer  96°.     Tarried  out. 

27.  Visited.  We  had  a  hard  shower.  At  evening  preached  at  Long  Hill 
on  Matt,  v  :  4.  Very  sultry.  Thermometer  about  92°.  Got  something  wet. 
Tarried  out. 

28.  Am  much  fatigued  and  very  languid.  The  efforts  of  the  Baptists  give 
me  great  anxiety.  Can  do  but  little.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meet- 
ing.    Thermometer  90°. 

29.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  hard  thunder-shower.  The  thunder  was  near 
and  very  heavy.  We  were  all  up  for  a  considerable  time.  Began  to  write  a 
sermon  on  Acts  x:  34,  35.  Made  but  little  progress.  Am  very  languid. 
Worked  some.  Have  many  interruptions.  Thermometer  91°.  Paid  for 
work  in  my  garden,  .92. 

30.  Could  not  finish  my  writing.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Gal.  iv  :  5. 
Last  night  we  had  another  rain.  Wet  the  most  of  the  day.  A  Baptist  from 
Stafford  preached  at  the  school-house  in  this  neighborhood.  We  had  not  so 
large  a  meeting  as  I  feared.  It  gives  me  anxiety.  I  pray  God  to  help  us,  as 
he  has  in  times  past.  At  evening  had  a  full  conference.  Had  more  strength 
for  speaking  than  I  expected.     Thermometer  88°. 

31.  Read  the  last  proof-sheet  of  my  sermons.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid 
Scarborough,  $11.00,  received  from  my  brother.  Very  hot  and  sultry.  Am 
quite  feeble.  The  ground  is  very  wet.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Spoke  poorly.  Thermometer  90°.  I  conclude  I  never  knew  so  warm  a  July. 
It  has  a  sensible  efiect  on  my  health. 

August. 

1.  Walked  out  and  visited.  People  now  have  favorable  weather  for 
getting  in  their  crops.  Read  the  Bible.  We  had  our  first  green  corn  last 
Sabbath.  I  am  quite  feeble,  and  can  do  but  little.  Taken  up  considerably 
with  our  building.     Wrote. 

2.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  I  hope  God  will  preserve  us  from  the 
efforts  of  the  Baptists.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 

3.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  on  business  about  our  building.  Have  pro- 
cured a  new  watch-key  containing  the  names  of  our  paternal  ancestors.  At 
evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Matt,  xxvi :  42. 
Meeting   pretty   full. 

4.  Walked   and   visited.      Read    Sully.      Wrote.     Yesterday   received    a 


'  This   sermon   does  not  seem   to  be  in-  1694,  but,  as  now  appears,  was  not  formally 

eluded  in  the  list  of  Dr.  McClure's  published  ordained  until  1698.     (See    Windsor  Farmes, 

sermons  as  given  in  Sprague's  .^«;?«/j.     It  is  18S3,  by  John  A.  Stoughton.)     But  it  would 

quite  likely  that  it  was  a  manuscript  sermon  not   be   unnatural  that  Dr.  McClure  should 

which  Dr.  Robbins  saw.     Timothy  Edwards  preach  such  a  sermon  in  1795,  as  a  century 

first   began   preaching   in    East  Windsor   in  sermon. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  829 

letter   from   Mr.   McLean,  of   Simsbury.     At   evening   attended   our   prayer- 
meeting.     Spoke  feebly. 

5.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  last  Saturday  on  Acts  x :  34,  35.  I  wrote 
slow,  and  did  much  less  than  I  expected.  Warm  and  sultry.  Thermometer 
91°.     A  friend  is  much  tried. 

6.  Wrote  early.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Acts  x:  34,  35. 
The  Baptists  had  a  meeting  here.  It  is  very  trying  to  me.  But  few  of  our 
people  attended.     Attended  our  conference  in  the  evening.     Much  exhausted. 

7.  Read.  Visited.  Cool.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting.     We  begin  to  have  water-melons. 

8.  Wrote.  Visited.  It  is  said  that  the  cotton  manufactures  in  New 
England  are  improving.'     Rainy. 

9.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mr.  Oliver 
Skinner.^  He  died  like  a  faithful  saint.  Visited  there,  and  preached  in  the 
evening  on  Mark  i :  40.  The  people  there  are  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 
Full  meeting.     Tarried  at  Wapping. 

10.  Intended  to  visit  considerably,  but  the  weather  came  on  very  warm, 
and  I  was  so  unwell  as  to  think  it  necessary  to  come  home.  Am  very  languid. 
Visited.     We  had  a  very  hard  shower.     Thermometer  95°. 

11.  In  the  morning  rode  out  and  visited.  I  do  not  remember  ever  to  have 
been  so  oppressed  with  the  heat  on  my  birthday.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  94°. 

12.  Began  a  sermon  on  Rev.  iii :  8,  but  could  not  write  but  little.  I  am 
quite  unwell.  The  heat  extremely  oppressive.  Thermometer  98".  At  even- 
ing we  had  a  pretty  hard  thunder-shower.     Have  an  ague  in  my  face. 

13.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  4.  I  have  seldom  spoken  with 
so  much  difficulty.  I  am  very  feeble,  particularly  at  the  lungs.  Had  no 
conference.     Cooler.     Thermometer  90°. 

14.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Wolcott.  Did  errands.  At  even- 
ing attended  the  conference.  Many  of  my  people  appear  to  be  anxious  about 
my  health.  I  hope  God  will  strengthen  me  for  the  duties  to  which  he  may 
call  me. 

15.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  our  ministers'  meeting.  By  the  late 
dismission  of  Mr.  Clark  at  Turkey  Hills  our  number  is  diminished.  Shower)^ 
Preached  at  our  meeting  on  i  John  iii :  9. 

16.  Visited  old  Mr.  Stebbins.^  He  is  very  poor,  and  apparently  in  a 
dangerous  state.     Rode  home.     Wet.     The  flies  are  very  tedious. 

17.  Our  carpenters  and  masons  came  and  began  their  work.  Much  taken 
up  with  them.     Rode  to  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford,  visited  and  preached 


■  That  was  in  the  comparative  infancy  of  3  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins,  of  Simsbury.     It 

cotton  manufacture  in  New  England.  was   fifty-three   years   since   he   was    settled 

^  Oliver  Skinner,  son  of  Daniel  and  Abi-  at  Simsbury,  and  he  was  now  not  far  from 

gail  (Smith)  Skinner,  was  born  May  29,  1736,  eighty  years  old.     The    Contribittiofis  to  the 

and  was  in  his  eighty-fifth  year  at  the  time  of  Ecclesiastical  History  of  Connecticut  places  his 

his  death.  death  in  1820.     It  should  be  182 1. 


830  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

in  the  evening  on  Matt,   xx :  30.     Am  still  quite  feeble.     Melons  are  very 
plenty. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford  on  business  for  the  new  house.  Wrote.  Can  do 
but  little  at  study.  My  volume  of  sermons  is  out  and  appears  well.  Warm. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

19.  Went  into  the  woods  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to  get  timber.  Quite  warm. 
Rode  to  Farmingtun  to  make  an  exchange  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Saxton,'  a 
candidate,  preaching  at  Southbury. 

20.  Mr.  Porter  could  not  conveniently  leave  home,  and  I  had  to  ride  to 
Bristol."  Rode  early.  Mr.  Cone  rode  to  Plymouth  after  I  got  to  his  house. 
Preached  on  Prov.  i:  31,  and  James  i:  23,  24.  After  meeting  attended  a 
funeral.     Mr.  Cone  returned. 

21.  Rode  home.  Bore  the  labors  of  yesterday  better  than  I  feared. 
Read.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I  fear  the  Baptists  have  cor- 
rupted some  of  our  people.     It  gives  me  a  great  deal  of  anxiety. 

22.  Am  much  taken  up  with  our  builders.     Read.     Visited. 

23.  Read.  Mr.  Wolcott  had  his  back  building  raised ;  seventy-three  feet 
in  length.     Quite  warm.     Cannot  work  much. 

24.  Visited.  The  exertions  of  the  Baptists  are  uninterrupted.  Wrote. 
Have  many  hindrances.     Water-melons  are  so  plenty  that  many  are  lost. 

25.  Read.  Mr.  Williams,  an  old  candidate,  came  here  and  hindered  me 
long.^  Wrote  to  Mr.  A.  Robbins,  of  Turkey  Hills.  Rode  out.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     My  lungs  are  quite  weak. 

26.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  some  time  since.  Write  but  little.  The 
tremor  in  my  hand  is  troublesome.     I  am  not  sufificiently  industrious. 

27.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  vii.  Wrote  and  preached  in  the 
afternoon  on  Rev.  iii :  8.  My  sermon  was  not  quite  finished.  There  was  a 
Baptist  meeting  here  at  the  school-house.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence.    Much  fatigued. 

28.  Thermometer  on  the  24th  92°;  27th  90°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  All  the 
productions  of  the  earth  are  very  plentiful.  Read.  At  evening  ■  attended 
the    conference.     Very   feeble    at   the    lungs. 

29.  Wrote.  Taken  up  with  company.  Dined  at  Mrs.  McClure's  with  Dr. 
Perkins"  and  Mr.  Tenney.*  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  the  sick  and 
others.     Tarried  out.     Thermometer  84°. 

30.  Visited  the  sick.  Visited  the  school  at  Long  Hill.  The  Baptists  are 
unremitting  in  their  efforts.  My  time  is  much  taken  up  in  endeavors  to 
counteract  them.*     Quite  warm. 


•  Mr.  Noah  C.  Saxton,  probably.  iams,  who  was  graduated   at  Yale  in  iSoo, 

^  This  was  an  exchange  with  many  stages  and  who  died  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  1S76, 

or  parts.     Dr.  Robbins  was  to  go  to  Farm-  aged  ninety-seven. 

ington,  Dr.  Noah  Porter  was  to  go  to  Bris-  *  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford. 

tol,  Rev.  Jonathan  Cone  was  to  go  to  South-  *  Dr.  Caleb  J.  Tenney,  of  Wethersfield. 

bury,  the  ca,ndidate,  Mr.  Saxton,  was  to  be  *  If    he    could    have   been   less   troubled 

at  East  Windsor.  al:)out  the  Baptists,  it  would  have  been  better, 

^  This  was  doubtless  Rev.  Thomas  Will-  both  in  a  secular  and  a  Christian  way. 


lS20.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  83 1 

31.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  met  with  the  officers  of  the  regiment. 
Received  a  letter  for  the  review  day.  On  the  29th  received  from  Dr.  Flint 
my  consociational  letter.  Expected  to  have  preached  in  the  evening  in  the 
hither  part  of  East  Hartford ;  but  a  Baptist  meeting  having  been  appointed  in 
the  neighborhood  since  my  appointment,  I  postponed  mine  to  next  week. 
Warm  and  dusty. 

September. 

1.  The  Baptists  appear  to  have  a  pernicious  influence  here.  Visited. 
The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  90°.  Read  the  Bible.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  prayer-meeting.  My  lungs  are  weak.  We  had  a  moderate 
thunder-shower.     Read. 

2.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vi :  24,  but  had  so  many  hindrances 
that  I  wrote  but  little.     Was  called  to  visit  a  sick  man. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  i :  2.  In  the 
afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  xxii :  9.  Had  no  conference. 
Visited.     Cool. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford  on  an  errand  for  the  workmen.  Dined  with  a 
military  company,  and  attended  the  training.'  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting. 

5.  Visited.  Am  too  much  addicted  to  indolence.  Dined  with  our  mili- 
tary company.  In  the  afternoon  they  marched  down  here.  Very  warm. 
Thermometer  about  90°.     Read. 

6.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Charlotte  Reed.^  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw 
Mr.  Battell.     His  two  sons  came  up  here.^     Very  warm.     Thermometer  90°. 

7.  Spent  the  forenoon  with  my  nephews.  They  appear  well.  Taken  up 
with  the  building.  At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford. 
Thermometer  86°. 

8.  Much  taken  up  with  the  builders.  I  have  been  so  languid  this  week 
that  I  have  done  but  little.  Preached  last  evening  on  Acts  xxviii :  24. 
Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Full  and  solemn.  Ther- 
mom^eter  89°. 

9.  Wrote.  Have  various  hindrances.  The  heat  very  severe.  Wrote  on 
a  sermon  begun  a  week  ago.  I  am  not  sufficiently  self-denying.  Thermom- 
eter 90°. 

10.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  2  Pet.  iii :  9.  Finished 
and  preached  my  sermon  on  Matt,  vi:  24.  The  heat  extremely  enervating 
and  oppressive.  The  dust  very  severe.  I  spoke  better  than  I  feared.  At 
evening  performed  a  marriage  at  Long  Hill.*     Thermometer  94°.' 

11.  Rode  to  New  Haven  with  Theodore  Bissell.''     The  heat  not  quite  so 


■  This  was  the  season  of  the  fall  trainings.  *  John  Jilson,  of  East  Hartford,  and  Dul- 

The  town  trainings  in  Connecticut  occurred  cinea  Hurd,  of  East  Winclfor, 
in  early  May  and  September.  ^  Here  again  we  have  the  high  heat   of 

^  Miss  Charlotte  S.  Reed  was  admitted  to  early  September,  which  comes  not  every  year, 

his   church   the   following  year.     The  letter  but  in  the  large  majority  of  years, 
very  likely  had  reference  to  that  subject.  ^  A  young  man  of  about  twenty,  son  of  Mr. 

3  Joseph  and  Philip  Battell.  Epaphras  Bissell,  of  East  Windsor. 


832  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS..   D.D.  [1820. 

great,  I  think,  as  yesterday.     At  evening  attended  an  exhibition  of   sacred 
music,  by  New  York  performers,  which  was  very  poor.' 

12.  Last  night  and  during  the  forenoon  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  It 
was  very  grateful.  Bissell  entered  college.^  My  brother  Frank  and  wife 
came  into  town.  Saw  many  acquaintance.  Afternoon  heard  an  oration  be- 
fore the  P.  B.  K,  Society,  and  attended  the  speaking  for  premiums.  At 
evening  Mr,  Porter,^  of  Farmington,  preached  very  well  before  the  Education 
Society, 

13.  We  have  a  cool  and  very  pleasant  day  after  the  rain.  There  was  a 
large  collection  of  people.  The  public  performances  were  very  good.  Mr. 
Day"*  presides  very  well.  A  great  number  of  ministers.  Received  of  Gen, 
Howe  on  his  note,  $100,00.  Paid  him  on  $25.00.  Bought  no  books.  Left 
New  Haven  at  sundown,  and  rode  to  Wallingford.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

14.  Rode  early,  and  came  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  a  regimental 
training.  Rode  as  chaplain.  They  performed  pretty  well.  There  were  a 
great  many  people.  Rode  home.  The  late  rains  have  been  hard.  My 
brother  and  his  wife  called  here  and  rode  home  in  the  evening. 

15.  Read.  Feel  the  effects  of  my  fatigues.  Commencement  morning 
attended  and  spoke  at  a  public  prayer-meeting.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Am  too  apt  to  procrastinate  my  necessar}-  duties. 

16.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Taken  up  with  our  building.  At  evening 
rode  to  East  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr,  Fairchild. 

17.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Preached  on  Rev,  iii :  8,  and  Prov,  i:  31,  Attended  the  Sabbath-school, 
At  evening  rode  home  and  attended  the  conference.  Very  warm  and  languid. 
My  lungs  are  yet  weak. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr,  Wolcott,  Very  warm.  Am  much  inter- 
rupted in  my  duties.  Visited,  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  We 
had  a  shower.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 

19.  Rainy  all  day.  Much  hindered  by  company.  Visited  a  school.  At 
evening  rode  to  Enfield  in  the  rain.  Found  my  cousin,  William  Le  Baron,^ 
and  wife,*  there.  They  appear  very  respectably.  Yesterday  paid  Hartford 
Bank,  $72.29,  and  renewed  my  note, 

20.  My  cousins  went  off  for  Norfolk.  Rode  home.  Quite  cool.  Worked 
at  the  new  house.  Read.  Paid  to  the  Female  Auxiliary  Benevolent  Society, 
.50.     Wrote. 

21.  This  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  Unusually  severe  for  the  first. 
Considerable  tobacco  is  out  and  injured ;  but  vegetation  is  seldom  more 
forward  at  the  first  frost.     Rode  to  Wapping,  visited  the  sick  and  a  school. 


'  Dr.  Robbins  had  an  ear  for  music,  and  *  William  Le  Baron  was  the   son  of  his 

was  very  fond  of  <food  singing.  uncle,  Rev,  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  of  Mattapoi- 

^  This  was  the  errand  on  which  Dr.  Rob-  sett,  and  was  born  in  17S6,  so  that  he  was 

bins  at  that  time  went  to  New  Haven.  now  thirt}'-four  years  old. 

^  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  D.D.  '  His  wife  was  Eliza  Le  Baron,  daughter 

*  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  D.D.,  President  of  of  his  Uncle  William.     They  were   cousins, 

Yale,  iS  17-1846.  and  were  married  in  iSio. 


p 


1820.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  833 

At  evening  preached  at  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Isa.  Ivii :    21. 
After  which  performed  a  marriage  at  Wapping.'     Very  tired.     Quite  cold. 

22.  Rode  and  visited.  Expected  to  have  had  some  persons  unite  with  our 
church  about  this  time,  but  concluded  to  have  it  deferred  for  the  present. 
Visited  the  Wapping  North  School.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
In  the  morning  a  hard  frost. 

23.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Have  so  many  avocations  I  cannot  write.  We 
have  several  persons  very  sick.  Read.  Towards  night  my  cousin,  William 
Le  Baron,  and  his  wife,  came  here  from  Norfolk.^  My  brother  Frank's  wife 
and  her  son  also  came  here.     Paid  for  oats,  .69. 

24.  In  the  morning  visited  a  woman  near  dying  with  a  consumption. 
There  was  a  Baptist  meeting  here.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  eighth 
chapter  of  Mark.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Jer.  xiv:  8.  My 
cousins,  Eliza,  Priscilla,  and  Gideon,  rode  to  Enfield  in  the  evening.^ 
Attended   the   conference.     Visited. 

25.  Rode  out  with  Mr.  Le  Baron,  Towards  night  he  went  to  Enfield. 
Have  had  an  agreeable  visit  from  my  cousins.  In  the  afternoon  attended  the 
funeral  of  the  woman  who  died  yesterday  at  Wapping.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     My  lungs  are  weak.     May  the  Lord  help  me. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Dea.  Reed,"  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  I 
was  scribe.  We  had  no  very  urgent  business.  Mr.  McLean*  preached  in  the 
evening.     Kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Griswold's. 

27.  The  Conso  finished  their  business  a  little  after  noon.  We  sat  in  the 
conference  house.  Returned  home.  Tired.  Read.  Received  a  dividend  of 
the  bank  of  $48.75.     Read. 

28.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Visited.  I  do  not  improve  all 
my  time  usefully  as  I  ought. 

29.  Rode  and  visited.  A  woman  died  yesterday,*  a  member  of  the  church. 
Visited  the  family.  Afternoon  preached  a  sacramental  lecture,  with  old  notes, 
on  Isa.  1 :  10.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Very  thin.     Wrote. 

30.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ex.  xxxii :  26.  Attended  the  funeral 
of  the  late  Mrs.  Rockwell.     Quite  warm  and  dusty.     Wrote  late. 

October. 

I.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  li :  12.  Afternoon  on 
Ex.  xxxii :  26.  My  sermon  not  quite  finished.  Attended  the  sacrament. 
Meetings  quite  full  and  solemn.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Attended  the  confer- 
ence. Was  strengthened  for  speaking  beyond  my  expectation.  It  is  of  the 
Lord. 


'  Between  Horace  Hosmer  and  Marilda  ♦  Dea.  Abner  Reed,  delegate  to  Conso- 
Grant,  both  of  Wapping.  ciation.  In  the  consociational  system  of 
^  On  their  return  journey  home.  church  government  the  delegates  were  vari- 
3  Eliza,  just  mentioned,  wife  of  William  able,  and  elected  for  each  meeting. 
Le  Baron ;  Priscilla,  wife  of  Rev.  Francis,  *  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  of  Simsbury. 
of  Enfield ;  and  Gideon  Alden,  her  son  by  *  Widow  Mary  Rockwell,  aged  sixty- 
first  marriage  with  Gideon  S.  Alden.  seven. 


834  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182O. 

2.  Visited  sick  persons,  and  the  two  schools.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  Quite  tired.  Our  summer  school  this  season  has 
done  well. 

3.  Yesterday  Mr.  Clark,'  late  of  Turkey  Hills,  requested  me  to  preach  at 
his  expected  installation  at  Winchendon.  Wrote.  Rainy.  Visited.  Wrote 
to  Col.  White,  of  Danbury. 

4.  Visited  a  school  at  Hockanum,  and  one  at  the  Hill.  Visited  the  sick. 
At  evening  performed  a  marriage  at  Wapping.^ 

5.  Concluded  not  to  go  down  to  the  cattle  show.  It  excites  great 
attention.     Read  on   Congregationalism.     Wet. 

6.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxii:  3,  4,  5,  for  installation.  Walked  out 
and  visited.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

7.  Rode  out  and  to  Wapping,  and  visited  the  sick.  Walked  out.  Our 
people  are  much  injured  by  the  excitement  of  sectarianism.     Read. 

8.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  vi :  20. 
At  evening  had  a  full  conference.     The  Baptists  had  a  meeting  here. 

9.  A  steady,  rainy  day.  At  evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 
Read  Hume's  Essays.  We  have  some  very  interesting  religious  intelligence 
from  the  South  Sea  Islands."* 

10.  Wet.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Mr.  Spencer;  very  low.  Did 
errands  for  our  new  house.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

11.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Wrote.  Yesterday  saw  my  cousin 
Eliza  Olmsted,  at  East  I^artford.     Her  health  is  poor.     Rode  out  and  visited. 

12.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Spencer.  He  was 
buried  here,  and  we  had  an  exercise  in  the  meeting-house.  Quite  cold.  At 
evening  preached  at  Long  Hill  on  Matt,  xx  :  14. 

13.  Wrote  on  my  installation  sermon.  I  have  been  very  much  interrupted 
this  week.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  the  sick.  At  evening 
attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

14.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Did  not  finish  it.  It  is  quite  too  long.  Much 
interrupted.     Received  of  the  society,  $2.50.     Wrote  late. 

15.  We  had  a  hard  rain.  Meeting  in  the  forenoon  very  thin.  Preached 
with  old  notes  on  Matt,  iv :  17.  Am  much  troubled  with  an  influenza  cold. 
At  evening  wrote.     Finished  my  installation  sermon.     It  is  quite  long. 

16.  Last  night  it  rained  very  hard  all  night.  About  noon  set  out  on  my 
journey  on  horseback.  Rode  to  Springfield  and  Ludlow.  All  the  streams 
are  very  high.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 


*  Rev.  Eber  L.  Clark.      He  had   already  ^  Between  Henry  Ward  and  Irene  Stough- 

been  settled  at  Chatham  (now  Portland),  Ct.,  ton,  both  of  Wapping. 

and  at  Turkey  Hills  (Granby),  Ct.     We  find  ^  Between    Abiezer    Porter    and    Sophia 

his  name  in  the  records  written  sometimes  Wood. 

with  and  sometimes  without  the  final  e.     In  *  Where  the  London  Missionary  Society 

the   Catalogue  of   Williams  College  (Trien-  was  carrying  on  its  work.     This  Society  was 

nial),   where   he   was   graduated,    his    name  organized  and  in  full  operation  some  years 

stands    Eber   Liscom   Clark.      He   died    in  before  the  existence  of  our  American  Board 

1857,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one.  of  Foreign  Missions. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  835 

17.  Started  early  and  rode  through  Belchertown,  Enfield,  Greenwich, 
Dana,  Petersham,  Templeton,  to  Winchendon.'  The  distance  from  home 
about  twelve  miles.  Cold  and  windy.  Was  very  gladly  received.  Mr.  Clark 
gave  me  a  letter  from  the  church,  requesting  me  to  be  a  member  of  the  install- 
ing council.  Mr.  Clark  appeared  well  on  examination,  but  the  ministers  are 
pretty  poor  theologians.  The  council  appears  like  one  a  century  ago.  Pretty 
tired  with  my  journey.  At  Petersham  got  a  sulky,  and  rode  the  last  fifteen 
miles,  which  was  a  great  help  to  me.'^ 

18.  On  the  1 6th  wrote  to  Mr.  Battell,  and  to  Mr.  Appleton  Robbins. 
Same  day  paid  for  lumber,  ^1.28.  Quite  cold.  There  was  a  very  great  col- 
lection of  people  at  the  installation.  The  meeting-house  is  quite  large  and 
very  much  crowded.  Preached  on  Ps.  cxxii :  3,  4,  5.  I  hope  my  subject 
(ecclesiastical  government)  will  do  good.  The  churches  in  this  quarter  are  in 
a  very  loose  state. ^  Was  requested  to  give  a  copy  of  my  sermon  for  publica- 
tion.    Wet.     Several  members  of  the  council  tarried  over  night.     Quite  tired. 

19.  The  people  here  appear  quite  pleased  with  my  having  come  here  on 
this  occasion.  Concluded  to  send  them  a  copy  of  my  sermon.  Left  Win- 
chendon,  and  rode  the  same  way  that  I  went,  to  Belchertown.  Col.  Weed,  of 
Petersham,  would  not  take  anything  for  his  sulky.  The  roads  are  much 
washed  by  the  late  rains. 

20.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  home.  Have  had,  by  the  divine  blessing,  a  very 
prosperous  journey.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting,  though  as  I  was  not 
expected,  it  was  quite  thin.  I  think  I  do  not  ride  on  horseback  as  well  as  I 
used  to  do.     At  Springfield  saw  some  of  the  public  works. 

21.  Prayed  with  a  family  setting  out  for  New  Connecticut.  Gave  them 
$2.00.  A  considerable  sum  has  been  given  them  to  fit  them  out.  Rode  and 
visited  the  sick.  Wrote.  My  cousin  Eliza  came  here  to  tarry  over  the 
Sabbath.     I  feel  anxious  for  her  health. 

22.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  ix :  1-29.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix :  59.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  The 
Stafford  Baptist"*  was  in  here,  but  had  a  small  meeting. 

23.  Read.  Wrote.  Taken  up  with  the  joiners.  Visited.  At  evening 
attended   the    conference.     Pretty   thin. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands,  paid  a  mason  for  work 
on  the  new  house,  $4.00.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.*  Last  week,  in 
my  absence,  there  was  a  high  flood  over  the  meadows. 


'  Winchendon   touches   the  New  Hamp-  them  had  for  its  minister  Rev.  Benjamin  M. 

shire  line   on   the   north,  and  from  the  old  Hill,  and  the  other  Rev.  Jonathan  Pasko  or 

church   on   the    hill,  where   Mr.   Clark  was  Pasco.     It  is  quite  likely  that  the   last  was 

settled,  looks  off  on  Mount  Monadnock  which  a  native  of  East  Windsor.     The  name  Pasco, 

rises  grandly  a  few  miles  to  the  northwest.  which  is  not  common,  belonged  to  East  Wind- 

^  A  very  hard  journey  over  the  hills,  and  sor,   and   there  was   a  Jonathan  Pasco,   Jr. 

a  change  of  position  would  rest  him.  (son  of  Jonathan),  born  there  in  1785,  who 

^  This  was  the  time  when  the  Unitarian  would  be  thirty-five  years  old  in  1820.     He 

defection  was  rife  in  Massachusetts.  was  probably  the  man. 

■'  There  were  two  Baptist  churches  in  the  ^  Between  Zechariah  Snyder,  of  German- 
town  of  Stafford,  Ct.,  at  that  time.    One  of  town,  N.  Y.,  and  Ann  Maria  Wells. 


836  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

25.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  thunder-shower.  Wrote.  Three  persons 
belonging  to  a  Baptist  family  were  dipped  by  Bentley,'     Quite  cold. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  Quite  cold  and  windy. 
At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Amos  vi :  i. 
Visited.     Read  the  Bible. 

27.  \\'rote.  Copying  my  installation  sermon  for  the  press.  Hindered  by 
company.     At  evening  our  prayer-meeting  was  quite  thin. 

28.  Visited.  Taken  up  by  the  joiners.  Afternoon  rode  with  my  cousin 
Eliza  to  Enfield  to  make  our  exchange.     Severe  cold  for  the  season. 

29.  My  brother  rode  early  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Prov.  i :  31, 
and  John  iii :  9.  Afternoon  meeting  quite  full.  I  hope  cousin  Eliza  is  gain- 
ing in  health.  At  evening  rode  home.  On  the  way  performed  a  marriage  in 
Scantick.^  Had  an  application  to  examine  a  school-master,  which  we  declined 
doing  on  account  of  the  deficiency  of  his  character.     Read  the  Bible. 

30.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands.  Read.  At  evening  attended  our 
conference.  Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master.  There  has  been  a  very 
destructive  fire  at  New  Haven. 

31.  Have  many  hindrances.  Assisted  in  appraising  Dr.  McClure's  librar)-. 
Read  the  Bible.     Wrote.     Paid  brother  Francis,  $10.00. 

November. 

1.  Worked  the  most  of  the  day  at  the  new  house.  It  is  a  burdensome 
care  for  me.  Read  the  Bible.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and  did  errands. 
Warm.     Old  Mr.  Backus  came  here  and  tarried.^     He  is  very  poor.'* 

2.  Mr.  Backus  went  away.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  the 
sick.  At  evening  was  caught  out  in  a  sudden  shower,  and  got  considerably 
wet.     An  aged  woman  died  last  night. 

3.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mrs. 
Wood.^  Mr.  Maffitt,^  the  Irish  itinerant  Methodist,  preached  in  the  meeting- 
house to  a  numerous  audience.  I  went  with  him.  He  seems  to  be  a 
well-disposed  young  man,  but  knows  verj'  little  of  theology. 

4.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Deut.  xxviii :  58,  59.  Afternoon 
attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  at  Wapping.  Wrote  four  pages  in  the  evening. 
We  had  considerable  rain. 

5.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Luke  ii :  32.  Finished 
and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday  on  profaneness.  At  e\ening 
attended   conference.     Cold.     Our  people    appear  ver)'  stupid.^ 


'  See  note  July  12,  1820.  Dublin    in    1794.     He   was    regarded    as   a 

^  Between    Seth    Booth,    Jr.,   and    Sally  preacher  of  remarkable  eloquence,  and  was 

Watson.  famous  far  and  wide.     He   died  in  Mobile, 

^  Rev.  Simon  Backus,  of  North  Madison,  Ala.,  in  1850.  Dr.  Robbins  found  him  want- 
now  about  eighty  years  old  —  the  same  to  ing  in  good,  sound  New  England  theology, 
whom  the  ministers  at  General  Association  which  was  not  strange  under  the  circum- 
were  wont  to  contribute.  stances,  for  he   went  through  no  college  or 

■*  By  poor  here  means  not  sick,  but  very  theological  school, 
destitute.  '  We  have  again  that  word  stupid  which 

5  Mrs.  Ursula  Wood,  aged  eighty-six.  Dr.  Robbins  used  for  dullness  or  indifference 

^  Rev.   John   Newland    Maffitt,   born    in  to  religious  things. 


l82  0.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  837 

6.  Read.  Wrote.  Visited  our  academy.  It  appears  to  be  in  a  very 
good  way.     Attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

7.  Read.  Visited.  Gave  a  testimony  concerning  a  will  in  a  Probate 
Court.  Paid  a  tax  of  .39  to  the  highway  surveyor.  The  first  tax  I  ever  paid 
under  civil  law.'  The  quantity  of  cider  and  cider  brandy  made  this  year  is 
unprecedented. 

8.  Visited  the  sick.  Wrote  copying  my  installation  sermon.  Have  too 
many  needless  hindrances.     On  the  6th  gave  to  a  poor  man,  $i.oo. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  for  mending  the  chaise,  .30.  Did  errands. 
At  evening  preached  in  the  lower  part  of  the  town  on  Gen.  vii :  16.  Quite 
cold.     On  the  6th  received  a  letter  from  W.  N.  Wolcott,^  of  Utica. 

10.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon.  Worked  some.  Have  something  of  a 
sore  throat.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  thermometer 
hardly  above  the  freezing  point  all  day,  with  a  clear  sun. 

11.  W^orked  putting  up  cider.  Wrote.  The  thermometer  this  morning 
was  below  20°.  The  ground  is  frozen.  Sent  a  brandy-pipe  from  Hartford  to 
Turkey  Hills  to  be  filled  with  cider.' 

12.  Last  night  it  snowed  hard,  and  it  continued  a  little  through  the  day. 
Very  tedious.  We  had  two  meetings,  but  they  were  very  thin.  Afternoon 
rode  in  a  sleigh.  The  snow  is  eight  or  nine  inches  deep.  Preached  with  old 
notes  on  Mark  xi :  20.     Wrote. 

13.  Finished  copying  my  installation  sermon  for  the  press.  The  snow  is 
about  a  foot  deep,  and  quite  solid.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  20°. 
At  evening  visited.     Had  no  conference.     Read. 

14.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Our  young  man  Timothy,"*  whom  Mr. 
Wolcott  has  brought  up  from  childhood,  went  away.  Thermometer  this 
morning  12°.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick 
woman  very  low.  Examined  and  rejected  a  school-master.  Read  Cave's^ 
Lives. 

15.  Thermometer  10°.  Examined  and  approved  a  school-master.  Read 
Cave.     Made  a  plan  for  a  study  table.     Wrote  a  piece  for  a  newspaper. 

16.  Thermometer  11°.  We  have  thaw^  days,  but  cold  and  frosty  nights. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Very  low.  Sent  off  my  instal- 
lation sermon  to  Winchendon  by  mail.  W>ote  on  my  accounts.  Good  sleigh- 
ing, and  much  improved.     Paid  for  candles,  $1.08. 

17.  Thermometer  25°.  Got  out  and  repaired  my  old  sleigh.  Visited. 
Rode  to  Enfield.  My  cousin  Eliza  and  my  brother's  wife  quite  unwell. 
They  have  had  a  turn  of  fever,  but  are  now  getting  better.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

18.  Thermometer  18°.     Wrote.     Visited  a  sick  man  at  Wapping,  very  low. 


'  That  being  so,  Dr.  Robbins  could   not  ^  Of  the  Windsor  family  of  Wolcott. 

complain  of  hard   treatment   under   the  old  ^  Perhajjs  cider  was  cheaper  or  better  up 

constitution    or  the   revised   one.     His   first  there. 

civil   tax  was  thirty-nine  cents,  and  he  was  ■*  Very  likely  a  black  man. 

now  about  forty-three  years  old.  ^  William  Cave,  before  noticed. 


838  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

Rode  to  Ellington  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Brockway.     Young  Mr.  Brockway 
went  with  me.'     The  snow  thaws  considerably. 

19.  Preached  on  Rev.  iii :  8,  and  Prov.  i:  31.  This  congregation  is 
smaller,  I  think,  than  ours.     Visited  at  Mr.  Hall's.^     Mr.  Brockway  returned. 

20.  Rode.  Yesterday  the  snow  melted  a  good  deal,  and  the  sleighing  has 
become  poor.  Read.  Mrs.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  died  Saturday  morning.  She 
was  a  very  valuable  young  woman.  On  Saturday  our  joiners  completed  our 
new  house,  and  left  us,  to  our  great  joy.  At  evening  attended  our  conference, 
but  it  was  very  thin. 

21.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  a  funeral  in  a  hard  rain.  Read  Cave. 
Wrote  to  Howe  &  Spaulding,  New  Haven.     The  sleighing  is  about  gone. 

22.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  cousin,  Mrs.  Olmsted,  came  here.  She 
appears,  I  think,  sensibly  better  than  she  has  been.  At  evening  preached  in 
the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  from  Ps.  ix :  17. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  carried  down  Eliza.  She  concludes  to  go  to 
Norfolk  tomorrow  in  the  stage.  At  evening  married  my  neighbor,  Betsey 
Wolcott.' 

24.  The  most  of  the  ground  is  now  bare.  People  are  getting  in  their 
crops  that  are  out.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Col.  White,  of  Danbury, 
with  a  valuable  new  hat.''  Wrote  on  my  pecuniary  accounts.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer- meeting.     Thermometer  at  temperate. 

25.  Worked  at  the  new  house  clearing  away  all  day.  Cloudy,  but  the 
thermometer  was  at  temperate.  Have  every  reason  to  be  abased  before  God. 
Wrote.     Last  evening  wrote  to  Mr.  Brockway,  of  Ellington.     Read  expositors. 

26.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  ix :  30  to  x  :  23.  Afternoon 
preached  an  old  sermon  on  Num.  xi :  23.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence. Our  Baptist  school-master  held  a  meeting  in  his  school-house.  Few 
attended.  The  weather  warm,  and  thermometer  above  60°,  without  sunshine. 
Toward  night  it  became  cold.     I  have  a  continued  hoarseness. 

27.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  The  ground  hard  frozen.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Paid  for  a  brandy-pipe  to  hold  cider,^  $2.50.  Paid  for  a  green  cloth  to  cover 
my  study  table,  $3.00.  For  knobs  for  the  same,  .68.  Wrote.  Attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

28.  Thermometer  this  morning  13°.  Walked  and  visited.  Carried  part  of 
my  books  to  new  house.     We  had  some  snow.     Read. 


'  John  H.  Brockway,  son  of  Rev.  Diodate  Hill,  and  became  the  treasurer  and  general 

Brockway,   of   Ellington,   was  graduated  at  agent  of  the  Connecticut  Theological   Insti- 

Yale  two  months  before,  and  was  i^robably  tute,  first  established  at  East  Windsor,  but 

in  a  law  office  at  East  Windsor  Hill.  now  in    Hartford,  and   popularly  known   as 

"^  Who   established   and   carried    on    the  the   Hartford  Theological    Seminary.     It  is 

Ellington  school  or  academy.  more  prosperous  than  when  at  East  Windsor. 

^  Hon.  Erastus  Ellsworth,  of  New  York,  *  He   has   had  hats   from   Danbury  ever 

and   Miss   Elizabeth   Wolcott,   daughter    of  since   he   lived   there,   twenty  years   before. 

Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott,  of  East  Windsor.     Fif-  The  Danbury  hats  seemed  to  suit  him. 

teen   or   twenty  years   later,   this   Mr.    Ells-  '  The  one  probably  that  was  sent  up  to 

worth  took  up  his  residence  at  East  Windsor  Turkey  Hills  to  he  filled. 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  839 

29.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  12.  Wrote  the  greater 
part  in  the  evening.  Was  up  quite  late.  Taken  up  with  the  business  at  the 
new  house.  Yesterday  Mr.  Asahel  Gaylord,'  of  Norfolk,  called  and  dined 
with  me. 

30.  Thanksgiving.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday. 
Very  cold.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  12°,  and  did  not  rise  above  24° 
during  the  day.     Meeting  pretty  well  attended. 

December. 

1.  Cold  and  very  blustering.  Thermometer  considerably  higher  than 
yesterday.  Worked  at  my  books,  and  carried  part  of  them  to  the  new  house. 
Read. 

2.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  lix :  i,  2,  3.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Hartford.  The  wind  continued  high  and  tedious,  though  the  thermometer 
was  above  40°,     Wrote  quite  late. 

3.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Meeting  pretty 
full.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  We  have  many  accounts  of  the  very 
low  price  of  produce. 

4.  Wrote.  Carried  books  to  the  nevvr  house.  Read.  We  had  a  pretty 
hard  rain.     At  evening  our  monthly  prayer-meeting  was  very  thin. 

5.  Set  out  late  in  the  morning  for  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Colebrook,  and 
tarried  at  my  brother's.     The  road  quite  muddy. 

6.  Rode  to  Norfolk  with  brother  Ammi,  Quite  cold  and  tedious. 
Mother  is  feeble  and  declining  with  age,  but  comfortable.  Brother  Frank 
and  his  wife  are  here.  Afternoon  rode  to  north  part  of  the  town*with  Mrs. 
Emerson,  and  preached  a  lecture  without  notes  on  Matt,  xviii :  3. 

7.  In  the  morning  brother  Frank  and  his  wife  set  out  for  home.  My 
cousin,  Mrs.  Olmsted,  is  in  a  state  of  much  anxiety  about  her  duty  and  pros- 
pects.^ Dined  at  Mr.  Battell's  with  some  company.  At  evening  brother 
James  and  wife  came  here.  My  little  volume  of  sermons  appears  to  be  well 
received. 

8.  Rode  home.  A  very  comfortable  day,  and  good  riding.  Got  home  in 
the  evening,  and  went  immediately  to  prayer-meeting.  I  cannot  ride  so  well 
on  horseback  as  I  used  to. 

9.  Read.  Examined  and  rejected  a  school-master.  Read  the  Bible. 
Am  very  poorly  prepared  for  the  Sabbath. 

ID.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  James  iv  :  7.  Pretty  poorly.  Quite  cold. 
At  evening  attended  conference.  Visited.  Yesterday  we  had  considerable 
rain. 


'  We  have  met  Rev.  Mr.  Gaylord  several  ^  Mrs.  Eliza  Olmsted  has  an  offer  for  a 

times  before.     He  was   graduated   at   Will-  second  marriage,  and  this  is  probably  what 

iams  in  1804,  was  a  native  of  Norfolk,  was  calls  so   many   of    the   family   together   for 

a  minister,  but   seems  to  have  preferred  to  consultation.     Her  former  husband,  it  will  be 

remain  without  pastoral  charge.  remembered,  was  Mr.  Joseph  Battell's  part- 

^  Between  John  S.  Horton,  of  Providence,  ner.     She  seems  to  have  been  held  in  high 

R.  I.,  and  Eliza  Tudor.  esteem  by  her  circle  of  kindred. 


840  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

Ti.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Severe  cold.  Conversed  with  a  woman  respecting 
a  profession  of  religion.  Visited  a  school  in  a  very  disorderly  state.  Exam- 
ined and  approved  a  school- master.  Attended  the  conference.  I  have  a 
good   deal  of  labor  and  trouble   with   the   schools. 

12.  Mr.  Birge,'  of  this  place,  a  cabinet  maker,  has  been  at  work  here  two 
or  three  weeks  past.  Last  night  he  went  to  bed  perfectly  well,  and  this  morn- 
ing we  found  him  dead  in  his  bed.  Aged  fifty-three.  Rode  and  informed  his 
distressed  family  and  others.  The  body  was  carried  from  here  about  noon  to 
his  late  dwelling.  The  scene  was  very  affecting.  Afternoon  visited  a  school. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Received  a  letter  from  Howe  &  Spaulding,  New 
Haven.     Yesterday  received  one  from  Mrs.  McKinney,  of  this  place.     Visited. 

13.  Thermometer  this  morning  23°.  Yesterday  13°.  Wrote.  On  the  8th 
received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Frank.  Carried  books  to  the  new  house. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Paid  a  harness-maker,  $1.50. 

14.  Walked  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Birge.  It  was  very 
large  and  solemn.  The  eight  children  were  present.  Received  of  my  col- 
lector, the  last  of  my  salary  due  May,  1818,  $67.91.  Took  no  interest. 
Received  on  my  last  salary,  $263.24.  Paid  Mr.  Wolcott  the  amount  of  his 
taxes,  $68.89,  ^^d  Andrus,  $7.20,  making  $76.09.  Paid  a  merchant,  $8.88. 
Paid  a  smith's  bill,  $5.17.  Paid  my  own  taxes  for  the  year,  including  a  state, 
town,  and  society  tax,  $3.10.  At  evening  preached  at  Long  Hill  on  John 
iv  :  15.     Tarried  out. 

15.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Conversed  with  several  persons 
respecting  making  a  profession  of  religion.  It  snowed  considerably.  I  have 
a  severe  hoarseness.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Examined 
two  women  for  our  communion. 

16.  Last  night  it  became  severe  cold.  Thermometer  this  morning  14°. 
On  the  13th  wrote  to  R.  I.  Ingersoll,^  of  New  Haven.  Rode  to  Long  Hill, 
and  examined  with  the  church  committee  four  persons  for  our  communion. 
They  appeared  exceedingly  well.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  In  the  evening 
began  a  sermon  on  Job  xiv  :  12,  and  completed  it  in  six  and  three  fourths 
hours.     I  believe  I  have  written  one  in  less  time. 

17.  Thermometer  17°.  In  the  forenoon,  in  consequence  of  my  hoarse- 
ness, had  a  sermon  read.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written  last  night, 
referring  to  the  late  sudden  death.  Spoke  better  than  I  feared.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference. 

18.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  bank,  $140.00, 
and  took  up  my  note.  Received  a  dividend  of  $15.00.  Paid  for  trimmings 
for  my  study  table,  .50.  The  House  of  Representatives  in  Congress  have 
refused   to   accept   the   constitution    of    Missouri.^      They   have   done   well. 

'  Mr.   Jonathan    Birge,    aged    fifty-three.  a  home  lot  in  Windsor.     There  were  several 

His  ancestor,  Daniel  Birge,  was  one  of  the  members   of   Dr.   Robbins's   church   of   the 

original  company  that  came  over  from  Eng-  name  Birge. 
land  to  Dorchester  in  1630.     When  the  Dor-  ^  Hon.  Ralph  I.  Ingersoll. 

Chester  church  removed  to  Windsor,  Ct.,  in  *  This  great  debate  on  the  admission  of 

1635  and  1636,  he  came  with  them,  and  had  Missouri  was  begun   in  the  session  of  1818 


l820.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  84I 

Much  warmer.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     The  society  had  their 
annual  meeting.     Our  circumstances  appear  well. 

19.  It  rained  some.  Yesterday  paid  Hills,  $25.56.  Wrote.  Preparing 
for  my  anniversary  sermon.  I  am  too  apt  to  procrastinate  my  necessary 
business. 

20.  Rode  out.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  centennial  anniversary  on  Ps. 
xliv :    I,   2,  3.     Have   various  hindrances.     Visited.     Studied  late. 

21.  Wrote  the  most  of  the  day.  Hindered  by  workmen.  Mild  weather. 
Wrote  quite  late. 

22.  This  day  is  observed  considerably  in  Massachusetts,  and  some  in  this 
State,  at  the  recommendation  of  the  two  General  Associations,  as  a  centennial 
festival,  in  commemoration  of  the  first  settlement  of  New  England,  which 
began  at  Plymouth  just  two  hundred  years  ago.'  Finished  and  preached  my 
sermon  on  Ps.  xliv :  i,  2,  3.^  Though  cold  and  blustering  our  meeting  was 
full.  At  evening  Tudor  had  considerable  company  in  view  of  having  recently 
come  of  age.^     At  night  very  cold. 

23.  Thermometer  this  morning,  zero.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ground 
very  hard.  The  people  at  Hartford  appear  disappointed  that  they  had  no 
public  observance  of  yesterday."*  Paid  Scarborough,  $25.00.  For  cotton 
cloth,   $1.50.     A  penknife,  .63.     Read  expositors. 

(21).  At  evening  preached  in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford  on  Heb. 
X  :  31.     Meeting  pretty  full. 

24.  In  the  morning,  and  most  of  the  day,  it  snowed  pretty  hard.  Meetings 
quite  thin.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  i  Cor.  i:  18.  At  evening  rode  out 
in  a  sleigh.     Thermometer  about  20°. 

25.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  6°.  Severe  cold.  Had  my  stove  set  up 
in  my  chamber,  which  I  lately  procured  at  Hartford.  The  whole  cost  is 
about  $30.00.  Paid  for  bringing  up,  .25  ;  to  a  blacksmith  for  a  little  altera- 
tion, .12  ;  to  a  joiner  for  cutting  a  place,  .25  ;  and  to  a  mason  for  setting  up 
the  stove,  .75.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Had  a  good  meeting. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Pretty  good  sleighing.  Thermometer  this  morn- 
ing 6°.  Paid  for  five  bushels  of  oats,  $1.46.  Rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited 
a  school.     It  appears  very  well. 

27.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two  schools.     At  evening  preached  at 


and  1819,  and  was  not  concluded  until  Feb.  ^  Dr.  Robbins's  text  was  that  strong  and 

28,  i8?,i,  when  it  was  agreed  that  Missouri  familiar  passage,  "  We  have  heard  with  our 

might  come  in  with  the  privilege  of  slavery  ears,  O  God,  our  fathers  have  told  us." 
below  the   line   36°,   30',   and    that    slavery  ^  Samuel   Tudor    Wolcott,   son   of  Abiel 

should  be  prohibited  at  all  points  north  of  and  Ursula  (Tudor)  Wolcott,  born  Dec.  iS, 

that  line.  I799-     He  was  twenty-one  four  days  before. 

'  Many  ministers   throughout   New  Eng-  He   was   the   only  son    in    the    family,   his 

land  made  this   the   occasion   of  a   special  brother  William  having  died  in  early  life. 
sermon.     Dr.  Nathaniel  Emmons,  of  Frank-  *  For  a  place  as  large  and  important  as 

lin,  then  seventy-five  years  old,  preached  his  Hartford,  it  was  a  mistake  not   to  observe 

"  sermon  at  the  close  of  the  second  century  the  two  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  land- 

from  the  landing  at  Plymouth,  1820."  ing. 


842  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1820. 

the  North  School-house  there  on   Heb.  x:    31.     Thermometer  in  the   morn- 
ing 2°. 

28.  In  the  forenoon  visited  the  South  School  alone.  Could  get  no  assist- 
ance. Thermometer  in  the  morning  8°.  Afternoon  we  moved  to  our  new- 
house.  Got  over  a  considerable  part  of  the  family  utensils.  The  business  is 
quite  laborious.  We  might  have  moved  some  time  ago,  but  it  has  been 
delayed. 

29.  Moved  my  book-cases,  etc.  Had  assistance  from  neighbors.  After- 
noon it  rained  pretty  hard.  Had  no  meeting  in  the  evening.  Got  much 
fatigued  by  hard  work.  Paid  a  man  for  work,  .42.  Paid  for  my  Mirror  news- 
paper for  a  year,  $2.00.     For  an  almanack,  .10. 

30.  In  the  forenoon  visited  Tudor's  school.  Cold  and  very  icy.  Still 
taken  up  with  moving,  and  so  much  fatigued  as  to  be  unable  to  write  as  I 
wished.     Read  the  Bible. 

31.  Thermometer  10°.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  ISIark  xi :  23  to  46. 
Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  xi :  16.  Received  eight  persons 
to  the  communion  of  the  church.'  The  largest  addition  the  church  has  had 
during  my  ministry,  or  Dr.  McClure's.  It  was  a  very  solemn  and  joyful  occa- 
sion. Two  of  them  appear  to  have  been  rescued  by  the  divine  blessing  from 
the  hands  of  the  Baptists.^  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  What  shall 
I  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies  and  truth  during  the  past  year. 


'  The  persons  admitted  were  Sally  Green,  ^  Not  a  very  catholic  way  of  speaking  of 

Eunice  Green,  Nancy  Hawkins,  Chloe  King,  a  sister  denomination.     Many  things  in  the 

Rachel  Williams,  Abigail  Rockwell,   Sarah  diary  serve  to  show  that  we  have  made  great 

Burnham,  Harvey  Elmer.  advances  since  that  day  in  Christian  unity. 


18  21. 
January. 

1.  The  opening  3'ear  brings  me  great  mercies.  Endeavored  to  devote 
myself  to  tlie  service  of  my  Heavenly  Father  for  the  coming  year.  Thermom- 
eter 15°.  Very  icy  and  difficult  walking.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 
Dined  at  the  January  meeting.'  Visited.  Good  sleighing.  At  evening 
attended   our  monthly   prayer-meeting.     Gave   a  poor  man,   $1.00. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  new  habitation  makes  me  much  labor. 
Wrote.  It  seems  there  are  great  rejoicings  in  England  on  account  of  the 
acquittal  of  the  Queen. ^  It  was  doubtless  effected  by  the  power  of  popular 
opinion. 

3.  Thermometer  4°.  Am  taken  up  some  with  instruction.  Had  my 
clock  removed,  cleaned,  and  set  up.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

4.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Good  sleighing.  Crossed  on  the  ice. 
Paid  a  shoemaker,  $9.50.  Thermometer  this  morning  10°.  At  evening 
preached  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  on   Luke  xvi:  5. 

5.  Read.  Thermometer  17°.  Had  company.  Afternoon  preached  a 
preparatory  lecture  on  Acts  xiv :  22.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  ice  has  continued  now  for  a  week  without 
any  visible  alteration.     Wrote. 

6.  Thermometer  4°.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xi :  5.  Wrote 
about  five  pages  in  the  evening.  Rode  out.  The  sleighing  and  carting  have 
been  very  good  through  this  week.  The  Baptists  make  me  a  good  deal  of 
trouble,^     Wrote  late. 

7.  We  had  a  very  hard  snow-storm  the  most  of  the  day.  Thermometer  at 
14°.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  meeting,  but  quite  thin.  Preached  with  old 
notes  on  Luke  xxiii :  23.  Concluded  to  defer  the  sacrament  till  the  next  Sab- 
bath, and  to  have  no  meeting  in  the  afternoon.     Read.     At  evening  wrote. 

8.  Brought  over  books  from  the  old  house.     The  morning  severe  cold. 


'  Of  the  civil  officers  of  the  town.  ministry  were  obliged  to  give  up  the  Divorce 

-"When   her   husband  (George  IV)  as-  Bill  after  it  had  passed  the  House  of  Lords." 

cended  the  throne  in  1S20,  she  was  offered  —  Chambers's  Cyclopcedia. 
an  annuity  of  ;^ 50,000  sterling  to  renounce  The   Queen  was   Caroline   Amelia   Eliza- 

the  title  of  Queen  and  live  abroad ;  but  she  beth,  second   daughter   of  Charles    William 

refused,  and    made    a   triumphal  entry  into  Ferdinand,  Duke  of  Brunswick.     Whatever 

London,   whereupon   the    government   insti-  doubt  there  may  have  been  about  her  charac- 

tuted  proceedings  against  her  for   adultery.  ter,  there  was  no  doubt  at  all  as  to  the  utter 

Much  that  was  very  offensive  was  proved  as  profligacy   and   meanness   of  her  royal  hus- 

to  her  conduct;  but  the  manner  in  which  she  band,  George  IV. 

had  been   used   by   her   husband,    and    the  ^  He  probably  made  them  about  the  same 

splendid  defence  of  Lord  Brougham,  caused  amount  of  trouble,  and  the  contest  between 

such  a  general  feeling  in  her  favor,  that  the  them  was  unseemly. 

843 


844  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

Thermometer  io°  below  zero.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother.  Had 
company.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  very  much 
distressed  with  depression. 

9.  Thermometer  last  night  at  io°,  but  this  morning  it  was  20°.  Am 
much  taken  up  with  the  business  of  instruction.'  Rode  out  and  visited. 
Worked  at  my  library  removing  and  setting  up  books. 

10.  Got  over  the  last  of  my  books.  It  has  been  a  laborious  task.  Some 
volumes  are  missing.*     The  sleighing  is  much  used.     Wrote. 

11.  The  thermometer  last  night  zero,  and  this  morning  4°.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Have  to  do  a  good  deal  for  Mr.  Wolcott.  Sleighing  very  fine. 
Paid  Gleason,  $7.37,  $6.00  of  which  was  for  the  Christian  Spectator  for  two 
years.  Paid  Imlay,  $12.37.  Too  much  to  pay  in  a  year  for  liquors.^  At 
evening  rode  out.     Have  trouble  with  our  schools.     It  snowed  considerably. 

12.  It  is  trying  to  me  to  be  so  much  taken  up  with  instruction.  Paid  for 
a  new  study-table,  $9.25.  This  was  principally  for  workmanship.  The  whole 
cost  is  about  $15.00.  It  is  large,  and  a  very  good  one.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     After  which  rode  to  Wapping  and  tarried. 

13.  Visited  at  Wapping  the  most  of  the  day.  Received  a  present  of  $3.00. 
Afternoon  it  snowed.  I  hope  the  influences  of  the  divine  Spirit  have  not  left 
us.     Read. 

14.  ^^'e  had  a  prett)-  hard  snow-storm,  though  not  so  severe  as  last 
Sabbath.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  2  Kings  xxiii :  3.  Finished  and 
preached  my  New  Year's  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxi :  5.  Administered  the  sacra- 
ment. The  meeting  and  the  church  quite  thin.  Thermometer  at  15°. 
Wrote. 

15.  Taken  up  with  my  pupil s."*  The  snow  is  considerably  deep.  Read. 
Thermometer  this  morning  about  to°.  At  evening  attended  conference,  after 
which  rode  to  Enfield.  Extreme  cold.  My  brother  is  much  afflicted  with  his 
nervous  headaches  and  constitutional  depression. 

16.  Rode  home.  Visited.  My  thermometer  this  morning  was  18°  below 
zero.  Lower  than  I  have  ever  known  it.  Read.  The  ^Massachusetts  Con- 
vention have  come  out  much  better  than  I  feared.^ 


'  This  refers  primarily  to  his  theological  have    been     from     outside     Mr.     Wolcott's 

student,  Mr.  Stebbins,  but  perhaps  he  is  still  family. 

continuing  his  former  custom  of  giving   in-  ^  At  the  formation  and  separation  of  the 

struction  to  Mr.  Wolcott's  children,  though  State  of  Maine  from  Massachusetts  in  1820, 

they  are  now  well  grown  up.  a  Convention  was  called  to  revise  its  consti- 

^  That  is  what  almost  every  one  has  occa-  tution.  The  Convention  met  in  November, 
sion,  from  time  to  time,  to  say,  if  he  is  the  1S20,  and  finished  its  labors  in  January,  1S21. 
owner  of  a  considerable  library.  Books  are  It  was  composed  of  an  able  body  of  men. 
lent  and  not  returned,  and  sometimes  they  Daniel  Webster  was  a  member.  Dr.  Rob- 
disappear  in  ways  still  more  mysterious.  bins  says  that  it  came  out  "  much  better  than 

^  The  temperance  reformation,  which  was  he  feared."     This  is  an  oft-repeated  illustra- 

about  to  set  in,  would  probably  lessen  or  en-  tion   of   that  fear   with   which   the   extreme 

tirely  stop  this  annual  expenditure.  Federalists    regarded    anything    which    was 

*  This  remark  shows  that   he   had  other  likely  to   cause  a  departure  from   the   ways 

students  besides   Mr.  Stebbins.     They  may  of  the  fathers. 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  845 

17.  Worked  at  my  library.  At  evening  preached  at  the  mill  neighborhood 
on  Heb.  x:  31.  The  young  people  had  a  ride  and  bail.  We  had  a  good 
deal  of  snow.     Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  zero. 

18.  Thermometer  zero.  Wrote.  Read.  We  have  now  a  pretty  heavy 
body  of  snow.  At  evening  preached  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  from 
Matt,  xix  :   16,  17.     The  evening  was  very  cold. 

19.  The  mercury  in  my  thermometer  this  morning  was  22*^  below  zero.' 
It  was  that  for  half  an  hour  after  sunrise.  Five  degrees  lower  than  I  have 
known  it  since  I  have  kept  an  instrument;  ten  or  eleven  years.  The  cold 
was  debilitating.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Visited. 

20.  Thermometer  4°.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  S.  S.  Stebbins,*  of 
Simsbury,  informing  that  his  uncle,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stebbins,^  died  last  night. 
Wrote.  On  the  i8th  the  people  at  Wapping  brought  me  six  valuable  loads  of 
wood.  At  evening  began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxiii :  24,  and  wrote  six  pages. 
Could  not  begin  my  writing  till  evening. 

21.  Thermometer  about  10°.  The  day  quite  comfortable.  Wrote  on  my 
sermon  of  last  evening,  and  preached  it  all  day.  Meeting  pretty  full.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

22.  Thermometer  about  6°.  Rode  to  Simsbury,  and  attended  the  funeral 
of  Mr.  Stebbins.  Mr.  McLean  ^  preached.  Eight  ministers  were  present. 
Tarried  at  Mrs.  Stebbins's.  My  young  friend,  Mr.  S.  S.  Stebbins,  is  left  in 
very  good  circumstances.^ 

23.  Received  a  barrel  of  cider-brandy  of  Maj.  O.  C.  Phelps,  which  I 
requested  him  to  put  up  for  me  last  fall.  It  contains  thirty-one  and  one  half 
gallons,  for  which  I  gave  him  thirty  cents  per  gallon.  Paid  him  $5.00. 
Brought  it  home.  The  thermometer  rose  near  to  40°.  Visited.  Last  night 
it  snowed. 

24.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  at  zero.  About  eight  o'clock  it 
was  at  2°,  and  continued  stationary,  with  a  clear  sky,  till  eleven,  when  it 
gradually  fell  during  the  residue  of  the  day.  At  noon  it  was  at  zero,  and  at 
sundown  6°  below  zero,  and  at  ten  o'clock  13°  below  zero.  It  was  windy, 
and  one  of  the  most  tedious  days  I  ever  saw.  Read  T/ie  Antiquarian^  a 
novel.     People  appear  terrified  with  the  cold. 

25.  Thermometer  this  morning  16°  below  zero.  The  night  was  windy,  and 
the  mercury  did  not  sink  so  low  as  two  mornings  last  week.  Yet  the  evening 
was  colder.  Read.  Visited  our  school.  It  is  very  poorly  kept,  but  we  finally 
concluded  not  to  displace  the  master.     The  thermometer  did  not  rise  above 


*  Few  people   in  the   lower   and  central  ceivecl   the    honorary  degree  of   A.  M.  from 

parts  of  New  England  ever  see  the  thermom-  Yale  in  1778. 
eter  twenty-two  degrees  below  zero.  ■*  Rev.  Allen  McLean,  Mr.  Stebbins's  suc- 

^  Samuel  Stiles  Stebbins,  his  theological  cessor  in  the  ministry, 
student.  ^  This  is  the  reason,  probably,  why  he 

'  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins,  a  native  of  Con-  did  not  go  into  the  ministry, 
necticut,  but  graduated   at   Dartmouth  Col-  *  The    reference    here,    doubtless,   is   to 

lege   in  1775,  settled  in  Simsbury,  1777,  re-  Scott's  Antiquary,  which  appeared  in  1S16. 


846  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [iJ'lZ  ■'  . 

2°  or  3°  through  the  day,  wiih  a  clear  sun.     At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  ;     igj._ 
preached  at  a  school-house  on  Matt,  xix  :   16,  17.     Thin  meeting.     It  was  to 
cold  to  be  out.     Returning  froze  one  of  my  ears  considerably.  ■.   ^^g 

26.  Thermometer  this  morning  16°  below  zero.     It  rose  in  the  aftern'.i'  ^.^ 
lo    22^^.     Maftitt,    the    Irish    IMethodist.  had    appointed   to   preach  here    l'.i   ,, 
afternoon,  and  the  people  collected.     I  went  to  the  meeting,  and  receive.'  ^ 
letter  from  him  that  he  is  unwell,  and  could  not  come.     I   preached  with    •: 
any  preparation  on  John  xv :  4.     Omitted  our  evening  prayer-meeting, 
ceived   a   valuable    new   book-case   from    Hartford,    made    for   me.      Wrote 
Hindered   by    company. 

27.  Thermometer  20°.  A  woman,  long  sickly,  died  last  evening  in  the 
neighborhood.'  Wrote.  On  the  25th  a  Wapping  man  brought  me  four 
bushels  of    oats.     Read  Henry's  Annotations^ 

28.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  32°,  and  rose  to  45°.  The  first  thaw- 
ing day  we  have  had  this  month.  Expounded  in  the  forenoon  on  Mark  x  :  46 
to  xi :  15.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Gen.  xxvii :  38.  Attended 
the  funeral  of  Lucretia  Tudor.     Am  much  oppressed  at  the  lungs  with  a  cold. 

29.  Worked  at  my  library  the  most  of  the  day.  With  my  new  book-case 
I  have  not  room  for  all  my  books.  At  e\ening  attended  the  conference,  but 
can  hardly  speak  loud.  My  brother  and  wife  came  here  and  tarried. 
Received  of  a  Free  Mason  Lodge,  $10.00,  for  preaching  for  them  June  before 
last. 

30.  My  cold  is  very  oppressive.  Maffitt  preached  here  in  the  meeting- 
house in  the  afternoon  and  evening.^  I  thought  it  best  to  attend  with  hiin. 
Thermometer  yesterday  morning  at  7°,  today  at  30°,  and  rose  to  50°.  The 
snow  settles  considerably. 

31.  Kept  school  for  Tudor,'*  and  he  went  to  Turkey  Hills  and  brought  a 
pipe  of  cider  which  some  of  the  people  there  have  put  up  for  me  for  bottling.^ 
Am  very  hoarse.  The  thermometer  rose  above  50°,  and  it  thawed  very  much. 
Yesterday  paid  for  a  book,  .50. 

February. 

1.  Last  night  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain,  and  the  ground  is  mostly 
covered  with  water.  Thermometer  about  40°.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping, 
and  performed  a  marriage.*  The  sleighing  is  poor.  Read.  My  pupils  take 
up  much  of  my  time, 

2.  Rode  to  Hartford.     The  ice  of  the  river  is  so  raised^  as  to  be  impassa- 


*  Miss  Lucretia  Tudor,  aged  thirty-two.  his    uncle,    Oliver    Tudor,   had    kept   years 

'^  Matthew  Henry's  Comitieutary ;  or.  Ex-  before, 
position  of  tJie  Bible.     Mr.  Henry  was  born  at  ^  Tudor   was   younger   and  could    better 

Broad-Oak,  Flintshire.     He  was   twenty-five  make   the    journey  for  that    pipe   of    cider 

years  pastor  at  Chester,  England.     He  then  which     Dr.     Robbins   had    contracted    for. 

went  in  1712  to  Hackney,  London,  and  died  Cider  was  then  among  the  necessaries  of  life 
there  in  17 14,  aged  fifty-one.  *  Between    Samuel    Grant,   of    Wapping, 

^  See  note,  Nov.  3,  1820.  and  Elizabeth  Webster,  of  Hartford. 

*■  Tudor    Wolcott.      This   was    a    public  '  That  is,  pressed  up  by  the  heavier  swell 

school,  and  probably  the  same  school  that  of  water,  caused  by  the  rain. 


k-J^- 


.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  847 


.    £   Visited.      Am    quite    feeble    with    my   cold   and   cougli.      At   evening 

•nded  our  prayer-meeting.     Did   but   little. 

,V     Read.     Visited.     The  weather  continues  warm,  and  the  snow  wastes. 

ink  some  persons  among  us  are  quite  thoughtful.     I  hope  a  holy  God  will 

:;fiorsake  us.     I  do  but  little. 

1^'  Warm  and  wet.  Meeting  rather  thin.  Preached  with  old  notes  on 
Jobai  xvi :  8.  Was  carried  through  the  labor  of  the  day  much  better  than  I 
e    ^cted.     Had  a  physician,  and  took  medicine.     Read. 

5.  Am  much  better  of  my  cold  and  cough,  through  great  mercy.  Wrote. 
Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  sick  persons.  At  evening  our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting  was  full  and  solemn. 

6.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  down  to  2°.  Rode  to  Wintonbury, 
and  met  with  Association.  My  cough  seems  to  return.  A  young  man  has 
lately  died  here,  and  left  a  valuable  legacy  to  the  society.  There  is  a  great 
deal  of  talk  about  Maffitt.' 

7.  We  had  an  agreeable  session  of  the  Association.  Returned  by  Wind- 
sor and  Hartford."  We  cannot  cross  on  the  ice.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Had  to 
advise  a  friend  in  a  very  trying  case. 

8.  Taken  up  with  my  pupils.  Concluded  not  to  attend  to  them  much 
more.     Wrote  to  Mr.  T.  F.  Davies,  of  New  Haven.     Had  company.     Read. 

9.  Worked  at  arithmetic.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Had  company.  Ther- 
mometer this  morning  at  10°.  Received  of  my  collector,  $236.76,  which 
completed  the  payment  of  my  last  salary.  He  has  done  much  beyond  my 
expectation.  I  consider  it  a  peculiar  favor,  as  it  respects  me  and  the  society. 
Gave  up  my  order,  and  took  no  interest.  Rainy  and  did  not  attend  our 
prayer-meeting. 

10.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  person  in  affliction.  The  snow  thaws  very 
much.  Read.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  My  cold  is  still  burdensome. 
Had  company. 

11.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  cxxxix : 
I,  2,  3,  4,  and  in  the  afternoon  i  Cor.  vii :  29,  with  note  just  written.  Some 
of  my  people  prefer  to  have  me  preach  in  this  manner.  In  the  forenoon  my 
cough  was  very  troublesome.  Am  quite  feeble.  Had  a  physician.  He 
thinks  it  necessar}'  for  me  to  be  very  careful  about  my  lungs.     Read. 

12.  Rainy.  The  sleighing  is  gone.  Read  77/^?  ^«/'/^«fz;-_)'^  and  finished.  I 
have  not  read  a  novel  through  before  for  some  years.  Did  not  attend  evening 
conference, 

13.  Visited.     Read.     Am  so  feeble  as  not  to  be  able  to  do  much  business. 

14.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper. 
My  cough  and  pectoral  weakness  continue. 

15.  Visited.     Rode  to  Hartford.     Tolerable    sleighing.     There    is  a  very 
leasing  and  powerful  revival  of  religion  at  Hartford.     May  the  Lord  work 


'  The     eloquent    young     preacher.      He       fourteen  or  fifteen  miles,  instead  of  a  direct 
made  a  great  sensation  wherever  he  went.         journey  of  four  or  five. 

-  Making  a  roundabout  journey  of  about  ^  Here  we  have  the  right  name. 


848  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821 

abundantly  for  the  glor}'  of  his  grace.     The  weather  continues   quite  moQv. 
ate. 

16.  Visited.     Recommenced  the  composition  of  my  catechism,*  which  h 
been  neglected  since  last  winter.     Afternoon  and  evening  it  snowed  very  hai 

17.  It  snowed  all  last  night.  It  is  nearly  two  feet  deep  and  very  heav) . 
Worked  making  paths.  People  are  generally  out  breaking  roads.  Read  the 
Bible. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Matt,  xxv :  46. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  Ixxvii :  11.  My  cold,  through 
great  mercy,  is  much  better.  My  lungs  are  quite  feeble,  but  my  cough  has 
mostly  subsided.  Had  no  conference.  Visited.  Bad  getting  about.  Windy 
but  not  severe  coir''.. 

19.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  20°.  Worked  considerably.  Wrote. 
At  evening  we  had  a  solemn  prayer-meeting.  I  think  there  is  an  increasing 
thoughtfulness  among  us. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Agricultural 
Society.  Saw  Mr.  Battell  and  Mr.  Emerson.'^  The  revival  in  Hartford  is  very 
great.  Warm.  It  thawed  very  much,  and  the  roads  are  very  wet.  Paid  for 
my  new  book-case,  $34.00.  Paid  for  an  addition  to  a  side-board,  $2.00. 
Paid  for  three  half  volumes  of  Encydopcedia^  $12.00.  Received  a  long  anony- 
mous letter  from  a  person  in  New  York,  signed  "A  Caledonian,"'  respecting 
my  continuation  of  Tytler.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Am  pretty 
feeble. 

21.  Warm.  The  snow  has  become  very  wet.  Visited.  Wrote.  Hin- 
dered  by   company. 

22.  Attended  to  my  catechism.  Wrote  a  constitution  for  a  library-  com- 
pany.    Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman.*     My  lungs  are  quite  feeble. 

23.  Rainy  the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Did  not  attend 
our  evening  prayer-meeting  on  account  of  my  weakness  and  wet  weather. 
Have  to  give   away  a  good  deal. 

24.  Visited.  Was  out  the  most  of  the  day.  I  hope  God  is  mindful  of  us 
in  some  degree  with  the  influences  of  his  Spirit.  Have  many  hindrances. 
Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching.     Cold. 

25.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  3°.  Wrote  notes,  and  preached  on  Jet. 
xxiii :  6.  Did  not  finish  my  notes.  The  congregation  appears  solemn.  At 
evening  met  with  a  number  of  persons  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  library 
company.^     Received  a  letter  from  my  sister.     Mother  is  pretty  feeble. 


'As   the   diary  progresses   we   shall    be  the  "Caledonian"  had  to  say,  but  from  the 

likely  to  learn  the  nature  and  range  of  this  fact   that   his   letter  was  anonymous,  it  was 

catechism,  at  which   he  works  at  intervals.  probably  sharp  and  fault-finding. 

^  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.,  of  Norfolk.  *  Widow  Margaret  Campbell,  aged  eighty- 

^  Alexander    Fraser   Tytler,   whose    £/e-  four. 
ments  of  General  History  Dr.  Robbins   had  ^  It  is  always  to  be  kept  in  mind  that  in 

been    revising,   was  a   Scotchman,   born    in  the  Connecticut  Valley  Saturday  night,  and 

Edinburgh,  in    1747.     He  was   an   extended  not  Sunday  night,  was  kept  as  sacred  time. 

writer.     Dr.  Robbins  does  not  tell  us  what  This  custom  reached  up  into  Massachusetts. 


I 


182 1.]  PASTOR  TN  EAST  WINDSOR.  849 

26.  Worked  some.  Easily  get  fatigued.  At  evening  attended  the  confer- 
ence. Cold.  Uncomfortable  getting  about.  Received  a  letter  from  brother 
Francis. 

27.  Our  ministers'  meeting  met  here.  Mr.  Bartlett  preached.  The  work 
of  the  divine  Spirit  is  wonderful  in  all  the  neighboring  places.  May  the  Lord 
work  more  and  more  and  not  pass  us  by. 

28.  My  brethren  went  away.  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Enfield.  A 
minister's  meeting  was  at  my  brother's.  Heard  Mr.  Osgood  preach.  At 
evening  there  was  a  full  and  solemn  prayer-meeting.  There  are  some 
favorable  appearances  there  of  a  revival.  The  Lord  work  abundantly,  and 
glorify  his  own  infinite  grace.     It  snowed  considerably. 

March. 

1.  Rode  home.  Quite  rainy.  Got  pretty  wet.  Read  Encyclopedia. 
Had   company.     I    think    I    have    taken    no   cold. 

2.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  It  thaws  and  is  quite  wet.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Pretty  full.  There  is  a  sectarian  spirit  among 
us  which  gives  me  much  anxiety. 

3.  Rode  and  visited.  Visited  a  sick  woman  in  East  Hartford.  Wrote 
notes  of  a  sermon  on  a.  Pet.  i :  9.  Mr.  Stebbins,*  from  Simsbury,  came  here 
and  tarried. 

4.  Wrote  notes  of  a  sermon  on  Prov.  v  :  11,  12.  Preached  with  the  notes 
written  last  evening  and  today.  Was  much  exhausted  by  the  exercise.  At 
evening  attended  the  meeting  of  the  new  librar}^  company.  Paid  $2.00  on 
becoming  a  member.^ 

5.  Read.  Worked  some.  Had  a  valuable  close  box  made  for  me. 
Quite  cold.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  15°,  and  did  not  rise  above  26°, 
with  a  clear  sun.  Hindered  by  company.  At  evening  our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting  was  quite  full.     Visited. 

6.  Thermometer  this  morning  10°.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Mr. 
Chester  Chapin/  of  Springfield.  Hindered  by  company.  At  evening  had  a 
meeting  for  inquiry  in  my  chamber.  Had  a  number  of  persons  who  appear 
anxious  for  their  souls.     I  hope  God  may  do  something  for  us. 

7.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  People  still  go  in  sleighs,  though  it  is  rough 
and  poor.  Cold.  Congress  have  admitted  Missouri  into  the  Union,  foolishly 
and  basely.'* 

8.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  my  mer- 
chant, $15.00.  Received  a  dividend  of  the  Phoenix  Bank.  The  work  of 
divine  grace  in  Hartford  is  greater,  I  presume,  than  was  ever  known  in  that 
town  before. 

9.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  15°.     But  it  became  warm  for  the 


'  His  student  in  theology.  but  the  individual  here  referred  to  belonged, 

^  It  was   largely  through   Dr.   Robbins's  probably,  to  a  former  generation, 
influence,  probably,  that  this   Library  Asso-  ■*  We   have   before  referred  to  this  long 

elation  was  formed.  and    exciting   contest,  which  ended    in   the 

^  That  name   still   abides   in  Springfield,  Missouri  Compromise,  Feb.  28,  1821. 


850  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [182: 

first  time  this  week,  and  thawed  a  good  deal.  Visited.  Wrote.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Yesterday  look  some 
additional  cold.     Am  considerably  hoarse. 

10.  Last  night  took  a  sweat  for  my  cold,  and  I  hope  I  am  better.  Rode 
out  in  a  sleigh  and  visited.  Warm,  and  the  sleighing  is  about  gone.  Rode 
to  Vernon '  on  horseback  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Ely.^     Met  him  on  the  way. 

11.  Preached  on  Isa.  lix :  i,  2,  3.  Afternoon  with  notes  on  Prov.  v: 
II,  12.  This  society  appears  to  be  pretty  stupid.  At  evening  rode  home.  I 
speak  with  difficulty.     Mr.  Ely  preached  in  the  evening.     Bad  riding. 

12.  Rode  out  and  visited.  There  is  evidently  a  work  of  divine  grace 
among  us,  good  and  increasing,  though  not  great.  The  Lord  work  abundantly 
and  glorify  himself.  At  evening  had  a  solemn  conference.  My  lungs  are 
quite  weak. 

13.  Visited  Long  Hill  school.  The  roads  are  very  muddy.  Rode  to 
Hartford,  and  preached  for  Mr.  Hawes  in  the  evening  at  the  conference 
house  to  a  very  full  and  solemn  meeting.  The  work  of  God  prevails  in  all  the 
neighboring  societies.     Returned. 

14.  Preached  last  evening  with  notes  on  Prov.  v:  11,  12.  Yesterday 
received  a  very  civil  anonymous  letter  respecting  preaching.  Read.  Am 
quite  languid.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  a  church  meeting,  warned  for 
the  purpose,  and  the  church  resolved,  in  view  of  our  low  state,  and  the  critical 
state  of  this  people,  in  this  day  of  the  manifestations  of  God's  gracious  power 
around  us,  to  observe  a  fast,  and  to  renew  our  covenant  in  a  public  manner. 
The  Lord  be  our  helper. 

15.  Visited  persons  that  are  serious.  I  trust  God  is  truly  with  us.  Quite 
warm.  Thermometer  at  58°.  Very  muddy.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
brother,  requesting  me  to  assist  him  next  week  at  fast.  Wrote  to  him  that  I 
cannot  go  on  account  of  poor  health.  Received  a  letter  from  R.  Newton,^  of 
Worcester. 

16.  Am  quite  feeble,  and  have  a  constant  hoarseness.  Assisted  in  setting 
a  large  elm  at  our  back  door.  Thermometer  at  62°.  Read  old  books.  At 
evening  had  a  full  and  solemn  prayer-meeting. 

17.  Last  night  there  was  thunder  and  rain  and  snow,  after  which  it  became 
cold.     Quite  blustering.     Read.     Visited.     Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  morning  on  Rom.  ii :  5.  In  the 
afternoon  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  X  :  15.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Thermome- 
ter in  the  morning  17°,  and  did  not  rise  above  25°,  with  a  clear  sun.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference,  after  which  performed  a  marriage.* 

19.  Was  called  up  in  the  morning  at  daylight  to  visit  a  sick  woman.  Am 
quite  feeble.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  10°,  and  rose  but  to  26°. 
Read.     Visited.     Attended  the  evening  conference. 


*  To  Vernon,  eight  or  nine  miles.  Lucy   Shepherd,   of  East   Hartford.      They 

^  Rev.  William  Ely.  rode   up  probably  to   East   Windsor  to   be 

3  Hon.  Rejoice  Newton,  before  noticed.  married.     In  Connecticut,  at  that  time,  parties 

*The    parties    were    Ezra    Horton    and  might  be  published  and  married  the  same  day. 


l82I.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  85 1 

20.     Visited.     It  snowed  considerably.     Wrote.     At  evening  had  a  meeting 
for  inquiry  at  my  chamber.     It  was  quite  rainy,  and  but  five  attended.     Secta- 
rianism' seems  to  be  making  violent  efforts  here.     The  Lord  be  our  helper. 
I      21.     An  aged  woman  ^  died  last  night  in  the  neighborhood.     We  had  last 
night  quite  a  hard  rain.     Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  two  schools.     They 
J  appeared  very  well.     Got  home  late. 

I      22.     Rode  to  Hartford.     Very  bad  riding.     The  work  of  grace  there  con- 

f  tinues  with  great  power.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Davies,  of  New  Haven, 

[  and  one  from  Mr.  Chapin,  of  Springfield.     Paid  Hopkins  for  Sabbath-school 

'I  books,  $2.47.     Reckoned  with  Mr.  Goodrich,  an  account  of  pretty  long  stand- 

*  ing.     I  have  a  credit  on  his  book  of  $75.00,  for  writing  the  continuation  of 

:  Tytler's  History,  and  of  $50.00,  for  revising  and  enlarging  the  same  work. 

Paid  him  for  books,   $51.62.     For  Sabbath-school    books,  which    as  well   as 

those   I  had  of  Hopkins,  I  have  given  to  our  Sabbath-school,  $19.59,*     For 

school-books  given  to  children  year  before  last,  $6.00.     For  stationery,  $8.96. 

For  other  things,  $1.72.     Cold.     The  awakening  in  East   Hartford   is   very 

encouraging. 

23.  We  observed  this  day  as  a  fast,  in  view  of  the  low  state  of  religion 
among  us,  and  our  apprehensions  that  we  may  be  passed  over  in  this  day  of 
God"s  abounding  mercy.  In  the  forenoon  I  made  three  prayers,  and  read  the 
Bible,  and  made  some  observations  and  sung  between.  Afternoon  had  a 
usual  exercise,  preached  with  notes  written  today  on  Zech.  xii :  11-14.  Meet- 
ings quite  full  and  solemn.  After  meeting  attended  a  funeral.  Very  much 
fatigued. 

24.  Am  very  languid.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  At  evening  began 
to  write  notes  of  a  sermon  on  Deut.  xxvi :  16,  17,  18.  Wrote  very  late. 
Hindered. 

25.  In  the  forenoon  it  snowed  considerably.  Our  church  expected  to 
have  renewed  covenant  today,*  but  on  account  of  the  unfavorable  weather  we 
deferred  it  till  next  Sabbath.  Wrote  on  the  notes  begun  last  evening,  and 
preached  with  them  both  parts  of  the  day  without  finishing  the  discourse. 
Cold,  though  yesterday  it  was  quite  warm.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference. 

26.  Set  my  clock  in  a  room  below.  Read.  Had  company.  At  evening 
had  a  full  conference.  Methodistic  notions  make  us  some  trouble.  Read 
Hume's  Essays? 

27.  Have  some  cold,  and  my  lungs  remain  quite  feeble.  Wrote.  I 
accomplish  but  little  of  what  I  ought  to  do.  At  evening  had  a  meeting  for 
inquiry  at  my  room.     But  few  attended. 


'  Everything  was  sectarian  then  that  was  *  This    was   a    common    custom    in    the 

not  of  the  Standing  Order.  churches  of  New  England   in  former  times, 

-  Mrs.  Mary  Ehner,  aged  seventy-two.  and  it  has  not  yet  ceased. 

^  Here  was  a  single  gift  from  the  pastor  '  Hume's  Essays  were  not  specially  fitting 

amounting  to  more  than  twenty-two  dollars.  to  a  time  of  unusual  religious  interest,  except 

As  a  giver,  Dr.  Robbins  was  certainly  gen-  by  the  law  of  violent  contrasts.     His  essays 

erous.  were  artful  and  undermining. 


L 


852  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182I. 

28.  Visited.  Many  people  appear  a  little  serious.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Enfield.  Got  in  late  to  a  meeting  at  which  Mr.  Hill'  preached.  Quite  cold 
and  tedious,  being  out. 

29.  The  work  of  grace  here  appears  genuine  and  encouraging.  Rode 
home.  Rode  over  to  Pine  Meadow.  In  the  afternoon  and  evening  Maffitt 
preached  here.  Several  people  appear  to  be  much  taken  with  him.  1  hope 
God  will  help  us. 

30.  Wrote.  Am  considerably  taken  up  with  instruction.  Afternoon 
preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Gen.  ii :  8-15.  A  member 
of  our  church,  residing  at  New  Haven,  has  a  notion  to  join  the  Methodists. 
At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting. 

31.  Visited  the  school  in  our  neighborhood  which  has  been  very  poorly 
kept  by  the  Baptist  preacher.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  black 
child.  At  evening  wrote  notes  of  a  sermon  on  i  Kings  xiv :  6.  Visited  a 
child  very  sick. 

April. 

1.  Our  church  publicly  renewed  their  covenant.  The  church^  and  con- 
gregation were  very  full,  and  the  season  was  very  solemn.  The  day  was 
pleasant.  Finished  my  notes,  and  preached  them  in  the  forenoon;  begun  and 
preached  in  part  last  Sabbath  on  Deut.  xxvi :  16,  17,  18,  Afternoon  preached 
notes  written  last  evening  on  i  Kings  xiv :  6.  Administered  the  sacrament. 
I  beseech  of  God  to  add  to  all  his  blessings.  In  the  morning  visited  a  sick 
child,  and  after  meeting  a  man  who  was  yesterday  very  badly  hurt.  Exceed- 
ing tired  and  sore  at  the  lungs.  Had  eight  cases  mentioned  for  public 
prayers. 

2.  Prayed  at  the  opening  of  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  The  votes  were 
very  close.  Democratic,  186  ;  Federalist,  but  two  or  three  more.^  Visited. 
At  evening  attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Quite  full. 

3.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  Very  cold.  Afternoon  visited 
a  school.     We  have  a  number  of  sick. 

4.  Taken  up  all  day  with  our  new  library.  Made  out  a  partial  catalogue, 
and  in  the  afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  with  others,  and  procured  books,  about 
fifty  volumes.     Paid  for  corks,  $1.88. 

5.  Visited  the  sick.  A  child  died  in  the  neighborhood.  Mr.  Chapin,*  a 
candidate,  called  on  me.     Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Nettleton.^     Received  a  letter 


'  Without  much   doubt,    this    was    Rev.  usage  does  it  now  without  working  any  par- 
Oliver  Hill,  who  was  graduated  at  Williams  ticular  evil  so  far  as  appears. 
College  in  1817,  and  was  appointed  a  mission-  ^  Even  East  Windsor,  that,  anciently,  was 
ary  of  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society,  to  so  strongly  Federalist,  is  getting  down  close 
labor  in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania.  to  the  razor's  edge. 

*  It  is  to  be  noticed  here  that  when  Dr.  "•  Rev.   Chester    Chapin,    probably,    who 

Robbins  speaks  of  the  church  as  being  full,  soon   after   supplied   the   pulpit   for   a   time 

he  is  not  thinking  of  the  meeting-house,  but  at  East  Granby  (Turkey  Hills). 
of  the  body  of  the  church-members.    Our  New  'Rev.  Asahel    Nettleton,  afterwards   the 

England  fathers  were  very  particular  not  to  distinguished    evangelist    and    professor   at 

call  a  meeting-house  a  chicrcJi.     But  common  East  Windsor  Theological   Institute. 


j82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  853 

from  Mr.  Battell.     Visited  a  school.     Our  schools  this  year  have  succeeded 
pretty  poorly.     Am  pretty  feeble. 

6.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Dismissed  my  pupil  whom  I  have 
instructed  for  a  considerable  time.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Received  a  letter  (circular)  from  the  American  Benevolent  Society, 

7.  Read.  I  do  not  accomplish  as  much  as  I  ought  to.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  young  child.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange. 
Spent  the  most  of  the  forenoon  with  Mr.  Skinner,  of  Berlin.  The  revival  of 
religion  is  great  in  liis  and  the  neighboring  societies. 

8.  My  brother  went  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Isa.  lix  :  i,  2,  3. 
Afternoon  and  evening  with  notes  on  i  Kings  xiv :  6,  and  Zech.  xii :  11-14. 
Meeting  in  the  evening  at  the  meeting-house,  and  quite  full.  There  is  a  great 
and  good  work  of  God's  grace  here.  More  than  there  has  been  in  about 
eighty  years.'     Quite  wet.     Much  worried  with  speaking. 

9.  Visited.  My  brother  returned.  Afternoon  rode  home.  Visited.  At 
evening  had  a  very  full  conference.  We  have  very  pleasing  intelligence  from 
the  Sandwich  Island  Mission.^ 

10.  Walked  and  visited  our  academy.  It  is  very  well  kept.  At  evening 
had  an  inquiry  meeting  at  my  house.     Nine  attended. 

11.  Wrote.  Read.  Afternoon  Rev.  Charles  Goodrich^  came  here  and 
tarried.  I  hear  almost  daily  of  the  continued  extension  of  our  religious 
revivals.     Considerable  snow. 

12.  It  snowed  and  rained  all  day.  Bottled  my  cider.  We  have  three 
hundred  and  seventy  bottles.     Wrote  to  Mr.  B.  I.  Gilman,  of  Philadelphia. 

13.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  the  sick  and  afflicted.  Was  out  all  day. 
Find  some  tokens  of  good.  Bad  riding.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn 
prayer-meeting. 

14.  Visited  the  sick.  There  are  a  number  of  them  among  us.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Gideon  Grant,  aged  ninety- 
four.  He  became  a  hopeful  subject  of  grace  during  the  "great  stir,"  and  has 
been  a  member  of  this  church  seventy- seven  years."     Cold. 

15.  Last  evening  and  this  morning  wrote  notes,  and  preached  in  the  after- 
noon on  Isa.  i :  2.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Zeph.  i:  12. 
My  lungs  pained  with  speaking.  At  evening  attended  a  conference,  but  did 
very  little.     Cold  and  blustering. 


'  He   is   preaching   in   Enfield,   and   this  April,  182 1,  the  people  of  this  country  were 

reference    to   a   time    eighty    years    before,  hearing  of  what   had  been  accomplished  in 

makes  it  plain  that  he  has  in  mind  the  great  the  Islands  during  the  six  months  after  their 

awakening  along  the  Connecticut  Valley,  in  arrival.     Now  we  get  news  from  the  Islands 

Jonathan  Edwards's  day,  and  at  the  time  of  in  about  three  weeks. 
Whitefield's  first  visit  to  New  England.  ^  For  whom  he  had  edited  and  enlarged 

-  The  first  company  of  missionaries   left  Tytler's  History. 
this   country  for   the    Sandwich   Islands   in  ■♦  This  is   another   reference   to    the    old 

October,    18 19.      It    took    them    about    six  Whitefield  days.     A  common  name,  of  old, 

months  to  reach  the  Islands.     It  would  take  for  that    extensive    awakening    was    "  The 

six  months   to  get  news    back.     So  now  in  Great  Stir." 


S54  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1821. 

16.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  to  Farmington.  In  the  evening 
heard  Mr.  Nettleton  preach.'  The  work  of  divine  grace  here  is  verj'  great. 
Tarried  at  Gen.  S.  Cowles's.  All  the  principal  families  here  are  interested  in 
the  religious  revival. 

17.  It  snowed  hard,  and  without  any  intermission  all  day.  Walked  out. 
Could  not  ride  home.  Attended  in  the  evening  a  small  meeting.  Tarried  at 
Gen.  G.  Cowles's.*     The  most  of  the  conversation  here  is  on  religious  subjects. 

18.  In  the  afternoon  rode  home.  Roads  very  bad.  The  snow  is  quite  a 
foot  deep.  Cold.  People  generally  move  in  sleighs.  My  horse  at  Farm- 
ington I  put  at  a  tavern. 

19.  Have  a  good  deal  of  pain  in  my  face.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited 
Tudor's  school.     He  has  done  very  well.     Visited.     Pretty  good  sleighing. 

20.  Fast.  The  Governor,  in  his  proclamation,  calls  it  a  "  Christian  Fast." 
Went  to  meeting  both  parts  of  the  day  in  a  sleigh.  Warm,  and  the  snow 
wastes  fast.  Preached  an  old  Fast  sermon  on  Luke  v :  34,  35.  Visited  a 
young  man  ver)'  low.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Verv  tired. 

21.  Wrote.  Am  very  languid.  The  thermometer  was  above  70°.  Re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell  at  Hartford.  Rode  there  and  saw  him. 
Rode  to  East  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Fairchild.  Preached  in  the 
evening  at  his  conference  room  without  any  notes  on  i  John  iii :  14.  The 
snow  is  mostly  gone. 

22.  Preached  on  Isa.  v:  4,  and  with  short  notes  on  Prov.  v:  11,  12.  Mr. 
Fairchild  rode  to  East  \\'indsor,  and  returned  after  meeting.  The  work  of 
grace  here  is  animating  and  powerful.  Rode  home  and  attended  a  confer- 
ence.    Quite  sore  at  my  lungs. 

23.  Visited  the  afiflicted  and  dying.  A  very  promising  son'  of  Dea. 
Loomis  died  this  morning,  and  a  healthy  man,''  of  a  short  illness,  in  the  after- 
noon. In  the  evening  we  had  a  full  and  solemn  conference.  Mr.  C. 
Goodrich  came  here  and  tarried.     Am  quite  feeble. 

24.  On  the  2  isl  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  manMvho  died  on  the 
19th.  Visited  Mr.  Rockwell's  afflicted  family,  and  one  at  Wapping,  where  an 
aged  woman  died  last  night.  Afternoon  attended  the  interment  of  the 
remains  of  Otis  S.  Spencer,  who  died  at  Boston  on  the  6th  inst.^  At  evening 
our  meeting  of  inquiry  at  my  chamber  was  more  full  than  it  has  been,  and 
very  solemn.  I  feel  more  encouraged  that  God,  in  his  infinite  mercy,  may  do 
something  for  us  in  the  influences  of  his  grace. 

25.  Read.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching.  Attended  two  funerals.  Prayed 
at  each  house,  after  which  the  two  corpses  were  carried  to  the  meeting-house, 
where  I  preached  with  notes  just  written  on  Eccles.  ix :  10.     After  which  we 


'  Rev.   Mr.   Nettleton  was  preaching  at            *  Here  were  five  deaths  occurring  within 

Farmington    as    an  evangelist.      Dr.   Noah      three  or  four  days  of  each  other.     We  have 

Porter  was  the  pastor.  not  the  name  of  the  aged  woman  who  died 

^  Two  General  Cowles  in  Farmington.  at  Wapping,  and  know  not  the  circumstances 

^  Abner  Loomis,  aged  twenty-seven.  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Spencer  at  Boston.     The 

*  Rosweil  Rockwell,  aged  thirty-two.  name  Spencer,  though  not  common,  w^as  one 

*  Abiel  Drake,  aged  si.xty.seven.  of  the  family  names  of  Windsor. 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  855 

attended  the  interments.     The  collection  of  people  was  great,  and  the  season 
very  solemn.     May  God  add  his  blessing.     Paid  for  work,  .38. 

26.  Worked  in  the  garden  laying  it  out  anew,  and  driving  a  scraper. 
Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  I  conclude  the  revival  here  is  declining.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Chester  Chapin.' 

27.  Worked  in  the  garden.  I  hope  it  may  be  beneficial  to  my  health.  A 
Mr.  Goddard,"  candidate  from  Massachusetts,  called  on  me  and  tarried  a  good 
while.  Wrote.  Sowed  peas  in  the  field.  At  evening  had  a  full  and  solemn 
prayer-meeting.     Quite  warm.     Vegetation  is  backward. 

28.  Drove  scraper.  Visited  serious  persons.  Wrote.  Gave  a  poor  man, 
.50.  I  hope  the  grace  of  God  will  not  leave  us,  though  we  are  guilty  of  every 
provocation. 

29.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  John  xv :  22.  In  the 
forenoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :  14.  Preached  long,  and  was 
very  tired.  Six  cases  were  mentioned  for  prayers  for  loss  of  friends,  and  one 
for  sickness.     At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

30.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  funeral  of  an  elderly  woman  at  Wapping. 
Visited.  Quite  unwell.  Have  occasional  severe  pains  in  my  side.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  conference.  Could  do  but  little.  Warm.  We  had  a  little 
rain.  Received  an  excellent  letter  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gilman,^  of  Philadel- 
phia. Last  week  a  worthy  family  moved  from  this  neighborhood  to 
Torrinrford. 


1.  Worked  in  the  garden.  The  thermometer  was  above  80°.  Wrote. 
At  evening  rode  to  Hartford,  and  attended  the  wedding  of  Augustus  Fitch." 

2.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  attended  the  election.  But  few  ministers  were 
present.  No  public  dinner.  Mr.  Weld^  preached  very  well.  The  military 
parade  was  very  good.  The  dignity  of  Connecticut  is  departed.*  Assisted  in 
forming  a  County  Missionary  Society,  of  which  I  am  secretary.  The  annual 
meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  was  holden.  Dined  at  Mr. 
Moseley's.  The  water  is  high.  Paid  for  a  copy  of  Trumbull's  Works,''  $1.50. 
Quite  tired. 

3.  On  the   ist  wrote  to  Mr.  Erastus  Ellsworth,^  of  New  York.     Wrote. 


'  The  candidate  who  had  recently  called  ^  Rev.  Ludovicus  Weld,  pastor  at  Hamp- 

upon  him.  ton,  Ct.,   from    1792   to  1824,  when   he  was 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Bachellor  Goddard,  a  grad-  dismissed.     He  died  in  1844. 

uate  of  Williams  College,  i8i6.     He  died  in  ^  Though  Oliver  Wolcott,  the  Governor, 

1842,  aged  forty-nine.  was   one  of  the  noblemen  of  the  State,  Dr. 

^  These   were    Benjamin    I.  and  Hannah  Robbins  could  not  see  it  so. 

(Robbins)  Gilman,  whom  we  have  generally  ''  These  were   the  works  of  John  Trum- 

met  at  Marietta,  Ohio.  bull,  author  of  McFingal,  of  which  an  edition 

^  Dr.  Augustus   Fitch,  belonging   to   the  was  published  in  Hartford  in  1S20. 

same  general  family  in  East  Windsor    with  ^  Of  whom  we  have  before  spoken.     He 

John   Fitch,  the   first   inventor   of  a  steam-  afterwards  lived  on  East  Windsor  Hill,  and 

boat.     This   Augustus  was  a  distinguished  was   Treasurer   of  Connecticut   Theological 

physician  in  Charleston,  S.  C.  Institute. 


856  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

Visited.     Wrote  records  of  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.     Tarried  out.     Saw 
daffas  on  Monday. 

4.  Visited.  Am  quite  feeble.  Wrote  to  brother  Francis.  At  evening 
had  a  full  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

5.  Quite  cold.  Wrote.  Visited.  I  think  we  have  evidences  of  gracious 
influences  among  us  more  than  at  any  time. 

6.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  i  Cor.  i :  17.  After- 
noon an  old  sermon  on  i  Thess.  v :  3.  I  preach  too  long.  We  had  our 
missionary  contribution,  and  collected  $45.30.  In  view  of  the  state  of 
the  times,  I  think  it  as  good  as  we  have  ever  had.  We  had  one  $5.00,  two 
$3.00,  three  $2.00,  and  eleven  $1.00  bills.  At  evening  had  a  full  confer- 
ence. Gave  notice  of  my  expected  journey.  The  people  appear  to  approve 
of   it,   particularly  for  the  sake  of   my  health. 

7.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Dined  and  prayed 
with  a  military  company.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother.  Wrote. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage,'  after 
which  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Nettleton.^ 

8.  Had  a  good  deal  of  fatigue  in  fixing  away.  Set  out  with  Tudor' on 
my  journey  to  Philadelphia.  Quite  warm.  Rode  to  Milford,  fifty  miles. 
The   season   is   backward. 

9.  Our  horse  is  something  lame.  Apple-tree  blossoms  appear.  Rode  to 
Westchester,  fifty  miles.*     Am  quite  fatigued.     The  roads  not  good. 

10.  On  the  8th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  F.  Butler,  of  Wethersfield. 
Rode  into  New  York,  fifteen  miles.*  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Bible 
Society.  It  was  very  numerous  and  interesting.  The  speaking  was  not  very 
superior.  Went  to  Mr.  Ellsworth's.*  Kindly  received.  Visited  some  former 
acquaintance.     At  evening  heard  Mr.  McEwen,  of  New  London,^  preach. 

11.  Walked  out.  Called  on  Rev.  Mr.  Matthews,*  and  others.  The  city 
appears  very  large  and  active.  Spent  some  time  at  the  depository  of  the  Bible 
Society.  Wet.  Find  many  acquaintance.  At  evening  Mrs.  Ellsworth  had  a 
circle  of  friends,  all  from  Connecticut.  We  had  a  pretty  hard  thunder-shower. 
Paid  $17.38  for  Bibles  for  Mr.  Battell. 

12.  Called  on  Dr.   Spring,'  Mrs.  Watson,'°  and  others.     Dined  with  Mr. 


'  The  parties  were  John  Moore  and  Eliza  Wolcott,    and    an    intimate    friend    of     Dr. 

Porter.  Robbins. 

^  Very  likely  to   ask   him  to   come   and  ^  Dr.  Abel  McEvven,  preaching  in  behalf 

preach  in  his  absence.  of  some  one  of  the  benevolent  societies  then 

^  Samuel  Tudor  Wolcott.  holding  their  anniversaries. 

*  One  hundred  miles  in  two  days,  in  a  horse  ^  Dr.  John   Matthews,  born   in  Guilford, 

and  buggy  over  "  roads  not  good,"  is  rather  N.  C,  1772,  settled  in   several   places,  and 

hard  driving.  then  for  many  years  professor  in  the  Presby- 

^  This  was  the  old-fashioned  Anniversary  terian    Theological    Seminary   at    Hanover, 

Week  in  New  York  —  second  week  in  May.  Ind.     He  died  in  1S4S. 

^  Erastus   Ellsworth,  Esq.,  it  may  be  re-  9  Dr.  Gardiner  Spring,  of  the  Brick  Church, 

membered,  married  Betsey  (Elizabeth)  Wol-  '°  Widow   of   his   old  friend,    Mr.   James 

cott,  daughter  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott,  of  East  Watson,  where  he  stayed  when  he  first  went 

Windsor.     She  was  of  the  kindred  of  Tudor  to  New  York,  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 


l821.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  857 

Stone.     Treated  very  kindly  by  him.     Visited  the  Academy  of  Arts,  etc.     The 
City  Hall  is  a  very  noble  building.     Quite  tired.     Thunder  and  rain. 

13.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  for  Mr.  Matthews  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  In  the 
afternoon,  for  Dr.  Spring,  on  James  i :  23,  24.  Full  and  attentive  congrega- 
tions, especially  Dr.  Spring's.  At  evening  attended  meeting  at  Trinity 
Church.     Wet.     My  voice  held  pretty  well.     Feel  anxious  for  my  own  people. 

14.  Walked  and  visited.  Dined  with  Dr.  Philo  H.  Mills.  My  cousin 
P.  R.  Starr  here,  is  not  now  in  much  business.  Towards  night  left  New  York, 
crossed  the  North  River  in  a  steamboat,  and  rode  to  Newark.  Have  been 
very  kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Ellsworth's.     He  appears  to  be  well  situated. 

15.  It  seems  the  short  war  in  Italy  is  soon  closed.*  Rode  across  the  State 
of  New  Jersey,  fifty  miles,  to  Trenton.^  A  great  number  of  toll-gates.  Vege- 
tation advances  rapidly.  The  apple-trees  are  generally  in  bloom,  and  people 
are  planting.  Looked  at  Princeton  College,  and  saw  there,  and  at  Trenton,  a 
good  many  ministers.     Our  horse  continues  lame. 

16.  Rode  thirty  miles  to  Philadelphia.  Left  our  horse  near  Holmesburgh, 
and  at  a  pasture,  and  were  carried  to  the  city  in  a  carriage.  Very  kindly 
received  at  Mr.  Oilman's.^  His  family  appear  very  well.  Paid  Tudor  for 
traveling  expenses,  $7.92.     Our  whole  expense  has  been  $21.24. 

17.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly.*  It  was  opened  by  a 
sermon  by  Dr.  McDowell,*  of  Elizabethtown,  N.  J.  It  took  a  long  time  to 
organize.  At  evening  Mr.  Chester*  preached  at  a  Female  Charitable  So- 
ciety's annual  meeting.     Wet. 

18.  Sat  with  the  Assembly.  They  do  business  pretty  slow.  Walked  out. 
President  Day,'  my  colleague,  is  here.  At  evening  preached  for  Dr.  Jane- 
way^  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv  :  2.     The  congregation  was  full. 

19.  Walked  and  viewed  the  city.  It  is  very  pleasant.  The  Assembly  did 
not  sit  in  the  afternoon.  Drank  tea  with  Dr.  Wilson.'  He  is  a  man  of  great 
learning.     Wrote. 

20.  Attended  meeting  with  my  cousins.  Dr.  Blatchford'°  preached  in  the 
forenoon,  and  Mr.  De  Witt,"  of  Harrisburgh,  in  the  afternoon.  Attended  the 
sacrament,  which  was  administered  by  President  Green. '"^     The  church  is  quite 


'  Some  outbreak  which  does  not  stand  in  ^  John  Chester,  D.  D.,  graduate  of  Yale 

the  Italian  records  as  a  "  War."  1S04,  settled  in  Albany,  N.  Y. 

-  Fifty  miles  he  seems  to  regard  as  a  fair  '  Dr.  Jeremiah   Day,  his   associate   dele- 
average  day's  journey.  gate,  had  then  been  four  years  President  of 

^  Benjamin  I.  Oilman,  who   married   his  Yale  College, 
cousin,  Hannah  Robbins,  formerly  of  Mari-  ^  Dr.  Jacob   J.  Janeway,   of   the    Second 

etta,  O.     He  had  now  moved  to  Philadelphia.  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia. 

*  He  is  a  delegate  from  the  Connecticut  ^  Dj-,  James  P.  Wilson,  of   Philadelphia, 

General  Association  to  the  General  Assem-  and  Dr.  Robert  G.  Wilson,  of  Washington, 

bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  were  both  members  of  this  Assembly. 

5  John   McDowell,   D.  D.,  a  graduate   of  '°  Dr.  Samuel  Blatchford,  of  Troy,  N.  Y. 

the  University  of  North  Carolina,  1818.     He  "  Dr.    William  R.  De  Witt,   of   Carlisle, 

was  Moderator  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  Penu. 

and   so,  by   custom,  it   belonged   to   him  to  '-  Dr.  Ashbel  Green,  of  New  Brunswick, 

preach  the  opening  sermon  of  this  Assembly.  N.  J. 


858  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D,D,  [1821. 

large,  and  a  great  number  of  ministers  were  present.  In  the  evening  wrote 
an  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in  Connecticut  for  the  General  Assembly. 
Yesterday  dined  at  Dr.  Janeway's. 

21.  The  Assembly  were  taken  up  all  day  in  receiving  the  accounts  of 
tlie  state  of  religion.  They  were  very  interesting.  It  is  remarkable  that 
revivals  in  different  parts  of  the  country  have  been  mostly  among  New  Eng- 
land people.  Gave  in  our  account.  At  evening  the  missionary  sermon  was  j 
preached  by  Dr.  Hill,'  of  Virginia,  our  moderator.  Rather  ordinary.  On  Sat- 
urday found  my  brother  Nathaniel.  He  keeps  a  small  shop  here,  and  appears 
to  get  a  decent  living.  This  evening  drank  tea  with  him  at  his  boarding- 
house.     Find  myself   much  taken  up.     Paid  $i.oo  for  a  book. 

22.  Walk  about  town  as  much  time  as  I  can  get.  Our  forenoon  sessions 
are  quite  long.  Dined  at  Mr.  Latimer's.  My  cousins  here  appear  very  well. 
Tudor  conducts  well.  At  evening  wrote.  This  city  is  much  embarrassed  by 
the  times.  Paid  for  boots  for  Ursula,  $2.50.  Have  a  number  of  old  acquaint- 
ance in  the  General  Assembly. 

23.  Wet  all  day.  Was  close  at  the  Assembly.  Mr.  Dwight,^  from  Boston, 
is  quite  unwell.  Drank  tea  at  Dr.  Wilson's.  Mr.  Olmsted,  from  East  Hart- 
ford, came  here.  At  evening  attended  the  Assembly's  stated  prayer-meeting. 
Their  report  on  the  state  of  religion  is  very  favorable. 

24.  Quite  rainy  and  cold  all  day.  Could  not  walk  about  as  I  had  calcu- 
lated. The  Assembly  are  not  always  the  most  regular.  At  evening  preached 
for  Mr.  Paterson  on  Heb.  xii :  14.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Wolcott.  Tudor  and 
Olmsted   went   off   for   Baltimore, 

25.  It  continues  to  be  wet  and  cold.  Had  some  of  my  brethren  here  to 
dine.  In  the  afternoon  rode  out  to  Mr.  Gilman's  new  place,  and  to  Holmes- 
burgh  ;  where  I  preached  in  the  evening,  in  a  Methodist  meeting-house,  to  a 
full  audience  of  various  descriptions  of  characters.  My  horse  appears  to  have 
been  well  kept. 

26.  Yesterday  paid  ^6.00  for  two  finger  rings  for  Ursula  and  Eveline. 
The  cost  was  $7.00,  and  they  allowed  me  $1.00  for  old  gold.  In  the  morning 
rode  into  town  in  a  hard  rain.  My  cousin  Chandler  kindly  carried  me  out, 
and  brought  me  back  in  a  good  carriage.  Attended  the  Assembly.  Visited. 
Visited  the  library.  Paid  $1.00  for  three  copies  of  the  Assembly's  Catechism 
in  Hebrew.  Paid  $3,75  for  a  comb  for  P'rances.  Gave  a  young  man  where 
my  horse  is  kept,  $1,00,  Paid  $1,00  for  a  snuff-box,  and  ,50  for  sleeve- 
buttons, 

27.  We  have  clear  weather,  and  see  the  sun  for  the  first  time  since 
Tuesday.  Wrote.  In  the  forenoon  went  to  a  great  Quaker  meeting.  Spoke 
some  in  the  meeting.  Between  the  ordinary  exercises,  after  dinner,  I 
preached  at  the  Penitentiary  to  four  or  five  hundred  convicts  on  Heb.  iv  :  9. 
Afternoon  attended  Dr.  Neill's^  meeting,  and  heard  Mr.  Monteith,'*  of  Schen- 


'  Dr.  William  Hill,  of  Winchester,  Va.  ^  pr.  William  Neill. 

*  Rev.  Sereno  E.  Dwight,  D.  D.,  of  Park  *  Rev.   Walter  Monteith.     His   father  of 

Street  Church,  Boston.  the  same  name  had  been  a  minister. 


l82l.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  859 

ectady.  Spent  some  time  with  my  brother,  and  other  old  acquaintance.  At 
evening  visited  Mr.  Chauncey.  Stopped  into  two  or  three  meetings.  On 
Friday  evening  at  Hohnesburgh  preached  on  Num.  x :  29. 

28.  Rode  out  with  Mr.  Daniel  Barnes,  by  whom  I  was  kindly  waited  on, 
and  saw  the  water  works,  Schuylkill  Bridges,  Pratt's  Gardens,  and  other  great 
curiosities.  Very  warm.  Afternoon  walked  about  the  Academy  of  Arts, 
where  are  many  fine  curiosities.  Saw  Mr.  West's  'painting  of  Christ  healing 
in  the  temple,  which  exceedingly  surpasses  anything  of  the  kind  I  have  ever 
seen.  Attended  a  little  while  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  took  my  leave  of 
the  body.  They  expect  to  sit  two  or  three  days  more.  Had  many  calls  on 
me.  In  the  morning  Tudor  returned  from  his  southern  tour  to  Baltimore  and 
Washington.  Paid  for  a  piece  of  Irish  sheeting  for  Frances,  thirty-three 
yards,  $13.00.  For  an  8vo  Bible,  which  I  gave  to  my  brother,  $2.00.  Paid 
for  a  book,  .38.     Took  off  my  flannel. 

29.  Left  Philadelphia.  The  occasion  has  been  very  pleasing  to  me,  and  I 
hope  useful.  Have  had  an  agreeable  visit  with  my  friends,  and  a  pleasant 
time  at  the  General  Assembly.  That  is  a  very  respectable  body.  Mr.  E.  W. 
Mills,  formerly  from  Norfolk,  gave  us  a  conveyance  to  Holmesburgh  very 
kindly.  My  brother  rode  out  with  us.  Kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Rean's. 
He  would  take  nothing  for  keeping  our  horse,  who  is  in  excellent  order.  In 
the  afternoon  rode  to  Trenton.  The  heat  is  severe.  Traveled  quite  moder- 
ately. Vegetation  advances  very  rapidly.  The  people  have  hardly  begun 
hoeing. 

30.  Rode  from  Trenton  to  Newark.  Trenton  Bridge  is  a  very  fine  one. 
But  very  great  tolls  are  taken  in  this  State.  Towards  night  we  were  hindered 
considerably  by  rain. 

31.  Spent  the  last  evening  with  Dr.  Richards.'  Rode  early  to  New  York. 
Went  to  Mr.  Ellsworth's.  Quite  warm.  Called  on  several  acquaintance. 
Towards  night  left  New  York,  and  rode  to  Harlem.  Was  out  in  a  hard 
shower.     Could  not  ride  any  farther,  as  I  had  intended. 

June. 

1.  The  weather  was  wet  and  chilly,  with  easterly  wind  all  day.  Rode 
pretty  steadily,  and  got  to  Stratford,  fifty-six  miles.  The  ground  is  very  wet, 
and  the  streams  are  high. 

2.  Pleasant  weather.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Found  Tudor,  who  arrived 
in  a  steamboat  last  evening.  Called  on  President  Day,  who  left  Philadelphia 
three  days  before  me.  Saw  my  cousin  James  Robbins,  and  some  other 
students.  Left  New  Haven  with  Tudor  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  rode  home. 
Found  all  things  well.  We  have  had  a  prosperous  journey,  my  health  is  much 
better  than  when  I  left  home,  and  we  have  the  greatest  cause  of  thankfulness 


'  Dr.  James  Richards  was   born  in  New  ark,  N.  J.     In  1S23  he  was  made  professor 

Canaan,  Ct.,  Oct.  27,  1766,  was  educated  at  in  the  Presbyterian  Theological  Seminary,  at 

Yale  College,  from  which  institution  he  re-  Auburn,  N.  Y.     There  he  died  in  1S43,  hon- 

ceived  the  degree  of  A.M.     He  was  settled  ored  and  beloved.    The  Seminary  did  a  large 

first  at  Morristown,  N.  J.,  and  again  at  New-  work  in  those  years. 


S6o  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182I. 

to  God.  My  horse  has  performed  much  better  on  his  return,  than  when  we 
were  going  down.  Mr.  Chapin '  is  here.  He  has  been  here  very  steadily, 
and  has  given  very  good  satisfaction.  It  is  a  very  growing  season.  Find 
myself  quite  fatigued. 

3.  I  think  the  work  of  grace  has  rather  increased  during  my  absence. 
Preached  in  the  forenoon  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  xii  :  2.  In  the  afternoon 
Mr.  Chapin  preached.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Jer.  iii :  23.  The  even- 
ing meeting  was  very  full.  We  had  to  remove  to  the  meeting-house  after  the 
exercises  commenced.  The  thermometer  rose  to  go°.  The  people  express  a 
high  gratification  at  my  return.     A  child  has  died  here  in  my  absence. 

4.  Wrote.  Had  company.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting.  Gave  an  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in  the  Presbyterian 
church.  Dr.  Bassett,^  of  Hebron,  was  with  us.  The  traveling  expenses  of 
myself  and  Tudor  from  Philadelphia  home,  while  together,  including  $r.oo 
given  to  the  keeper  of  my  horse  on  the  26th  ult.,  were  $10.33;  ^^^  ^^^^'^  o^ 
which,  $5.17,  is  mine.  I  paid  also  $4.00,  traveling  expenses  from  New  York 
to  New  Haven  when  Tudor  was  not  with  me.     Thermometer  90°. 

5.  Rode  to  Enfield,  and  attended  Association.  Find  much  affectionate 
attention  from  my  people  since  my  return.  Dr.  Perkins^  and  Mr.  Rowland* 
preached  at  Association.     Our  meeting  was  full.     The  heat  severe. 

6.  We  had  the  account  of  the  state  of  religion  in  our  societies  given  in 
public.  There  is  no  one  except  Turkey  Hills  without  more  than  common 
religious  attention.  And  in  fourteen  or  fifteen  there  are  pleasing  and  power- 
ful revivals.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls.  Returned.  Visited.  In  the 
evening  performed  a  marriage.'     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  S.  G.  Goodrich.* 

7.  Wrote.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Visited  persons  under  deep 
conviction.     I  hope  God  has  yet  much  good  in  store  for  us. 

8.  On  the  4th  paid  Mr.  Chapin,  $10.00.'  Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to 
Hartford.  The  work  of  grace  there  continues.  In  the  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.  Quite  full.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Yesterday  the  thermome- 
ter was  91°,  today  92°. 

9.  Yesterday  Mr.  S.  G.  Goodrich  called  here  with  an  earnest  request  that 
I  would  write  a  supplement  to  Milner's  Church  History^  which  he  proposes  to 
publish.  I  do  not  know  what  to  do  respecting  the  undertaking.  Quite  rainy 
the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote.  Visited.  God  is  doing,  I  trust,  good  things 
for  us. 

10.     Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Jer.  xxix:   13.     In  the 


'  Rev.  Chester  Chapin,  who  has  been  act-  Charles   A.  Goodrich,   and  associated  with 

ing  as   preacher   and   pastor  during   his  ab-  him  in  business.     They  were  sons   of   Rev. 

sence.  Samuel  Goodrich,  of  Ridgefield,  Ct. 

^  Dr.  Amos  Bassett.  ^  Rev.  Chester  Chapin,  for  supplying  the 

^  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins,  of  West  Hartford.  pulpit  while  he  was  gone  to  Philadelphia. 

^  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor.  ^  It  is  constantly  made  evident  that   Dr. 

^  The    parties   united    in   marriage   were  Robbins  was   regarded  as  one   of   the    able 

Pelitiah  Bliss  and  Lucina  Grant.  and  scholarly  divines  of  his  generation.     His 

*  Samuel   G.   Goodrich    was    brother    of  pen  was  called  largely  into  use. 


l82I.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  86l 

forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxii :  42.  At  evening  attended  conference 
at  the  meethig-house.  Meetings  quite  full  I  speak  with  considerable  ease. 
Thermometer  84°.     The  season  is  very  fine, 

11.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr,  Merwin/  and  to  my  brother.  At  evening  attended 
a  full  conference. 

12.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  The  Baptists  and  Methodists  are 
making  considerable  commotion  there.  At  evening  we  had  twenty  at  our 
inquiry  meeting.     I  think  the  work  of  grace  among  us  evidently  increases. 

13.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr,  Wolcott.  Extreme  hot.  The 
thermometer  rose  to  98°.  Towards  night  showery.  My  cousin  Sarah  Bat- 
tell  came  here,  Mr.  Chapin  returned.  Paid  $5.00,  my  annual  contribution 
to  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society. 

14.  Wet.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Wrote.  Rainy  the  most  of  the 
day.     Read,     Walked  out, 

15.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Many  people  among  us  are  more  than 
usually  serious.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  ground  is 
very  wet. 

16.  Rode  early  to  Hartford,  and  carried  Sarah.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  Con- 
versed with  Dr.  Flint  and  others  respecting  the  supplement  to  Milner.  Quite 
warm.  Have  many  things  to  interrupt  my  studies.  Yesterday  wrote  to  my 
cousin,  B,  I.  Gilman,  Jr.,  of  Philadelphia, 

17.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  John  v:  40,  Afternoon 
an  old  sermon  on  Ps,  li :  4,  I  preach  too  long.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.  Our  Sabbath-school  commenced.  Bentley,  of  Wethersfield,  is 
here,  using  every  effort  to  make  Baptists,  Received  a  letter  from  Mr,  A, 
Flint,   of  Philadelphia. 

18.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  The  Baptists 
are  very  zealous  and  violent.  In  God  is  all  our  hope.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.  After  which  we  had  a  hard  shower.  People  are  very  back- 
ward in  their  hoeing. 

19.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  Wethersfield.  Quite  warm.  The  Enfield  Bridge 
is  impassable.  Attended  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  on  Isa.  xlii :  7.  At 
evening  rode  to  Enfield,  and  assisted  my  brother  some  at  a  conference.  I  am 
quite  in  danger  of  a  hoarseness, 

20.  Returned,  Visited  on  the  way.  This  morning  early  there  was  a 
pretty  hard  storm,  and  a  barn  of  one  of  our  near  neighbors  was  struck  with 
lightning  and  consumed.  Gave  the  man  $2.00,  The  Baptists,  through  God's 
great  mercy,  did  yesterday  but  little.  Six  of  their  preachers  were  here,  and 
they  baptized  two  young  women.     One  of  them  belonged  to  Wapping. 

21.  Wrote.  A  Mr.  Churchill,^  a  candidate,  called  on  me.  Visited.  Have 
many  hindrances.  At  evening  preached  at  the  mill  neighborhood  on  Isa. 
xlii  :  7. 

22.  Wrote.     Wrote  to  my  brother  at  Lenox,  and  to  Mr.  A.  Flint,  of  Phila- 


'  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin,  of  New  Haven.  been  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Tolland  Asso- 

^  Rev.  Ebenezer  Churchill,  who  had  just       ciation.     He  was  examined  June  5,  1821. 


862  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [182I. 

delphia.     Visited,     At  evening  attended   our  weekly  prayer-meeting.     Quite 
full. 

23.  Visited.  Very  warm.  Mr.  Merwin,  of  New  Haven,  called  on  me  on 
his  return  from  General  Association.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  Sherman  Rowland.'  After  which  rode  to  Glastonbury  to 
exchange   with   Mr.    Birge.^ 

24.  Preached  on  Prov.  i:  31,  and  i  John  iii :  9.  At  evening  preached 
again  without  notes  on  Luke  ix  :  31.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  religious  atten- 
tion here.  Meetings  full.  Called  on  Mr.  Lockwood.^  I  spoke  feebly,  and 
suffered  much  with  the  heat.  The  people  here  are  much  united  in  Mr.  Birge, 
and  strongly  attached  to  him.  There  is  a  prospect  of  his  being  settled  here. 
I  hope  he  will  do  well,  but  have  some  fears. 

25.  Rode  home.  The  thermometer  was  above  98°  a  considerable  part  ofi 
the  afternoon.  Walked  out.  Read.  Mr.  Birge  was  much  liked  here 
yesterday.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  languid. 

26.  Wrote.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid  for  wine,  $2.25.  At 
evening  had  our  inquiry'  meeting.  Not  so  full  as  the  last.  Thermometer  95°. 
Vegetation  is  very  rapid  and  vigorous. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  The  dust  very  oppress- 
ive. Read  Leo  X.*  Visited.  Received  my  bedstead  from  Norfolk.  It  is  a 
very  good  one. 

28.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills.  This  society  are  in  a  critical  state.  The 
Assembly  have  made  no  grant  this  year  to  supply  Newgate  with  preaching. 
Returned  by  Enfield.     Last  night  we  had  some  rain. 

29.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother.  On  the 
27th  received  $15.00  of  the  Hartford  Bank.  Wrote.  Read.  Am  quite 
languid.  Afternoon  attended  our  preparatorj-  lecture.  Preached  on  Isa.  Ivi :  i 
with  old  notes.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

30.  Visited.  Had  a  call  to  go  to  Turkey  Hills  to  attend  a  funeral,  which 
I  could  not  well  deny.  Rode  there,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Owens. 
Preached  in  the  meeting-house  without  any  notes  on  Heb.  iv  :  9.  Rode  home 
the  most  of  the  way  in  the  evening.     Got  home  late  and  quite  tired. 

July. 

1.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ex.  viii :  22,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Acts 
viii :  23.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  exercises  were  unreasonably 
long.  I  speak  slower  than  I  used  to.  In  the  afternoon  felt  an  uncommon 
faintness  and  difficulty  of  speaking.  Was  much  exhausted.  Did  not  attend 
the  conference.     The  sacrament  was  full  and  solemn. 

2.  Am  quite  feeble.     Walked  out.     Read.     In  hawking  I  raised  a  little 


'  Sherman   Rowland  was   the  name  of  a  Burge  was  a  graduate  of  Middlebury  College 

Revolutionary  soldier    from    Windsor,   and  in  1S06. 
this  may  have  been  his  son.  ^  j^gy   William  Lockwood,  a  former  pas- 

^  Rev.  Caleb  Burge,  who  was  settled   in  tor,  a  man  of  marked  ability. 
Glastonbury    the     following     August.      Dr.  *  William  Roscoe's  Z//2' ^Z^^^,  a  model 

Robbins    spells    the    name   wrongly.      Mr.  work  of  biography. 


lS21.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  863 

blood.     Wrote.      We    had   some    rain.      At   evening   attended   our   monthly 
prayer-meeting. 

3.  Visited.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  Rode  to  Colebrook,  and  tarried  at  my 
brother's.'  The  season  is  very  favorable.  Overtook  Mr.  Tenney,'^  of  Weth- 
ersfield,  and  he  went  and  staid  with  me. 

4.  Quite  cool.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  My  mother  is  pretty  well.  Brother 
and  his  family,  and  brother  Samuel  are  here.  Afternoon  brother  Frank  and 
Maj.  Parsons  came  here.  Preached  in  the  meeting-house  without  notes  on 
Luke  ix  :  31.  In  the  evening  Mr.  Chester/ of  Gahvay,  preached.  Meetings 
quite  full.  There  is  a  very  pleasing  work  of  grace  here,  and  in  most  of  the 
neighboring  towns. 

5.  Brother  Ammi  and  wife  came  here.  Mr.  Battell's  youngest  child  is 
very  sick.  Visited.  Our  family  visits  are  quite  pleasant.  I  expected  to  have 
paid  Mr.  Battell  $9.00  for  my  bedstead,  lately  received,  the  sum  he  paid  for  it 
at  auction,  but  he  has  very  generously  given  it  to  me. 

6.  My  brother  Frank  and  Maj.  Parsons  went  off  for  the  Springs.  Rode 
home.  Quite  cool.  Hope  I  am  better  for  my  ride.  Attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.  Mr.  Chapin  has  not  been  here  this  week,  as  I  expected.  In  the 
morning  gave  my  cousin  Sally  Lawrence,  $1.00.  Mrs.  Wolcott  is  considerably 
unwell. 

7.  Visited.  The  state  of  my  people  is  such  as  to  require  much  attention. 
At  evening  had  men  here  for  a  meeting,  who  think  of  observing  a  stated 
meeting  for  prayer.     None  of  them  are  professors.     It  is  encouraging. 

8.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xi :  15  to  the  end.  I  have 
neglected  this  service  quite  too  long.  Afternoon  preached  with  old  notes  on 
Esther  iv  :  16.  Endeavored  to  shorten  the  exercises.  At  evening  had  a  good 
conference.  Bore  my  labors  better  than  I  have  done.  Yesterday  dined  at 
Dr.  Tudor's."* 

9.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Received  a  bundle  of  copies  of  my  sermon 
preached  at  Winchendon  last  October.  I  have  never  seen  one  before,  though 
printed  at  Worcester  last  December.  Our  joiners  came  and  began  work  on 
the  fence.     At  evening  attended  conference.     Warm.     Thermometer  90°. 

10.  Walked  and  visited.  Wrote,  Dr.  Flint  and  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,^  of  New 
Connecticut,  called  and  made  me  a  visit.  Read.  Yesterday  received  a  letter 
from  J.  W.  Barber,*  of  New  Haven.     At  evening  attended  the  inquiry  meeting. 

11.  Rainy.     Wrote.      Conversed   with    a   member   of   the    church   whose 


'  Ammi  Ruhamah  Robbins.  *  This  was  John  Warner  Barber,  a  native 

^  Caleb  J.  Tenney,  D.  D.  of    Windsor,   born    in    1798.      He   was   the 

^  Rev.  John  Chester,  of  Galway,  Saratoga  author  of  those  popular  and  useful  volumes 

Co.,  N.  Y.  Historical  Collections  of  Massachusetts,  Con- 

*  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor.  necticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Ohio,  and 

^  Rev.    Randolph    Stone,   a   graduate   of  Yirginia,  and  many  other  works  of  a  similar 

Yale  College,  181 5,  and   soon  after  sent  by  character.     He  was  associated  for  some  time 

the    Connecticut    Missionary  Society  to  the  with  Gen.  Hezekiah  Howe,  of  New  Haven,  in 

Western    Reserve.     He  became  a  professor  the  book  business,  but  is  far  better  known  as 

in  the  Ohio  University,  and  died  in  1S40.  a  writer  and  compiler  of  historical  works. 


864  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

conduct  is  not  good.     Wrote  to  J.  W.  Barber.     At  evening  attended  a  small 
meeting.     Mr.  Hough,  the  Baptist,  tries  to  get  influence  here. 

12.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited.  Showery.  Cool.  My  time 
is  very  much  taken  up  with  my  people.  I  fear  the  good  Spirit  is  departing 
from  us. 

13.  Walked  and  visited.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  and  back 
quite  quickly.     At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out.     Cool. 

14.  Visited.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Chapin  at  Enfield.  Wrote  notes  for  preaching. 
At  evening  a  prayer-meeting  was  held  at  my  chamber  by  a  few  men  privately. 
I  did  not  join  them. 

15.  Finished  my  notes  with  some  difficulty,  and  preached  on  Isa.  Iv:  3. 
Meetings  full  and  attentive.  Baptized  a  child.'  At  evening  had  a  full 
conference. 

16.  I  bore  the  labors  of  yesterday  better  than  I  feared.  Was  called  up 
last  night  to  visit  a  crazy  woman  in  the  neighborhood.  Visited.  Read.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

17.  Visited.  Rode  to  Scantick,  and  visited  acquaintance.  The  dust  is 
very  bad.     People  are  beginning  harvest. 

18.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  am  quite  feeble.  My  lungs  are  quite 
weak.     I  think  there  will  be  war  in  the  east  of  Europe. 

19.  Walked  and  visited.  I  cannot  do  so  much  visiting,  in  a  given  time,  as 
I  have  done  in  years  past.  I  am  quite  languid.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

20.  Wrote  to  Mr.  E.  Ellsworth,^  of  New  York.  A  woman,  a  near  neighbor, 
has  become  suddenly  deranged. 

21.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  and  back.  Received  a  letter  from  J.  W.  Bar- 
ber, of  New  Haven,  and  one  from  Mr.  Chapin,^  at  Enfield.  Paid  Ward  & 
Bartholomew  towards  my  stove,  $10.00.  Wrote.  At  evening  rode  to  Enfield 
to  exchange  with  Mr.  Chapin.     Am  quite  languid.     Met  Mr.  Chapin  on  the  way. 

22.  Preached  on  Prov.  viii :  17,  and  without  notes  on  Luke  ix :  31.  At 
evening  attended  a  conference.  The  work  of  grace  here  still  appears  well. 
Meetings  were  full.     I  spoke  quite  too  long. 

23.  Rode  home  by  way  of  Turkey  Hills.  The  epidemic  there  still  con- 
tinues. Their  society  prospects  are  quite  gloomy.  At  evening  attended  our 
conference  with  Mr.  Chapin.     Pretty  thin. 

24.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Very  grateful  to  the  dry  ground.  Wrote  on 
business  for  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  Read.  Mr.  Chapin 
returned  to  Enfield.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  A.  Flint,  of  Philadelphia. 

25.  Walked  and  rode  and  visited.  I  hope  we  shall  have  a  large  addition 
to  our  church.     We  had  pretty  hard  showers.     Warm  and  sultry. 

26.  Rode    to    Hartford.     Procured    for   Mr.    Wolcott   two   liirhtninsr-rods. 


'  Mary    Austin     Rockwell,    daughter    of  been  supplying  the  pulpit  of  Dr.  Robbins's 

George  Rockwell.  brother  at  Enfield,  as  he  had  before  supplied 

^  Erastus  Ellsworth,  Esq.  at  East  Windsor.     He  seems  to  have  been  a 

^  Rev.   Chester    Chapin    seems    to  have  man  of  excellent  judgment. 


1 82  1.1  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  865 

Sent  out  my  circulars  for  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society,  Paid  for 
points  for  a  lightning-rod  to  give  my  neighbor  who  lately  lost  his  barn,  .60. 
Saw  Mr.  Noah  Webster.'  Concluded  to  write  a  brief  continuation  of  Milner" 
for  Mr.  Goodrich. 

27.  Visited.  Wrote.  Oppressed  with  the  heat.  At  evening  our  prayer- 
meeting  was  full  and  solemn.  Tarried  out.  Thermometer  90°.  On  the  2Sth 
it  was  92°.     July  hitherto  has  been  pretty  cool. 

28.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  The  heat  severe.  Had  a  long  conversa- 
tion with  a  man  that  gives  me  some  anxiety.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping 
and  visited  a  sick  woman  very  low. 

29.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xii :  i  to  28.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  xl :  2,  3.  Thermometer  91°.  Did  not  feel  able  to 
attend  any  conference.     Walked  out. 

30.  Read.  I  suspect  there  will  be  a  great  war  between  the  Cross  and  the 
Crescent.^  Quite  overcome  with  the  heat.  The  thermometer  rose  to  99°, 
and  was  at  that  point  for  some  time.  Mr.  Caleb  Alexander*  came  here  and 
tarried.     Conference  pretty  thin. 

31.  Gave  Mr.  Alexander  some  valuable  books  for  the  Theological  Institu- 
tion at  Andover.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dr.  Flint  made  me  a  handsome 
present.  The  thermometer  was  above  90°  a  considerable  part  of  the  after- 
noon, and  some  of  the  time  very  near  100°.  Could  do  but  very  little.  The 
air  is  very  still. 

August. 

1.  Wrote.  Read.  The  thermometer  was  at  98°  and  over.  I  am  much 
oppressed  with  the  heat.  At  evening  we  had  a  shower,  with  a  great  deal  of 
lightning  and  distant  thunder.  Assisted  in  putting  up  a  lightning-rod  at  our 
house. 

2.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  all  day.  Did  not  make  much  despatch. 
The  harvest  is  good,  though  I  believe  not  equal  to  two  years  past.  The  air 
is  more  clear  since  the  shower,  but  the  sun  is  very  hot.  I  find  tokens  of  good 
among  my  people.     Thermometer  96°. 

3.  Read  Milner's  Church  History.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  thermometer  was  at  94°.  There  is  a  great 
crop  of  grass. 

4.  Walked   and   visited.     Went   into   the    water.     Read   Milner.     Ther- 


'  Undoubtedly  the  now  famous  Dr.  Noah  the  Crescent,  and  the  War  of  Independence 

Webster.     His  native  place  was  West  Hart-  began." — Haydii's  Dictionary  of  Dates.    This 

ford.     He  was  then  sixty-three  years  old.  war  greatly  interested  and  moved  the  west- 

'^  The  edition  of  Joseph  Milner's  Church  ern  nations.     Much  help  went  from  England 

History,  for   which   Dr.  Robbins  wrote   the  and  this  country. 

preface,  was  published  in  Boston  in  1822,' in  ''Rev.   Caleb   Alexander,   a  graduate   of 

five  volumes.     The  work  was  very  familiar  Yale,  1777,  and  licensed  to  preach  in  1778  by 

to  students  thirty  and  forty  years  ago.  the  New  London  Association.     He  received 

^  "  Proclamation  of  Prince  Alexander  to  the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  Brown  University 

shake   off  the   Turkish  yoke,  March,  1821.  in  1789.     He  seems  to  have  been  acting  as 

He  raised  the  standard  of  the  Cross  against  an  agent  for  Andover  Theological  Seminary. 


866  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

mometer  95°.     I  presume  I  never  saw  a  warmer  week.     Wrote.     The  tremor 
in  my  liand  is  troublesome. 

5.  Wrote  notes,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke  xxiv;  47.  After- 
noon an  old  sermon  on  i  Thess.  v :  19.  Preached  too  long.  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  The  weather  changed  and  became  cool,  but  it  is 
very  dr)-.     The  dust  is  very  bad.     Thermometer  88°. 

6.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Have  my  trials  about  society  matters.  Vis- 
ited the  most  of  the  day.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 

7.  Read.  Have  many  hindrances.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Good- 
win, of  Hartford.     Afternoon  visited  a  school  at  Long  Hill.     Visited.     Cool. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Assisted  Frances  in  selecting  some  furniture. 
The  dust  is  very  severe.     Mr.  Wolcott's  affairs  make  me  a  good  deal  of  labor. 

9.  Walked  and  visited.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hockanum,  and  per- 
formed a  marriage.'  The  most  of  the  hay  and  harvest  is  in.  People  have 
had  a  very  fine  season  for  the  purpose, 

10.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  sister.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  at- 
tended our  prayer-meeting.  The  thermometer  has  been  for  five  days  at  87' 
and  88°,  and  today  it  has  been  at  91°.     Meeting  rather  thin. 

11.  Am  quite  languid.  My  days  and  years  are  swiftly  passing.  Towards 
night  rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Flint.  In  the  evening  preached 
in  his  chapel  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv  :  5.     Very  hot.     Thermometer  97°. 

12.  The  drought  is  severe.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Prov.  i:  31. 
Afternoon  on  Luke  ix:  31,  without  notes.  Mr.  Flint  rode  to  East  Windsor, 
and  returned  after  meeting.  I  think  ministers  ride  too  much  on  the  Sabbath. 
Not  quite  as  warm  as  3-esterday.  After  sundown  rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  a  marriage.^     Very,  tired. 

13.  Read.  Am  very  feeble.  Worked  some.  On  the  loth  received  a 
letter  from  the  church  in  Glastonbury  requesting  our  assistance  in  their  pro- 
posed installation.  Read  in  the  History  of  the  Turks.  At  evening  attended 
our  conference.     The  drought  is  severely  felt.     Thermometer  96°. 

14.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  in  visiting.  Could  do  but  little  on  account 
of  the  heat.  The  thermometer  was  at  98°.  The  dust  is  very  severe.  The 
grass  becomes  brown. 

15.  Wrote.  The  heat  almost  disqualifies  me  for  any  labor.  Afternoon 
rode  to  Hartford,  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  H.  C.^  Missionary  Society., 
People  are  much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  The  thermometer  in  the  afternoon 
was  at  101°. 

16.  Last  evening  we  had  a  little  thunder,  but  no  rain.  The  nights  are 
very  hot.  Wrote.  Read  on  the  History  of  the  Turks.  Afternoon  rode  to 
East  Hartford,  and  attended   a   funeral,   in   the   absence  of    Mr.   Fairchild. 


'  The    persons    married    were    Deodat  marriages.      The   persons  united  this   time 

Woodbridge,   Jr.,   of     East     Hartford,    and  were    William    Herriden,    of    Scantic,    and 

Jerusha  Loomis,  of  Wapping.  Mary  Alexander,  of  Wapping. 

~  Certainly  Wapping  surpasses  all  other  ^  Hartford  County,  auxiliary  to  the  Amer- 

parts   of   his   parish   in   the  number   of  its  ican  Board. 


l82I.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  S67 

Thermometer  ioo°.  At  evening  rode  out  and  visited.  Was  out  late.  The 
ground  is  exceedingly  scorched  with  the  hot  sun.  A  large  portion  of  th^ 
grass  ground  is  brown,  and  gardens  are  generally  failing,  the  corn  and  other 
crops  are  materially  injured.  I  think  I  never  saw  a  drought  so  severe.  It  is 
owing  considerably  to  the  severe  heat.     Our  help  is  in  God  alone. 

17.  Rode  and  visited,  and  gave  notice  of  a  meeting  for  prayer  on  account 
of  the  drought,  which  was  attended  in  the  afternoon  with  much  earnestness 
and  solemnity.  Mr.  Hough,  the  Baptist,  united  with  me  and  assisted.  There 
is  now  a  great  Methodist  camp-meeting  in  Orford."  It  is  made  a  scene  of 
recreation,  and  great  numbers  of  people  go.  At  evening  visited.  Tarried 
out.     Thermometer  93°. 

18.  Rode  and  visited.  Have  a  great  deal  of  pain  on  my  leg  from  a  hurt. 
Afternoon  assisted  in  examining  five  women  to  be  propounded  for  our  com- 
munion. Towards  evening  we  had  a  most  kind  and  grateful  shower.  We  are 
under  unspeakable  obligations  to  bless  and  adore  the  grace  of  God.  Paid  for 
Dr.  McClure's  books,^  $20.00.  Thermometer  95°.  Much  worried  with  labor. 
Wrote. 

19.  The  bruise  on  my  leg  has  become  inflamed  and  painful,  and  I  am 
quite  lame.  It  was  with  much  difficulty  that  I  attended  meeting  and 
preached.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  v  :  12.  The  ground  is  exceed- 
ingly refreshed  by  the  rain,  but  we  need  more.  Did  not  attend  an  evening 
meeting.  There  are  two  attended  by  the  brethren  of  the  church  when  I 
cannot  attend.     Thermometer  92°. 

20.  Kept  house  pretty  much  on  account  of  my  lameness.  Wrote.  Read. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Thermometer  93°. 

21.  Last  night  we  had  a  great  deal  of  lightning  and  distant  thunder,  and  a 
small  shower.  Quite  cold.  Revised  Tytler  for  the  printer.  Visited.  I 
think  the  late  camp-meeting  at  Orford  has  left  rather  an  unfavorable  impres- 
sion respecting  Methodism.^ 

On  the  19th  propounded  five  persons  for  the  communion  of  the  church. 

22.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Conversed  with  persons  on  the  subject 
of  a  religious  profession.  Visited  a  school.  Was  out  late.  Quite  cool.  My 
lameness  gets  better. 

23.  Visited.  Our  good  people  are  quite  too  backward  about  making  a 
profession.     It  makes  me  a  great  burden.     Visited  the  Long  Hill  school. 

24.  Received  from  Dr.  Flint  my  annual  consociational  letter.  Visited  all 
day.  The  Baptists  do  what  they  can  to  prevent  persons  from  uniting  with  our 
church.     At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

25.  Visited.  In  the  afternoon  (a  memorable  event)  twelve  persons,  five 
men  and  seven  women  were  examined  in  my  chamber,  and  approved  for  the 


'  Manchester.      The    camp-meeting    was  ^  That  is,  for  books  which  he  had  bought 

probably  in   the   same   grove  where   it   had  from  Dr.  McClure's  library, 

been  held  before,  and  where  it  was  held  for  '  That  was  the  opinion  of  many  persons 

many   years  after,  in   the   southeast   part  of  in  that  vicinity  every  year.     But  camp-meet- 

the  town.  ings  were  held  year  after  year,  just  the  same. 


868  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

communion  of  our  church.     Am  much  fatigued.     Have  very  little  time  for 
«tudy. 

26.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xii :  28  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  Gen.  xxii :  13.  Baptized  four  children.  Two 
widows  brought  a  son  and  daughter  each.'  Propounded  twelve  persons  to  the 
church.  After  meeting  we  had  a  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the  con- 
tinued severe  drought.  The  air  is  almost  filled  with  dust.  The  corn  suffers 
severely.  The  meeting  was  tender  and  solemn.  The  Lord  be  our  helper. 
Very  tired.  We  had  a  dash  of  rain  a  little  after  noon,  after  which  it 
cleared  off. 

27.  Last  night  we  had  a  moderate  and  most  grateful  shower.  Rode  to 
Wapping  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  Mr.  Hough  takes  much  pains  to 
ingratiate  himself  with  the  people  there.  Attended  the  conference.  Visited 
a  sick  man.     A  very  distressing  scene.     Quite  cool. 

28.  Have  taken  a  cold.  Wrote.  Hindered  by  joiners.  Afternoon  rode 
to  Glastonbury,  and  met  with  the  council  for  the  installation  of  Mr.  Birge.^ 
He  appeared  very  well  on  examination.  The  people  are  very  much  united 
and  happy  in  their  prospects. 

29.  The  installation  services  were  well  performed.  Mr.  Andrews,  of  Dan- 
bury,^  preached  very  well.  I  made  the  last  prayer.  At  East  Hartford  heard 
the  most  of  a  sermon  from  Dr.  Ely,  of  Philadelphia."*     Visited. 

30.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Some  persons  who  I  think  ought  to 
profess  religion  are  backward.  Hot.  Thermometer  90°.  Wrote  a  piece  for 
the  papers  for  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  Can  get  but  verj- 
little  time  for  myself. 

31.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Rode  to  Wapping  with  the  deacons,  and 
examined  five  persons  for  our  communion.  The  heat  and  dust  are  very 
severe.  Thermometer  about  94°.  I  think  I  never  knew  so  great  a  drought 
here.     At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.     Took  some  cold. 

September. 

1.  We  had  a  most  kindly  and  refreshing  rain  as  I  ever  knew.  It  rained 
the  greater  part  of  the  day.  Afternoon  we  examined  six  persons  for  our  com- 
munion.    Warm.     The  ground  is  exceedingly  refreshed.     Read  Milner. 

2.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Some  of  the  time  it  rained  quite  hard. 
Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Col.  i:  21.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.* 
Propounded  ten  persons  for  the  communion  of  the  church. 

3.  Showery.  Wrote.  Am  quite  feeble.  Read.  At  evening  we  had 
some  rain,  and  a  very  severe  wind  for  about  four  hours.  Did  not  have  any 
monthly  prayer-meeting. 


'  The     children    baptized    were    Samuel  bury,  1S13-1836.     Four  of  his  sons  entered 

Henry    and    Jerusha,    children    of    Abigail  the  ministry. 

Rockwell ;    and   Sarah   Lorinda   and    Zenas  *  Dr.  Ezra  Stiles  Ely,  son  of  Rev.  Zebu- 
Timothy  Elmer,  children  of  Sarah  Burnham.  Ion  Ely,  of  Lebanon,  Ct. 

*  Rev.  Caleb  Burge  (not  Birge).  '  The    parties  were    Elijah    Porter   and 

^  Rev.  William  Andrews,  pastor  at  Dan-  Olive  Diggins, 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  869 

4.  Rode  out  and  visited.  A  number  of  persons  among  us  seem  to  have 
their  attention  excited  by  the  number  that  are  propounded.  Afternoon 
attended  the  funeral  of  a  man'  who  died  yesterday.  Yesterday  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Ely,""  of  Vernon. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  a  number  of  errands.  Visited.  Taken  up 
with  the  business  of  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  Gave  a  poor 
woman,  ^i.oo.  The  blow  of  Monday  evening  did  verj'  great  damage.  Many 
buildings  are  injured,  many  trees  blown  down,  the  com  is  laid  low,  the  apples 
are  almost  wholly  blown  from  the  trees. 

6.  Visited.  In  the  afternoon  my  cousin  Joseph  Battell  ^  came  here.  He 
appears  promising  as  a  scholar.     Rode  out  with  him. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Joseph,  and  saw  his  father.  Quite  warm. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Rode  to  the  north  part  of  Vernon,  and 
preached  at  Mr.  Abbott's,  who  has  lately  lost  a  son  in  Virginia.  Preached  on 
Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Some  persons 
here  decline  making  a  profession,  who  I  hoped  would  do  it.     Very  tired. 

8.  Visited.  Have  to  do  and  to  feel.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child, 
whose  parents  removed  from  this  town,  and  reside  in  Ohio.  After  which 
examined  four  persons  for  our  communion.     The  deacons  are  very  judicious. 

g.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Deut.  xxxii :  18.  In 
the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  xxii :  11.  Very  warm  and  sultry. 
Thermometer  at  gi".*  Yesterday  it  was  at  90°.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard 
thunder-shower.  Meeting  very  full.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Propounded  four  persons  for  our  communion.  One  that  was  omitted  last 
Sabbath  by  request,  while  one  that  was  examined  yesterday  was  omitted  now 
for  the  same  cause.     Very  much  fatigued. 

10.  Read.  The  destruction  by  the  late  storm  seems  to  have  been  great, 
and  very  extensive.  Rode  to  East  Hartford,  and  dined  with  a  military  com- 
pany. Rode  to  Hartford.  Received  a  dividend  of  $52.50  of  the  Phcenix 
Bank.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Conclude  not  to  go  to  Com- 
mencement. On  the  8th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  C.  Chapin.  Am  pretty 
feeble. 

11.  Wrote.     Hindered  by  company.     Read.     I  find  little  time  for  study. 

12.  Read  Tytler  for  the  printers.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances. 
Assisted  her  in  her  business.^  Rode  to  Wethersfield,  and  saw  Dr.  Marsh.*" 
He  is  very  low  with  a  paralytic  shock.     Got  home  late. 


*  Oliver  Elmer,  aged  32.  '  Frances    Wolcott   was  making  prepara- 

'  Rev.  William  Ely.  tions  for  her  marriage. 

3  Here  again  Dr.  Robbins  calls  his  ''  John  Marsh,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  Haver- 
nephew  his  cousm.  Joseph  Battell  was  the  hill,  Mass.,  in  1742.  He  was  graduated  at 
oldest  son  of  Dr.  Robbins's  sister  Sarah.  Harvard  College,  in  1761.  He  was  now 
He  was  at  that  time  fifteen  years  old.  As  about  seventy-nine  years  old,  and  was  draw- 
has  been  before  stated,  he  died  in  1874,  ing  near  his  end.  He  was  settled  in  Weth- 
leaving  a  very  large  estate.  ersfield   in    1774.      The    next    entry   in    the 

"  Here  again  is  the  warm  weather  of  early  diary  tells  of  his  death.     Both  the  father  and 

September.  son  were  useful  and  honored. 


870  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

13.  Wrote,  Read  Tytler.  Visited.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  J.  Marsh,' 
informing  me  of  the  death  of  his  father.  Received  a  letter  from  Silas  Drake, 
of  Hartford. 

14.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  brother  and  wife  returned  from 
New  Haven  and  Woodbury.  Received  a  letter  from  brother  Samuel.  At- 
tended our  evening  prayer-meeting. 

15.  Rode  to  Wethersfield,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Marsh.  Dr. 
Chapin^  preached.     Cool. 

16.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xiii :  i,  2.  Afternoon  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  vii :  14.  Preached  too  long.  Baptized  a  child.'  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  Tarried  out.  Much  fatigued.  My  lungs 
are  weak. 

17.  This  morning,  by  coughing,  I  raised  a  little  blood.  I  hope  that  God 
in  his  infinite  mercy  will  prevent  a  repetition  and  increase  of  such  a  malady. 
Dined  and  prayed  with  a  military  company.  At  evening  attended  the  con- 
ference.    Spoke  but  little. 

18.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  dined  and  prayed  with  a  military  company. 
Visited  a  sick  man.  Prayed  with  the  rifle  company  at  the  Hill.  These 
companies  appeared  well. 

19.  Wrote.  We  have  the  unexpected  news  of  the  death  of  the  Queen  of 
England.''  Afternoon  attended  an  examination  of  the  academy.  Mr.  Brock- 
way,'  the  instructor,  has  done  exceeding  well.     Visited. 

20.  Worked  some.  Visited.  Visited  a  school.  Cool,  but  we  have  as  yet 
no  frost. 

21.  Rode  and  visited  our  candidates  for  the  Christian  profession  here  and 
at  Wapping.  The  most  of  them  appear  very  humble  and  fearful.  At  evening 
had  a  meeting  with  them,  preparatory  to  their  public  dedication.  It  was 
principally  for  prayer,  and  two  of  them  prayed.  The  season  was  exceedingly 
tender  and  solemn.  They  spent  the  day  by  themselves  separately  in  fasting 
and  prayer. 

22.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxxix :  3,  4.  Have  many  inter- 
ruptions. It  is  unusually  long  since  I  have  written  a  sermon.  I  have  had  a 
great  deal  of  labor  and  anxiety  in  bringing  forward  these  persons  for  our 
communion.  Those  who  have  had  hope  for  years  come  with  great  hesitation 
and  trembling. 

23.  A  memorable  day.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Luke 
xvi :  25.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxxix : 
3,  4.     Received  thirty-one  persons'"  to  the  communion  of  the  church.     This  is 


'  John  Marsh,  Jr.,  D.  D.  5  John    H.  Brockway,  of   Ellington,  who 

^  Dr.  Calvin  Chapin,  of  Rocky  Hill.  was   graduated    at    Yale    the     year    before 

^  Laura,  daughter  of  William  Marble.  (1820).     In  a  previous  note  it  was  suggested 

*  Queen    Caroline,   wife    of    that    "  First  that  his  business  at  East  Windsor  might  be 

Gentleman   of    Europe,'"   George    IV.      He  the  study  of  law.     But  it  now  appears  that 

tried,  it  will  be  remembered,  to  buy  her  off  he  was  teaching  the  academy  at  East  Wind- 

and  be   divorced   from    her.      She   died   at  sor  Hill. 

Hammersmith,  Aug.  7,  182 1.  ^  Their  names  were  Peggy  Rockwell,  Eli 


l82I.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  871 

said  to  be  the  greatest  addition  made  to  this  church  since  the  "  great  stir," 
about  eighty  years  ago.'  There  are  nine  men  and  twenty-two  women.  Three 
were  baptized.  The  day  was  ver)^  pleasant,  and  the  meeting  the  fullest  that 
I  have  ever  seen  here.  The  scene  was  exceedingly  impressive  and  solemn. 
God  grant  that  it  may  be  approved  on  high,  and  made  a  great  blessing  to  this 
people.  At  evening  had  a  full  conference.  Bore  the  labors  of  the  day  better 
than  I  feared.     What  shall  I  render  unto  God  for  all  his  mercies. 

24.  Rode  out.  Rainy  and  wet  the  most  of  the  day.  Wrote.  Paid  for 
silk  stockings,  $2.00.     My  horse  continues  to  be  sickly.     Had  no  conference. 

25.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Rode  with  Dea.  Loomis  to  Orford,  and  met 
with  the  Consociation.  I  was  scribe.  Mr.  Porter^  preached.  We  had  not 
much  besides  usual  business.  All  dined  at  Mr.  Cook's.^  At  evening  rode 
to  the  east  part  of  Wapping  and  performed  a  marriage.* 

26.  The  account  of  the  state  of  religion  given  before  the  Consociation  was 
exceedingly  animating.  Eighteen  out  of  twenty  of  our  societies  have  enjoj^ed 
a  distinguished  work  of  the  divine  grace  during  the  past  year.  Rode  into 
East  Hartford,  dined  and  prayed  with  two  military  companies.  Rode  to 
Hartford.     Quite  cool. 

27.  Have  had  my  chamber  altered  in  its  form,  painted  and  papered.  It 
was  omitted  when  the  other  parts  of  the  house  were  done.  Have  been  much 
hindered  by  this  job.     The  workmen  finished.     Walked  out. 

28.  Read  Tytler.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  I  have  applied  some  reme- 
dies to  my  horse.  He  is  now  very  bad.  Last  night  was  quite  cold,  and  I 
conclude  we  had  a  frost.  But  there  was  a  fog  this  morning,  and  vegetation 
remains  uninjured.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

29.  Yesterday  Rev.  Mr.  Colton,  from  the  westward,  called  on  me.  Wrote. 
Yesterday  paid  for  a  book,  .50.  Visited.  Warm.  Walked  to  Windsor  to 
exchange.     My  eyes,  I  hope,  are  better. 

30.  Mr.  Rowland  walked  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after  meeting.  It 
is  just  twenty-three  years  since  the  Sabbath  when  I  began  to  preach. 
Preached  on  Matt,  vi :  24,  and  John  iii :  9.  In  the  intermission  attended  a 
funeral.  This  congregation  appears  better  than  it  has  done.  At  evening 
crossed  the  river,  and  tarried  at  Capt.  Bissell's.^  In  the  evening  my  eyes 
became  quite  sore. 

October. 

I.     Wet  and  rainy  all  day.     Rode  home.     I  think  I  have  taken   a  cold 


Olcott,  Abigail  Olcott,  Epaphras  Grant,  Lydia  riet  Cole,  Mary  Williams,  Charlotte  Sophia 

Grant,  Noah  Sadd,  Irene  Sadd,  Samuel  Ban-  Reed. 

croft,  Jr.,  Sally  Bancroft,  Joseph   Williams,  '  Another  reference  to  Whitefield  days. 

Naomi  Williams,  Curtis  Skinner,  Ann  Skin-  2  Dr.  Noah  Porter,  of  Farmington. 

ner,    Lydia    Babcock,    Sally    Birge,   Daniel  ^  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook. 

Hayden,  Oliver  Tudor,  Elihu  Wolcott,  Chloe  *  Between  Silas  Drake,  Jr.,  of  Hartford, 

Terry,  Olive  Rockwell,  Sally  Grant,  Hepzi-  and  Eliza  Warburton,  of  Wapping. 

bah    Stoughton,   Lydia    Stoughton,   Amelia  ^  Capt.  Aaron  Bissell,  at   East  Windsor 

Loomis,   Minerva    Bancroft,    Fanny    Filley,  Hill.     He   always  found  a  hospitable  home 

Sophia   Newbury,  Clarinda   Newbury,  Har-  there  and  cultivated  people. 


872  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    RODBINS,    D.D.  [l82t, 

which  lias  settled  in  my  face.  My  eyes  are  much  worse,  and  my  face  is 
affected  with  a  tedious  erysipelas.  Have  to  wear  a  poultice,  and  mostly  cover 
my  eyes.     Our  jiionthly  prayer-meeting  was  again  omitted  on  account  of  rain. 

2.  Last  night  my  face  was  very  painful.  Can  do  no  business ;  had  a 
physician.     Walked  out.     Had  company.     A  Wapping  man  gave  me  $1.00. 

3.  Am  quite  weak,  but  I  hope  my  face  is  a  little  better.  The  cattle  show 
at  Hartford.  A  great  many  people  went  down.  I  was  appointed  to  preach 
in  the  evening  to  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  Am  very  sorry  to 
fail.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Flint.  At  evening  my  brother  and  sister  Battell  came 
here  and  made  me  a  most  grateful  visit. 

4.  My  brother  and  sister,  and  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Simsbury,  who  came  here 
last  night,  went  off  in  the  morning.  Many  people  went  down  again  to  the 
cattle  show.  Removed  the  covering  from  my  eyes,  and  wear  my  screen. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  My  horse  is  yet  quite  ill.  A  number  of  agricultural 
premiums  are  received  here.     Quite  cool. 

5.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  My  eyes  are  quite  weak,  and  my 
face  very  tender.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on 
Mark  iv  :  20.  Meeting  full  and  solemn.  Did  not  attend  the  evening  prayer- 
meeting.  This  morning  there  was  frost,  but  there  was  a  heavy  fog,  and  vege- 
tation continues  unaffected. 

6.  Warm.  Am  able,  through  divine  goodness,  to  read  and  write  some, 
but  my  eyes  are  weak.  Paid  a  man  $1.00  for  doctoring  my  horse.  My 
malady  may  have  been  poison,  arising  from  handling  ivy.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
Willis,'  of  Boston,  and  sent  him  $3.00  for  the  Recorder,  having  received  a 
letter  from  him  some  days  since.     Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

7.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  2  Cor,  iv :  10.  Afternoon 
an  old  sermon  on  Luke  xx  :  13.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church 
very  generally  present,  and  they  appear  numerous.  The  season  was  solemn 
and  joyful.  Meeting  very  full.  Did  not  attend  the  evening  conference. 
Xhere  were  two,   and  well    attended  without  me. 

8.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  Attended  the  evening  con- 
ference. After  w^hich  performed  a  marriage.^  My  eyes  are  weak,  but  get 
better.     The  Lord  is  indeed  my  helper. 

9.  Wrote.  Wrote  an  account  of  the  religious  revival  which  God  has 
mercifully  given  us.  I  study  but  poorly.  Was  up  late.  My  eyes  are  much 
better. 

10.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  and  with  Dr.  Perkins^  to  Farmington.  He 
and  Mr.  Porter'*  and  I  prepared  an  account  of  the  late  work  of  grace  within 
our  Consociation  for  publication.  It  was  written  principally  by  Mr.  Porter. 
Returned  in  the  evening.     Quite  cold.     Got  home  late. 


'  Dea.  Nathaniel  Willis,  father  of  Nathan-  '^  The    parties    were  Joseph    Terry  and 

iel  Parker   and  Richard  Storrs  Willis.     He  Mary  M.  Fitch, 
is  claimed  to  have  been  the  founder  of  the  ^  Dr.  Nathan  Perkins, 

first  religious  newspaper  in  this  country,  the  *  Dr.  Noah  Porter,  whose  name  has  be- 

Boston  Recorder,  in  1816.  come  familiar  to  our  readers. 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  873 

11.  Read.  Walked  and  visited.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th  we  had 
considerable  frost.  This  morning  we  had  a  hard  one.  Till  these  frosts  vege- 
tation was  fresh,  blossoms  were  common,  and  we  have  steadily  had  cucumbers. 
The  fall  has  been,  thus  far,  a  very  favorable  season.     Paid  a  tailoress,  .17. 

12.  Visited  a  sick  family.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Studied  attentively  on 
the  revisal  of  Tytler.  Wrote  late.  I  hope  my  late  illness  has  gone  off  with- 
out leaving  any  weakness  in  my  eyes.     Had  no  evening  meeting. 

13.  Quite  unwell  with  a  dysentery  and  severe  headache  all  day.  Unable 
to  study.     On  the  9th  received  a  letter  from  Huntington  &  Hopkins,  Hartford. 

14.  Last  night  took  medicine,  and  now  feel  much  relieved.  Preached  an 
old  sermon  on  2  Cor.  viii :  9.  Got  through  the  labors  of  the  day  better  than 
I  feared.  At  evening  did  not  attend  the  conference.  Mr.  Birge»'  of  Glaston- 
bury, came  here  and  tarried. 

15.  On  the  loth  paid  Ward  &  Bartholomew  towards  my  stove,  $10.00. 
Worked  removing  my  stove.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  attended 
conference. 

16.  On  the  8th  paid  a  shoemaker,  ^5.17.  On  the  9th  paid  a  man  for 
papering  my  chamber,  1^3.50.  Mr.  Hough ^  attended  the  funeral  of  a  young 
man'  who  died  yesterday,  whom  I  visited  on  Saturday,  under  a  severe 
paralytic  shock.  Wrote.  Paid  for  setting  my  stove,  .25.  Visited  a  family 
who  have  just  heard  of  the  death  of  a  son  at  Georgia.     Visited  a  sick  family. 

17.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  $12.00 
for  charitable  purposes. "•     Quite  cool. 

18.  Visited  an  afifiicted  family.  The  woman*  died  last  night.  Revised 
Tytler.  Quite  cool.  Probably  snow  at  the  northward.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  sister. 

19.  Walked  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  late  Mrs.  Newbury. 
At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.     Wrote.     I  study  but  little. 

20.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Was  out  visiting  the  most  of  the  day. 
Find  some  favorable  things  at  Wapping.     Read  expositors. 

21.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  M-ark  xiii :  24toxiv:  12.  Afternoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  Heb.  iv :  g.  Gov.  Robbins,*  of  Milton,  came  to 
the  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  after  meeting  came  home  with  me.  He  is 
out  as  a  commissioner  running  the  State  line.  Did  not  attend  the  conference. 
Mr.  Robbins  is  very  active. 

22.  Mr.  Robbins  went  off  very  early.  Rode  with  him  to  the  Hill.  He 
very  much  admires  this  town.'     Visited.     Visited  the  academy.     I  hope  it  will 


'  As  already  said,  Dr.  Robbins  spells  this  ^  This  Edward   H.  Robbins,  of  Milton, 

name  with  an  i.    But  on  the  college  cata-  Mass.,  was  never  Governor  of  Massachusetts, 

logue,  and  in  the  Contributions  to  Ecdesiasti-  but  was  Lieut.-Governor.     He  was  graduated 

cal  Jlistoty  0/ Connecticut,  it  is  spelled  Barge.  at   Harvard   College,  in  1775.     He   was   an 

^  The  Baptist  minister.  honored  and,  trusted  man,  as  is  shown  in  his 

3  Mr.  Otis  Wood,  aged  twenty-three.  having  charge  of  this  survey. 

*  His  annual  payments  to  various  benevo-  '  The  view  to  the  west  all   along  "  The 

lent  institutions.  Street,"  but  especially  from  East  Windsor 

s  Mrs.  Ruth  Newbury,  aged  fifty-one.  Hill,  is  fine. 


874  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1821. 

be  exceedingly  well  kept  by  Mr.  Eells.'     I  am  pretty  feeble.     Attended  the 
conference. 

23.  Quite  cold.  Read  ancient  pamphlets.  Walked  out  and  visited.  I 
am  necessitated  to  spend  much  time  in  this  way. 

24.  Read  Milner.''  I  have  delayed  attending  to  that  much  longer  than  I 
intended.     Walked  out  and  visited.     We  have  hard  frosts. 

25.  Read  Milner.  Warmer  than  it  has  been.  Quite  dr\'.  Wrote. 
Walked  and  visited.  I  fear  we  shall  have  a  tr\'ing  case  of  discipline  in  the 
iChurch.     Have  taken  some  cold. 

26.  Read  Milner  &  Mosheim.  Worked  some.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Our  meetings  grow  thinner  than  they  have  been. 

27.  Walked  and  visited.  My  visiting  takes  much  time,  but  I  hope  it  is 
useful.  Wrote.  Paid  a  merchant,  .83.  Read  expositors.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother, 

28.  Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching,  but  did  not  finish  them.  Expounded 
on  Markxiv:  12-52,  and  preached  with  old  notes  on  Job.  xxi :  14.  Meeting 
full  and  solemn.  At  evening  attended  the  conference,  but  did  but  little.  I 
am  able  to  speak  with  more  strength  than  I  have  done.  Yesterday  began  to 
write  an  appendix  to  Milner's  Church  History. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  to  the  business  of  a  hospital  for  the 
insane.  I  am  one  of  the  committee  for  this  county.  I  hope  that  the  design 
may  be  succeeded,^     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  warm. 

30.  Read.  Worked  some.  Wrote.  Paid  a  shoemaker,  $2.25.  Mr. 
Cushman,*  of  Hartford,  preached  here,  but  did  not  call  on  me,  though  often 
invited.  Last  Sabbath  baptized  two  children.^  On  Saturday  night  we  had 
rain  with  considerable  thunder. 

31.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr,  Battell.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  publication 
respecting  the  insane  hospital.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  a  church  con- 
ference. An  interesting  meeting.  On  Monday  Mr.  Goodrich,  of  Hartford, 
informed  me  that  he  shall  not  publish  Milner's  History  at  present,  and  I  may 
discontinue  the  appendix.     This  releases  me  from  much  anxiety  and  labor.* 

NOVBMBBR. 

I.     In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  very  hard  rain.     Finished  my  piece  for  the 
newspaper.     Afternoon  rode  to  Enfield,  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture 


'  Mr.  Ozias  Sheldon  Eells,  who  had  just  ^  Oliver  Grant  and  Silas  Burnham  Terry, 

graduated  at  Williams  College.  children  of  Mrs.  Chloe  Terry. 

*  Dr.  Joseph  Milner's  Chtirch  History,  ^  If  Mr.  Goodrich  did  not  expect  to  pay 
which,  as  will  be  remembered,  Dr.  Robbins  him  at  a  higher  rate  than  for  his  long  service 
had  undertaken  to  prepare  for  the  press.  on  Tytler's  History,  Dr.  Robbins  might  well 

^  This  institution  not  only  succeeded,  but  desire  to  be  excused  from  the  labor.     The 

has  been  most  beneficent  in  its  activities.     It  reason  why  Mr.  Goodrich  so  suddenly  gave 

was  incorporated  in  1822,  and  was  opened  up  his  plan,  was  probably  because  he  heard 

for   patients   April    i,    1824.     At   that  time  that  the  firm  of  Farrand  &  Mallory,  Boston, 

there  were  but  three  or  four  similar  institu-  which  brought  out  the  first  American  edition 

tions  in  the  country.  of  Milner's  Church  History  in  1809,  was  on 

*  Rev.  Elisha  Cushman,  Baptist  minister  the  point  of  publishing  a  second  edition  of 
of  Hartford.  the  work,  which  appeared  in  1822. 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  875 

for  my  brother  on  Ps.  Ixxxix :  3,  4.  His  nervous  headache  is  very  tedious. 
He  received  twenty  persons  to  his  church  last  Sabbath.  The  whole  number 
this  year  is  ninety-three.     Rode  home  in  the  evening.     The  roads  very  wet. 

2.  Rode  to  Hartford.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

3.  Had  a  hard  frost.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  I  hope 
there  are  some  favorable  appearances  there.  Yesterday  bought  thirty  yards 
of  carpeting,  at  $1.25  per  yard,  for  my  chamber.     Read  the  Bible. 

4.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Hos.  xi :  4.  I  am  sorry  that  I  have  not 
been  able  to  study  more  lately.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached 
on  2  Kings  vii:  3,  and  baptized  three  children.     Tarried  out. 

5.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Our  monthly  prayer-meeting  was  again 
prevented,  as  it  has  been  the  two  months  past.  Mr.  Torrey,'  a  candidate 
from  Salem,  came  here  and  tarried.  Read.  Settled  accounts  with  Elihu 
Wolcott,  and  paid  him  $9.23,  which,  with  $20.00  paid  August  18th,  and  $62,70 
that  he  owed  me  on  a  note,  makes  $91.93.  Paid  for  Dr.  McClure's  books. 
There  are  about  two  hundred  volumes,  good  and  poor,  and  three  hundred 
and  fifty  pamphlets. 

6.  Rainy.  Mr.  Torrey  went  to  Hartford.  Brought  home  a  part  of  Dr. 
McClure's  books.     Looked  over  pamphlets.     My  eyes  are  something  weak. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances.  She  has  some  trouble  in  procuring 
her  articles.     Got  home  late. 

8.  Read.  Worked  considerably  leveling  ground.  Find  among  my  pam- 
phlets some  quite  valuable.     Wrote.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage." 

9.  Read.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping.  I  hope  God  may  do  something 
for  us  there.  My  brother's  wife  and  son  called  here.  Paid  her  for  neat's 
tongues,  .94.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Not  full. 

10.  Read.  Have  many  painful  hindrances.  Was  prevented  from  writing 
a  sermon  as  I  had  designed.  Towards  night  Mr.  Woodbridge,^  of  Stock- 
bridge,  and  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Battel],  and  Mrs.  Olmsted,  came  here.  My 
sister  and  Eliza  went  on  to  Enfield.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  very  hard 
rain.     Taken  up  with  my  company. 

11.  Visited  a  black  woman  quite  low.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Gal. 
iii :  13,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix :  92.  Bentley,^  the  Baptist,  preached 
here.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  Wapping.  Baptized  two  chil- 
dren.'    Full  and  attentive.     My  sister  and  Eliza  returned  from  Enfield. 

12.  My  friends  went  off  for  Griswold.^  Wrote.  Had  company.  An 
intemperate  man  died  very  suddenly.'  Attended  the  conference.  Visited  the 
house  of  mourning. 

13.  Wrote.      Hindered   by   company.      Wrote    records   of    the    Hartford 


'  This  apparently  must  have   been   Rev.  ^  Joseph  Woodbridge. 

Reuben  Torrey,  graduated  at  Brown  Univer-  *  Rev.  William  Bentley,  of  Glastonbury, 

sity  in  181 6,  and  settled  in  several  churches  before  noticed, 

in  Connecticut.     He  died  in  1S44.  '  Hiram    Burnham,    and    Roswell    Lewis 

^  The  parties  probably  rode  to  his  house.  Rockwell,  sons  of  Mrs.  Olive  Rockwell. 

They  were  Tifts  Cooley,  of  Springlield,  and  *  In  New  London  County,  Ct. 

Fanny  Allen,  of  Westfield.  '  Mr.  Gideon  Burt,  aged  forty-three. 


876  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821, 

County  Missionary  Society.  Attended  a  funeral.  Rode  to  Hartford  with 
Frances.  Mr.  Wolcott  does  but  little  in  procuring  her  things."  Paid  for 
cleaning  my  chamber,  $1.25.     Got  home  quite  late. 

14.  Cold.  Attended  a  meeting  of  the  managers  of  the  Hartford  County 
Missionary  Society'. 

15.  Wrote.  Afternoon  visited  a  sick  woman  at  Wapping,  and  rode  to 
Vernon,  and  at  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  Called  on  Mr.  Ely.  J  feel 
a  little  anxious  about  his  situation  with  his  people.  It  was  quite  dark,  and  I 
tarried  at  Mr.  Skinner's,  the  place  of  the  wedding. 

16.  Rode  home.  I  am  much  discouraged  about  the  disease  of  my  horse. 
Had  a  few  ladies  come  here  and  make  my  carpet.  It  appears  well,  but  is 
costly.  The  whole  is  about  $44.00.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Received 
a  letter  from .^ 

17.  Wrote  the  principal  part  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  i :  2.  Hindered  by  com- 
pany. Write  late.  My  eyes  are  considerably  weak.  My  tremor  delays  my 
writing. 

18.  Wrote  on  the  sermon  begun  yesterday,  and  preached  it.  At  noon  was 
called  unexpectedly  to  go  to  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford,  and  make  a 
prayer  at  the  funeral  of  a  child.  On  which  account  my  sermon  was  not 
finished.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  A  Methodist  meeting  held  here 
today.     Sectarians  assail  us  with  violence.     All  our  hope  and  help  is  in  God. 

19.  A  black  woman"  died  this  morning.  Visited  the  family.  Read. 
Visited.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Spoke  poorly. 

20.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister.  Cold.  Worked  at  my  chamber. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  the  black  woman.     Visited, 

21.  Rode  and  visited.  I  am  very  anxious  about  the  influence  and  exer- 
tions of  sectarianism  here.     It  makes  me  much  labor. 

22.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Frances.  Have  had 
much  to  do  for  her.     Quite  wet.     Rode  home  in  the  evening  ;  very  dark. 

23.  Wrote.  On  the  20th  received  a  letter  from  Silas  Drake,  of  Hartford. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  at  a  neighbor's  on  account  of 
an  aged  woman.  Wrote  some  short  notes  for  the  purpose  on  Ps.  xc :  10-14.^ 
There  are  now  in  our  street  one  man  of  ninety,  and  five  men  and  women  be- 
tween eighty  and  ninety,  years  of  age. 

24.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ex.  iii :  24,  25.  Have  not  written  one  before  in  a 
day  for  some  time.  We  had  a  good  deal  of  rain.  Cold.  My  eyes  are  weak. 
I  feel  something  anxious  about  them. 

25.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Matt,  vii :  26.  After- 
noon the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  Cold  and  tedious. 
A  new  Baptist  preached  here.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  a 
conference.     Tarried  there.     Baptized  four  children  of  one  family.* 


'  For  her  approaching  marriage.  ^  « i']-,g  (j^ys  of  our  years  are  three-score 

^  Iktween    Dr.   Horatio   Dow  and  Mary       years  and  ten,"  etc. 

Skinner,  of  Vernon.  ^  Solyman  Ward,  Almena  Walker,  Elizur 

^  This  place  is  left  blank.  Franklin,   and    Mary   LucretiJ,   children  of 

■*  Mrs.  Jenny  Palmer,  aged  sixty.  Epaphras  and  Lydia  Grant. 


\ 


182I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  877 

26.  Visited  at  Wapping,  Cold.  Read.  At  evening  attended  conference. 
My  lungs  are  rather  weak. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  ground  is  considerably  frozen.  Attended  a 
funeral  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  Heard,  with  much  pain,  that 
ecclesiastical  matters  are  in  a  bad  state  at  Vernon.'  May  God  in  mercy 
preserve  our  societies  and  churches.  At  evening  married  my  good  friend 
Harris  Haskell  to  Frances  Wolcott,  of  this  family.^  The  scene  was  trying  to 
me  as  it  was  the  first  change  in  the  family  since  I  have  lived  in  it,  more  than 
thirteen  years.     We  had  a  very  pleasant  wedding. 

28.  Last  evening  Mr.  Haskell  made  me  the  unexpected  present  of  $12.00. 
This  morning  I  offered  the  whole,  then  half  of  it,  to  Frances,  which  she 
declined  receiving.  They  went  off  in  the  morning  for  their  home  in  Wind- 
sor.^ A  very  ^Dleasant  day.  Wrote.  Received  pamphlets  by  mail,  and 
a  diploma  from  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,"*  with  a  letter  from 
Nathaniel    Maccarty,  Worcester. 

29.  Wrote  an  answer  to  a  letter  received  on  the  i6th.  Looked  over  and 
arranged  pamphlets.  It  snowed  moderately  all  day.  The  first  we  have  had. 
Wrote. 

30.  The  snow  continued  last  night,  and  is  seven  or  eight  inches  deep. 
Worked  at  my  chamber.  Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  Read  a  Unitarian  ser- 
mon. Wrote  a  complaint  against  a  member  of  the  church,  which  I  expect 
will  soon  be  presented  to  the  church.  This  complaint  was  written  last 
evening.  Had  no  meeting  this  evening  on  account  of  the  weather.  Wrote  a 
part  of  a  sermon  on  Tit.  ii :   11-14.     Cold. 

December. 

1,  Sleighs  move  considerably.  -Received  a  letter  from  S.  G.  Goodrich,  of 
Hartford.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  begun  last  evening.  My  eyes  are  consider- 
ably weak.  Taken  up  considerably  with  Mr.  Eells's  long  recitation  of  ecclesi- 
astical history.^  Have  been  now  three  days  without  going  into  the  street. 
Paid  the  Agricultural  Society,  $1.00. 

2.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Tit.  ii :  11-14.  Pretty  good 
sleighing.  Am  considerably  unwell.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and 
attended   the    conference.     Something   rainy.     Much   fatigued. 


'  Rev.  William  Ely's  pastorate  at  Vernon  old.  Miss  Frances  Wolcott,  the  oldest  child 
was  short,  only  four  years,  1818-1822.  And  of  Abiel  and  Ursula  (Tudor)  Wolcott,  was 
yet  the  writer  of  this  note,  who  as  a  boy  born  in  1794,  and  was  not  far  from  twenty- 
went  to  live  in  Vernon,  in  1825,  remembers  seven  years  old. 

well  with  what   pleasure  Rev.  Mr.  Ely  was  ^  Not  to   Europe   or   New  York,  but  to 

received  by  the  people,  when  he  came,  from  their  home  in  Windsor.     Is  not  that   about 

time  to  time,  to  preach  there.     From  1825-  as  sensible  as  the  other  ? 

1S41  he  was  settled  in  North  Mansfield,  not  *  American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worces- 

very  far  away.  ter,  Mass. 

^  Harris   Haskell  was   the  son   of  Jabez  '  He  has  taken  Mr.  Eells,  the  teacher  of 

Haskell,  of  Windsor,  and  the  brother  of  Eli  the  academy,  under  his  charge  as  a  theolog- 

B.  Haskell,  of  East  Windsor  Hill.     He  was  ical  student.     It  will  be  remembered  that  Dr. 

born  in  1782,  and  was  now  thirty-nine  years  Robbins  had  taught  theology  before. 


878  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

3.  Visited.  Am  quite  feeble.  Read.  The  snow  wastes  fast.  The 
roads  very  wet.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  The 
last  three  have  been  omitted  on  account  of  stormy  weather. 

4.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving  on  Ps.  cxvi :  7,  8,  9. 
Have  many  hindrances.  Read.  Wet.  The  sleighing  is  about  gone,  but 
there  is  considerable  snow.  Towards  night  rode  to  the  east  part  of  Wapping, 
and  performed  a  marriage.'     Gave  a  black  man,  .50. 

5.  Visited.  Wrote  some,  but  could  do  but  little.  Have  a  bad  headache. 
At  evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  married  a  couple.^  It  snowed  some.  After 
getting  home  wrote  from  half  after  eleven  till  after  two  o'clock.  Mr.  Has- 
kell and  Frances  came  here. 

6.  Thanksgiving.^  Wrote  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cxvi :  7,  8,  9. 
It  was  not  quite  finished.  Quite  cold.  Meeting  rather  thin.  At  evening 
rode  to  Scantick  and  performed  a  marriage.*     I  am  much  fatigued. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  Mr.  Haskell.  Am  pretty  feeble.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

8.  Do  not  feel  able  to  write  a  sermon.  Visited.  Conversed  long  with 
a  church-member,  against  whom  a  charge  of  great  immoralities  was  handed 
me  last  evening.  Examined  and  approved  a  school-master.  My  mind  is  tried 
in  a  very  unexpected  manner.^     Read. 

9.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xiv :  53  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  i  Kings  xxii :  28.  There  was  a  full  Baptist  meet- 
ing here.  The  Lord  be  our  helper.  Warm.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping 
and  attended  a  conference.  Not  very  full.  Baptized  there  four  children.* 
Very  tired. 

10.  Visited  at  Wapping.  Am  quite  unwell  and  overdone  with  labor  and 
anxiety.  At  evening  attended  conference.  Was  so  unwell  as  to  sit  down  to 
speak.     Visited. 

11.  Much  troubled  with  stomach  sickness.  Visited.  W'et.  Visited  the 
Hill  school.     Bad  riding.     Paid  a  tailoress,  .25. 

12.  I  get  but  little  time  for  myself.  Wrote.  Visited.  Visited  a  school. 
Wrote  a  copy  of  the  charge  against  the  church-member,  and  a  citation  for  him 
to  appear. 

13.  It  snowed  pretty  hard  the  most  of  the  day,  and  at  evening  it  rained 
very  hard.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  two  schools.  Tarried  out.  Con- 
siderably unwell. 

14.  The  roads  very  rough.  Cold  and  tedious.  Wrote.  Yesterday  our 
society  meeting  was  held.  Things  appear  pretty  well.  On  the  12th  received 
of  my  collector,  $160.10.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Was  out 


'  Between    Hezekiah    King,   of    Vernon,  ■♦  Between  Hiram  Grant,  of  Hartford,  and 

and  Eliza  Warburton,  of  Wapping.  Mary  Hosmer,  of  Scantic. 

^  Between  Thaddeus  Hosmer,  of  Scantic,  '  No  explanation, 

and  Frances  Belcher,  of  Wapping.  ^  Julia   Ann,    Amelia,    Irwin    Fitch,   and 

3  Thanksgiving  that  year  was  later  than  Henry    Chauncey,    children    of    John    and 

usual  Hepzibah  Stoughton. 


l82I.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  879 

late.     There  is  some  difference  of  opinion  here  about  procuring  a  stove  for 
the  meeting-house.'     All  seem  to  wish  to  have  one.     It  is  not  for  my  sake. 

15.  Have  a  very  unexpected  trial .'^  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  R.  New- 
ton, of  Worcester,  from  Laura  Loomis,  of  New  Connecticut,  and  from  Dr. 
Flint.  Much  hindered.  Visited  a  sick  man.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon 
on  I  Cor.  ii :  10.     Wrote  quite  late.     Severe  cold.     Visited. 

16.  In  the  morning  the  thermometer  was  i  or  2°  below  zero.  In  the  fore- 
noon preached  with  old  notes  on  Heb.  ii :  3.  Finished  and  preached  in  the 
afternoon  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  10.  At  evening  attended  the  conference. 
Very  tired.     Much  troubled  with  stomach  sickness.     Tarried  out. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  good  sleighing.  Paid  Lyman  for  boards, 
$9.25.  Paid  for  the  paper  on  my  room,  $6.00.  Got  papers  at  Dr.  Flint's  for 
the  missionary  narrative,^  which  he  wishes  me  to  write.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference. 

18.  Visited  a  school.  It  rained  considerably.  Afternoon  attended  a 
church  meeting.  The  delinquent  member  did  not  appear.  The  church 
voted  as  their  opinion  that  his  non-appearance  is  to  be  considered  an  implied 
acknowledgment  of  the  fact  charged.  Adjourned  the  meeting.  It  was  con- 
ducted with  much  decorum.     Wrote. 

19.  Wrote.  Read  missionary  letters.  Visited  families.  Very  icy.  I 
fear  trouble  respecting  our  meeting-house  stove.  Received  an  important 
paper. 

20.  Slept  very  little.  Yesterday  paid  a  blacksmith,  $2.60,  and  paid  for  a 
gallon  of  wine,  $1.50.  Thermometer  about  20°.  Wrote.  Wrote  in  part  in 
reply  to  the  paper  received  last  evening.  Visited.  The  roads  very  icy.  I 
have  perplexing  trials.     The  Lord  teach  me  his  will. 

21.  Rode  early  to  Hartford,  and  rode  with  the  committee  for  the  insane 
institution  in  a  sleigh  to  Meriden.  Gentlemen  from  New  Haven  attended 
with  us.  Returned  home  in  the  evening.'*  I  hope  this  design  may  have  the 
divine  blessing. 

22.  Finished  a  writing  begun  on  the  20th.  Yesterday  and  today  it  has 
rained  a  good  deal,  but  the  snow  remains.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on 
I  Pet.  i:  17.     Wrote  late. 

23.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  i  Pet.  i:  i. 
In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xv :  1-22.  Cold  and  good  sleighing. 
Very  icy.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  conference.  Very 
tired. 

24.  Am  quite  feeble.  Visited  a  family  who  have  lost  an  infant  child. 
Wrote.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Am  quite  feeble. 
Late  in  the  evening  my  brother  James  and  wife  came  here.  Cold  and 
very  icy. 


'  The   enterprise   of  putting  stoves   into  ^  Probably  relating   to   the  work   of  the 

the  ancient  meeting-houses  was  almost  every-  Connecticut  Missionary  Society, 
where  attended  with  more   or   less   friction  *  By  these  ways  the  plan  for  the  Retreat 

and  division.  for  the  Insane  was  taking  shape,  which  has 

^  Just  before  mentioned.  since  done  an  immense  work. 


88o  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1821. 

25.  Have  a  very  severe  domestic  trial.'  The  Lord  be  my  helper.  My 
brother  and  wife  went  to  Enfield.  Visited  a  woman  very  sick.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  young  child.  Attended  a  church  meeting.  The  delinquent  did 
not  appear.  The  church  voted  him  guilty  of  the  charge.  Many  people  went 
to  Hartford  to  Christmas.'^  Wrote.  Took  some  cold.  My  lungs  are  quite 
feeble. 

26.  My  brother  Ammi  and  his  wife  came  here.  James  and  his  wife  and 
Priscilla '  and  her  son  came  down,  and  we  all  dined  together.  Ammi  and  the 
sisters  then  rode  to  Enfield.  James  and  I  rode  to  Hartford,  saw  Mr.  Battel!, 
and  returned  late.  In  the  forenoon  visited  a  school.  Visited  the  sick  woman. 
Thermometer  at  12°  at  night. 

27.  Rode  with  brother  James  to  Enfield.  Had  an  agreeable  visit. 
Towards  evening  rode  to  Pine  Meadow,'*  crossed  on  the  ice,  and  tarried  at 
Mr.  Haskell's.'  Frances  is  very  pleasantly  situated  here.  The  sleighing 
pretty  good.     Visited. 

28.  Rode  home.  Visited.  It  thaws  considerably.  Visited  the  sick 
woman  twice.  Attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Read  and  wrote  on  my  mis- 
sionary narrative.     Paid  for  my  Mirror  newspaper  for  a  year,  $2.00. 

29.  Visited  the  sick  woman.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Read  and  wrote  on 
the  missionary  narrative.  Wrote  an  admonition  for  our  censured  church- 
member.     Very  icy. 

30.  Thermometer  this  morning  a  little  below  zero.  Preached  both  parts 
of  the  day  with  an  old  sermon  on  Acts  viii :  30,  31.  Exercises  short. 
Meeting-house  very'  cold.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Last  evening 
attended  a  little  while  at  a  private  prayer-meeting  which  has  been  observed 
by  a  few  for  some  time. 

31.  Visited  the  sick  woman;  very  low.  Yesterday  visited  her  twice. 
Read  and  wrote.  At  evening  attended  conference.  Visited.  The  society 
had  another  meeting.  I  hope  the  ferment  about  a  stove  will  subside. 
Received  of  my  collector,  $120.00.  Blessed  be  God  for  the  great  mercies  of 
this  year. 


*  No  explanation  as  yet.  and  wife,  lived  at  Pine  Meadow,  now  Wind- 
^  Probably  to  attend  the  Episcopal  Church,  sor  Locks. 

the  only  church  then  that  kept  Christmas.  ^  Then  he  recrossed  the  river,  and  stopped 

^  His  brother  Francis's  wife,  of  Enfield.  over  night  with  Mr.  Eli  B.  Haskell,  at  East 

*  The  newly-married  pair,  Harris  Haskell  Windsor  Hill. 


1822. 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  once  more  to  commit  my  way  to  God,  trusting  in  his  grace 
for  mercy,  and  for  assistance  in  duty,  through  the  present  year.  Visited  the 
sick  woman.  Wrote.  Dined  at  Dr.  Tudor's.'  Visited  Mr.  Watson.  Rode 
out  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 

2.  Last  night  Mrs.  Bancroft'  died.  The  same  fever  with  our  epidemic 
six  years  ago.  Visited  the  family.  Read  and  wrote  on  my  missionary  narra- 
tive very  laboriously.  Am  severely  tried.  It  thawed  a  good  deal.  Sleighing 
poor. 

3.  Last  night  studied  till  after  two  o'clock.  Wrote  and  finished  the 
extracts  from  missionary  letters.  My  nerves  are  much  affected.  Attended 
the  funeral.  Cold.  At  evening  rode  to  Hartford  and  saw  Mr.  Flint. 
Visited  a  sick  child. 

4.  Wrote  on  my  missionary  narrative.  Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory 
lecture  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  Iv  :  22.  Thin  meeting.  Very  cold  and  tedious. 
It  continues  to  be  very  icy.  Omitted  our  prayer-meeting.  Thermometer  in 
the  morning  about  15°,  and  nearly  stationary  through  the  day. 

5.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  7°  below  zero.  It  did  not  rise  higher 
than  6°  above  through  the  day.  Wrote.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Eph.  v:  14. 
Mr.  S.  S.  Stebbins  came  here  and  tarried  over  the  Sabbath.  My  chamber  is 
a  very  comfortable  one.  Wrote  late.  We  have  had  seventeen  deaths  the 
year  past. 

6.  Thermometer  about  10°,  and  the  weather  moderates.  Preached  with 
old  notes  on  2  Chron.  xxxv :  18,  and  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  A  number  of  church-members  absent.  We  have  two 
stoves  set  in  the  meeting-house  the  week  past.  They  are  a  great  relief  from 
the  cold.     Did  not  attend  conference.     Wrote. 

7.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Dined  at  the  January  meeting."  Our  town 
authority  does  not  appear  as  well  as  I  could  wish.  Visited.  Attended  the 
monthly  prayer-meeting.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  about  12°.  Wrote 
late  and  finished  my  missionary  narrative. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  with  Dr.  Flint  reviewed  my  narrative.  He 
gave  me  $10.00  for  writing  it.  It  snowed  and  rained  hard  all  day.  Paid 
Scarborough,  $22.91.  Ward  &  Bartholomew,  the  remainder  for  my  stove, 
$10.00.  The  cost  is  $30.00,  besides  putting  up,  etc.  Imlay,  $16.46.  Glea- 
son,  $5.83.     J.  Olmsted,  $8.46.     The  bank,  $51.63.     Read. 


'  Now  eighty-nine  years  old.  ^  Mrs.  Lucy  Bancroft,  aged  fifty-six. 

2  The    parties  were   Austin    Pelton   and  *  With  the  town  officers,  as  in  years  be- 

Charlotte  Pelton.  fore. 

88 1 


882  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

9.  Wrote.  It  grew  cold  all  day.  Visited  the  school  at  Long  Hill.  At 
evening  attended  the  church  conference.  Very  icy.  A  holy  God  justly 
chastens   me. 

10.  Wrote  records.  Afternoon  instructed  Tudor's  school.  Visited.  Se- 
vere cold  and  tedious.     Mr.  Haskell  and  Frances  came  here  and  stayed. 

11.  Spent  the  day  by  myself.  Wrote  a  paper.  At  evening  attended  the 
prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  this  morning  7°  below  zero,  and  rose  to  19°. 

12.  Thermometer  29°.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iv:  23. 
Visited  a  mourning  family.  Last  night  an  intemperate  man  was  thrown  from 
his  sleigh  and  killed,  apparently  by  the  fall.  Studied  hard  and  late.  Wrote 
five  pages  in  the  evening. 

13.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Eph.  iv :  23.  In  the  morning 
moderate,  but  it  grew  cold  all  day.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping,  and 
attended  conference.  Very  tedious.  Tarried  out.  Our  meeting-house  stoves 
smoke  some. 

14.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  8°  below  zero.  At  i  P.  M.,  with  clear 
sun,  it  was  but  7°  above.  Walked  home  in  the  forenoon,  and  froze  one  of  my 
ears.  Visited.  Attended  a  funeral.'  Attended  the  conference.  Read. 
Received   a   letter. 

15.  Wrote  a  letter  in  answer  to  one  received  yesterday.  Rode  with  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wolcott  to  Pine  Meadow,  and  visited  Frances.     Quite  moderate. 

16.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  people  in  Hartford  subscribe  well 
for  the  insane  institution.  Quite  cold.  Sleighing  rather  poor.  Paid  Mr. 
Birge,  $2.49.  Paid  for  an  Encydopcedia,  $4.00.  Received  of  Hartford  Bank  a 
dividend  of  $15.00.     Good  crossing  the  river,^ 

17.  Made  this  almanack.  Wrote.  My  brother's  wife  called  here.  Ther- 
mometer this  morning  4°  below  zero.     Taken  up  with  company. 

18.  Thermometer  10°.  Rode  out  and  attended  to  the  business  of  the 
insane  institution.  Subscribed  $4.00  a  year  for  ten  years.  It  thawed  con- 
siderably.    Read.     At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

19.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Matt,  vii :  12.  Have  many  hindrances  and  trials. 
The  thermometer  rose  to  nearly  50°.  The  ground  has  been  covered  with  a 
thin  and  very  hard  body  of  snow  and  ice  for  five  weeks.  Wrote  to  Dr,  Gogs- 
well,^  of  Hartford,     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 

20.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Mark  xv :  22  to  the  end.  Afternoon 
preached  on  Matt,  vii:  12.  Meeting  full  and  attentive.  Warm.  The  sleigh- 
ing mostly  gone.  At  evening  rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  conference. 
Tarried  out. 

21.  Rode  to  Scantick,  Pine  Meadow,  and  Enfield.     Attended  to  the  busi- 


I 


'  Mr.  James  Anderson,  aged  thirty-nine.  son  of  James  Cogswell,  D.  D.,  one  of  the  dis- 

'  That  is,  on  the  ice.  tinguished  divines  of  Eastern  Connecticut.    It 

'  Mason  Fitch  Cogswell,  at  that  time  one  was  largely  through  the  influence  of  Dr.  M. 

of  the   eminent   physicians   of  the   country.  F.  Cogswell  that  the  Retreat  for  the  Insane 

He  was   bom   in   Canterbury,  Ct.,  in   1761,  was  originated   and   chartered  at   Hartford. 

was  graduated  at  Yale  in  17S0.     He  was  a  He  died  in  1830. 


1 82 2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  883 

ness  of  the  insane  institution.     Am  considerably  unwell.     Crossed  the  river 
on  the  ice.     Good  crossing. 

22.  Visited  several  gentlemen  with  my  brother.  Appointed  an  agent  here 
to  make  collection  for  the  insane  institution,  and  yesterday  one  in  Scantick. 
Rode  home.     Attended  a  church  meeting.     Wrote.     Bad  riding. 

23.  Last  night  the  weather  changed  from  warm  to  very  cold.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  Very  blustering  and  tedious.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr. 
Sumner,'  of  Hartford. 

24.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  3°  below  zero,  and  did  not  exceed  6'' 
above  all  day.  Very  tedious.  Reviewed  my  catechism  written  heretofore, 
and  began  the  continuance. 

25.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  6°  below  zero.  It  rose  to  10°.  The 
ground  very  hard  and  much  cracked.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Wrote  a  letter.  It  was  so  cold  I  did  not  go  out  in 
the  evening  to  attend  the  prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

26.  Thermometer  10°.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  2  Sam.  vii :  27. 
Rode  out  and  visited.  Returning  at  dusk,  walking  by  my  horse,  I  fell  on  the 
ice  with  great  violence,  and  got  a  very  severe  jar.  Could  not  continue  my 
study.     Was  quite  ill. 

27.  Weather  much  moderated.  It  snowed  some.  ■  Thin  meeting.  Am 
quite  feeble.  The  applications  to  my  back  last  night  were  serviceable. 
Preached  all  day  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xxv :  i,  2.  Attended  a  little  while 
at  a  singing-meeting. 

28.  Thermometer  8°.  Read.  Visited.  Am  able  to  do  but  little.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  Spoke  with  difficulty.  My  lungs  are  very 
weak. 

29.  Read.  Visited.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's.^  Missed  of  seeing  him. 
Received   of    my   collector,    $100.00.     Wrote. 

30.  Inspected  old  books.  Read.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  It  is  a 
laborious  work. 

31.  Visited.  Yesterday  it  rained  and  froze,  and  sleighs  move.  Rode  to 
Windsor.  Saw  people  respecting  the  insane  institution.  Rode  in  the  even- 
ing to  Hartford.  It  snowed  considerably.  Paid  for  the  making  and  trimmings 
of  a  new  coat,  $4.90. 

Februakv. 

I.  Tarried  last  night  at  Dr.  Strong's.^  He  is  in  a  poor  state.  Rode  with 
the  committees  for  the  insane  to  Meriden.  Did  considerable  business. 
Returned  to  Hartford  in  the  evening,  and  came  home.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Clark,*  of  Winchendon.  Two  men  at  Wapping  brought  me  two 
good  loads  of  wood. 


'  Dr.    George    Sumner,    a    distinguished  ^  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  Scantic. 

physician  of  Hartford,  born  in  Pomfret,  Ct.,  ^  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  M.  D.,  son   of   Dr. 

1793,  graduated  at  Yale,  1813.     He  was  ap-  Nathan  Strong,  D.  D. 

pointed  Professor  of  Botany  in  Trinity  Col-  *  Rev.  Eber   L.  Clark,  formerly  of  East 

lege,  and  died  in  1855.  Granby,  Ct. 


884  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

2.  Wrote.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  2  Sam.  vii:  27.  Have  many 
hindrances. 

3.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  2  Sam.  vii:  27,  Full  meeting. 
Rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  conference.  Attended  a  little  while  at  a 
singing-meeting.     Very  tired. 

4.  Wrote  as  much  as  I  was  able  on  an  address  to  the  public  in  behalf  of 
our  insane  institution.  It  snowed  considerably.  Visited.  Attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     Wrote  quite  late. 

5.  Cold.  Did  not  finish  my  address  till  near  noon.  Rode  to  Hartford 
to  give  it  to  the  printers.  Rode  to  Simsbury  to  attend  Association.  Heard 
Mr.  Fairchild'  preach  in  the  evening.  Paid  Maj.  Phelps,  $1.25  for  cider 
brandy  procured  last  winter.     Caught  a  bad  cold.     Tarried  at  Mrs.  Stebbins's."^ 

6.  Sat  with  Association.  Rode  in  company  with  my  brother  and  wife 
and  son  to  Colebrook.     Tarried  at  brother  Ammi's. 

7.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Brother  Ammi  rode  with  us  to  Norfolk. 
Mother  appears  to  be  quite  well.  Brother  James  and  Samuel,  with  their 
wives,  are  here.^  Had  a  good  visit.  Paid  Mr.  Battell  for  feathers  for  Frances, 
$28.87. 

8.  Assisted  Mr.  Battell  and  Mr.  Emerson  in  making  a  catalogue  of  books 
for  a  library.  My  mother,  brothers,  and  sisters  went  to  Colebrook,  dined,  and 
returned.     Visited. 

9.  Excellent  sleighing.  Rode  home.  My  brother'' went  to  Glastonbury  to 
exchange. 

10.  Expounded  on  the  last  chapter  of  Mark,  and  preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Rom.  xii:  2.  Attended  conference  at  Wapping.  Meetings  rather  thin. 
My  brother  and  his  wife  came  here  and  tarried. 

11.  Read.  Hindered  by  company.  Thermometer  this  morning  6°  below 
zero.  Attended  our  evening  conference.  My  health  is  much  better  than  it 
has  been.     Laiis  Deo. 

12.  On  the  loth  received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Skinner,  of  Hartford.  On  the 
7th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.     Wrote.     Read.     Visited. 

13.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  Hartford.  Good  sleighing  and  crossing.  Met 
with  the  managers  of  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  No  quorum. 
Paid  for  two  tin  kettles  for  our  meeting-house  stoves,  $1.00.  It  is  said  New 
Haven  harbor  and  the  Sound,  in  some  places,  are  frozen. 

14.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Am  pretty  languid.  At  evening  rode  to 
Windsor,  and  preached  for  Mr.  Rowland  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv :  5.  It 
snowed  some. 

15.  Thermometer  this  morning  2°.  Wrote  on  ray  catechism  all  day.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Rather  thin. 

16.  Visited.     Thermometer  this  morning  1°  below  zero.     At  noon  it  was 


'  Dr.  Joy  H.  Fairchild,  of  East  Hartford.  often  the  children  of  the  old  Norfolk  pastor 

*  Widow  of  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins.  went  home  to  visit,  and  how  much  pleasure 

^  It  was  a  very  companionable  family,  and  they  took  in  each  other's  society. 
we  have  had  frequent  occasion  to  notice  how  *  Rev.  Francis,  of  Enfield. 


l822.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  885 

about  40°.     Wrote.     On  the  14th  wrote  to  Dr.  Phelps,'  of  Poquonnock.     It 
snowed  considerably. 

17.  Expected  to  have  exchanged  with  Mr.  Rowland,  but  omitted  it  on 
account  of  the  weather.  Rainy  and  wet.  A  great  deal  of  water  in  the  road. 
Preached  with  old  notes  on  John  xvii :  4,  5.  Thin  meetings.  At  evening 
walked  out. 

18.  Read.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets,  arranging,  etc.  Afternoon  and 
evening  we  had   a  hard  snow-storm.     Had  no  evening  meeting. 

19.  The  snow  eight  or  ten  inches  deep.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  attended 
the  meeting  of   the    Agricultural    Society.     Mr.  Stebbins^  delivered  a  good 

address.      Cold.      Paid  $2.00.      Taken   up   with   company.     Read   the 

Bible. 

20.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  I  have  a  great  number.  Thermometer 
this  morning  at  zero.  Visited.  Had  company.  Received  a  letter  from 
Louis   Dwight,^  of   Andover. 

21.  Wrote  on  my  catechism.  Got  home  the  remainder  of  books  bought  of 
Dr.  McClure's  heirs.  Looked  them  over.  I  have  sixty-seven  Connecticut 
election  sermons.*  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Thermometer  at  50°.  The 
ground  is  almost  covered  with  water. 

22.  Worked  at  my  library.  I  fear  I  have  lost  some  volumes.  The  snow 
is  mostly  gone.  Warm.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Quite  thin.     Very  muddy. 

23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Pet.  iii :  9.  I  write  quite  slow. 
Thermometer  rose  to  temperate.     Wrote  late. 

24.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  The  ground  is 
mostly  bare.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  in  the 
evening  on  Ps.  iv:  5.  I  believe  people  have  gone  to  meeting  in  sleighs  from 
the  beginning  of  December  till  today,  when  there  were  none.     Tarried  out. 

25.  Last  night  the  weather  changed  suddenly.  Very  cold  and  tedious. 
Visited.  Read.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  Quite  thin.  Ther- 
mometer about  10°. 

26.  The  ground  very  rough.  Weather  moderates.  Rode  to  West  Suffield, 
and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  But  few  present.  Crossed  on  the  ice  at 
W.  Point.'  Preached  without  any  notes  or  preparation  on  Ps.  iv  :  5.  A  good 
audience.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  There  appears  to  be  a  very 
pleasing  work  of  grace  here. 

27.  Rode  to  Turkey  Hills  and  Salmon  Brook,  and  back  to  Suffield. 
Appointed  four  physicians  to  act  as  agents  for  the  insane  institution.  In  the 
evening  preached  for  Mr.   Gay*  in  the  meeting-house  on   Ps.   iv :   5.     The 


»  Physician.  Education  Society.     He  was  Secretary  of  the 

^  Samuel  S.  Stebbins,  probably.  Massachusetts     Prison     Discipline     Society 

^  Rev.  Louis  Dwight  was  born  in  Stock-  from  1S25  to  his  death,  in  1S54.     His  resid- 

biidge   in    1793,  was   graduated   at   Vale   in  ence,  for  a  time,  was  in  Boston. 

1813,  and  at  Andover  in  1819.     At  the  time  "■  A  rich  and  valuable  acquisition. 

he  wrote  this  letter  he  was  resident  at  An-  '  Warehouse  Point. 

dover,  and  acting  as  agent  of  the  American  ''  Rev.  Ebenezer  Gay,  of  Suffield. 


886  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

religious  attention  continues,  and  is  great.  There  has  not  been  such  a  work 
of  grace  in  this  town  since  1741.  One  good  woman,  a  subject  of  that  work,  is 
now  living,  aged  ninety-six.  Rode  late  to  Pine  Meadow,  and  tarried  at  Mr. 
Haskell's.     Warm, 

28.  Rode  home.  Crossed  on  the  ice.  Very  warm  and  muddy.  Ther- 
mometer at  56°.  Am  very  much  fatigued,  and  quite  unwell.  Visited.  I  fear 
I  shall  be  unwell  again,  as  I  was  last  spring.  The  Lord  be  my  helper.  He 
has  brought  me  through  the  winter  with  great  mercies,  and  blessed  be  my 
Rock. 


1.  Took  an  emetic.  Had  a  sick  day,  and  sat  up  but  little.  Could  not  go 
out  for  the  evening  meeting.     Had  a  physician. 

2.  Am  quite  weak,  but  hope  I  shall  be  better.     Wrote. 

3.  Last  night  we  had  a  good  deal  of  rain  ;  the  mud  is  very  deep.  The 
ground  has  been  very  deep  frozen.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Isa.  lix :  2. 
Afternoon  was  so  feeble  that  I  was  obliged  to  stop  in  sermon.  After  a  sing- 
ing, proceeded  in  a  summary  manner,  and  concluded.  Have  very  little 
strength.     The   Lord  help  me   for  my  work. 

4.  Visited  sick  persons.  In  the  evening  attended  our  monthly  pra\-er- 
meeting.  Spoke  but  little.  The  ground  is  very  wet.  Wrote  to  Nathaniel 
Willis,  of  Boston,  and  sent  him  $6.00  for  the  last  two  years'  Recorder.  Wrote 
to  Nathaniel  MacCarty,'  of  Worcester,  and  sent  $6.00,  and  a  copy  of  Judge 
Trumbull's  Works^  to  the  American  Antiquarian  Society. 

5.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  a  school.  Quite  warm.  The  Method- 
ists are  making  considerable  exertions  here. 

6.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Am  quite  weak.  Consulted  respecting  the  in- 
sane institution.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Paid  B.  Hudson 
towards   my  carpet,   $20.00. 

7.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  think  there  is  an  uncommon  stupidity 
among  my  people.     Cold.     Visited. 

8.  Cold  and  tedious.  It  snowed  some.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a 
school.     Am  severely  tried. 

9.  Rode  and  visited.  Am  so  feeble  that  I  can  do  but  little.  In  the 
evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting.      We  have  some  persons  severely  sick, 

10.  Thermometer  this  morning  about  17°.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
exchanged  with  Mr.  Fairchild.  The  congregation  here  is  quite  large. 
Preached  on  Isa.  lix :  2.  Am  quite  feeble.  At  evening  attended  a  confer- 
ence with  Mr.  Fairchild,  and  preached  on  Ps.  iv :  5.     Very  tired. 

11.  Procured  of  Miss  Abigail  Williams  about  sixty  old  pamphlets.^  Gave 
her  $2.00.     Rode  to  Hartford.     Agreed  for  a  new  book-case.     Attended  to  the 


'  Mr.  MacCarty  was  the  treasurer,  prob-  ter  of  Dr.  Eliplialet  Williams,  who  was  pastor 

ably,  of   the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  at  East  Hartford,  174S-1S03  —  fifty-five  years. 

of  which  Dr.  Robbins  was  a  member.  These   pamphlets   were   doubtless  from    his 

^  Judge  John  Trumbull,  of  Hartford.  library.     His   house  is  still  standing  in  the 

^  Miss   Abigail  Williams  was  the  daugh-  south  part  of  East  Hartford  .Street. 


l822.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  887 

business   of   the    insane   institution.     The  roads  are  considerably  dried.     At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Visited  the  sick. 

12.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  I  have  seventy-five  election  sermons  of  the 
one  hundred  and  seven  that  have  been  printed  in  this  State.'  Visited.  Our 
society  prospects  are  in  a  measure  gloomy, 

13.  Mrs.  E.  Wolcott-  is  severely  sick.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Cold 
and  tedious.     Tarried  out. 

14.  Visited.  Rode  to  Long  Hill  and  visited  a  school.  Rode  to  Wapping 
and  performed  a  marriage.     Quite  cold.     Tarried  out. 

15.  Visited.  Tired  and  pretty  feeble.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Pretty  full.     The  Lord  can,  and  I  hope  will,  help  us. 

16.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  v:  10.  Have  many  interrup- 
tions. Hindered  by  company.  At  evening  attended  the  private  prayer- 
meeting.     Am  pretty  feeble. 

17.  Last  night  wrote  four  pages  from  ten  o'clock  to  two.  Visited  Mrs. 
Wolcott.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Judges  vi :  13,  and  finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  2  Cor.  v:  10.  Spoke  with  more  strength  than  I 
feared.     There  was  a  Methodist  meeting  here.     Ours  was  full.     Very  tired. 

18.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  I  have  now  seventy-eight  election  sermons. 
Visited.  At  evening  we  had  a  good  meeting.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Tarried 
out. 

19.  Visited.  I  fear  I  grow  indolent.  Very  dry  for  the  season.  The 
streams   are  very  low.     Wrote.     Read. 

20.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Bosworth,  of  Hartland.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dr.  Flint 
gave  me  a  volume  of  old  education  sermons.  Gave  $1.00  for  eight  old  pam- 
phlets. Visited.  The  roads  generally  are  dr\'.  Received  $52.50  of  the 
Phoenix  Bank.     Paid  $1.00  for  a  glass  to  my  desk. 

21.  Mr.  Munger,^  of  Norfolk,  called  here.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Battell,  and  wrote  one  to  his  wife.     Hindered  by  company.     Wrote.     Read. 

22.  Rede  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Cold  and  rough  weather.  Walked 
and  visited.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

23.  Last  night  tarried  out.  We  had  some  rain,  but  a  moderate  quantity. 
The  ground  is  very  dry  for  the  season.  Visited.  Much  hindered.  Began  a 
sermon  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  wrote  till  one  ;  six  pages. 

24.  Wrote  and  nearly  completed  my  sermon  on  Acts  x  :  4,  and  preached 
in  the  afternoon.  In  the  forenoon  old  notes  on  Luke  xix  :  41.  Sermon  in 
the  afternoon  about  seventy  minutes.  Unreasonably  long.*  Very  tired  and 
nervous.     Walked  out. 

25.  Rode  to  the  poor-house  in  the  north  society.     There  are  now  twelve 


'  When   a  collector   has   gone   as  far  as  a   distinguished  minister   of    the   Congrega- 

that,  the  ambition   becomes   strong  to  com-  tional  order.     This  was  her  fatal  illness,  and 

plete  the  series.  she  died  at  the  age  of  thirtj'-eight. 

-  Mrs.   Elihu  Wolcott,  who   was    Rachel  ^  Mr.  Elizur  Munger,  probably. 
McClure,  daughter   of   Dr.  David  McClure.             ■*  That  is  certainly  a  just  criticism.    White- 
She  was  the  mother  of  Dr.  Samuel  Wolcott,  field  might  preach  a  sermon  of  that  length. 


888  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

paupers.     Less  than  usual.     Cold.     Good  riding.     The  grain    looks    poorly. 
At  evening  had  a  full  conference. 

26.  Last  evening  conversed  late.  A  holy  God  does  afflict  me  justly,  and 
with  severity.'  "Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him."  I  am  treated 
with  much  severity.  After  twelve  o'clock  I  began  a  letter,  which  I  did  not 
finish  till  after  sunrise.  I  did  not  go  to  bed  nor  sleep  any.  Visited.  Mrs. 
E.  Wolcott  remains  very  low.     Visited  a  school. 

27.  Am  much  distressed.  The  Lord  be  my  helper.  Wrote.  Visited  a 
school.     Tudor  is  a  good  instructor.     Visited. 

28.  Read.  Rainy  all  day.  The  rain  very  seasonable.  Visited  a  school. 
Our  schools  this  year  have  been  well  instructed.  Am  poorly  able  to  do  any 
business. 

29.  Worked  at  shade  trees.  Cold  and  blustering.  Catechised  a  school. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  McLean,  of  Simsbury,  and  to  Laura  Loomis;  of  New  Connec- 
ticut.    At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

30.  Visited.  I  think  Mrs.  Wolcott  cannot  live.  I  think  we  could  not 
sustain  a  greater  loss  in  any  other  woman  in  this  society.  Wrote.  Rode  to 
Scantick  and  Pine  Meadow.     Quite  cold. 

31.  Rode  early  to  West  Suffield.^  Mr.  Mix  went  yesterday  to  East 
Windsor.  Cold  and  bad  riding.  Preached  on  Ex.  xxxii :  26,  and  2  Cor. 
v:  10.  At  evening  attended  a  conference  in  the  meeting-house.  The  work 
of  grace  here  continues,  and  is  good.  Very  tired.  This  society  is  very  small. 
On  the  29th  received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 

April. 

1.  Rode  home.  Cold  and  windy.  Bad  ferr}nng.  The  Freemen's  Meet- 
ing here  issued  very  favorably.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  concert  of 
prayer.  Visited  Mrs.  Wolcott.  My  voice  is  quite  feeble.  Gave  $1.00  to  a 
poor  man. 

2.  Wrote.  Read.  Visited.  At  evening  Mrs.  Wolcott  died.  I  do  not 
think  we  could  have  sustained  a  greater  loss  here  in  the  death  of  any  other 
woman.     Was  with  the  family.^ 

3.  Received  a  letter  from  brother  Samuel  and  Mr.  Battell  informing  me 
that  our  dear  mother*  is  quite  unwell,  and  her  case  is  thought  to  be  danger- 
ous. May  God  be  our  helper.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Goodrich,'  of 
New  Haven,  respecting  a  theological  institution  at  Yale  College.*  Received 
pamphlets  by  mail.  Began  a  sermon  for  Fast  on  Sam,  iii:  18-21,  At  even- 
ing attended  our  church  conference. 

4.  Wrote.     Afternoon  visited  our  academy.     The  performances,  on  exam- 


'  We  have  not  been  able,  as  yet,  to  dis-  as   Elizabeth    Le  Baron,  she  was   born  in 

cover    the    source    of    his    long-continued  Plymouth,  Mass. 
trouble.  s  Chauncey  Allen  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  Pro- 

^  To  exchange  with  Rev.  Joseph  Mix.  fessor  of  Rhetoric  and  English  Literature  at 

^  The  fatal  termination  of  Mrs.  Wolcott's  Yale, 
sickness  has  been  already  stated.  ^  The   Theological   Department   at   Yale 

*  It  was   now  seventy-seven  years   since,  was  opened  that  year  (1822). 


l822.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  889 

ination,  were  very  good.     Visited.     Wrote  at  night  till    half  after  two,  and 
nearly  completed  my  sermon.     Have  many  trials. 

5.  Fast.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ezra  viii :  21.  Finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  Sam.  iii :  18-21.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs. 
Wolcott.     I  have  scarcely  ever  had  here  so  full  a  meeting.     Much  fatigued. 

6.  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Am  quite  feeble.  Cate- 
chised a  school.  At  evening  attended  a  private  prayer-meeting.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell  at  sundown,  by  a  messenger  from  Hartford,  informing 
me  that  mother  is  not  expected  to  live,  and  wishing  me  to  go  there  immedi- 
ately. Sent  the  letter  by  a  messenger  to  Enfield.  I  think  I  cannot  go  till 
after  meeting  tomorrow.     Am  beset  with  various  and  unexpected  trials. 

7.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Deut.  xii :  9,  and  Eph.  ii :  4,  5.  Adminis- 
tered the  sacrament.  The  church  quite  full.  Am  feeble  and  much  fatigued, 
but  got  through  better  than  I  feared.  Near  night  set  out  for  Norfolk. 
Visited  a  sick  man.     Rode   to  Northington '  late. 

8.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mother  is  very  low,  and  it  is  thought  she  cannot 
continue  long.  I  think  she  is  not  quite  as  low  as  I  expected.  Towards  night 
brother  Frank  and  his  wife  came  here.     Brother  James  and  wife  are  here. 

9.  Quite  cold.  It  snowed  and  rained  and  froze.  Brother  Samuel  came 
here.  Mother's  physician  is  some  encouraged  about  her.  Her  religious 
exercises  and  prospects  are  very  happy.     May  God  be  blessed. 

ID.  Cold  and  wet.  Read.  Visited  Mr.  Emerson^  and  others.  Mother 
very  feeble.  At  evening  attended  a  meeting;  my  brother  preached.  The 
season  here  appears  about  as  forward  as  with  us. 

11.  Looked  over  father's  and  grandfather's  manuscripts.  We  conclude  it 
not  likely  that  mother  will  get  any  better.  Samuel  and  Francis  and  wife 
went  away.  Wrote.  I  fear  this  venerable  mansion  will  soon  fall  into  the 
hands  of  strangers.^ 

12.  Rode  home.  Cold,  but  clear.  Mother  has  altered  very  little  for 
several  days.  Am  much  oppressed  with  a  cold.  Attended  our  evening 
prayer-meeting.     I  think  my  horse  gains  some  relief  from  his  malady.     Tired. 

13.  My  cold  and  headache  are  severe.  Gave  a  man  $1.00  for  Bowdoin 
College,  lately  burnt.*  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xl :  4.  Wrote  five 
pages  in  the  evening.     Quite  rainy. 

14.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Ps.  xl :  4.     In 


•  Avon.  .  .  .  This  severe   blow  to  the   prosperity  of 

^  Rev.    Ralph   Emerson,  pastor  at    Nor-  the  college  was  averted  by  the  liberality  of 

folk.  the  public.     Donations  were  extensively  so- 

3  It  remained  with   his   kindred,  and  on  licited  from  individuals;   contributions  were 

the  spot  where  it  stood  a  handsome  buiidijig  received  in  a  large  number  of  the  churches 

has  just  been   erected  by  members   of   the  in   Maine  and  Massachusetts,  and   thus   the 

family  for  a  private  family  school.  loss  was  fully  repaired.    A  list  of  the  con- 

♦"In  March  of  this  year  (1822),  Maine  tributors  and  their  benefactions  is  preserved 

Hall  took  fire,  and   the  whole   interior  was  in   the   library   of   the    college." — Sketch  of 

burnt ;  while  the  v/alls,  with  the  exception  of  Bowdoin  College,  American  Quarterly  Revievj, 

the  fourth  story,  were  not  essentially  injured.  Vol.  VIII, p.  113. 


890  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  p022. 

the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Jer.  xxiii :  24.  In  the  morning  we  h.  !i  a 
thunder-shower.  Thin  meeting.  Very  tired.  Walked  out.  The  ground  is 
quite  wet. 

15.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  unexpectedly  to  Hartford.  Dined 
with  the  medical  meeting  of  the  county.  Sent  some  oysters  to  my  mother. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference. 

16.  Visited  the  sick.  A  man  here,  gone  as  a  captain  of  a  vessel,  it  is 
much  feared  is  lost.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was  held  here.  No  one  came 
but  Mr.  Bartlett,*  of  Wintonbury,  and  Mr.  Chapin,  a  candidate.^  Mr.  Hough, 
the  Baptist,  spent  the  evening  with  us. 

17.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  Mr.  Chapin  had  a  meeting 
and  preached.     I  attended.     Tarried  out. 

18.  Visited  families.  Have  severe  and  unexpected  trials.  Yesterday 
wrote  Mr.  C.  A.  Goodrich,^  of  New  Haven.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
brother  Nathaniel  at  Philadelphia,  and  one  from  Mr.  Battell,  and  pamphlets 
by  mail.     Rainy. 

19.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Nathaniel,  and  to  S.  A.  Foot,*  of 
Cheshire.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  My  new  book-case  was 
brought  from  Hartford,  It  is  a  very  good  one.  A  young  man  here  has 
become   a  subject  of   divine  grace. 

20.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  I  am  severely  tried.  Rode  out  and  visited  the 
sick.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange  with  my  brother.  Found  that  he  had 
gone  to  East  Windsor. 

21.  Preached  on  Ex.  xxxii:  26,  and  Ps.  xl :  4.  Towards  evening  rode  to 
Pine  Meadow,  and  preached  in  the  evening  at  a  conference  on  Luke  xxii :  41, 
etc.     Very  tired.     Meeting  at  Enfield  very  full. 

22.  Rode  home.  Am  much  unwell.  Read.  Visited.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Battell.  Mother  is  something  better.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended 
our  conference. 

23.  Visited.  Devoted  the  most  of  the  day  to  fasting  and  prayer,  on 
account  of  my  present  severe  trials,  and  to  implore  divine  direction.  Have 
resigned  myself,  my  cares,  and  hopes  all  to  God.  I  have  nothing,  and  desire 
to  be  disposed  of  according  to  his  holy  will.  Took  a  very  light  breakfast, 
and  neither  ate  or  drank  after  it  till  about  sundown.  On  the  19th  received  of 
Mr.  Scarborough,  $100.00,  which  I  lent  to  him  in  January,  with  $1.50  interest. 

24.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid  for  four  bushels  of  oats,  $1.20.  Began 
to  write  a  missionary  address  for  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society. 
W^rote  to  Gen.  Jencks,^  and  Dr.  Chubbuck,  of  Warehouse  Point. 

25.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  rose  to  85°,  The  ground  is  very  dry. 
Visited.  Wrote  on  my  address.  My  afflictions  are  verj^  great,  but  holy  is  the 
Lord  who  appoints  them. 


*  Rev.   John    Bartlett,  brother    of    Rev.  ■♦  Hon.  Samuel  A.  Foot,  LL.  D. 
Shubael,  of  Scantic  parish,  East  Windsor.  '  Gen.  Charles  Jenks.     Gen.  Jenks  was  a 

*  Rev.  Chester  Chapin.  very  prominent  man  at  Warehouse  Point,  and 
^  Prof.  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich,  D.  D.  carried  on  a  large  gin  distillery. 


.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  89 1 

>.  Am  very  feeble  and  unwell.  Wrote  what  I  could,  and  finished  my 
mi  s'onary  address.  Thermometer  ;^;^°.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meetyng. 

27.  Rode  to  Hartford,  and  carried  my  address.  Paid  my  annual  tax  to 
the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society,  $i.oo.  For  various  articles,  $2.42. 
Attended  a  funeral  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  There  were  eleven 
orphans,  all  single,  three  of  them  widows  Saw  blossoms  on  fruit-trees. 
Read. 

28.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  and  very  refreshing  rain.  The  forenoon 
wet.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Gal.  vi :  8.  Am  quite  feeble.  Thin  meet- 
ings.    Walked  out. 

29.  My  lungs  are  ver\'  weak.  Visited.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point  and 
Pine  Meadow.  Bad  crossing.'  At  evening  had  rather  a  thin  conference. 
Warm, 

30.  Last  evening  received  from  a  friend  the  unexpected  and  generous 
donation  of  $40.00,  to  make  me  a  life-member  of  the  American  Education 
Society.^  May  God  reward  the  donor.  Rode  to  New  Haven  to  attend  the 
election.  My  horse  travels  very  well.  I  hope  he  is  getting  better  of  his  lung 
disease.     Blossoms  appear  considerably. 

May. 

1.  Saw  my  cousin  J.  W.  Robbins^  at  college.  The  clergy  were  invited  to 
call  on  the  bishop'*  in  the  morning,  and  were  well  treated.  The  exercises 
were  in  the  church.  Bishop  Brownell  gave  a  very  unexceptionable  and  good 
sermon.  The  election  was  less  splendid  than  it  is  at  Hartford.  But  few  of 
the  clergy,  perhaps  thirty  of  ours,  and  as  many  of  other  denominations. 
Attended  a  small  meeting  of  ministers  on  the  subject  of  re-establishing  the 
theological  institution  of  Yale  College.  At  evening  heard  Mr.  Emerson,^  of 
Salem,  preach. 

2.  Dined  yesterday  with  Mr.  Hillhouse,^  and  tarried  last  night  with  Mr. 


*  Probably  because  the  river  was  swollen  Connecticut  in    18 19,  and  was   chosen   first 

with  the   spring  floods,  and   it  was  hard  to  President  of  Trinity  College   in    1824.     He 

manage  the  ferry-boat.  died  in  Hartford  in  1865. 

-  It  may  be  remembered   that   he   had  a  ^  Brown  Emerson,  D.  D.,  born  in  Ashby, 

similar  gift  for  the  same  purpose  some  years  Mass.,   1779,  graduated  at   Dartmouth   Col- 

before.  lege,    1802,   pastor    of    the    South    Church, 

^  Here  again  he  calls  his  nephew,  the  son  Salem,   1805-1872,  died,   1872,   aged  ninety- 

of  James  W.  Robbins,  of  Lenox,  his  cousin.  four. 

This  occurs  so  frequently  in  connection  with  *  James  Hillhouse,  LL.  D.,  treasurer  of 
his  nephews  and  nieces  that  it  must  have  Yale  College,  1782-1832,  when  he  died.  He 
been,  to  some  extent,  a  custom  of  that  gener-  was  born  in  Montville,  Ct.,  in  1754)  was  grad- 
ation, uated  at  Yale,  1773.     For  forty  years  he  was 

■♦  Thomas  Church  Brownell,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  was  a 
was  born  in  Westford,  Mass.,  in  1779,  and  Member  of  Congress,  was  a  poet  and  scholar, 
was  graduated  at  Union  College  in  1804.  The  Hillhouse  mansion,  at  the  head  of  Hill- 
He  was  tutor  and  professor  at  Union,  was  house  Avenue,  was  long  one  of  the  notable 
assistant  minister  of  Trinity  Church  in  New  homes  of  New  Haven,  beautiful  to  the  sight, 
York   in    1818,  was   consecrated   Bishop   of  and  large  in  its  hospitalities. 


892  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [i 

Davies.'  Made  a  number  of  calls.  Sent  to  Boston  my  late  donation  for  ne 
American  Education  Society.  Received  of  Gen.  Howe,  on  my  note,  $44.62, 
and  paid  it  to  him  for  books.  Rode  home  after  noon.  Very  warm  and  dusty. 
The  season  advances  rapidly. 

3.  Am  very  feeble.  A  woman ^  died  here  this  morning  with  a  short 
illness.  Visited.  Read.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Pretty  thin. 

4.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John  iii :  3.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
the  woman  deceased  yesterday.     Wrote  late. 

5.  Expounded  on  the  first  chapter  of  Acts,  and  finished  and  preached  the 
sermon  on  regeneration  began  yesterday.  Walked  out.  Rainy.  We  had  two 
orphan  families  at  meeting  for  prayers. 

6.  Was  sent  for  early  to  see  an  aged  woman  in  a  paralytic  fit.  Visited. 
Dined  with  a  military  company.  This  morning  there  was  some  frost.  At 
evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer- meeting.  My  trials  are  very  great.^ 
The  Lord  be  my  helper. 

7.  Rode  to  New  Haven ;  from  Hartford  on  horseback.  Quite  tired.  In 
the  evening  met  with  the  committee  on  the  insane  institution.  The  sub- 
scriptions exceed  $12,000. 

8.  Have  a  good  deal  to  do.  Dined  with  the  Medical  Convention.  In  the 
afternoon  Mr.  R.  M.  Sherman''  and  I  were  admitted  before  the  Senate  on 
behalf  of  our  petition  in  favor  of  the  asylum  for  the  insane.  It  was  favorably 
received.^ 

9.  The  Medical  Convention  have  done  very  liberally  for  the  asylum.  We 
were  not  admitted  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  but  were  heard  before  a 
joint  committee.  At  evening  left  New  Haven.  The  town  is  full  of  election- 
eering. Tarried  at  Esq.  Eastman's.  Received  of  Howe  &  Spaulding,  $100.00. 
Got  some  new  books. 

10.  Rode  home;  from  New  Haven  to  Hartford  in  Mr.  H.  Ells- 
worth's^ sulky.  Warm.  An  aged  woman  ^  has  died  here  in  my  absence. 
Mr.  Fairchild  attended  the  funeral.  Found  here  my  cousin  Chandler  Rob- 
bins,*  from  Maine,  and  his  wife.  She  is  quite  feeble.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Am  much  fatigued. 

11.  Rode  out  with  my  cousin  Robbins.     The  fruit-trees  are  in  verj''  full 


'  Rev.  Thomas  T.  Davies,  who  was  gradu-  clerg^',  should   have   been   joined   with    Mr. 

ated  at  Yale  in  1813.   ,  Sherman  in  a  matter  of   this   grave   impor- 

^  Widow  Nancy  Strong,  aged  forty-one.  tance,   is   evidence   of    the    high   regard    in 

^  We  are  still  ignorant  of  the  cause  of  his  which  he  was  held  for  character  and  ability, 
special  trouble.  ^  Henry  L.  Ellsworth,  one  of  the  sons  of 

*  Roger   Minot   Sherman,  LL.  D.,  one  of  Chief-Justice   Oliver   Ellsworth.     He   was  a 

the   leading   lawyers   of  the    State   and   the  graduate  of  Yale,  1810. 
country.     He   was  born  at  Woburn,  Mass.,  '  Widow  P.  Loomis,  aged  eighty, 

in  1773,  graduated  at  Yale,  1792.      He  was  *  Oldest  child  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins, 

a  very  prominent  legislator  and  judge.     He  of  Plymouth.     This  cousin  was  born  in  1762, 

died  in  Fairfield,  Ct.,  in  1844.  ^nd  was  now  sixty  years  old.     He  had  been 

5  That     Dr.    Robbins,    representing    the  a  prominent  man  in  Maine. 


l822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  893 

blovvth.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury.  On  the  6th  received 
one  from  Dr.  Park,'  of  Providence.  Rode  to  Orford  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Cook.  Found  him  gone  to  Glastonbury,  and  rode  there.  Mr.  Birge  is  to 
preach  tomorrow  at  Orford.^     The  ground  is  very  dry. 

12.  Preached  on  Ex.  xxxii :  26,  and  John  viii :  3.  This  congregation 
appears  to  be  larger  than  formerly.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  black  man. 
At  evening  rode  home.  Found  Mr.  Cooke  here.  My  cousin's  wife  is  quite 
feeble.     Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  him  written  on  his  way.     Very  tired. 

13.  Wrote.  Am  very  feeble.  Warm  and  very  dusty.  Rode  out.  At 
evening  attended  our  conference. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Am  scarcely  able  to  do 
any  business.  Yesterday  wrote  to  Mr.  A.  P.  Cleveland,^  of  Boston.  My 
cousin  Mrs.  Robbins  quite  feeble.  We  have  some  persons  quite  sick. 
Visited.     Sent  manuscripts.     God  is  most  holy  in  all  his  chastisements. 

15.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  cousin.  Very  hot  and  dusty.  Attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Saw  my  cousin  W.  Lawrence, 
of  Norfolk.  My  mother  is  some  better,  but  very  feeble.  In  the  afternoon  we 
had  a  most  refreshing  shower.     Walked  out. 

16.  Visited.  Had  company.  Dined  out  with  my  cousins.  The  ground  is 
greatly  refreshed.  Gave  a  poor  woman,  gi.oo.  Read.  I  do  but  little. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.   Skinner,   of   Hartford. 

17.  On  the  15th  left  off  my  flannel.  Same  day  two  women  were  baptized 
here  by  a  Methodist  by  immersion.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  and  others  all 
day.     Rode  to  Wapping.     Cool.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

18.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Matt,  xxv :  23.  Wrote  late.  Ani 
feeble,  and  have  many  hindrances.     My  cousins  went  to  Enfield. 

19.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Full  meeting. 
We  had  our  annual  missionary  contribution  and  collected  $44.10.  There  are 
three  $5.00,  and  eleven  $1.00  bills,  and  one  hundred  and  seventeen  pieces  of 
silver.  At  evening  attended  conference.  It  was  a  sort  of  dedicator)'  meeting 
at  the  new  school-house  in  the  south  district.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Cook,  of  Orford. 

20.  Much  fatigued.  Had  my  new  book-case  put  up,  which  appears  well, 
and  completes  the  plan  of  book-cases  which  I  have  had  for  several  years. 
Paid  a  blacksmith,  .81.  Paid  Mr.  Loomis,  .50,  .^^  of  which  is  to  be  paid  by 
Dewey.     Conclude  not  to  have  a  Monday  evening  meeting  at  present. 

21.  Worked  at  my  library.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  Walked  and 
visited. 

22.  Warm  and  sultrj'.     Thermometer  82°.      Read  in  Peters's*  History  of 


'  Dr.  Calvin  Park,  connected  with  Brown  15oston,  of  the  firm  of  Salisbury  &  Cleveland, 

University.  10  Merchants'  Row. 

^  He  was  to  preach  at  Glastonbury,  and  *  An  imaginary  History  of  Connecticut,  by 

Mr.  Cook  at  East  Windsor,  on  a  triple  ex-  Rev.    Samuel    A.    Peters,    LL.  D.      It    was 

change.  written  while  he  was  a  Tory  exile   in  Eng- 

^  Mr.  A.  P.  Cleveland  was  a  merchant  of  land. 


894  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

Connecticut.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  I  am  very  languid.  Received  a  letter 
from  my  brother  James.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Yesterday  wrote  to 
Mr.  B.  Ely,  of  Simsbury.  In  the  morning  went  to  visit  an  aged  sick  woman.* 
She  died  while  I  was  present. 

23.  Last  night  we  had  a  pretty  hard  thunder-shower.  Thermometer  8i°. 
Worked  at  my  books.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  woman  who  deceased 
yesterda}'.  Visited.  In  the  evening  rode  to  Enfield.  The  ways  of  God  are 
unsearchable  ;  they  are  wise,  holy,  and  good.  I  rejoice  that  he  reigns,  and 
will  trust  in  him. 

24.  My  cousin  Chandler  and  wife  are  here.  She  gets  better.  Cool. 
Rode  home.  Received  a  letter  from  my  good  Uncle  Starr.  Old  Mr.  Tudor 
is  quite  sick.     Wrote.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

25.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Num.  xxxv :  15.  Mr.  Eells*  now 
recites  to  me  regularly  on  Saturday  in  ecclesiastical  history.  W^rote  late. 
My  cousins  came  down  from  Enfield.  Quite  cool.  Had  a  steady  fire  in  my 
chamber. 

26.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Num.  xxxv  :  15. 
Much  poorer  than  it  ought  to  be.  In  the  forenoon  preached  on  Acts 
xviii :     10.     At   evening   had   a   full    conference   in   the   meeting-house. 

27.  Am  exceeding  feeble  and  languid.  Am  very  nervous.  Yesterday 
morning  there  was  a  little  frost.  Walked  out.  At  evening  rode  to  the  Hill 
with  my  cousins. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  cousins.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 
The  thermometer  was  at  90°.  Dr.  Flint  has  considerable  trouble  with  his 
people.  Had  a  thunder-shower.  At  evening  attended  Nancy  W'atson's 
wedding.     The  services  performed  by  Mr.   Wheaton.' 

29.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Rev.  C.  A.  Goodrich.'*  Am  much 
oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer  93°.  Dined  out.  Wrote.  Visited 
with  my  cousins. 

30.  Am  much  troubled  with  weakness  and  heaving  of  the  stomach. 
Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  married  a  couple*  who  came  here 
from  East  Hartford. 

31.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited  at  Wap- 
ping.    Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Warm  and  dr)\ 

June. 

I.  Walked  and  visited.  Our  Assembly  have  risen  after  a  contemptible 
session,  but  in  some  things  have  done  well.  My  cousins  continue  at  Dea. 
Reed's.*    Thermometer  86°. 


'  Mrs.  Phoebe  Daniels,  aged  eighty-five.  *  Prof.  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  of 

^  Mr.  Ozias  S.  Eells,  son   of   Rev.  Ozias  Yale  College.      Prof.  Goodrich   was  an  im- 

Eells,  of  Barkhamsted,   Ct.     He  graduated  portant  member  of  the  Faculty  of  Yale  Col- 

the  year  before  at   Williams  College,  and  lege. 

was  teaching  the  academy  at  East  Windsor  '  Mr.  Merrow  Marble  and  Hannah  Burn- 
Hill,  and  studying  theology  with  Dr.  Robbins.  ham. 

'^  Rev.  Nathaniel  S.  Wheaton,  D.  D.,  rec-  *  Because  of  the  continued  illness  of  Mrs. 

tor  of  Christ  Church,  Hartford.  Robbins. 


l822,]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  895 

2.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  John  viii :  24. 
The  heat  and  dust  very  severe  and  oppressive.  Tliermometer  89°.  The 
ground  quite  dry.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Acts  ii :  1-36.  In  the 
evening  had  a  most  grateful  shower  of  rain  with  a  good  deal   of   thunder. 

3.  Rode  out  and  visited.  My  cousins  took  lodgings  for  a  few  days,  at 
their  own  choice,  at  a  public  house.  Visited.  On  the  31st  ult.  received  a 
letter  from  my  cousin  W.  Lawrence,  of  Norfolk.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  prayer-meeting.     Paid  for  Dwight's  Travels,  $12.00.' 

4.  Rode  to  Barkhamsted  to  attend  Association.  Hindered  and  dined 
at  Simsbury.  Rode  from  Simsbury  to  Barkhamsted  in  the  rain.  But  ten 
members  of  the  Association  present.  We  examined  and  licensed  two  candi- 
dates."^    Mr.  Clark  ^  does  good  here. 

5.  Attended  to  associational  business.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Norfolk. 
Broke  my  sulky  and  left  it,  with  my  horse,  and  rode  with  him.  Mother  is 
very  feeble,  but  sits  up,  and  is  comfortable.  The  season  here  is  nearly  as 
forward  as  with  us. 

6.  Walked  out.  My  father's  mansion  and  place  appear  much  altered. 
Afternoon  left  Norfolk,  and  rode  to  Northington.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Kellogg." 
Paid  for  mending  my  sulky,  and  keeping  my  horse,  $1.13.     Quite  cool. 

7.  Rode  home.  Pretty  tired.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Luke  xi :  13. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Our  extra  meetings  lately  are 
rather  thin. 

8.  Quite  unwell  with  stomach  sickness  and  debility.  Wrote.  Walked 
out. 

9.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Luke  xi :  13.  Preached  in  the 
forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Job  xxii:  23.  Warm,  At  evening  had  a  full 
conference, 

10.  Am  very  feeble.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Quite  warm.  The 
season  is  uncommonly  fine,  though  we  have  but  little  rain.  I  do  but  little  to 
what  I  wish  I  could. 

11.  Visited.  Thermometer  89°.  Am  very  languid.  Wrote.  Wrote  to 
Dr.  Park,  of  Providence.  My  cousins  came  here  from  the  public  house, 
where  they  have  been  some  time.  At  evening  we  had  considerable  thunder 
and  rain. 

12.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Battell.  My  cousins  went  off  to  Norfolk. 
Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Find  a  great  backwardness  to  a  religious  profes- 
sion in  some  who,  I  think,  ought  to  do  it.     Tarried  at  Wapping. 

13.  Cool.  Visited.  Wrote.  Am  requested  to  deliver  an  address  at  a 
celebration  of  Independence  at  Hartford.     I  don't  know  what  to  do. 


'  President  Timothy  Dwight's   Travels  in  Hartland,  was  a  graduate  of  Williams  Col- 

New  England  and  New    York.     Four   vol-  lege  in  1816. 

umes,  octavo,  1S22.     They  were  just  out.  3  Rev.  Saul  Clark,  pastor  at  Barkhamsted, 

^  Amzi   Francis   and    Flavel    S.  Gaylord.  1819-1829. 

Mr.  Francis,  a  native  of  West  Hartford,  Ct.,  ■*  Rev.  Bela  Kellogg,  pastor  at  East  Avon, 

was   a  graduate   of   Middlebury   College   in  1819-1829.     This  was  a  part  of  the  old  parish 

1S19,   and   Mr.   Gaylord,  a   native   of   West  of  Northington. 


896  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

14.  Visited.  Wrote  on  notes  for  preaching.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     I  get  fatigued  easily. 

15.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  xliii :  13.  Examined  with  the 
church  committee  six  persons  for  our  communion.  Bringing  these  forward 
has  made  me  much  labor.  My  brother  Samuel  and  wife  called  here  and  went 
to  Enfield.     Wrote  late. 

16.  Finished  my  notes  and  preached  with  them  on  i  Pet.  i :  9.  Wrote 
three  pages,  and  finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Warm, 
and  a  very  severe  dust.  Propounded  six  persons  for  our  communion.  At 
evening  had  a  full  conference.     Ver}'  tired  and  nervous. 

17.  Walked  and  visited.  Am  very  feeble.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid 
S3. 00  for  fifty  pamphlets,  including  eleven  old  election  sermons.  We  had  a 
very  refreshing  shower. 

18.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  My  brother  and  his  wife  came  here  from 
Enfield.  Walked  out  with  him.  Quite  cool.  My  collection  of  pamphlets  is 
quite  valuable.' 

19.  My  brother  and  sister^  went  home  to  Woodbury,  Rode  with  them  to 
Hartford.  Paid  in  our  missionary  contribution.  Made  my  annual  payment 
of  $5.00  to  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Wrote.  Yesterday  we  had  our 
first  green  peas.     Read.     Walked  out. 

20.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Cool  and  wet.  Made  a  fire  in  my 
chamber.  Read  the  Bible.  Began  to  write  an  address  for  Independence, 
Visited. 

21.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  to  Scantick.  Visited.  The  General  Associa- 
tion at  Tolland  did  not  have  a  long  session.  There  is  a  good  work  of  divine 
grace  at  Somers.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

22.  Visited.  Baptized  a  sick  child  at  home.^  Dined  at  Dr.  Tudor's. 
'A'rote.     Towards  night  rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  exchange. 

23.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  down  to  my  society,  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Preached  on  Isa.  xliii :  13,  and  Ps.  xl :  4.  Attended  the  Sabbath-school  at 
noon,  which  is  large,  as  well  as  the  congregation.  Returned,  and  in  the 
evening  married  my  neighbor.  Dr.  Tudor.'* 

24.  Am  very  feeble.  On  Saturday  Mr.  Langdon,^  of  Bethlehem,  called  on 
me.  Visited.  Quite  warm.  Read  the  Bible.  Wrote,  In  the  afternoon  we 
had  a  long  and  very  refreshing  shower, 

25.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  Ripley,^  now 
at  Turkey  Hills,  was  with  us  and  preached. 


'  He  must  be  drawing  toward  the  comple-  '  Rev.  John   Langdon,  pastor  at   Bethle- 

tion  of  his  set  of   Connecticut  election  ser-  hem,  1816-1825.     He  was   the  son   of   Rev. 

mons.  Timothy  Langdon,  pastor  17S6-1S01,  at  Dan- 

-  His  brother  Samuel  and  wife,  who  moved  burv. 
a  few  years  before  from  Norfolk  to  Wood-  *  Rev.  Erastus  Ripley,  who  supplied  the 

bury,  Ct.  pulpit     at    East    Granby     (Turkey     Hills), 

^  Joseph,  son  of  Joseph  Williams.  1S20-1822,    but    was     not     installed    there. 

■*  Dr.  Edward  Tudor  and  Elizabeth  Dab-  This    was    the    place   of  the   old   Newgate 

ney.  prison. 


1 822.]  PASTOR  IK  EAST  WINDSOR.  897 

26.  Rode  to  Canton.  Left  at  Mrs.  Everest's  an  epitaph  for  the  late 
doctor.  Rode  out  with  Mr.  Hallock,'  and  preached  at  a  funeral  on  Isa. 
xxvi :    4.     Rode  home.     Cool.     Took  some  cold. 

27.  Wrote  on  my  address  for  Independence.  Visited.  Am  considerably 
unwell  with  my  cold.     Worked  at  my  library.     Read  the  Bible. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Visited  persons  that  are  propounded.  Attended 
a  catechising  of  the  children  at  the  meeting-house.  Attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Received  a  letter  from  the  Jew  minister,  Mr.  Frey,^  of  New  York. 

29.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Rom.  x :  8,  9,  Thermometer  at  90°. 
Hindered  by  company.  Am  pretty  feeble.  My  tremor  is  something  trouble- 
some. 

30.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  on  Rom.  x  :  8,  9,  and  expounded 
on  Acts  ii :  37  to  the  end.  Received  seven  persons  to  the  communion  of  the 
church.^  Thermometer  87°.  Much  fatigued.  Had  no  conference.  At  even- 
ing walked  out. 

July. 

1.  Am  quite  feeble,  almost  wholly  unqualified  for  business.  Looked 
over  my  library.  I  find  a  number  of  books  missing,  which  I  fear  are  lost. 
Thermometer  about  90°.     Attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Read. 

2.  Visited.  Hindered  by  company.  Read,  Thermometer  90°.  Wrote 
on  my  address  for  Independence.  Afternoon  we  had  a  pretty  hard  thunder- 
shower.     Visited. 

3.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Finished  my  address  at  one  o'clock 
at  night.     It  has  cost  me  much  time.     I  had  to  write  with  great  care. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Delivered  my  address ''  to  a  large  audience.  The 
military  companies  appeared  exceeding  well.  The  collection  at  the  dinner 
was  large.     Very  warm.     Thermometer  more  than  90°. 

5.  Read  the  Bible.  Had  company.  Wrote.  Afternoon  preached  a 
preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Jer.  xxxi :  6.  Omitted  our  evening 
prayer-meeting.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer  94**.  Vege- 
tation advances  very  rapidly. 

6.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Jer.  ix :  i.  I  have  not  well  suited  myself  in  a 
sermon  that  I  have  written  this  year.  Will  the  Lord  help  me.  We  had  a 
rain.     The  ground  of  late  has  been  greatly  refreshed.     Thermometer  91°. 

7.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  i  Pet.  ii :  i,  2,  3. 
Afternoon  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The 
church  very  full.     The  heat  severe.     Thermometer  95°.     At  evening  attended 


'  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  pastor  at  Can-  Anna  Cole,  Naomi  Johnson,  Chloe  Wolcott, 

ton,  1785-1S26,  when  he  died.  Nancy  Bliss,  and  Anna  Grant. 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Samuel  Frey,  a  Jew  born  *  Here  again  we  have  a  clear  illustration 

in   Germany,    Presbyterian    pastor    in    New  of  the   favor   with  which   Dr.  Robbins  was 

York,   afterwards,   in    connection    with    the  regarded.     He  was  well  known  in  Hartford 

Baptists,  labored   for  the  conversion  of   the  — had  preached  there  many  times,  and  cer- 

Jews.     He  was  a  man  of  considerable  note  tainly   would  not   have   been   chosen   for   a 

in  his  generation.  mixed  and  public  occasion  like  this,  unless 

^  These    persons    were    Samuel     Tudor,  he  were  known  as  an  able  public  speaker. 


898 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


[1822. 


conference.     I   spoke  with  more   strength  than  usual.     I  have   lately  taken 
tincture  of  bark,  and  I  believe  it  has  helped  me. 

8.  Rainy,  A  very  growing  season.  Worked  at  my  library.  Ther- 
mometer 88°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Purchased  of  the  Whitman  family '  one 
hundred  and  ninety  pamphlets,  making,  with  what  I  had  before,  two  hundred 
and  fifty;  for  which  I  have  paid  them  about  $10.00.  Paid  now,  $5.88.  Did 
errands.     My  Independence  address  seems  to  have  been  well  received. 

9.  Worked  at  my  librar)^  I  lend  my  books  a  good  deal.  Cool.  People 
beginning  haying.     Walked  out. 

ID.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets  all  day.  It  is  laborious  to  arrange  them.  I 
have  about  twelve  hundred,  besides  duplicates.  One  hundred  and  eight 
election  sermons  have  been  printed  in  the  State,  and  I  have  ninety- seven.^  A 
good  Providence  has  assisted  me  in  making  the  collection. 

11.  \\'alked  and  visited.  Thermometer  90°.  Wrote.  Received  an 
application  from  the  committee  at  Hartford  for  a  copy  of  my  address  to  be 
printed.     At  evening  rode  to  Enfield.     A  part  of  the  way  it  was  very  dark. 

12.  Rode  home.  Afternoon  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Our  catechising  was 
omitted  on  account  of  the  wet.  At  evening  had  a  thin  prayer-meeting. 
Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong  and  Mr.  Nettleton,^  at  Somers. 

13.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix :  6.  In  the  afternoon  young 
Mr.  Storrs*  came  here  from  Longmeadow  to  make  an  exchange  tomorrow. 
Rode  to  Enfield,  late  and  dark.  The  ground  is  quite  wet,  and  the  river  is 
high. 

14.  Rode  to  Longmeadow.  Hot  and  sultry.  Preached  on  Luke  xi:  13, 
and  Ps.  xl :  4.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman  ninety-seven  years  of  age. 
Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  At  evening  attended  a  conference.  This 
society  is  in  a  pretty  critical  situation.  Kindly  entertained  at  Capt.  Burt's. 
Am  much  fatigued. 

15.  Visited.  The  society  here  have  a  meeting  today  to  give  a  call  to  Mr. 
Hoadley.^     Wet.     Rode  home.     Here  there  was  a  hard  shower. 

16.  Visited.     Much   troubled   with   nervous   affections.      Read.     Worked 


'  Descendants  of  the  Rev.  Elnathan  Whit- 
man, pastor  of  the  South  Church,  Hartford, 
1733-1777.  Though  he  had  been  dead  now 
more  than  forty  years,  his  library  seems  to 
have  been  kept,  in  some  measure,  together. 

^  Since  his  previous  statement  on  this 
point,  he  has  made  a  large  gain. 

^  Rev.  William  L.  Strong  and  Rev.  Asa- 
hel  Nettleton. 

*  This  was  Rev.  Charles  Backus  Storrs, 
younger  brother  of  Dr.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  of 
Braintree,  Mass.,  and  father  of  Dr.  Henry 
M.  Storrs,  for  many  years  Secretary  of  the 
American  Home  Missionary  Society.  Charles 
B.  Storrs  was  son  of  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs, 
of  Longmeadow,  Mass.,  born  May  15,  1794. 


He  was  educated  at  Princeton  College  and 
Andover  Theological  Seminary,  from  which 
last  he  was  graduated  in  1820.  He  was  or- 
dained at  Charleston,  S.  C,  as  Home  Mis- 
sionary, in  1821,  went  to  Ohio  in  1822,  was 
pastor  at  Ravenna,  O.,  1822-1828,  professor 
in  Western  Reserve  College,  1828-1831, 
president  1S31,  to  his  death,  1833.  At  the 
time  of  this  exchange,  young  Storrs  was 
supplying  the  pulpit  at  Longmeadow.  His 
father,  who  had  been  minister  there  for  thirty- 
four  years,  died  in  1S19,  and  they  had  no 
pastor  until  Dr.  Baxter  Dickinson  was  set- 
tled there  in  1823. 

^  Rev.   Loammi    Ives    Hoadley,   born   in 
North    Branford,    Ct.,    1790,    graduated    at 


l822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  899 

some.     Thermometer   85°.      Wrote.      Had   company.      My   library   is    mucli 
commended  by  beholders. 

17.  A  colored  girl  came  here  from  Norfolk  to  live.  Wrote  copying  my 
address.  Afternoon  rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  They  have  been  painting 
their  meeting-house  there.     Tarried  out. 

18.  Visited.  Hot,  but  very  fine  harvest  weather.  Carried  dinner  to  the 
harvest  field.'  The  harvest  is  rather  light.  Paid  for  a  book,  $1.00.  Ther- 
mometer 90°. 

19.  Wrote  on  my  transcribing.  Thermometer  92°.  Afternoon  had  a 
catechising  of  the  children.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Pretty 
full.     Much  oppressed  with  the  heat. 

20.  Sent  a  part  of  my  manuscript  to  the  printer.  Thermometer  94°. 
Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  last  week.  The  heat  was  such  I  could  write  but 
little.     Read. 

21.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cxix  :  6.  Thermometer  90°. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.  My  health  is  better  than  it  was  a  few 
weeks  ago.  I  have  taken  tincture  of  bark,  and  I  believe  it  has  been 
beneficial. 

22.  Visited.  Read.  Thermometer  87°.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
cousin  Chandler,  and  one  from  Mr.  Battell.  My  brother  called  here  on  his 
way  to  the  eastward,  going  by  water  for  his  health.  Wrote  transcribing  my 
address. 

23.  Wrote  and  finished  my  transcribing.  People  have  a  very  fine  season 
for  harvest.  Towards  night  my  cousin  Sally  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Walkley  came 
here.     Thermometer  89°. 

24.  Rode  with  my  friends  to  Hartford.  They  went  to  Norfolk.  My 
mother  is  rather  worse  than  she  has  been.  Saw  the  printers.  The  roads 
very  dusty.  At  night  we  had  considerable  rain.  Read.  Paid  a  merchant, 
$3-40. 

25.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  Mr.  Eells's  school.  He  has 
some  difficulty  in  the  government  of  it.  I  do  not  visit  with  as  much  despatch 
as  I  used  to  do. 

26.  Visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Quite  cool.  Visited  old  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ellsworth^  in  Scantick ;  very  low.  An  aged  man^  died  here  with  a  short 
illness.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Spoke  poorly. 

27.  Visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  old  Mr.  Daniels.  Mr.  Cushman,  of 
Hartford,  was  present  and  performed  the  service  at  the  house.  Read.  Paid 
for  shoeing  my  horse,  $1.10. 

Yale,  1817,  and  at  Andover,  1820.     His  first  both  born   the   same   3'ear,    1737,  and  were 

settlement  was  at  Worcester,  Mass.,  in  1823.  eighty-five  years   old.      Mr.   Ellsworth  died 

lie  was  several  times  settled,  and   lived   to  in  October  of  that  same  year  (1822),  and  his 

great  age,  dying  in  Huntington,  Ct.,  March  wife   in   the    year   following       They   had   a 

31,  13S3,  in  his  ninety-third  year.  family  of  fourteen  children,  some  of  whom 

'  As  he  had  dune  for  many  years.  died  in  early  life. 

^  Lieut.    Solomon    and    Mary    (Moseley)  ^  Mr.  Stephen  Daniels,  aged  seventy-nine. 

Ellsworth.     Mr.  Ellsworth  and  his  wife  were  Mr.  Daniels  was  a  Baptist. 


goo  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

28.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  Preached  with  old  notes 
on  Luke  vi :  45.  Thhi  meeting.  Spoke  feebly.  Quite  wet.  Had  no 
conference. 

29.  Read.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.  Read  the  proof- 
sheet  of  my  address.     It  is  not  put  in  a  very  handsome  form. 

30.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  the  printers.  Borrowed  $50.00  at  the  bank 
for  two  months.  Received  $49.50.  Paid  $12.00  for  a  pair  of  wheels  for  my 
sulky.     At  evening  rode  to  Scantick  and  visited  sick  persons. 

31.  Wrote.  Visited.  Mr.  Frey,'  the  Jew  preacher,  came  here  for  his 
circuit.  He  preached  well,  and  we  had  a  full  meeting.  We  had  a  collection 
for  his  congregation  in  New  York,  and  got  $13.50.  He  appears  to  be  a 
respectable  and  serious  man.     He  gave  some  useful  information. 

August. 

1.  Wrote  on  my  pecuniary  accounts.  They  are  very  much  in  arrear. 
Visited.  Paid  a  tailoress,  $1.38.  A  man  here  has  failed,  and  involved  a 
number  of  others.     Read. 

2.  Reviewing  my  pecuniary  accounts.  Visited.  Attended  our  evening 
prayer-meeting.     Pretty  thin. 

3.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer  92°.  Wrote  a  part  of  a 
sermon  on  Job  xi :  20.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an 
excellent  man  in  middle  life,  who  died  of  an  apoplexy.  Got  home  late.  I 
hope  my  brother  will  be  benefited  by  his  voyage. 

4.  Expounded  on  Acts  iii.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun 
yesterday.  Thermometer  over  90°.  The  air  very  languid.  After- meeting 
had  a  shower.  Attended  the  evening  conference.  My  health,  through  the 
divine  blessing,  is  much  improved. 

5.  Visited.  Cool.  Read,  Rode  out.  Deacon  Loomis^  is  quite  poor. 
Attended  the  monthly  concert.  Received  a  letter  from  Professor  Silliman,' 
requesting  me  to  attend  the  approaching  examination  of  college. 

6.  W^rote.  Walked  out.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Quite  cool. 
Last  evening  Mr.  Charles  Goodrich"  brought  me  a  manuscript  History  of  the 
United  States  f 07-  Schools,  to  be  revised. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  to  Windsor  and  home.  Visited  at  Windsor. 
At  evening  attended  the  church  conference.  We  have  quite  cool  nights. 
Serious  things  are  pretty  low  among  us.     The  Lord  be  our  helper. 

8.  Visited.  Read  Goodrich's  MSS.  A  young  Mr.  Stoddard*  called  on 
me  from  Boston,  searching  for  family  history.  At  evening  preached  at  the 
Mill  neighborhood  on  John  iv  :   15.     Thin  meeting. 


'  See  note  June  28,  1S22.  dated  with  his  brother,  Samuel  G.,  in  pub- 

^  Deacon  Amasa  Loomis.  lishing. 

3  Benjamin    Silliman,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Pro-  ^  This   was   probably  Mr.  Charles    Stod- 

fessor  of   Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  and  Geol-  dard,  of  Boston,  who  died  in  1S73,  ^"'l  "'^^ 

ogy  at  Yale  College,  1S02-1S53.     His  son  of  a  young  man  in  1822.     For  thirty-three  years 

the  same  name  held  the  chair  of  C  hemistry.  before  his  death  he  was  one  of  the  deacons 

*  Rev,   Charles  A,   Goodrich,  now   asso-  of  the  Old  South  Church,  Boston. 


l822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  QOI 

9.  Wrote  to  Professor  Silliman.  Read  MSS.  Attended  the  catechis- 
ing of  the  children.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  I  cannot  prevent  per- 
sons from  becoming  Baptists. 

10.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  the  nature  of  divine  worship.  A 
pretty  difficult  subject.     Rode  out.     Thermometer  about  90°. 

11.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Rev.  xxii :  9.  In  the  forenoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  2  Pet.  ii :  4.  There  was  a  Baptist  meeting  here, 
and  three  women  were  baptized.  These  things  are  a  severe  affliction  to  me, 
but  God  will  so  have  it.  Quite  dry  and  dusty.  Thermometer  93°.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.  A  Methodist  meeting  was  also  held  here 
today.  I  hope,  through  divine  mercy,  never  to  witness  a  similar  scene  here 
again.*     I  am  forty-five  years  old. 

12.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Visited  sick  persons.  Very  warm.  Ther- 
mometer 92°.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage.'^ 

13.  Read.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Wrote.  Walked  out.  Read  MSS.  Hin- 
dered by  company. 

14.  Finished  Mr.  Goodrich's  MSS.  It  does  not  appear  quite  as  well 
as  I  expected.     Wrote.     Walked  out. 

15.  Read.  Looked  over  the  last  census  of  the  country.  Massachusetts  is 
the   most   populous    State.^     The   prospects   of    New   York   are   very   great. 

16.  Visited  the  sick.  A  man  and  his  wife  are  severely  sick  with  the  lung 
fever.  Visited  a  school.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Melons  are  very 
plenty. 

17.  Rode  to  Enfield.  A  tornado  here  on  the  15th  did  considerable 
injury  to  my  brother's  buildings.  He  is  absent.  His  people  are  shingling  his 
barn.  Visited  afflicted  families.  Returned.  Very  warm.  Our  sick  family 
are  very  bad.  Got  home  late.  At  Windsor  Mr.  Harlehigh  Haskell'*  pre- 
sented me  an  old  sword  used  by  Sergeant  Hayden^  in  the  Pequod  War. 

18.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Acts  iii :  26.  Preached  an  old  sermon 
onProv.  v:  12.  A  Baptist  meeting  here  was  thin.  Attended  the  conference. 
Very  tired.     Hot  and  very  dry. 

19.  Quite  unwell  with  a  pain  in  my  side.  Visited  the  sick  family.  I  hope 
they  are  a  little  better.  At  night  we  had  a  thunder-shower.  On  the  17th 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Tenney,^  of  Wethersfield. 

20.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting. 
Preached    on    Rev.    xxii :    9.     Very   warm. 


'  That  is,  to  have  a  Methodist  and  a  Bap-  than   she,   and  some    of    these   had    hardly 

tist  preaching  on  the  same  day  in  his  parish.  begun  to  exist  in  1S22. 

2  Between   Charles    W.    Bunce,    of    New  *  Harlehigh  Haskell  was  a  brother  of  Eli 
York,  and  Julia  Bidwell.  B.  and   Harris    Haskell,  all   sons   of  Jabez 

3  "  Westward  the  course  of  empire  "  has  Haskell,  of  Windsor. 

taken  its  way  since  that  time.     By  the  census  '  William  Hayden,  who  came  to  Windsor 

of  1S20,  Massachusetts  had  523,159,  and  by  with  the  Dorchester  Company  in  1636,  and 

the  census  of  18S0,  she  had  1,783,085.     And  was   sergeant   under   Capt.  John    Mason   in 

yet  Illinois,    Indiana,  Missouri,  New   York,  the  Pequod  War. 
Ohio,  and   Pennsylvania  are  now  all   larger  ''Caleb  J.  Tenney,  D.  D. 


902  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

2  1.  Returned.  Examined  manuscripts  at  Col.  VVyllis's.  Some  of  them 
are  quite  valuable.  I  was  much  disappointed  in  not  finding  pamphlets. 
Visited   the    sick.     Tired. 

22.  Visited  the  sick.  We  have  now  an  unusual  number.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford  and  preached  for  Mr.  Fairchild  to  the  Female  Benevolent  Society 
on  Ps.  li:  i8.     Old  Mr.  Tudor  is  quite  sick. 

23.  An  aged  man  died  here  last  night.'  Visited  the  sick.  Last  night 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury.  On  the  21st  received  the  annual 
consociational  letter  from  Dr.  Flint.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Tenney,  of  Wethersfield. 
At  evening  we  had  a  hard  shower. 

24.  Began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xlviii :  12-14.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  a 
funeral.     Wrote,  though  weary. 

25.  Wrote  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  xlviii :  12,  13,  14.  It  was  not 
quite  finished.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Tired  and  feeble. 
Visited   the    sick. 

26.  Visited  a  small  school  of  young  ladies.  Visited  the  sick.  Am  not  as 
well  as  I  have  been.     Tarried  out. 

27.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  sister.  Walked  and  visited. 
Read.     Mr.  Tudor  is  very  low. 

28.  Wrote  to  my  brother  James  yesterday.  Rode  and  visited  the  sick  here 
at  Wapping  all  day.  We  have  an  unusual  number.  There  is  a  great  deal  of 
fruit.     We  have  very  cold  and  damp  nights. 

29.  Rode  to  Wethersfield  and  preached  for  the  Female  Auxiliary  Society 
on  Ps.  li :  18.  Received  a  present  of  old  pamphlets  from  Mr.  Stoddard,  of 
Northampton.^     The  yellow  fever  is  very  bad  in  New  York.^ 

30.  Visited.  I  hope  our  sick  are  convalescing.  Attended  the  catechising 
of  the  children.  They  do  pretty  well.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin 
C.  Robbins."     Attended  prayer-meeting. 

31.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Rom.  vi :  16.  A  Methodist  camp-meeting  in 
Ellington  excites  considerable  attention.  Read.  I  do  not  write  as  fast  as  I 
used  to  do.* 

September. 

1.  Expounded  on  Acts  iv,  the  31st  verse,  and  preached  the  sermon 
written  yesterday.  The  ground  is  very  dry  and  dusty.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.  Meetings  not  very  full.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ogden,^ 
of  New  Haven. 

2.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  visited  a  sick  woman.     Wrote.     Showery. 


I 


'  Nathaniel  Rockwell,  aged  seventy-six,  the  fact   as   if   it  were  to  his   disadvantage, 

'^  A  descendant,  doubtless,  of  the  vener-  May  it  not  be  that  he  wrote  more  carefully 

able    Solomon    Stoddard,   pastor   at    North-  and  judiciously  than  when  he  was  younger. 

ampton,  1672-1729.  Rapid  writing  is  not  generally  the  best. 

^  Not  nearly  so  destructive,  however,  as  *  Rev.  David  Longworth  Ogden,  born  in 

in  some  previous  years.  Hartford,  1792,  graduated  at  Yale,  1814,  and 

*  Chandler  Robbins.  Andover,    1818,  pastor   at    Southington,  Ct., 

^  Dr.  Robbins   has  told   us   this   a  great  Whitestown,  N.  Y.,  and  Marlborough,  Mass. 

many  times,  and  always  seems  to   speak  of  Died  in  New  Haven,  Ct.,  1S63. 


l822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  903 

Attended  the  wedding  of  Mr.  Allan  Hough,'  Baptist  minister,  and  Maria 
Bancroft ;  performed  by  Mr.  Cushman,^  of  Hartford.  Our  monthly  prayer- 
meeting  was  prevented  by  the  rain. 

3.  Visited  the  sick.  Quite  warm.  Read.  Wrote.  At  evening  per- 
formed a  marriage.^ 

4.  Left  home  between  one  and  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  rode  to 
New  Haven  in  a  little  more  than  eight  hours.  Attended  the  examination  at 
college.     Several  other  gentlemen  were  present  for  the  same  purpose. 

5.  Attended  laboriously  at  the  examination  all  day.  I  think  they  do  not 
perform  better,  except  in  the  languages,  than  the  students  did  when  I  was  at 
college.     Drank  tea  at  Mr.  Silliman's  with  a  college  company. 

6.  Finished  the  examination  about  noon.  Visited.  Looked  over  Dr. 
Dana's"*  pamphlets.  He  had  a  great  number.  Mrs.  Dana  gave  me,  very 
kindly,  one  hundred  and  sixty .^  My  list  of  election  sermons  is  now  nearly 
complete.     Am  treated  with  much  kindness. 

7.  Saw  my  cousin  J.  W.  Robbins.  Made  calls.  Rode  home.  My  pam- 
phlets make  a  large  bundle.  The  dust  very  severe.  Our  sick  people  are 
gaining.  Yesterday  Mr.  Twining*  paid  me  $7.20  for  attending  at  the 
examination.     I    was   kept   at   his   house. 

8.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Job  vi :  4,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Acts 
xxiv:  25.     Visited  sick  persons.     Very  tired. 

9.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Coleman,^  tutor  at  college.  Looked  over  the  pamphlets 
I  procured  last  week.  Some  of  them  are  quite  valuable.  Rode  out  and 
visited  the  sick. 

10.  Visited.  Set  out  for  New  Haven.  Dined  with  the  officers  of  the 
regiment  at  Hartford.  Rode  to  Meriden.  Had  company  on  the  way.  Very 
warm  and  dusty. 

11.  Rode  early  and  got  to  New  Haven  at  nine  o'clock.  The  Commence- 
ment exercises  were  very  good.  The  greatest  collection  of  people,  I  am 
persuaded,  I  have  ever  seen  here  on  this  occasion.  My  cousin  J.  W.  Robbins* 
graduated,  and  Philip  BattelP  entered  college.  Several  of  Norfolk  friends 
are  here.  Mr.  Nash,'°  of  Tolland,  preached  the  Concio  ad  Clerum.  The  heat 
was  severe. 

12.  Attended   the  meeting  of   the  Education  Society.     It  appears  to  do 


'  We  have    here  the   given  name  of  the  ^  That  was  a  rich  gift,  as  choice  and  select 

Baptist  minister,  Hough,  for  which  we  have  old  pampiilets  are  now  regarded, 

hitherto  searched  in  vain.     By  the  fact  here  *  Stephen    Twining,    A.  M.,    steward     of 

recorded,  his   assiduous   attentions   to   East  Yale  College,  1819-1S32. 

Windsor  were   probably  not   altogether  de-  ^  Lyman  Coleman,  D.  D.,  afterwards  pro- 

nominational.  fessor  in  Lafayette  College. 

-  Rev.  Elisha  Cushman,  Baptist  minister  *  James    Watson    Robbins,    son    of    his 

of  Hartford.  brother  J.  W.  Robbins. 

3  Between    Horace     Hooker,    of     Clyde,  '  Philip  Battell,  then  in  his  fifteenth  year. 

N.  Y.,  and  Helen  Wolcott.  '°  Rev.  Ansel   Nash,  settled   as  colleague 

-•  Rev.  James  Dana,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  First  with  Dr.  Nathan  Williams,  of  Tolland,  and 

Church,  New  Haven,  1789-1805.  pastor  there  1S13-1831. 


904  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBRINS,    D.D.  [l822. 

mucli  good.  Attended  the  ordination  of  three  missionaries'  under  the  care  of 
the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  Two  of  them  go  to  the  Sandwich  Islands, 
and  one  to  Palestine,  The  scene  was  very  interesting  and  solemn.  Dr. 
Mil'er/  of  New  Jersey,  preached.  The  collection  of  people  was  very  great. 
The  house,  I  think,  was  more  crowded  than  yesterday.  The  heat  very  severe 
and  oppressive.  After  the  services  the  Lord's  Supper  was  attended  at  the 
other  meeting-house.  I  did  not  attend.  Looked  over  the  old  manuscripts 
and  pamphlets  of  the  former  Mr.  Whittlesey,^  of  this  town.  Received  about 
one  hundred  pamphlets,  given  me  by  Miss  Betsey  Whittlesey."  Dr.  Darling 
gave  me  a  few  that  are  very,  valuable.  At  evening  rode  to  Wallingford. 
Paid  for  a  map  of  the  State  of  New  York,  $5.00. 

13.  Rode  early  and  got  home  about  one  o'clock.  The  drought  is  exten- 
sive and  severe.  Warmer  perhaps  than  yesterday.  Thermometer  90°. 
Received  a  dividend  at  the  Phoenix  Bank,  and  paid  Hills,  $52.00.  The 
pestilence  at  New  York  is  very  distressing.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a 
school.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

14.  Wrote.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Of  the  election  sermons  printed  in 
this  State  I  have  all  but  five.^  At  evening  set  out  to  ride  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to 
exchange.  Tarried  on  the  way.  We  had  a  moderate  and  most  grateful 
shower. 

15.  Preached  on  Ps.  cxix  :  6,  and  Job  xi :  20.  Mr,  Bartlett  preached  to 
my  i^eople  in  the  forenoon,  and  in  the  afternoon  a  Mr.  Lombard,  of  Oswego, 
N.  Y.     In  the  evening  attended  the  conference,     Mr.  Lombard*  preached, 

16.  Read.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Orford  and  visited  at  Dr.  Cooley's.  Looked 
over  a  quantity  of  old  books.     Cool. 

17.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbur}-.  Rode  to  Wap- 
ping and  visited  a  school.  Paid  $1.50  for  a  hand-sled  made  for  me  last 
winter.     Quite  cool.     The  corn  is  mostly  ripe. 

18.  This  morning  we  had  our  first  frost.  It  was  pretty  hard.  The 
pastures  are  very  dry,  and  springs  are  uncommonly  low.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ely, 
of  Simsbur}-.  Attended  the  training  of  a  regiment  of  cavalry  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  society,     Mr.  Bartlett  is  chaplain. 

19.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  regimental  training.  Prayed  with 
the  regiment.  In  the  afternoon  it  was  quite  rainy.  The  officers  got  ver)'  wet. 
I  did  not  ride  after  dinner.  Attended  a  while  at  the  United  States  Circuit 
Court.  At  evening  looked  over  pamphlets.  Tarried  at  Dr.  Flint's.  He  is 
quite  unwell.     His  society  conduct  very  badly. 

20.  A  steady  rainy  day.     Very  refreshing  to   the  ground.     Continued  at 


'  William  Goodell,  William  Richards,  and  excellent    and    charitable    women    of    New 

Artemas    Bishop,   the   first    two,   especially,  Haven  when  the  writer  of  this  note  was  in 

notable  men.  Yale  College,  1835-1839. 

^  Samuel    Miller,  D.  D,,  a   distinguished  ^  The  problem  draws  nearer  and  nearer 

professor  in  the  Princeton  Seminary,  to  a  solution,  and   Dr.  Robbins  knows   the 

^  Rev,   Chauncey   Whittlesey,  pastor    of  joy  of  a  collector, 

the  First  Church  in  New  Haven,  1758-1787.  *  Rev.  Horatio  J.  Lombard,  a  graduate  of 

*  Miss  Betsey  Whittlesey  was  one  of  the  Williams  in  18 15. 


l822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  905 

Hartford.     Looked  over  pamphlets  at  Dr.  Strong's,  and  other  places.     Had  a 
good  many  given  to  me.     Paid  for  books,  $1.50. 

21.  Tarried  last  night  at  Dr.  Flint's.  He  is  very  poor  with  nervous 
affections,  a  part  of  the  time  under  much  delirium.  Rode  home.  Wrote, 
Walked  out  and  visited. 

22.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  v:  7.  I  regret  that  I  could  not 
have  been  at  home,  and  written  one  yesterday.  Full  meeting.  Preached 
long.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  with  old  notes  on  John 
xii:  37.  Baptized  six  children  here,'  and  five  at  Wapping."  Very  tired.  Sat 
up  late. 

23.  Read  in  Trumbull's  History  of  Con?iecticnt.  Wrote.  I  have  a  hard 
cold.     At  evening  walked  out. 

24.  Rode  to  Northington  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  Broke  my 
sulky  at  Hartford,  and  was  hindered.  Dr.  Flint's  society  appear  to  be  in  a 
better  state  than  they  have  been.  I  hope  God  will  preserve  them  from  the 
devices  of  the  Universalists.  The  Conso  had  formed  before  I  arrived.  Am 
much  oppressed  with  my  cold.     Several  ministers  were  absent. 

25.  The  Conso  had  considerable  business.  Afternoon  returned.  Am 
very  hoarse,  and  much  oppressed  with  my  cold.     Warm. 

26.  Saw  yesterday  at  Northington  my  cousin  J.  W.  Robbins.  Mr.  New- 
bur)^,  of  Windsor,  called  here  today  to  get  him  to  take  their  school.  Visited. 
I  have  been  through  a  very  interesting  and  varied  scene  for  ten  months  past, 
which  now  appears  to  be  closed.'  Visited  our  academy.  Mr.  Eells  has  done 
well  in  it.     Warm  and  showery. 

27.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Orford  and  dined  with  a  military  company.  At- 
tended the  catechising  of  the  children.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer- 
meeting.     Quite  thin. 

28.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  Job  xxix :  2,  3,  4,  5.  I  write  slow,  and  have 
many  hindrances.     Have  something  of  my  tremor. 

29.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  rain.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon 
on  Job  xxix:  2,  5.  Thermometer  rose  to  88°.  Attended  the  conference. 
Pretty  thin. 

30.  Set  out  for  Norfolk.  Paid  at  Hartford  for  mending  my  sulky,  and  for 
one  which  I  lately  hired,  ^1.75.  Looked  over  the  pamphlets  of  the  former 
Rev.  Mr.  Boardman."*  Found  the  valuable  election  sermon  of  Gov.  Salton- 
stall.  On  the  28th  Dr.  Reed  paid  me  $5.00,  money  borrowed,  with  ^i.oo 
interest.  Paid  at  the  Hartford  Bank,  $50.00,  borrowed  July  30th.  Rode  to 
my  brother's  at  Colebrook.     Rode  late.     My  horse  is  very  poor. 


'  The   six  baptized   at  the  center  of   the  ton ;  and  Louisa,  daughter  of  Timothy  Mun- 

parish  were   Elizabeth,  Edward,  and  Julius,  sell. 

children  of  Daniel  Hayden;    Frederic  Wol-  ^  He  speaks,  but  still  keeps  silence,  and 

cott,  Maria,  and  Abner   Edgar,  children   of  we  conjecture  in  vain. 
Cyrus  Cole.  *  In^cv.  Benjamin  Boardman,  pastor  of  the 

^  The  five  at  Wapping  Were  Ruth,  Chloe  South  Church,  Hartford,  1784-1802.     He  was 

Adeline,  and  James  Francis,  children  of  Joel  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1758,  and  died  during 

Rockwell;  Elihu  Avery,  son  of  John  Stough-  the  year  1S02. 


go6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

October. 

1.  Rode  to  Norfolk,  Found  my  good  mother  out,  and  quite  comfortable. 
Visited.     Mr.  Battell  has  lately  sent  his  second  son  to  Middlebury  College. 

2.  Wet.  Visited  old  acquaintance.  Had  a  good  visit  with  my  con- 
nections.    A  good   Providence  takes  care   of   my  good  mother. 

3.  Gave  my  cousin  S.  Lawrence,  $i.oo.  Rode  home.  Yesterday  was 
quite  cold,  and  this  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  Received  a  letter  from 
Miss  H.  Judd.  Have  had  a  prosperous  journey.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Newbury,  of 
Windsor. 

4.  Wrote.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Gal.  iv :  6. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Was  out  late. 

5.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  9.     Quite  warm.     Wrote  late. 

6.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke  xxii:  15.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  The  church  full.  Preached  the  sermon  written 
yesterday.  I  believe  my  afternoon  sermons,  for  six  months  past,  have  been 
more  than  fifty  minutes  on  an  average.  Did  not  feel  able  to  attend  a  con- 
ference.    Walked  out.     Full  meeting. 

7.  Read.  Am  much  fatigued.  Visited  and  catechised  a  school.  At- 
tended our  monthly  concert  of  prayer  in  the  evening.     Rather  thin. 

8.  Performed  a  marriage  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford,'  Long  Hill. 
Paid  for  Morse's  Gazetteer^  $4-50,  and  for  Smith's  Sermons,  $3.00.  Yesterday 
received  of  my  collector,  $7.59,  and  paid  the  same  to  a  merchant.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  church  conference.  Sent  to  Dt.  Reed  two  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  of  money  of  Dr.  Everest's  ^  bequest  for  charitable  purposes. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  cattle  show.  The  exhibition  of 
domestic  manufactures  exceeded  that  of  any  former  year.  There  was  a  very 
great  collection  of  people.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  My  cousin  James  Robbins* 
called  here.  He  is  disappointed  of  his  expected  school  at  Windsor.  The 
weather  very  pleasant. 

10.  Read  Smith's  Sermons^  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  The  exhibition 
at  the  cattle  show  has  been  better  than  on  any  former  occasion. 

11.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Read. 
Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  The  last  for  the  present  season.  I 
think  it  has  done  good.     Our  prayer-meeting  was  thin. 


'  Between  Adolphus  J.  Stone,  of  Scantic,  ington,  were   appointed   to   have  the  super- 

and  Laura  Hayes,  of  East  Hartford.  vision  of  this  fund. 

^  Jedediah  Morse,  D.  D.,  father  of  Ameri-  *  His   nephew,  James  W.  Robbins,   who 

can  geography.  had  just  been  graduated  at  Yale  College. 

^  Dr.  Solomon  Everest,  of  Canton,  left  a  ^  Smith's  Sermons,  once  before  mentioned, 

legacy  to  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  were   from    the    pen   of    Samuel    Stanhope 

and  the  General  Association  to  be  disposed  Smith,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  professor  in   the  Col- 

of    for    benevolent    purposes    according   to  lege   of  New   Jersey,  and   vice-president   of 

their  discretion.     It  was  decided   at  first  to  the  same.     He  was  an  accomplished  scholar 

give  the   income   of  it   to  some   needy  and  and  writer.     He  died  in  1S19,  at  the  age  of 

worthy  young  man  at  Yale  College  studying  sixty-nine.      His   sermons,    in   two   volumes, 

for  the   ministry.     Dr.  Robbins,    Rev.  Jere-  were  published  in  1821,  and  held  a  high  place 

miah  Hallock,  and  Dr.  Noah  Porter,  of  Farm-  in  our  religious  literature. 


l82  2.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  907 

12.  Read  Dwight's  Travels}  We  have  some  difficulty  about  our  singing- 
school  ;  but  I  trust  it  will  do  well.  It  gives  me  anxiety.  In  the  evening 
rode  to  Windsor  to  exchange. 

13.  Mr.  Rowland  rode  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Ps.  cxix  :  6,  and 
I  Cor.  ii :  9.  Rode  home  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haskell.  Preached  in  the 
evening  at  Pine  Meadow  without  notes  on  Acts  iii :  26.  Preached  too  long. 
Very  tired. 

14.  Cold.  Rode  to  Long  Meadow.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  The  Will- 
iams family  have  a  valuable  collection,  but  wish  to  retain  them.  Rode  to 
Enfield.  Paid  Mrs.  Storrs^  $7.00,  for  two  volumes  of  the  Christian  Obscifer  in 
numbers,  and  .75  for  pamphlets. 

15.  Rode  to  Wethersfield  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  The  meeting- 
house here  has  been  very  much  injured  by  a  violent  wind.  Tobacco  fields 
are  very  green  and  growing. 

16.  We  had  a  hard  frost.  Till  now  vegetation  in  many  places  has  not 
been  checked.  We  bad  a  good  meeting.  Rode  home.  A  boy  in  our  family 
is  quite  unwell.  A  Baptist  meeting  was  held  here  last  Sabbath.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother  at  Lenox.  Read.  Mr.  Eells  began  a  regular  study  of 
divinity.  Paid  a  post  office  bill  of  $3.80.  Read  Mr.  Stiles's  election  sermon, 
A.  D.  1742.^ 

17.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  Quite  warm.  Tar- 
ried out.     We  have  a  great  crop  of   corn. 

18.  Visited  the  sick.  Read.  At  evening  our  meeting  was  thin.  It  is  a 
time  of  great  stupidity  with  us. 

19.  '  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  in  visiting  the  sick.  We  have  a  very 
unusual  number,  and  some  cases  very  bad.  Could  not  write  a  sermon  as  I 
designed.     Very  warm. 

20.  Expounded  on  Acts  iv :  31  to  v  :  11.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on 
Ex.  X  :  17.     Visited  the  sick.     Went  into  the  singing-school.     It  appears  well. 

21.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Visited.  Read.  On  the  19th  received  a  letter 
from  Dr.  Perkins  to  call  the  Consociation  to  a  special  meeting  at  Farmington. 
I  hope  some  of  our  sick  ones  are  a  little  better.     Hindered  by  company. 

22.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Lieut.  Ellsworth.*  He 
has  lived  with  his  wife,  now  a  widow,  sixty-four  years.  Visited.  Wrote  to 
Mrs.  Storrs,  of  Longmeadow.  Quite  cold.  Mr.  Bulkley^  officiated  at  the 
funeral. 


'  In   New   England   and    New   York,   in  ^  This  was   Rev.  Isaac   Stiles    (father  of 

four  volumes,  1822.  President  Stiles),  pastor  at  North  Haven,  Ct., 

^  The    widow    of    Rev.    Richard    Salter  1724-1760.     He  was  a  native  of  Windsor,  and 
Storrs,  of  Longmeadow,  who  died   in    18 19.  was  fitted  for  college  by  Rev.  Timothy  Ed- 
Rev.  Mr.  Storrs's  first  wife  was  Sally  Willis-  wards,  father  of  Jonathan, 
ton,  of  East  Haven,  Ct.     She  died  in  1798,  ♦  Lieut.    Solomon   Ellsworth,   previously 
and  his  second  wife,  who  survived  him,  was  mentioned. 

Sarah  Williams,  granddaughter  of  Dr.  Ste-  s  This  must  have  been  Rev.  GershomBulk- 

phen     Williams,    first    minister    of    Long-  ley,   from    1778  to  1808  pastor  of  the  north 

meadow.  parish  in  Middletown,  Ct.  (now  Cromwell). 


9o8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Borrowed  money  at  the  bank.  Paid  Hudson  for 
tiiy  carpet,  $22.50.  I  had  paid  $20.00  for  it  before.  Paid  Scarboro,  $10.00, 
Paid  Corning,  for  shoes  for  mother,  $3.50.  Paid  Dewey,  towards  my  book- 
case, $20.00.  For  paper,  $2,47.  For  a  book,  $2.00.  Attended  to  the  busi- 
ness of  the  insane  institution.     Cold.     We  have  hard  frosts. 

24.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  at 
Hartford.  Ecclesiastical  matters  there  are  not  in  a  very  good  state.  Came 
and  tarried  at  Wapping. 

25.  Visited  the  sick.  God  is  very  good  in  sparing  them.  Read.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Battell.   'Had  a  good  pra3'er-meeting.     Gave  the  biography  of  Jacob. 

26.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Jonah  ii :  8.  Wrote  late.  The  sick- 
ness at  New  Orleans  and  Pensacola  is  very  severe. 

27.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Jonah  ii :  8.  Preached  with 
old  notes  on  Matt,  xxvii :  54.  At  evening  attended  conference.  Very  chilly. 
Tarried  out. 

28.  On  the  25th  wrote  a  will  for  Mr.  Sadd.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Visited 
the  sick.     Read.     Wrote.     Prepared  for  my  journey. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Rode  to  Middletown  and  attended  a  meeting  to 
organize  the  insane  institution.  The  meeting  was  large  and  respectable. 
Returned  with  Mr.  Imlay  to  Hartford,  and  in  the  evening  rode  to  Farmington 
to  attend  Consociation,  which  met  there  today  to  attend  to  a  difficulty  in  the 
church. 

30.  Am  very  kindly  entertained  at  Gen.  Cowles.*  In  the  morning  was 
chosen  scribe  of  Conso  on  the  resignation  of  Mr.  McLean.  Were  all  day  and 
evening  hearing  witnesses  and  lawyers. 

31.  Wrote  very  late  last  night  on  a  result  for  the  Conso.  We  were  very 
intent  in  deliberation  all  day.  We  were  not  well  agreed  in  opinion.  The 
people  here  express  much  anxiety  on  the  result.^ 

November. 

1.  Last  night  wrote  very  late  on  a  result,  till  after  two  o'clock.  It 
received  some  alterations  from  the  committee,  and  on  being  presented  to  the 
Conso  it  passed  unanimously.  It  was  read  in  public,  and  I  hope  will  do  good. 
Rode  home.  Quite  cold.  Am  much  fatigued.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
cousin  J.  W.  Robbins. 

2.  Wrote  to  my  brother  Francis.  Read.  Wrote.  Can  do  but  little. 
Read   old   confessions   of   faith. 

3.  Expounded  on  Actsv:   12-33.     Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  xiv  :  7. 


He  was  a  native  of  Wethersfield,  and  after  Bulkley  was   called  to  attend  this  funeral, 

leaving  the   ministry  at   Middletown,  seems  only  that   Mrs.   Ellsworth  was   a  native   of 

to  have  made  his  home  at  Wethersfield.     He  Glastonbury,  Ct.  (opposite  Wethersfield),  and 

was  a  descendant  of  Peter  Bulkley,  the  first  Rev.    Mr.    Bulkley  may   have   been   of    her 

minister  of   Concord,    Mass.  (1636),  through  kindred  or  early  acquaintance. 

Rev.  GersKom  Bulkley  of  New  London,  Ct.,  '  Gen.  George  Cowles. 

and  Rev.  John  Bulkley,  pastor  at  Colchester,  -  The  points  at  issue  in  this  controversy 

Ct.,  1703-1731      We  do   not  know  why  Mr.  are  not  given. 


f 


1822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


909 


Full   meeting.     At   evening   attended   the    conference.     Examined  a  school- 
master. 

4.  Read.  We  have  quite  frosty  nights.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended 
the  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

5.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Was  out  all  day.  I  hope  our  sick  are  a 
little  gaining.  I  do  not  perform  so  much  in  an  equal  time  in  visiting  as  I 
used  to  do. 

6.  Have  many  interruptions  in  study.  Hindered  by  company.  Dined 
out.  Read.  At  evening  attended  the  church  conference.  On  the  4th  wrote 
to  my  brother  at  Enfield.     W^e  have  very  fine  weather. 

7.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  managers 
of  the  Hartford  Connecticut  Missionary  Society.  Its  prospects  are  encourag- 
ing.    My  health  is  better  than  usual.     God  be   thanked. 

8.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspapers.  Rode  to  Hartford  quickly,  and 
carried  it.  Hindered.  Read  the  Bible,  Attended  the  evening  prayer- 
meeting. 

9.  Hard  sick  all  day.  A  severe  pain  in  my  head,  and  fever.  At  evening 
took  an  emetic,  which  operated  powerfully,  and  gave  me  some  relief.  After  a 
little  time  in  the  morning  kept  my  bed  entirely. 

10.  Am  relieved,  through  great  mercy,  and  sat  up  some.  I  think  I  took 
cold  on  Friday.  Sent  to  Hartford,  and  Mr.  Whittlesey,'  very  kindly,  came  up 
and  preached.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  brother.  Last  evening 
my  cousin  James ^  came  here,  going  to  Enfield  to  keep  their  school. 

11.  Am  gaining  a  little,  but  am  quite  feeble.  Am  not  able  to  read.  Took 
physic.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury. 

12.  Went  down  stairs  for  the  first  time  since  Saturday  morning.  Worked 
at  my  pamphlets.     It  is  difficult  for  me  to  find  employment. 

13.  Read  a  little.  My  head  is  very  weak  and  irritable.  Worked  some  at 
pamphlets.     Wrote  a  little.     Cannot  bear  much  attention. 

14.  On  the  8th  got  me  a  valuable  pair  of  boots  ;  gave  an  order  on  my 
collector  of  $7.00.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  The 
rain  is  very  acceptable,  as  the  wells  are  uncommonly  low. 

15.  Last  night  old  Mr.  Tudor  had  a  hard  paralytic  shock,  and  now  lies 
very  low  and  speechless.  Visited  him  ;  the  first  time  I  have  been  into  the 
street  during  my  illness.  In  the  afternoon  rode  out  a  little  way.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury. 

16.  Walked  out.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  I  have  a  great  many  dupli- 
cates. Have  expected  to  be  able  to  preach  tomorrow,  but  conclude  I  cannot. 
Mr.  Tudor  will  not  recover.     Read  the  Bible. 

17.  Attended  meeting.  Had  sermons  read.  Performed  the  other  exer- 
cises.    Full  meeting,  and  a  very  pleasant  day.     At  evening  attended  confer- 


'  Rev.  Samuel    Whittlesey,  graduated   at  ^  His  nephew,  James  Watson  Robbins,  of 

Yale  in  1803,  had  been  settled  at  New  Pres-  Lenox,  who  had  been  disappointed  about  his 

ton,   Ct.,    1807-1817,  was    now  teaching  at  expected  school  in  Windsor,  had  obtained  a 

Hartford.    He  died  in  1842.  school  in  Enfield. 


QIO  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1822. 

ence,  but  did  but  little.     Am  very  feeble  for  speaking.     Mr.  Tudor  is  very 
low.     Read  the  Bible. 

iS.  Had  a  joiner  to  work  for  me.  Was  with  him  considerably.  Mr. 
Joseph  Emerson  and  his  wife'  dined  here,  and  stayed  some  time.  Wet,  At 
evening  my  brother  Frank  and  wife  came  here  to  see  me  and  tarried.  Am 
better  today  than  I  feared. 

19.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  rain.  My  brother  and  wife  went  off. 
Worked  at  my  chamber.  Paid  my  joiner  for  work,  $1.25,  .50  of  which  I 
charge  to  Dewey,  my  cabinet-maker.  Paid  for  a  piece  of  furniture,  made  some 
time  ago,  $4.50.  Wrote  for  Mr.  Wolcott,  In  the  evening  my  good  friend  Mr. 
Tudor ^  died,  aged  eighty-five.     I  was  at  the  house  soon  after. 

20.  Visited.  Attended  to  my  pamphlets.  Walked  to  the  Hill.  Visited 
on  the  way.  Have  not  walked  so  far  before  since  my  illness.  Received  an 
esteemed  present  of  $5.00.     Tarried  out. 

21.  Was  carried  home.  Cold.  Read.  At  evening  Rev.  Mr.  Benedict,  of 
Pawtucket,^  an  open  communion  Baptist,  came  here  and  tarried.  He  is 
collecting  historical  documents.  I  estimated  the  two  hundred  and  six 
churches  of  this  State  to  contain  one  hundred  and  fifty  communicants  each. 
I  easily  get  fatigued.     Visited  sick  persons. 

22.  Labeled  my  pamphlets.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Tudor. 
Very  rainy.     Got  some  wet,  but  took  no  cold.     Read  the  Bible. 

23.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  heavy  rain.  On  the  20th  wrote  to  Mr.  Ely, 
of  Simsbury.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  visiting  the  sick.  Wrote.  Received  a 
letter  from  Gen.  Howe,  of  New  Haven,  with  a  large  packet  containing  Locke's 
Works  and  one  hundred  pamphlets,  which  I  selected  from  the  stock  of  the 

former  Mr.  Whittlesej'',*  of  New  Haven,  which  were  given  me  in  September. 

24.  I  am  but  poorly  able  to  study.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps. 
cxxxvii :  5,  6.  Afternoon  was  quite  long.  Spoke  much  better  than  I 
expected,  but  was  quite  exhausted.  At  evening  rode  out  and  visited  a  woman 
very  sick.     Quite  cold. 

25.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Got  ninety  pamphlets,  given  me  by  Mr.  Board- 
man,  nephew  and  heir  of  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Boardman.'  Did  errands.  Bad 
riding.     The  river  is  high. 

26.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Worked  at  my  library.  Wrote. 
Read  the  Bible. 

27.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  for  Thanksgiving.  Hindered.  Visited 
the  sick.     Wrote  in  the  ni^ht  till  two  o'clock. 


'  Rev.  Joseph  Emerson  and  his  wife,  from  Mrs.  Griswold's  —  Dr.  Elihu  Tudor,  Samuel 

Beverly,  Mass.     Mr.  Emerson  was  a  native  Tudor,  and  Mrs.  Rhoda  (Tudor)  Griswold. 
of  Hollis,  N.  H.,  a  graduate  of  Harvard,  1798,  ^  Probably  Rev.  David  Benedict,  D.  D.,  a 

pastor  of  the  Third  Church,  Beverly,  1803-  graduate    of    Brown   University,    1S06,   and 

1816,  when  he  established  a  school  in  Bev-  afterward  connected  with  Shurtleff  College, 

erly  which   was  a  well-known   and   honored  111.,  which  was  chartered  in  1835. 
institution.  *  Rev.  Chauncey  Whittlesey,  First  Church, 

"  He  was  the   youngest  of   that  circle  of  New  Haven,  175S-17S7. 
three — brothers  and  sister  —  that  had  been  ^  Rev.  Benjamin  Boardman,  South  Church, 

wont  to  dine  together  once   a  year   at  old  Hartford,  1784,  to  his  death,  1802. 


l822.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  911 

28.  Thanksgiving.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Eccles.  vii :  14.' 
Quite  wet.     Meeting  pretty  thin. 

29.  Quite  unwell  with  headache  and  dysentery.  Scarcely  went  out. 
Could   not   attend   our  evening   meeting. 

30.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Examined  and  disapproved  of  a  school- 
master. Am  much  better  than  yesterday,  through  great  mercy.  Read 
expositors. 

December. 

1.  Performed  my  duties,  though  pretty  feeble.  Forenoon  expounded 
from  Acts  v :  ^;^  to  the  end  of  the  6th.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Mark  viii :  34.  Very  tired.  At  evening  attended  our  singing-school.  It 
does  well.     Mr.  Colton,^  of  Monson,  came  here  and  tarried.     Wet  and  warm. 

2.  Read.  Can  do  but  little.  Rode  out.  At  evening  attended  our 
monthly  concert.     Tarried  out.     Visited  the  sick.     Cool. 

3.  It  snowed  all  day.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
society  for  the  relief  of  the  insane.  The  votes  for  the  location  of  the  institu- 
tion were  unanimous  for  Hartford.  At  evening  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
directors.     Rode  home  late.     Very  bad  riding. 

4.  Very  cold.  Thermometer  about  7°  or  8°.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  directors  for  the  insane.  Returned  in  the 
evenmg.     The  ground  hard  frozen.     Visited. 

5.  Thermometer  about  10°.  Am  troubled  with  a  lame  back.  Kept 
house  the  most  of  the  day.  Looked  over  manuscripts.  I  believe  I  have 
never  lost  a  sermon  that  I  have  written.  Examined  and  approved  a  school- 
master.    Wrote. 

6.  Wrote  to  Howe  &  Spaulding,  New  Haven,  and  to  the  Librarian,^  of 
Yale  College.  Thermometer  27°.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting. 
Spoke  long  on  the  life  of  Joseph.  Last  Sabbath  we  had  considerable 
thunder.     That  day  put  on  my  flannel. 

7.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Rom.  ii :  6-1 1.  Have  many  inter- 
ruptions. Wrote  four  and  one  half  pages  in  the  evening.  Weather  more 
moderate. 

8.  Finished  my  sermon  begun  yesterday,  and  preached  it  both  parts  of 
the  day.  Quite  pleasant.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Read  the 
President's  *  Message.     Not  so  good  as  usual.     It  is  pagan.^ 

9.  Wrote.     Visited  a  school.     Visited  an  aged  sick  woman. 

10.     Read.     Mr.   Hawes,*  late  of  Glastonbury,   called  here.     Visited  our 


*  Text,  "  Be  not  overmuch  wicked,  neither  ^  The  Librarian  of  Yale  College  then  was 

be  thou  foolish:    Why  shouldst    thou    die  Prof.  James  L.  Kingsley,  LL.  D. 
before  thy  time  ? "     A  quaint  text  for  Thanks-  *  James  Monroe,  on  the   second  year  of 

giving.  his  second  term. 

'  Rev.   Simeon  Colton,  D.  D.,  native  of  *  Dr.  Robbins  was  rough  on  Democratic 

Longmeadow,  graduate  of  Yale,  1806,  pastor  Presidents  and  Governors, 
at  Monson  from  181 1  to  1821,  a  very  success-  *  Rev.  Prince  Hawes,  a  native  of  Warren, 

ful  Principal  of  Monson  Academy,  and  later,  Ct.     He  left  Glastonbury  in  1820,  and  later 

President  of  Mississippi  College.  was  settled  in  Woodbridge,  Ct. 


912  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l822. 

academy.     It  is  in  a  very  good  state.     Have  great  difficulty  in  getting  the 
assistance  of  school  visitors.     Visited  the  sick.     Tarried  out. 

11.  Visited  the  sick.  Very  pleasant.  Thermometer  about  temperate. 
Visited  a  school.  At  evening  rode  to  Vernon  and  performed  a  marriage.' 
Tarried  there. 

12.  Rode  home.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  All  of  our  schools,  including 
the  academy,  except  Wapping,  are  taught  by  persons  belonging  to  the 
respective   districts.     Took   cold. 

13.  Am  something  unwell.  Have  a  very  unexpected  trial  in  society 
matters.  Visited.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin. 
Paid  a  highway  tax  of  .39.     Tarried  out. 

14.  Wet  and  rainy.  Visited.  Received  a  letter  from  Obadiah  H.  Hul- 
bert.     Read  expositors.     The  ground  is  quite  open. 

15.  Expounded  on  Acts  vii :  1-17,  and  preached  with  old  notes  on  John 
xvii :   17.     Very  windy  and  tedious.     Quite  tired. 

16.  Our  society  matters  are  in  considerable  agitation.  Thermometer  this 
morning  at  12°.     Wrote,     Visited  a  school.     Visited. 

17.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  their  two  schools.  The  ground  is  hard 
frozen.     Tarried  at  Wapping. 

18.  Visited  families  all  day.  I  hope  some  of  the  people  here  will  unite 
with  our  society.  I  get  along  very  slow  in  visiting.  My  nervous  system  is 
much  affected. 

19.  Rainy.  Visited  and  rode  home.  Much  fatigued.  Our  society  mat- 
ters give  me  great  concern.  Our  help  is  in  the  God  of  heaven.  Received  a 
letter  from  my  brother,  and  one  from  his  son,  G.  A.  Alden.^  Attended  our 
singing-school. 

20.  Wrote.  Was  taken  last  night  with  an  ague  in  my  face,  and  am  quite 
ill.  Attended  to  my  pupil,  Mr.  Eells.  At  evening  went  a  little  while  into  our 
prayer-meeting. 

21.  Last  night  I  became  very  unwell  in  the  night  with  severe  distress  in 
my  head,  I  believe  I  took  cold  by  going  out  in  the  evening.  Had  a  very 
sick  day.  Never  left  my  bed,  except  to  have  it  made  in  the  evening.  My 
physician  concludes  it  may  proceed  from  the  local  affection  in  my  face.  In 
the  evening  my  brother  Frank  and  wife  came  here  on  their  return  from  Nor- 
folk. We  were  expecting  to  exchange  tomorrow.  Mother  is  unexpectedly 
well.  I  am  very  weak.  Our  society  voted  to  sell  the  pews  of  the  meeting- 
house. 

22.  My  brother  and  wife  went  early  to  Enfield.  Mr.  Woodbridge,^  of 
Hartford,  came  here,  at  my  request,  ver}^  kindly,  and  conducted  the  meeting. 
He  is  feeble,  and  preached  but  one  sermon.     There  was  one  sermon  read. 


'  The  persons  married  were  Jehiel  Fuller  He   was   a   descendant   of   Timothy   Wood- 

and  Betsey  Corning,  both  of  Vernon.  bridge,  minister  of  the  First  Church,  Hart- 

^  This  G.  S.  Alden  was  his  brother's  step-  ford,    16S5-1732.      His   name  was  William, 

son.  born  in  1755,  graduated  at   Yale,  17S0,  and 

^  This  Mr.  Woodbridge,  though   bearing  died  in  Franklin,  Ct.,  in  1836.     He  was  the 

the  title  of   Rev.,  was   known  as  a  teacher.  first  Principal  of  Exetei  Academy,  N.  H. 


[822.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


913 


Two  young  women  were  propounded  to  the  church.     Weather  pleasant,     I  am 
much  better,  through  divine  mercy,  though  quite  weak.     Had  company. 

23.  Mr.  Woodbridge  went  off  early.  Cold  and  very  windy.  Am  much 
better.  Notwithstanding  my  weak  state  I  rode  out  in  the  afternoon,  about  a 
mile,  and  tarried  over  night.  Our  society  matters  appear  to  be  in  a  very 
critical  state.  My  help  and  hope  are  in  God,  who  has  often  appeared  for  us 
in  times  of  danger. 

24.  Was  carried  home.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  8°.  Slept  very 
little  last  night.  The  pews  of  the  meeting-house  were  sold  with  great  har- 
mony, and  produced  nearly  $550.00.  A  very  great  and  most  unexpected 
blessing.  It  is  the  good  work  of  God.  I  hope  never  to  forget  his  great 
mercies.     An  aged  man '  died  today. 

25.  The  ground  hard  frozen.  Read  a  little.  Dined  at  Dr.  Tudor's.  My 
face  is  very  tender.     Thermometer  15°. 

26.  Walked  out  a  little  and  visited.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Capt.  Mills. 
The  last  six  persons  who  have  died  here  were  of  the  average  age  of  eighty-one 
and  one  half  years.     Wrote.     Thermometer  this  morning  about  15°. 

27.  In  the  forenoon  instructed  Tudor's  school.  Visited.  Yesterday 
received  some  very  unexpected  information.  The  late  sale  of  the  pews  in  the 
meeting-house  seems  to  have  had  a  very  favorable  effect,  and  to  have  given 
new  life  to  our  society.  It  is  the  work  of  a  most  gracious  God.  My  nervous 
affections  are  very  bad.  Paid  for  two  leather  straps  to  inter  the  dead,  $1.75. 
Thermometer  this  morning  8°. 

28.  I  am  quite  feeble.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  on  John  vi :  39,  40,  but 
was  so  weak  I  could  not  write  but  little.  Mr.  Lord,  a  candidate,  called  on 
me.  Mr.  Parmalee,^  of  Bolton,  died  yesterday.  A  most  mysterious  dispensa- 
tion. Received  two  good  loads  of  wood  from  Wapping.  Assisted  in  examin- 
ing a  school-master.     My  nervous  affections  are  distressing. 

29.  Thermometer  about  12°.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  vi :  i,  2. 
The  people  took  their  new  seats,  and  appear  well.  Our  new  singers  were 
introduced,  and  performed  well.  Was  very  hoarse,  and  spoke  with  great 
difficulty.  Did  not  go  out  in  the  evening.  The  Baptists  here  are  making 
great  exertions. 

30.  Rode  out.  The  ground  very  hard.  Visited  a  school.  Visited. 
Read.     Wrote.     Was  up  late. 

31.  Thermometer  about  11°.  Read.  Wrote.  Had  company.  Read 
Trumbull's  History  of  Coimecticut.  Our  society  held  their  annual  meeting, 
which  was  harmonious  and  favorable.  The  great  God  has  mercifully  pre- 
served me  through  various  changes  another  year.  In  mercies  and  afflictions 
he  is  always  holy. 


'  Capt.  Roswell  Mills,  aged  eighty-four.  was  settled  in  1S15,  and  died  a  young  man 

^  Rev.  Philander   Parmalee,  successor  to       in   December,    1822.     He  was  graduated  at 
Rev.  George  Colton  in  the  church  of  Bolton,       Yale  College  in  the  class  of  1809. 


I 


1823. 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  to  commit  myself  to  the  keeping  and  disposal  of  a  holy 
God  for  the  ensuing  year.  It  is  my  great  desire  that  I  may  increase  in  use- 
fulness. It  snowed  all  day.  Read  History  of  Connecticut.^  Paid  a  tailoress, 
60. 

2.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Sleighs  move  considerably.  The  snow 
thaws.  I  believe  I  am  much  in  want  of  exercise,  and  that  I  have  taken  quite 
too  little  for  a  year  past.  Received  a  letter  from  Howe  &  Spaulding,  New 
Haven,  and  one  from  my  brother. 

3.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Rom.  viii :  35. 
The  roads  quite  wet.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Was  better 
able  to  speak  than  I  expected.     Visited. 

4.  Wrote  to  my  brother.  Wrote  a  sermon  for  New  Year's  on  Rev. 
iii;  2,  3.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Flint.  Received  a  bundle  of  books 
from  New  Haven,  Sir  W.  Jones's  Works^  which  makes  a  very  valuable 
addition  to  my  librar)^ 

5.  Finished  notes  which  I  began  on  Friday,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon 
on  John  i:  11.  Afternoon  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  It 
snowed  and  hailed  the  most  of  the  day.  Quite  tedious.  Thin  meeting. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  was  thin.  Much  fatigued.  Ther- 
mometer in  the  morning  18°.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Skinner, 
of  Hartford. 

6.  Very  cold  and  tedious.  Dined  with  the  civil  authority  of  the  town. 
At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

7.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  7°.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  Very  cold 
and  frosty.  Crossed  on  the  ice.  Good  sleighing.  Attended  the  meeting  of 
the  society  for  the  insane,  and  of  the  directors  of  the  same.  Got  home  late. 
Paid  for  books,  $1.20.  Saw  my  nephew,  William  Lawrence.  My  mother  is 
well.     Thermometer  in  the  evening  5°. 

8.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  8°.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  performed  a 
marriage.^  The  people  there  had  a  meeting  yesterday  on  the  subject  of 
giving  Mr.  Gaylord  a  call.  Vote  20  for,  and  35  against  it.  Read  Calder- 
wood's  Church  of  Scotland.^  Wrote.  Attended  the  church  conference.  I 
think  these   meetings  are  useful. 


'  Dr.  Benjamin  Trumbull's.  Palmer,  Mass.,  and  Thankful  Fuller.     Rev. 

^  An  edition  of  Sir  William  Jones's  Works,  William  Ely  had  been  dismissed  at  Vernon 

in  six  volumes,  was  published  by  Lady  Jones  nearly  a  year  before,  and  they  were  without 

in  1799,  and  another  edition  in  thirteen  vol-  a  minister, 

umes,  was  brought  out  in  1807.  ■*  David   Calderwood,  an   eminent   divine 

*  The    parties    were    Jacob     Newell,    of  and  scholar,  contemporary  with  the  Pilgrim 

915 


9l6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1823. 

9.     Thermometer  20°,     Wrote.     Afternoon  rode  to   Pine  Meadow  on  a 
visit  and  returned.     Good  crossing  and  sleighing.     At  night  it  rained  some. 

10.  Walked  and  visited.  It  thawed  considerably.  Visited.  Heard  some 
unexpected  and  painful  intelligence.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meet. ng. 
Was  so  unwell  I  could  do  but  little. 

11.  Wrote  to .     Paid    a   shoemaker,  $1.15.     Paid   for  Connecticut 

Mirror  for  a  year,  $2.00.  Cold  and  tedious.  Visited.  The  Baptists  give  me 
great  anxiety.  I  pray  for  submission  and  confidence  in  God.  Unable  to 
study  much.  Read  expositors.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  5°,  and  did 
not   rise  higher  than   about   14°. 

12.  Expounded  on  Acts  vii :  18-47.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ex. 
xxxviii :  14.  Thermometer  12°.  Our  meeting-house  is  finely  warmed  with 
stoves.  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Simsbury,  kept  Sabbath  with  us.  At  evening 
attended  conference.     Tarried  out.     Very  tired. 

13.  Visited.  Very  cold.  The  walking  very  slippery.  Quite  unwell.  My 
nervous  affections  very  severe  and  distressing.  I  think  they  are  quite  alarm- 
ing.    The  Lord  be  my  helper.     Read.     Can  do  but  little. 

14.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  5°  below  zero.  Gave  a  poor  woman, 
$1.00.  The  Baptists  had  a  meeting  here,  and  formed  a  church.  Five  men 
and  about  fifteen  women  in  our  society,  and  nearly  as  many  more  in  neigh- 
boring places.  The  business  has  been  long  contemplated.'  I  have  different 
and  most  severe  trials  come  at  once.  Holy  is  the  Lord.  Spent  most  of  the 
afternoon  in  prayer  to  him.  I  leave  all  to  his  holiness.  Reckoned  with  my 
collector.  He  paid  me  $22.21  in  books,  and  $13.20  more,  which  settled  my 
salary  of  May,  182 1.  Took  no  interest.  Paid  a  merchant's  bill  of  $7.59. 
Received  of  my  last  salary  of  Mr.  Clapp,  $464.00,  and  his  note  of  $46.00, 
making  $510.00.  Took  $10.00  interest.  Of  the  amount  received,  $200.00  is 
in  an  order  on  Dr.  Reed,  and  $38.00  a  note  against  Mr.  Tudor.  Paid  Mr. 
Wolcott's  taxes,  $71.40,  and  a  clothier's  debt  for  him  of  $19.00.  Paid  a  mer- 
chant's bill  of  $24.41,  and  a  shoemaker,  for  a  pair  of  boots,  $7.00,  and  a 
smith's  bill  of  $3.62.     Thermometer  in  the  evening  at  zero. 

15.  Thermometer  8°.  Worked  at  my  pecuniary  accounts.  They  have 
been  long  neglected,  and  are  in  poor  state.  My  nerves  are  verj'  weak. 
Hindered  by  company.     I   try  to  exercise   a  good  deal. 

16.  Thermometer  4°.  Engaged  in  looking  over  my  pecuniary  accounts. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
James.     Fatigued  with  speaking. 


Fathers,    and    sharing    in    the    oppressions  the  time   of   his  death,  and   from  that  must 

which  they  encountered.    James  VI  of  Scot-  have    been  compiled    the  book  which   Dr. 

land,  who  is  no  other  than  James  I  of  Eng-  Robbins  mentions  above,  though  the   fuller 

land,  and  equally  mean   under  both   titles,  and  better  edition  of  the  work,  in  eight  vol- 

banished  both  Calderwood  and  the  Pilgrims  umes,   was   published   in   Edinburgh,    1S42- 

for  their  opposition  to  the  corruptions  of  the  1845. 

Established  Church.     Calderwood  was  born  *  That  church  is  still  in  existence,  but  has 

in  1575,  and  died  in  1651.     He  left  his  His-  always  been  small  and  weak.     The  pastorates 

tory  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland  in  manuscript  at  of  it  have  been  brief  and  irregular. 


1823.]  PASTOR  IN  KAST  WINDSOR.  917 

17.  Attended  to  my  accounts.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited.  My  trials 
are  very  great.'  A  holy  God  has  done  his  own  will,  and  blessed  be  his  name. 
O  that  my  soul  may  be  more  devoted  to  him.     Wrote  to  brother  Francis. 

iS.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  the  28th  ult.  Am  so  much  afflicted  as  to 
be  poorly  able  to  write.     Gave  a  poor  person,  ^i.oo.     Warm. 

19.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  John  vi :  39,  40.  It  thaws  very 
much.  Thermometer  rose  to  50°.  Very  tired.  Spoke  today  better  than  I 
expected. 

20.  Rainy  all  day.  An  aged  woman ^  died  here  last  evening.  Worked  at 
my  library.     My  nervous  system  is  very  much  affected. 

21.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Webster.  Weather  like  spring.  The 
sleighing  mostly  gone.     Visited.     Visited  sick  children. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  carriage.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the 
directors  of  the  Retreat  for  the  Insane.  Paid  G.  Goodwin^  for  books,  $13.00; 
for  stationery,  $1.35.  Paid  Gleason  for  books,  $17.25.  Paid  Dewey  the 
remainder  for  my  book-case,  $24.00.  The  whole  cost  is  $45.00.  Paid  Imlay, 
$10.00.  Sargeant,  $1.50.  For  a  ream  of  paper,  $3.75.  For  other  things, 
$1.10.  The  ground  thaws.  Settled  with  S.  G.  Goodrich.  He  allowed  me 
for  what  I  have  done  for  him  for  Tytler's  History^  $75.00,  and  $50.00  = 
$125.00.  I  have  taken  all  of  the  amount  from  his  store.  Have  now  taken 
books  to  the  amount  of  $32.14.  On  account  of  his  failure  I  could  get  nothing 
else  ;  and  had  to  take  books  that  I  did  not  want,  and  at  his  price.     Poor  pay.* 

23.  Wrote.     Visited.     We  have  more  sickness  than  we  have  had. 

24.  A  most  afflicting  event  took  place  at  Enfield  night  before  last.  A 
mercantile  company  failed,  and  a  very  valuable  man  committed  suicide  with 
laudanum.  Read.  Visited.  The  divine  corrections  are  holy  and  good.  At 
evening  attended  a  prayer-meeting.     Am  quite  unwell. 

25.  Am  so  feeble  and  nervous  that  I  think  I  cannot  write  a  sermon  today, 
as  I  intended.  Worked  at  my  library.  Afternoon  it  snowed  considerably. 
Read  expositors. 

26.  Expounded  on  Acts  vii :  47,  to  the  end.  The  subject  very  impressive. 
Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Sam.  iii :  39.  It  snowed  moderately  the  most 
of  the  day.     Wrote. 

27.  It  thawed  a  good  deal.  Worked  at  my  library.  Visited  a  sick  man. 
Attended  our  singing-school.  Mrs.  Wolcott  got  badly  hurt  by  falling  down 
stairs. 

28.  Visited  a  man  very  sick.  At  evening  he  died.  Wrote.  Attended  a 
funeral  in  the  lower  part  of  Scantick.'     Visited. 


'  His  old  troubles  seem  to  have  suddenly  that,  at  the  best,  Dr.  Robbinsdid  a  great  deal 

returned  upon  him.  of  work  for  Mr.  Goodrich  for  a  small  amount 

-  Widow  Lucy  Webster,  aged  eighty-three.  of  pay.     But  as  it  came  out,  the  reward  for 

This  adds  another  death,  in  regular  succes-  his   long   and   hard   labor  was  insignificant, 

sion,  of  very  aged  people.  indeed.     Literary   labor,  as   a   general   fact, 

^  George    Goodwin,    the    bookseller    and  was  then  poorly  paid, 
publisher.  '  The  funeral    of    Mr.   Abner   Bancroft, 

'■  We  have  all  along  had  the  impression  aged  fifty-five. 


9l8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

29.  Worked  at  my  books.  My  catalogue  has  been  long  neglected.  Had 
five  good  loads  of  wood  brought  me  by  the  people  at  Wapping.  I  believe  I 
have  not  before  received  seven  loads  in  one  season.  Had  company.  Mild 
weather. 

30.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Bancroft.  Rode  to  Hartford 
and  saw  my  brother  and  sister  Battell.  Mother  is  quite  comfortable.  Pretty 
good  sleighing  and  crossing.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  society  for  the 
insane. 

31.  Wrote.  Visited.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.  At  evening 
attended   our   prayer-meeting.     Pretty   thin. 

February. 

1.  Ver\'  cold  and  Avindy.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow  and 
Enfield  on  horseback.  The  late  great  calamity  there  gives  a  shock  to  the 
whole  town.     My  brother  is  sensibly  affected  by  the  visitation. 

2.  My  brother  rode  early  to  East  Windsor.  The  sleighing  is  poor. 
Preached  all  day  on  John  vi:  39,  40.  At  evening  rode  home.  Visited  the 
afflicted  Mrs.  Parsons.  My  brother  returned  in  the  evening.  Found  at 
home  a  Mr.  Parker,  a  young  candidate  from  Massachusetts,  who  came  here 
last  evening,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon. 

3.  It  snowed  moderately  the  most  of  the  day.  Visited  the  sick.  Mr. 
Parker  went  away.  He  appears  quite  incompetent.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.  It  was  thin  on  account  of  the  storm. 
Am  pretty  feeble, 

4.  Thermometer  10°.  Rode  to  Granby  and  attended  Association.  But 
ten  members  present.  Full  meeting  at  public  worship.  We  had  not  much 
business. 

5.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  and  home.  Very  good  sleighing.  Quite 
cold.     Heard  of  a  pleasing  revival  of  religion  at  Coventry. 

6.  Thermometer  4°  below  zero,  and  did  not  rise  above  10°  through  the 
day,  with  clear  sunshine.  Read  Sir  W.  Jones's  Works.  Wrote,  Prepared 
this  almanack. 

7.  On  the  4th  paid  for  the  use  of  a  sleigh,  $1.00.  Thermometer  4° 
below  zero,  and  rose  to  12°.  Clear  weather,  but  scarcely  any  thawing  in  the 
warm  places.  Wrote,  Wrote  to  my  brother  James.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Visited. 

8.  Hindered  by  company.  My  cousins,'  of  Mr.  Battell's  family,  came 
here,  and  made  me  an  agreeable  visit.  They  appear  well.  Began  to  write  a 
sermon,  but  wrote  but  little.  Thermometer  8°  below  zero.  I  conclude  it  was 
about  the  same  on  the  morning  of  the  5th.  Read  the  Bible.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  C,  Byington,  of  Bristol.^ 


'  They  were  sons  and  daughters  of  his  Bristol,  Ct.  Since  1820  he  had  been  a  mis- 
sister  Sarah,  and  therefore,  in  our  modern  sionary  of  the  American  Board  to  the  Choc- 
vocabulary,  nephews  and  nieces.  taw  Indians.     He  was  graduated  at  Andover 

^  Rev.  Cyrus   Byington  was   a   native   of  in    1S19.      He   died    in    the  town  of  Belpre, 

Stockbridge,    Mass.,    but   his    home   was   in  Ohio,  December  31,  1S6S. 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


919 


9.  Thermometer  about  8°.  Weather  moderates.  Preached  with  old 
notes  on  Isa.  xxvi :  20.  Meeting  pretty  solemn.  At  evening  attended  con- 
ference. Quite  tired,  but  I  think  I  have  more  strength,  through  great  mercy, 
than  I  have  had. 

10.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  Had  company.  Read  Sir  W.  Jones. 
Visited  with  company. 

11.  Rode  to  Suffield  and  visited  Col.  Leavitt;  a  large  and  very  valuable 
collection  of  coins.  About  two  hundred  of  copper,  and  a  good  many  of 
silver.  I  think  the  collection  will  be  useful.  It  thaws  considerably,  and  the 
sleighing  is  poor. 

12.  It  snowed  considerably.  Attended  to  the  revision  of  my  library. 
Read.     Walked  out  and  visited. 

13.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Visited  a  school.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.  Quite  full.  My  biographical  lectures '  seem  to  be  much 
liked. 

14.  Rode  and  visited  at  the  two  ends  of  the  society.  Visited  sick  persons. 
At  night  we  had  a  hard  snow-storm. 

15.  The  snow  is  now  more  than  a  foot  deep.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  begun  a 
week  ago.     I  write  slow.     Have  many  trials. 

16.  Thermometer  at  8°,  and  did  not  exceed  about  20°.  Finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  Matt,  v :  18.  Preached  long.  The  divine  law  is  an 
excellent  subject.     Quite  fatigued.     At  evening  wrote. 

17.  Looked  over  and  filed  my  letters.  They  have  been  neglected  for 
three  years.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  12°  below  zero.  The  coldest 
morning  since  winter  before  last.  At  evening  rode  out  and  visited.  We 
have  a  pretty  heavy  body  of  snow.  Paid  a  blacksmith,  $1.62.  Paid  Si. 00, 
my  annual  payment  to  the  Agricultural  Society. 

18.  Thermometer  8°.  Rode  to  Northington'  and  attended  ministers' 
meeting.  Afternoon  it  snowed,  and  was  very  blustering.  Our  meeting  has 
become  small. 

19.  Rode  home.  Did  errands  at  Hartford.  Have  had  a  good  many 
books  bound  lately.  Borrowed  money  at  the  bank.  Severe  cold.  Dr.  Tudor 
is  quite  low. 

20.  Worked  at  my  papers.  Had  company.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Am 
pretty  feeble.     Thermometer  15°. 

21.  Thermometer  18°.  Am  considerably  taken  up  with  my  pupil,  Mr. 
Eells.  Preached  at  Northington  on  Tuesday  on  Matt.  V :  18.  Wrote.  Rode 
out  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Quite  thin. 

22.  Visited.  Worked  arranging  papers.  At  evening  rode  to  Scan  tick  to 
exchange.     The  snow  is  pretty  deep. 

23.  Mr.  Bartlett  rode  down  and  supplied  my  pulpit.     Preached  on  Matt. 


'  On  Bible  characters.     He  has  had  one  ^  Avon.     As  Northington,  it  was  a  parish 

on  Jacob,  and  one  on  Joseph.  in  the  town  of  Farmington. 


920  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^823. 

V :    18.     Full    meeting.     At  evening  attended  a  conference  at  Wapping.     It 
thawed  considerably.     Exceeding  tired. 

24.  It  snowed  steadily  last  night,  and  through  the  day.  Thermometer 
about   24°.     Am   quite  feeble.     Worked  at  my  library.     Read. 

25.  Employed  with  my  books,  numbering  and  putting  in  my  name. 
Worked  making  paths.  People  went  out  breaking  roads.  Can  bear  but 
little  labor. 

26.  Cold  and  snows  some.  Am  still  attending  to  my  books.  They  have 
not  been  looked  over  for  a  good  while.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  i*^. 
Kept  a  school  a  little  while.     I  fear  some  of  my  books  are  lost. 

27.  Thermometer  i6°.  Visited  the  sick  who  are  now  convalescing.  A 
righteous  God  afflicts  me  in  infinite  holiness.  I  pray  that  it  may  be  for  my 
best  good.  It  is  said  the  snow  is  more  than  two  feet  deep,  and  ver}^  solid.  I 
do  but  little.     Wrote. 

28.  Thermometer  this  morning  9^°  below  zero.  The  coldest  we  have  had 
this  year.  It  fell  near  two  degrees  after  sunrise  with  a  clear  sky.  Worked 
early  at  my  wood.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Gideon  Burt,  of  Longmeadow. 
Wrote.  Read  the  Bible.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  thermometer 
rose  with  clear  sun  to  15°,  but  later  in  the  evening  it  was  the  same  as  in  the 
morning. 

March. 

1.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Amos  iv:  12.  Wrote  one  half  of  it  before  dinner, 
and  the  other  half  after  supper.  Hindered  by  company.  Mr.  Bradford 
Marcy'  called  on  me.  I  told  him  he  should  be  welcome  to  stay  with  me  over 
the  Sabbath,  but  I  should  not  want  any  assistance  in  preaching.  I  think  it 
would  not  be  right  to  ask  him  to  preach.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  6° 
below  zero,  but  it  rose  to  near  30°.     Wrote  late. 

2.  Thermometer  14°  and  rose  to  the  freezing  point.  Expounded  on  Acts 
viii :  1-25,  and  preached  on  Amos  iv  :  12.  Full  meeting.  Ver}' good  sleigh- 
ing.    At  evening  read.     Did  not  go  out. 

3.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  10°.  At  noon  it  was  9°,  and  the  highest 
in  the  afternoon  11°.  With  a  clear  sun  all  day,  the  snow  did  not  thaw  at  all 
on  the  south  roof.  Windy  and  tedious.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  books.  At 
evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Very  thin.  Thermometer  6° 
below  zero.  Mr.  Wolcott  rode  in  the  evening  to  Pine  Meadow.  The  roads 
very  bad  with  drifts. 

4.  Thermometer  6°  below  zero.  Last  evening  Frances  Haskell  gave 
birth  to  a  daughter.  The  weather  moderates  in  some  degree.  Wrote.  At 
evening  attended  our  church  conference.  Quite  thin.  Wrote  a  subscription 
paper  to  purchase  a  missionary  field. 

5.  Rode  early  to  Longmeadow,  and  attended  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Dickinson.^     The  parts  were  well  performed,  and  there  was  a  great  concourse 


'  Mr.  Bradford  Marcy.  Amherst,   Mass.,    1795,   graduated  at    Yale, 

"Rev.  Baxter  Dickinson,  D.  D.,  born  in       1S17,  and  at  Andover,  1821,  pastor  at  Long- 


[823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


921 


of  people.  The  prospects  are  very  good.  At  evening  returned  to  Pine 
Meadow.  The  day  ver)'  comfortable.  It  the  evening  it  began  to  rain  a 
little. 

6.  It  rained  without  intermission  through  last  night,  and  all  day.  Some 
of  the  time  quite  hard.  Did  not  go  out.  Read.  Frances  has  been  very  ill, 
but  apjDcars  to  be  doing  well. 

7.  The  water  of  the  river  is  so  raised  that  we  cannot  cross  on  the  ice. 
Rode  home  by  way  of  Hartford.  Poor  sleighing.  Much  damage  is  appre- 
hended from  the  rain.  Streams  are  high.  The  quantity  of  snow  was  very- 
great.  More  than  half  of  it  remains.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting. 

8.  Thermometer  about  25°.  It  thawed  a. good  deal.  The  roads  very- 
wet.  Walked  out.  Am  quite  languid.  Felt  unable  to  write  or  study  much. 
Worked  some  at  my  books.     Read.     Paid  a  blacksmith,  .75, 

9.  Am  very  poorly  prepared  for  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath.  Thermometer 
above  freezing  all  day,  and  rose  to  40°.  The  sleighing  very  poor.  Very  bad 
going.     Preached  with  old  notes  on  Eph.  ii :   12.     Read.     Read  the  Bible. 

ID.  Colder.  The  ground  appears  considerably.  Worked  at  my  librarj-. 
Wrote.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage. 

11.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  man  very  sick.  It  snowed  and  rained 
considerably.  Mr.  Wolcott  returned  from  Torringford  in  a  tedious  storm. 
Wrote.     Last  night  wrote  very  late. 

12.  Rode  to  Orford  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Harvey  Strong,  who  was 
buried  here.     Bad  traveling.     The  new  snow  went  off.     Read. 

13.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  riding  very  bad.  Saw  my  brother  Ammi 
there.  Mother,  he  says,  is  quite  comfortable.  Received  of  the  Phoenix  Bank 
a  large  dividend  of  $71.25.  Paid  for  four  numbers  of  Clarke's  Bible,  $6.00. 
Closed  my  account  with  the  estate  of  J.  R.  Scarboro,  and  paid  $3.40.  For 
other  things,  $3.13.  There  appears  to  be  a  prospect  of  severe  and  speedy 
war  in  Europe,  I  did  not  think  the  nations  would  act  with  such  consummate 
folly.* 

14.  Finished  the  long  task  I  have  had  in  revising  and  arranging  my 
library.  It  has  been  long  neglected,  and  was  much  more  laborious  than  I 
expected.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Had  no  evening  meeting.  Wrote.  Paid 
brother  Frank  $20.00  on  a  note. 

15.  Cold  and  tedious.  Visited  a  sick  man  at  Wapping,  Rode  to  Enfield. 
Crossed  and  re-crossed  at  Warehouse  Point.^  The  river  is  open  there,  though 
the  ice  generally  remains  above  Hartford.  The  riding  was  very  bad.  Mrs. 
Haskell  gets  better. 

16.  Rode  early,  quite  cold,  to  Longmeadow,  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Dick- 


meadow,  1823-1829,  pastor  of  Third  Presby-  understand.     There  seems  to  have   been  no 

terian    Church,   Newark,   N.   J.,    1829-1835,  large  warlike  movement  in  Europe  in  1823, 

professor  in  Lane  and  Auburn    Theological  justifying    this   statement.       His   entry   was 

Seminaries,  1S35-1847,  secretary,  teacher,  etc.,  based  probably  upon  some  false  report  which 

died  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  1875,  aged  eighty.  had  been  put  in  circulation. 
"  What  this  language  means  we   do   not  ^  In  the  ferry-boat. 


922  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

inson,  who  went  to  East  Windsor  last  evening.  Preached  on  Rom.  x  :  8,  9, 
and  Rev.  xxii :  9.  The  congregation  appear  well,  and  are  much  pleased  in 
having  a  minister.'     At  evening  walked  out. 

17.  Rode  to  Springfield  and  called  on  Mr.  Osgood.^  Am  trying  to  pur- 
chase a  horse,  and  find  it  very  difficult  to  procure  one.  Dined  at  Mr.  Burt's,' 
Longmeadow.     The  riding  very  bad.     Rode  home. 

18.  Read.  The  European  news  excites  great  attention.''  Wrote.  Rainy. 
We  had  a  considerable  thunder-shower.  The  ground  is  very  wet,  which  was 
much  needed. 

19.  My  nervous  affection  is  very  alarming.  Read  Gil  Bias}'  Walked  out 
and  visited.  The  ground  begins  to  settle.  My  visiting  has  been  much 
neglected. 

20.  It  snowed  fast  and  without  intermission  all  day.  Looked  over  my 
sermons.  I  fear  I  have  lost  some.  My  preaching  account  has  been  long 
neglected.  Expected  to  have  visited  schools  today,  but  was  prevented  by  the 
storm.     Wrote. 

21.  The  snow  is  nearly  a  foot  and  a  half  deep.  The  deepest  we  have  had 
this  year.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.*  Blustering  and 
tedious.     Visited.     Tarried  out. 

22.  In  the  forenoon  visited  the  North  Wapping  school.  The  snow  thaws 
very  fast.     Thermometer  rose  to  48°.     Visited.     Read. 

23.  Wrote  notes,  quite  short,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  cxl :  6. 
Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  xvi :  11.  Thermometer  was  above 
50°.  The  snow  goes  very  East.  It  is  a  great  benefit  to  the  ground.  Had  no 
conference.     A  man  died  here  this  morning,  in  middle  life,  of  intemperance. 

24.  Am  considerably  taken  up  with  Mr.  Eells.''  Rode  to  the  Hill,  and 
visited  and  catechised  a  school.  Attended  at  our  singing-school.  Am  pretty 
feeble. 

25.  On  the  23d  received  a  letter  from  my  sister.  Began  a  sermon  for 
Fast  on  Matt,  xxiv  :  42,  43,  44.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  who  died  of 
intemperance.  A  very  trying  scene.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school. 
Visited  a  sick  man.     The  roads  very  muddy.     Went  into  our  singing-school. 

26.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  for  Fast.  Wrote  slow.  Afternoon  and  evening 
it  snowed  hard. 

27.  Visited  thfi  Long  Hill  school,  and  the  academy.  Both  very  well 
instructed.  I  think  our  academy  has  never  appeared  better.  The  snow 
goes  off  very  fast.     Wrote  quite  late. 

28.  Fast.  Wrote  three  pages ;  finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on 
Matt,  xxiv :  22,  23,  24,  Meetings  quite  full.  Not  so  much  fatigued  as  I 
expected.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 


'  They  had  a  wise,  able,  judicious  man.  ^  fj^g  celebrated   but   not  very  elevating 

'^  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D.,  pastor  of   First  story,  by  Alain  Le  Sage,  of  Brittany,  France. 

Church.  *  Robert  Colson,  aged  forty-two. 

^  Mr.  Gideon  Burt's.  'His  theological  student  and  teacher  of 

*  Perhaps   later  entries  may  reveal  what  the  academy  at  the  Hill.     Dr.  Robbins  always 

he  had  in  mind  when  he  wrote  this  sentence.  enjoyed  the  business  of  teaching. 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


92.^ 


29.  Wrote.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  There  seems  to  be  a 
general  impression  that  there  will  be  an  extensive  war  in  Europe." 

30.  Expounded  on  Acts  viii :  26  to  the  end,  and  preached  an  old  sermon 
on  John  iii :  14.  Afternoon  and  through  the  night  we  had  a  violent  snow- 
storm.    We  have  had  a  great  quantity  of  snow  the  present  month. 

31.  The  snow  is  eight  or  nine  inches  deep.  Worked  at  pamphlets.  Read. 
Wrote.  The  ground  is  probably  more  wet  than  it  has  been  for  two  or  three 
years.     Rode  to  the  lower  part  of  Scantick,  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 

April. 

1.  In  the  forenoon  kept  Tudor's  school.  Thermometer  rose  to  53°. 
The  snow  goes,  but  it  is  very  heavy.  Visited.  Read.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  S.  S.  Stebbins,  of  Simsbury,  inviting  me  to  his  wedding. 

2.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Heber  Hooker,  Genesee.  On  the  31st  ult.  wrote  to 
Mrs.  Eells,^  of  Barkhamsted.  Yesterday  Mr.  Eells  went  home  for  a  vacation. 
Thermometer  yesterday  52°,  today  58°,  and  the  snow  yet  continues.  Wrote. 
Worked  at  my  library.     The  ground  is  very  wet. 

3.  Wrote.  Visited.  Afternoon  visited  Tudor's  school.  It  appeared  and 
performed  exceeding  well.  Wrote  to  S.  F.  Bradford,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
to  William  Rockwell,"  Yale  College. 

4.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  settle  considerably.  Paid  for  a  demi- 
john, $1.25  ;  for  corks,  $1.50;  for  other  things,  $1.28.  Quite  cold  and  windy. 
Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  i  Cor.  v :  8.  Did  not  attend 
our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Hindered  by  company.     Wrote. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Luke  xvii :  22.  Have  many  hin- 
drances.    Wrote  to  Barber  &  Robinson,  Hartford.     Worked  at  my  wood. 

6.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  Luke  xvii  :  22. 
In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes  on  Micah  iv :  5.  Received  a  young 
woman^  into  the  church.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  was 
pretty  full.  We  had  a  solemn  day.  I  pray  God  to  add  his  blessing.  We 
have  excellent  singing.     At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Very  tired. 

7.  Worked  some.  Opened  the  Freemen's  Meeting.  Our  election  this 
year  excites  but  little  interest.  Thermometer  at  60°,  Yesterday  it  was  at 
66°.  At  evening  it  rained  hard,  and  prevented  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 
Wrote, 

8.  Worked  piling  wood.  Read.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  river  rises. 
Was  requested  to  compile  a  volume.  The  Democratic  party  in  the  State 
appears  to  be  dividing.     Read. 

9.  Had  information  from  Col.  Leavitt,*  of  Suffield,  that  he  will  sell  his 


'  The  difficulties,  such  as  they  were,  seem  *  William   Rockwell   was   in    the    senior 

to  have  been  obviated  without  this  war.  class  at  Yale,  just  about  to   graduate.     He 

-  Between  John  Richardson,  of  Windsor,  was  later  in  life  Judge  of  the  Superior  Court 

and  Emily  Marble,  of  Scantic.  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  died  in  1856. 

^  Rev.  Ozias  Eells,  her  husband,  died  in  ^  Lucretia  Grant. 

181 3.     She  was  the  mother  of  Ozias  S.  Eells,  *  Whom  Dr.  Robbins  visited  a  short  time 

who  was  teaching  at  East  Windsor,  and  study-  before,   for   the   purpose   of   inspecting    his 

mg  theology  with  Dr.  Robbins.  collection  of  coins. 


924  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S23. 

coins.  I  think  it  will  be  best  for  me  to  buy  them.  Am  taken  up  some  with 
instruction.  Visited  a  school.  Made  a  plan  for  a  plain  book-case  for  pam- 
phlets. My  cousin  Francis  Alden'  came  here,  lately  come  in  from  a  whaling 
voyage,  and  went  on  to  Enfield.     Attended  our  church  conference. 

10.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  attended  the  funeral 
of  Capt.  Culver.     Visited. 

11.  Worked  bottling  two  hundred  and  forty  bottles  of  cider.  Received  a 
letter  from  S.  F.  Bradford,^  of  Philadelphia,  and  several  pamphlets  by  mail. 
Quite  cold.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Read. 

12.  Visited.  I  think  the  internal  state  of  France  appears  quite  threaten- 
ing. They  appear  to  be  wholly  unqualified  for  a  representative  government. 
On  the  loth  received  a  valuable  present  of  a  small  volume,  and  several  pam- 
phlets from  Rev.  INIr.  Sprague,^  of  West  Springfield.  Wrote.  Rode  to  East 
Hartford  to  exchange. 

13.  Preached  on  Rev.  xxii :  9,  and  Luke  xvii :  22.  The  congregation  was 
large.  Warm.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after 
meeting.  In  the  evening  preached  at  a  conference  without  notes  on  Luke 
ix  :  30.31.  Rode  home.  The  Baptists  had  their  first  sacrament  here  today. 
It  excited  much  attention.     Very  tired. 

14.  Am  quite  feeble.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Visited.  Paid  for  a  half  year's 
bringing  of  the  Recorder,  .46.  Read.  The  spring  advances.  People  begin 
to  plough.     Wrote. 

15.  W^ote  a  contract  for  two  neighbors.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and 
attended  ministers'  meeting.  Dr.  Perkins  was  with  us.  Had  a  good  meeting. 
Paid  a  merchant,  $5.00. 

16.  Returned.  Spent  some  time  in  Hartford.  There  is  likely  to  be  more 
building  there  the  present  year  than  at  any  former  year.  Dr.  Flint  is  pretty 
poor.  I  feel  very  anxious  about  him.  Paid  my  annual  subscription  to  the 
Insane  Retreat,  $4.00.  Paid  a  merchant,  $10.00.  Paid  for  a  ring,  for  a  dona- 
tion, $2.75.     For  articles  for  book-case,  $1.43.     Paid  the  bank,  $1.63.     Warm. 

17.  Worked  ploughing  the  garden,  and  setting  out  maple-trees.  The 
thermometer  rose  above  82°.     Rode  to  Wapping. 

18.  Read.  Began  a  long  sermon  on  the  subject  of  future  punishment. 
May  God  enable  me  to  write  in  such  a  manner  as  to  please  him.  Visited. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

19.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  to  my  brother.  Wrote  on  my  sermon 
on  Ezek.  xiii :  22.     Vegetation  advances  rapidly. 

20.  Wet.  Thin  meeting.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Matt,  xi :  28,  and 
on  Ezek.  xiii:  22.  Am  quite  nervous.  At  evening  began  a  sermon  for  a 
singing-lecture  on  Ps.  1 :  23.     Attended  a  little  while  at  our  singing-school. 


'  This  was  not,  as  might  at  first  be  sup-  iam  Bradford,  of  Plymouth.     This  S.  F.,  of 

posed,    G.    S.  Alden,   his  brother   Francis's  Philadelphia,   may  have    been    the    son    of 

stepson,  who   had    made    his  friends   some  William  Bradford,  of   Philadelphia,  an  emi- 

trouble,   but   probably   Francis    L.,  of  New  nent  lawyer  and  judge,  and  Attorney-General 

Bedford.  of  the  United  States. 

*  Dr.  Robbins  was  descended  from  Will-  ^  Dr.  William  B.  Sprague. 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN   EAST   WINDSOR. 


925 


2  1.  Rode  to  Suffield  with  Horace  Wolcott,  and  purchased  Col.  Leavltt's 
coins.  They  consist  of  eighty-four  of  silver,  weighing  about  twenty-eight 
ounces ;  one  hundred  and  ninety-eight  of  copper,  sixteen  of  alloy,  five  nied;:ls 
and  three  calendars  of  metallic  composition ;  in  the  whole  two  hundred  and 
ninety-eight.  The  coins  are  of  many  different  countries,  and  some  of  them 
quite  old.  I  paid  for  them,  $100.00.  He  and  his  father' have  been  many 
years  in  making  the  collection.  I  think  this  collection  ought  to  be  preserved, 
and  it  is  likely  it  would  have  gone  out  of  the  State  if  I  had  not  taken  it. 
Quite  warm.  The  river  is  high.  They  take  some  shad.  In  the  evening 
wrote  a  little,  but  was  very  tired. 

22.  Finished  my  sermon  before  noon.  I  have  not  written  so  rapidly  for  a 
long  time.  Wrote  six  pages,  five  and  one  half  in  four  hours.  Preached  at 
the  singing-lecture.  The  performance  of  the  singers  was  excellent ;  for  the 
term  of  their  instruction  uncommon.  We  had  many  people  from  out  of  town 
who  expressed  much  approbation.  The  day  very  fine.  My  brother  and  his 
wife  were  here.     Very  tired. 

23.  Read.     Showery.     Wrote.     Visited.     Gave  a  poor  man,  .75. 

24.  Read.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Quite  cold.  My  people  appear  to 
be  in  a  very  stupid  state. 

25.  Last  night  it  froze  a  good  deal.  Worked  considerably.  Assisted  in 
raising  a  fence.  At  evening  spoke  at  a  prayer-meeting  on  the  life  of  David. 
The  meeting  pretty  thin.     Wrote  on  my  long  sermon. 

26.  Wrote  on  my  sermon ;  four  pages  in  the  forenoon,  four  in  the  after- 
noon, and  four  in  the  evening.  Wrote  pretty  fast.  My  tremor  is  better  than 
it  has  been.  Am  pretty  feeble.  I  fear  I  shall  not  write  as  well  on  Univer- 
salism  as  I  ought.     The  ground  has  become  quite  dry. 

27.  Warm  and  dusty.  Wrote  four  pages,  and  preached  on  Ezek.  xiii :  22. 
Full  meeting.  My  discourse  is  like  to  be  quite  long.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Much  fatigued  with  speaking. 

28.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  Took  up  my  carpet.  Am  pretty  feeble. 
Read. 

29.  Rode  to  West  Hartford.  Am  unable  to  find  a  suitable  horse  to  pur- 
chase. Quite  dusty.  A  frame  of  a  Baptist  meeting-house  was  raised  in  this 
neighborhood,  forty-two  by  thirty,  with  fourteen  feet  posts.  It  is  my  cross  and 
affliction.^  I  hope  to  be  profited  by  it.  Our  people  suppose  it  will  not 
strengthen  their  party. ^     The  good  Lord  be  our  helper. 

30.  Worked  at  my  chamber,  and  in  the  house.  I  believe  my  muscular 
labor  lately  has  been  beneficial  to  my  health.     Read.     Had  company. 

On  the  29th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Emerson,  of  Norfolk.  My  mother's 
health  is  better  than  in  times  past.     On  the  29th  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 


'  He  was  probably  the  son  of  Thaddeus  inces   invaded  by   these  new-comers,  under 

Leavitt,  who  came  several  times  into  notice  the  modern  laws  of  toleration, 

in  the  early  years  of  the  diary.  ^  That  is,  as  we   understand   the   words, 

"  It  was  hard  for  the  ministers  and  mem-  the  Baptists  themselves,  though  it  is  a  little 

bers  of  the  Standing  Order  to  see  their  prov-  harsh  to  call  them  a  party. 


p26  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

Ely,  of  Simsbury,  with  a  manuscript  of  Mr.  Hallock'  to  prepare  for  the  press. 
Mr.  Eells  returned  after  a  vacation. 


1.  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Some  families  have  lately 
moved  in  here.  Quite  cold,  but  we  get  very  little  rain.  Yesterday  saw  blos- 
soms on  the  daffas.     I  am  in  the  rear  about  visiting.     Read. 

2.  Wrote  on  my  long  sermon.  Read  in  Dr.  Hopkins's  Inquiry  on  Univer- 
salism!^     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

3.  Wrote  on  Ezek.  xiii :  22.  Have  many  hindrances.  Yesterday  and 
this   morning   visited   a   woman   very   sick. 

4.  Expounded  on  Acts  ix :  i-io,  and  preached  on  Ezek.  xiii:  22.  At 
evening  attended  our  conference.  Had  our  missionary  contribution.  We 
collected  $39.54.  Two  bills  of  $5.00;  one  $3.00;  three  $2.00;  four  $1.00: 
and  one  hundred  and  eight  pieces  of  silver.  Contribution  less  than  some 
past  years. 

5.  Am  quite  feeble.  Attended  at  two  trainings.  Very  cold  for  the 
season.  Had  some  snow.  Some  people  suffered  much  with  the  cold. 
Attended  our  monthly  pra3-er-meeting  at  Wapping.     Pretty  thin.     Tarried  out. 

6.  Dined  with  a  military  company  at  East  Hartford.  Am*  unable  to  find 
a  horse  to  buy.     Visited.     Read. 

7.  Attended  the  election  at  Hartford.  A  number  of  ministers  were 
present.  Mr.  Taylor^  preached  very  well.  A  great  collection  of  people. 
The  dust  has  been  very  severe  for  several  days.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
E.  R.  White,"  of  Danbury,  and  one  from  Dr.  Perkins.  Dr.  Flint  is  pretty 
poor.     The  Legislature  appear  poorly.     Got  home  late. 

8.  Read.  Quite  cold  and  wet.  Wrote.  Married  two  colored  persons^ 
at  Wapping. 

9.  Rode  out.  Made  trial  of  a  horse  to  purchase.  I  find  no  one  that  will 
answer.  Visited.  Vegetation  advances  very  little.  Read.  Mr.  Osgood,*  of 
Springfield,  came  here  and  assisted  at  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 

10.  Rode  to  Haddam  to  exchange  with  Mr.  ]Marsh.'  Looked  at  a  valu- 
able horse.     My  horse  travels  quite  poorly.     The  ground  is  quite  dr)-. 

11.  Preached  on  Rev.  xxii :  9,  and  Isa.  xlviii :  13.  This  congregation,  I 
think,  is  not  so  large  as  when  I  preached  here  twenty  years  ago.  Find  many 
affectionate  old  friends.  A  colored  boy  about  fifteen  years  old  hung  himself. 
Saw  him  soon  after  he  Avas  found.  Cold.  At  evening  preached  at  a  con- 
ference on  Luke  ix :  30,  31.     Quite  tired. 


'  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock,  of  West  Sims-  of  Theology  in  the  Yale  Theological  Semi 

bury  (Canton).  nary. 

^  Dr.  Samuel  Hopkins's  Aji  Inquiry  Con-  *  Rev.  Ebenezer  White,  Yale,  1760,  one  of 

certthig  the  Fttttire  State  of  those  'who  Die  in  his  old  Sandemanian  friends  of  Danbury,  Ct. 
their  Sins.     1783.  '  Ambrose  Way,  of  Windsor,  and  Annas 

*  Rev.  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor,  D.  D.,  then  Csesar,  of  Wapping. 
pastor   of    the   First   Church,   New    Haven,  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D. 

and  afterwards  the   distinguished  Professor  ''  Rev.  John  Marsh,  D.  D.,  Jr. 


l8?3-]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


927 


12.  I  think  Mr.  Marsh  has  given  a  great  price  for  a  place  he  has 
purchased.  Rode  home.  At  Middletown  looked  at  several  places  for  old 
pamphlets.     Got  a  few.     Saw  the  first  apple-tree  bloisoms.     Grain  appears  well. 

13.  A  steady,  rainy  day.  Towards  night  and  evening  quite  hard.  A 
remarkable  day  with  me.'  The  rain  exceeding  grateful  to  the  dry  ground. 
Mr.  Eells  read  to  me  his  first  sermon,^  which  is  well  written.  At  evening 
married  Elihu  Wolcott^  and  Julia  Wolcott. 

14.  Rode  into  the  woods  to  assist  Mr.  Wolcott  in  cutting  some  timber. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  society  for  the 
insane,  and  the  meeting  of  the  directors.  The  society  was  full.  Traded. 
Paid  .50  for  a  book. 

15.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Flint.  Rode  to  Somers  and  bought 
a  horse,  for  which  I  am  to  pay  $105.00.  I  have  not  been  able  to  do  any 
better.  He  is  a  fine  horse,  six  years  old.  I  hope  he  may  be  very  useful  to 
me,  by  the  divine  blessing.  Mr.  Wolcott  went  with  me  and  made  the  bargain. 
Mr.  Strong,''  of  Somers,  gets  better.     People  have  hardly  begun  planting. 

16.  Wrote.  Taken  up  with  various  things.  Visited  a  sick  woman. 
Wrote  on  my  long  sermon.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  My  horse  is  not 
very  easy  for  riding. 

17.  Wrote  twelve  pages  on  Universalism.  We  had  a  short  and  very  hard 
shower.     The  ground  was  almost  covered  with  water.     Quite  warm. 

18.  Wrote  four  pages,  and  preached  on  Ezek.  xiii :  22.  Very  full  meeting. 
Mr.  Chandler  was  with  us.  Quite  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer 
82°.     At  evening  attended  conference.     Very  tired. 

19.  Am  very  feeble.  Thermometer  86°.  Took  off  my  flannel.  Vegeta- 
tion is  very  rapid.  The  blossoms  come  out  very  fast.  Visited.  Was  out 
late.     Our  assembly  are  contemptible.'     Read. 

20.  Visited  all  day.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer,  I  believe, 
about  90°.  My  horse  is  much  liked.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother, 
and  wrote  him  in  reply. 

21.  Wrote.  Thermometer  90°.  Dined  out.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did 
errands.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  society  for  the  insane,  and  the 
directors  of  the  same.  Saw  by  invitation  a  very  elegant  painting,  "Christ 
Rejected."*  Tarried  with  Dr.  Flint.  He  appears  to  be  some  better.  In  the 
niffht  we  had  a  hard  thunder-shower. 


'  He  does  not  explain  for  what  reason  the  *  Rev.  William  L.  Strong, 

day  was  remarkable.     Very  likely  this   is  a  'He  put  this  in  the  plural,  but  is  meant 

hint  as  to  a  change  or  more  favorable  aspect  in  the  singular,  and  at  the  best  is  rather  a 

in  his  old  troubles.  summary  judgment  applied  to  a  company  of 

^  Mr.  Eells   was   graduated   at    Williams  men  chosen  out  of  all  the  towns  of  the  State. 

College  in  1S21,  ''  "  Christ  Rejected  "  was  painted  by  Will- 

3  The  first  wife  of  Elihu  Wolcott  (Rachel  iam  Dunlap,  born   at   Perth   Amboy,  N,  J,, 

McClure)  died  the  year  before.     His  second  Feb.  19,  1766.     His  father  was  an  Irish  oifi- 

wife  was  not  Julia  (except  by  abbreviation),  cer  in  the  English  army.     Some  of  his  other 

but  Juliana,  daughter  of  Hon.  Erastus  Wol-  well-known    paintings    are    "  Death    on    the 

cott.     She   was   now   thirty-three   years  old,  Pale  Horse,"  "Bearing   of  the  Cross,"  and 

having  been  born  April  19,  1791.  "Calvary." 


928  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

22.  Saw  my  cousin  George  Starr,'  a  representative.  Yesterday  borrowed 
money  of  the  Phoenix  Bank,  Sent  $95.00,  to  Mr.  Sheldon,  of  Somers,  which, 
with  $10.00  I  paid  last  week,  make  $105.00  for  my  horse.  Paid  my  book- 
binder, $10.00.  Rode  home.  The  air  very  languid.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Hawes,  of  Hartford.  An  aged  man^  died  here  last  evening  suddenly. 
Visited  the  family.     Read  Miller's  Letters  on  Unitarianisvi. 

23.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Thermometer  below  80°.  Attended 
the  funeral  of  Mr.  Hosmer.  The  burial  was  in  Masonic  form.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  full. 

24.  Walked  and  visited.  Read.  Had  company.  Quite  cool.  Wrote. 
^^■  e  have  more  families  here  than  some  years  past. 

25.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Rom.  viii :  14,  and  preached  an  old 
sermon  on  Dan.  ix :  7.  Attended  our  evening  conference.  My  cousin 
George  Starr,  now  a  representative,  came  here  and  tarried.     Quite  tired. 

26.  Hindered  by  company.  Rode  to  Colebrook.  Eveline  accompanies 
me.  Tarried  at  brother  Ammi's.  Quite  cool.  ]\Iy  horse  does  not  travel 
very  well.     I  fear  he  will  not  be  ver}^  good. 

27.  Rode  to  Norfolk.  Mother  is  feeble,  but  better  than  she  has  been. 
She  is  about  having  a  family  come  into  her  house.  Mr.  Battell  went  to  Hart- 
ford.    The  season  here  is  but  little  later  than  with  us. 

28.  Visited  Mr.  Emerson  and  others.  Wrote.  Mother  rode  to  Mr. 
Battell's  for  the  first  time  in  several  weeks.  They  have  a  new  organ  here  in 
the  meeting-house.     My  cousin,  Mrs.  Olmstead,  is  the  organist. 

29.  It  rained  without  intermission  last  night,  and  all  day.  Read.  Mr, 
Battell's  children  are  all  at  home.     His  sons  appear  well. 

30.  Fine  weather.  The  roads  wet.  Rode  home.  Cool.  At  evening 
preached  a  sacramental  lecture  at  the  brick  meeting-house  in  Hartford  on 
I  Cor.  ii :  9.     The  meeting  quite  full.     Got  home  late. 

31.  This  morning  a  little  frost  was  seen.  My  new  book-case  for  pam- 
phlets was  brought  me.     It  is  large,  plain,  the  outside  of  cherry.     The  cost 

about .'     Had  work  done   for  me.     Towards   evening  Mr,   Wells,*  a 

candidate  from  Hartford,  came  here  to  supply  me  tomorrow,  while  I  am  to 
preach  for  Mr.  Hawes.  Was  not  able  to  ride  down  before  tomorrow.  Quite 
cool. 

On  the  27th  paid  Mr.  Birge,  for  satin  procured  for  me,  $5.00. 

June. 

I.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  The  morning  quite  cold.  Preached  to  Mr. 
Hawes's  people  on  Matt,  xxvi :  26-30.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The 
church*  the  largest  I  have  ever  seen.  The  season  was  solemn.  In  the  after- 
noon a  Mr.  Brace  preached  at   Mr.  Hawes's,  and  I  preached  for  Mr.  Flint. 


'  Son   of    Rev.  Peter    Starr,  of  Warren.  *  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Wells,  probably. 

He   was   a  member   of  that   "  contemptible  *  By  church  here   he  does  not  mean  the 

As-embly."  meeting-house,  but  the  body  of  the  communi- 

^  Mr.  Joseph  Hosmer,  aged  seventy-three.  cants.     That   is  the  New  Testament  use  of 

^  This  place  left  blank.  the  word. 


1823.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


929 


His  situation  is  very  distressing.  Preached  on  Rom.  x :  8,  9.  Went  to  Mr. 
Whittlesey's  at  the  asylum.  At  evening  preached  at  the  brick  meeting-house 
on  Rev.  xxii :  9.  Gov.  Wolcott  was  at  meeting  all  day,  and  communed  with 
us.     Mr.  Wells  returned. 

2.  Visited.  Rode  home.  Taken  up  with  company.  A  very  growing 
season.     At  evening  attended  our  monthly  concert  of  prayer. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartland  in  a  wagon,  in  company  with  Mr.  Eells,  to  attend 
Association.  Dr.  Perkins  and  I  preached  in  one  meeting;  the  appointed 
preacher  was  absent.  Preached  on  Rev.  xxii :  9.  Six  of  our  members  were 
absent.  Two  neighboring  ministers  were  with  us.  We  licensed  two  Andover 
candidates.'     One  of  them  appeared  indifferently.     Warm.  * 

4.  Association  was  very  busy  till  noon.  Paid  brother  Frank,  $5.00. 
Returned  home.  Very  warm.  Came  by  Pine  Meadow.  Mr.  Haskell  is 
building  a  good  house.  The  Assembly  concluded  their  session  yesterday. 
They  have  set  off  two  districts  in  Wapping,  on  the  petition  of  the  people,  for  a 
school  society.     Got  home  late.     The  thermometer  today  has  been  at  86°. 

5.  Walked  out.  Worked  some  at  my  pamphlets.  The  heat  very  oppres- 
sive.    Thermometer  91°.     Took  off  my  bed.     Read.     Wrote. 

6.  Cooler.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Wrote  on  my  long  sermon  on 
Ezek.  xiii :  22.  Thermometer  but  75°  with  clear  sun.  At  evening  attended 
our  prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

7.  Wrote  on  my  long  sermon.  Troubled  with  nervous  affections.  Have 
every  reason  to  be  humbled  in  the  dust  before  God.  Endeavored  to  give 
away  myself  once  more  to  him.     Wrote  late.     Thermometer  82°. 

8.  The  forenoon  quite  rainy.  Wrote  on  my  discourse  on  Ezek.  xiii:  22. 
Expected  to  have  preached  upon  it  today,  and  finished  it.  But  omitted  it  on 
account  of  the  weather.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Matt. 
v:  8.  Afternoon  an  old  sermon  on  Dan.  ix :  20.  Forenoon  meeting  very 
thin.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  very  long.  At  evening  attended  a  singing- 
meeting. 

9.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.     Paid  a  highway  tax  of  $2.26.     Quite  cold. 

10.  Read.  This  morning  there  was  a  little  frost  in  some  places.  Dined 
with  a  military  company.  Visited.  Massachusetts  is  perfectly  Democratic  in 
its  government,  and  very  degraded.* 

11.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Wrote  to  Mr.  W.  C. 
Woodbrid2:e.^     On  the  2d  inst.  received  a  letter  from  him.     Paid  ^10.00  for 


'  The  printed  record  contained  in  Contri-  died  in   Boston,    1825.     As   Charles   Wads- 

butions  to  the  Ecclesiastical  History  of  Coimec-  worth,  from  East  Hartford,  did  not  finish  his 

ticut  seems  to  show  that  they  licensed  three  studies   at   Andover    till    1S25,   the    printed 

Andover  candidates,  instead  of  two.     Their  record  is  probably  wrong,  and  Dr.  Robbins's 

names   were   Elnathan   Gridley,  Chester  Is-  record  right.     There  were  two  and  not  three, 

ham,  and  Chas.  Wadsworth.     Elnathan  Grid-  ^  Another  strong  and  summary  judgment, 

ley,  a  native  of  Farmington,  died  in  1827,  as  a  growing  out  of  a  Federalist  education, 

foreign  missionary  in  C^sarea.     Chester  Is-  ^  William  Channing  Woodbridge  was  the 

ham,  a  native  of  West  Hartford,  was  for  a  son  of  Rev.  William  Woodbridge,  mentioned 

ihort  time   pastor  at  Taunton,   Mass.,   and  in  a  previous  note.     William  C.  was  born  in 


930  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

Mellish's'  elegant  map  of  the  United  States,  and  a  valuable  geographical 
volume  accompanying  it.  Paid  $5.00  for  a  pair  of  silk  small-clothes  made  in 
Paris.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  Chandler  Robbins.  Had 
a  present  of  some  pamphlets  from  a  Miss  Pitkin,  of  East  Hartford. 

12.  Attended  to  my  pamphlets.  The  arrangement  is  laborious.  Rode  to 
Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman.  Visited  sick  persons. 
Very  cold  for  the  season.  The  thermometer  has  hardly  been  above  summer 
heat  for  several  days.     Tarried  out. 

13.  Visited.  Wrote.  Read.  The  season  unfavorable  for  the  corn.  My 
horse  stumbles.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

14.  /  Worked  some.  Warm,  after  a  long  cool  term.  Thermometer  at  86°. 
Wrote  for  a  United  States  pensioner.     My  pamphlets  appear  well.     Wrote. 

15.  Finished  and  preached  the  last  two  sermons  of  my  long  discourse  on 
Universalism  on  Ezek.  xiii :  22.  I  hope  it  will  do  good.  It  is  left  with  God 
and  his  great  grace.  Very  full  meeting.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and 
visited  a  dying  man.  At  evening  attended  conference.  Very  tired.  My 
people  are  very  stupid.     Thermometer  about  82°. 

16.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  roads  very  dusty.  Did  errands.  My  sulky 
wheels  which  I  bought  last  summer  are  poor.  Visited.  Had  our  first  green 
peas.     Warm.     Wrote. 

17.  Read,  Wrote.  Very  warm.  The  thermometer  was  at  94°.  Towards 
night  rode  to  Windsor  and  saw  the  General  Association.  At  evening  attended 
meeting,  heard  a  Mr.  Colton,^  a  preacher  from  New  Hampshire.  Tarried  at 
Mr.  J.  Mather's. 

18.  My  brother  and  his  wife  are  here,  on  their  return  from  a  visit  at  Nor- 
folk and  Lenox.  Mr.  Emerson  is  a  member  of  the  Association.  Presented 
to  the  General  Association  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  Everest  legacy. 
The  heat  was  oppressive.  About  noon  returned,  and  went  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man.  Mr.  Sprague,^  of  West  Springfield, 
came  here  towards  night,  and  I  gave  him  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  pam- 
phlets. They  were  such  as  I  had  duplicates  of.  We  had  a  moderate  shower, 
with  considerable  thunder.  The  thermometer  was  at  96°  in  the  forenoon.  I 
conclude  it  rose  to  97°  or  98°. 

19.  The  heat  but  little  abated.  Am  very  languid.  Read.  Much  taken 
up  with  company.     Thermometer  94°.     Walked  out. 

20.  Worked  some.  Wrote.  Attended  a  catechising  of  the  children. 
Attended   the   prayer-meeting.     Much   cooler.     Thermometer   84°. 


Medford,  Mass.  (where  his  father  was  for  the  *  This    was    Rev.   Chester    Colton,   who 

time  teaching)  in  1794,  and  died  in  Boston,  years  before  was  spoken  of  in  the  diary,  as 

1845,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1811,  and  pub-  a  candidate.      In    1815    he   was    settled    in 

lished   the   American   Annals  of  Education.  Brentwood,  N.  H.,  where   he   remained   till 

He   had   been   a   teacher   in   the    Deaf    and  his  death  in  1850.     He  was  a  native  of  West 

Dumb  Asylum,  at  Hartford.  Hartford,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1804. 

'  John  Mellish,  geographer,  born  in  Perth-  'Dr.  William    B.   Sprague   was   a  great 

shire,  Scotland,  but  came  to  this  country  in  collector  of  old   books  and   panphlets,  like 

1S09,  and  died  in  Philadelphia,  in  1S22.  Dr.  Robbins. 


[823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


931 


21.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  i  :  12.  On  the  i8th  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury.  Read.  The  Spanish  war  seems  to  be  very 
languid.' 

22.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  2  Cor.  i :  12.  Preached  nearly 
seventy  minutes.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  Acts  ix :  10-32.  The 
Baptists  had  their  first  meeting  in  their  new  meeting-house.  It  was  numerous. 
I  hope  the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  will  be  short.^  Thermometer  about  80°. 
At  evening  attended  conference.     Tarried  out. 

23.  Visited.  Am  quite  feeble.  Visited  a  school.  Rode  to  Wapping. 
Rainy.     Tarried  out.     Quite  cool.     An  aged  woman  ^  died  in  the  afternoon. 

24.  Visited  th;p  afflicted  family.  Read.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  H.  Durell,  of 
New  York.     Have  unexpected  trials.     Read  late. 

25.  Worked  some.  Read  Life  of  Patrick  Henry.*  Have  had  my  sulky 
repaired  and  almost  made  new.  Paid  towards  it,  $11.62.  Attended  the 
funeral    of   the    aged   Miss    Day.     Visited. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  my  annual  $5.00  to  the  Ministers'  Annuity 
Society.  Visited  the  aged  Col.  Seymour.  Got  a  few  pamphlets.  Looked 
over  Mrs.  Skinner's  again.  Dr.  Flint  is  quite  feeble.  My  horse  is  not  good 
for  riding.     A  very  fine  season. 

27.  Counted  my  pamphlets  which  are  labeled,  amounting  to  one  thousand 
six  hundred  and  fifty.  I  have  a  good  many  more  besides,  duplicates.  Read, 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin.     Worked  some. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Am  considerably  taken  up  with  Mr.  Eells. 
Wrote.     Towards  nis:ht  rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  exchange. 

29.  Preached  on  Luke  xvii :  22,  and  Rev.  xxii :  9.  Meeting  pretty  full. 
His  congregation,  like  mine,  appear  stupid.  Mr.  Bartlett  went  to  supply  my 
people.  After  meeting  rode  home  with  Herlehigh  Haskell,  who  was  at  meet- 
ing here.  At  evening  rode  to  Enfield.  There  was  a  contribution  at 
Scantick,  by  recommendation  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  aid  a  Methodist 
society  in  New  London.  I  have  received  no  proclamation,  and  have  had 
none. 

30.  Rode  home.  Dined  with  Gen.  Jencks'  and  Mr.  Bulkley,  his  boarder, 
at  West  Point.  At  evening  walked  out.  Quite  cool.  My  sulky  is  quite  a 
good  one. 

July. 

1.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  Mr.  Sadd;  ver}'  low.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford. Quite  warm.  Paid  Mrs.  Skinner  $8.00  for  old  books  and  pamphlets. 
Attended  a  wedding  with  Dr.  Flint  at  Mr.  Hinsdale's.  He  is  going  a  journey 
for  his  health. 

2.  Read.      Walked   out.      Thermometer   at    92°,     Wrote.     Received   a 


'  The  French  entered  Spain  April  7,  1823,  *  Patrick  Henry  was  born  in  Virginia  in 

and  invested  Cadiz.  1736,  and  died  in  1799.     The  work  which  Dr. 

^  The  characteristic  of  this  sentence  is  not  Robbins  was   reading  was  doubtless    Wirfs 

Christian  charity.  Lfe  of  Patrick  Henry. 

3  Miss  Molly  Day,  aged  eighty-two.  *  Gen.  Charles  Jenks. 


932  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

letter  from  Mr.  Henry  Durell,  of  New  York.  We  had  a  very  refreshing 
shower.  The  ground  was  very  dry.  Peoj^le  are  generally  beginning  their 
haying. 

3.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Afternoon  attended  the  catechising  of  the 
children,  after  which  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  John 
xii :  26.     Thermometer  85°.     Read. 

4.  We  have  a  good  deal  of  firing.  Read  Traits  of  the  Aborigines  of 
America^  A  valuable  poem.  Wrote.  On  the  2d  Mr.  Haskell  gave  me  two 
silver  coins.  Last  Sabbath  1  baptized  a  child.  Hindered  by  company.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

5.  Am  quite  feeble.  Burdened  with  my  cold.  Wrote  the  most  of  a 
sermon  on  John  vii :  37.  Mr.  Dodge,  of  New  Haven,  was  here  a  good  while. 
Thermometer  91°.     Wrote  late. 

6.  Rainy.  Meeting  not  full.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church 
pretty  well  out.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  John  x:  27,  and  finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  John  vii:  37.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  and 
visited  Mr.  Sadd.  He  is  quite  low,  and  appears  very  ripe  for  heaven. 
Thermometer  86°. 

7.  Read.  Visited.  Our  season  is  very  fine.  A  prospect  of  an  uncom- 
monly good  harvest.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  in  the  corner  of 
Manchester.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin. 
Thermometer  85°. 

8.  Wrote.  Prepared  for  a  journey  to  New  Haven.  As  I  was  ready  to 
set  out,  about  noon,  Rev.  Mr.  Dwight,^  of  Boston,  came  here,  and  I  rode  with 
him  during  the  afternoon  to  several  places  here  and  at  Wapping,  to  learn 
facts  respecting  the  Edwards  family.^     His  health  is  poor.     Thermometer  gi°. 

9.  Rode  to  Durham,  Had  a  good  visit  with  Mr.  Smith.*  Esq.  Chaun- 
cey'  gave  me  some  valuable  pamphlets.  Mr.  Smith  is  quite  a  farmer.  Gave 
a  sick  man,  $1.00. 

10.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Called  on  Mr.  Noyes,*  of  Northford.  Visited 
friends.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Gave  some  pamphlets  to  Professor 
Kingsley,  and  am  to  receive  some  from  him  in  return.  Visited  President 
Day.     People  this  way  are  generally  beginning  their  harvest. 

11.  Did  errands.  Visited.  Delayed  setting  out  for  home.  Left  New 
Haven  at  three  o'clock,  and  rode  home  in  eight  and  one  half  hours.  Was  out 
in  a  short  shower.  Was  informed  at  the  Hartford  Bridge  that  Gen.  Griswold,' 
of  East  Hartford,  died  this  afternoon ;  a  distinguished  and  useful  man.     Also 


*  A  later  edition  of   this  poem  was  pub-  *  Worthingtou     G.     Chauncey,     Esq.,    a 
lished  in  Canabridge,  Mass.,  1S32.  prominent  citizen  of  Duiham,  Ct.,  descended 

"  Rev.  Sereno  E.  Dwight,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  from   Nathaniel  Chauncey,  first   minister  of 

Park  Street  Church,  Boston,  1817-1S26.  Durham,  1706-1756. 

'  He  was  preparing  to   publish    his   Life  ^  Rev.  Matthew  Noyes,  pastor  at  North- 

and    Wridngs  of  President  Edivards.     This  ford   (North  Branford),  1790-1S39.     He  was 

work  was  completed  and   published   in  ten  now  in  his  old  age,  with  a  colleague,  having 

volumes,  in  1830.  been  settled  there  since  1790. 

*  Dr.  David  Smith.  '  Gen.  George  Griswold. 


1823.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  933 

that  my  good  brother  Cook,'  of  Orford,  now  Manchester,  was  drowned  this 
afternoon.  Received  a  letter  from  Esq.  Phelps,  of  Manchester,  requesting  me 
to  preach  at  his  funeral.  Good  old  Mr.  Sadd,  at  Wapping,  died  yesterday, 
aged  seventy-five.  A  man  of  very  eminent  godliness,  and  one  of  the  best 
members  of  our  church.  Thermometer  today  93°  ;  yesterday  96° ;  Wednes- 
day 93°.     My  horse  performed  the  journey  very  well.     Paid  for  pamphlets,  .50. 

12.  A  very  fine  season.  In  the  forenoon  attended  the  funeral  of  Mr. 
Sadd.  A  great  loss  to  be  deprived  of  such  a  praying  friend.  Rode  to  Man- 
chester. Saw  the  remains  of  Mr.  Cook,  and  the  place  where  he  was  drowned. 
The  whole  is  one  of  the  most  mysterious  and  unaccountable  events  I  ever 
knew.  He  fell  from  a  log,  crossing  a  small  stream  near  his  house,  the  water 
about  seven  feet  deep,  and  was  not  more  than  two  or  three  minutes  in  the 
water.     He  was  probably  hurt  by  the  fall.     Did  not  get  home  till  evening. 

13.  Last  evening  my  brother  came  here  on  his  way  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Cook.  He  went  this  morning  and  exchanged  with  Mr.  Bartlett.  Am  pretty 
feeble.  I  am  anxious  about  preaching  at  the  funeral.  In  the  forenoon 
expounded  on  Acts  ix  :  36  to  x :  19.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
Phil,  i:  21.  Near  sundown  began  to  write  an  addition  to  the  sermon  I 
preached  on  the  death  of  Dr.  McClure,  and  wrote  till  near  one  o'clock. 
Thermometer  80°. 

14.  In  the  morning  finished  an  addition  of  six  pages  to  my  sermon  on 
Eccles.  ix:  i,  and  rode  to  Manchester  and  preached  on  the  occasion  of  the 
death  of  brother  Cook.  The  body  became  so  changed  that  it  was  put  into 
the  tomb  yesterday  noon.  A  great  collection  of  people,  and  near  twenty 
ministers.  The  history  of  brother  Cook's  ministry  is  very  interesting.  In 
nine  years  he  has  received  one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  members  into  his 
church.  The  people  feel  their  loss  very  deeply.  Very  tired.  People  gener- 
ally beginning  harA'est.     Thermometer  about  87°.     Read. 

15.  Wrote.  Rainy.  Mr.  Mix,^  of  West  Suffield,  came  here.  Our 
ministers'  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  here.  No  other  came.  I  did 
not  appoint  any  public  meeting.     The  season  unfavorable  for  harvesting. 

16.  Worked  at  my  chamber,  etc.  Read.  On  the  nth  received  of  Howe 
&  Spaulding,  $132.74,  endorsed  on  my  note  against  them.  Of  which  $122.74 
I  paid  them  for  books,  their  account  against  me.  Taken  up  with  company. 
Thermometer  85°. 

17.  Read  religious  rites,  etc.  Wrote.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  visited 
a  sick  man.  Crossed  to  Hartford.  Paid  $1.00  for  a  book.  Had  company. 
Thermometer  85°. 

18.  Wet.  Unfavorable  for  the  husbandmen.  Wrote.  Read.  At  even- 
ing attended  our  prayer-meeting.     .A.t  night  my  cousin  Eliza  came  here. 

19.  I  have  a  large  number  of  almanacks.  Read.  Rode  to  Manchester. 
Visited  Mrs.  Cook  and  others.  All  seem  to  feel  their  loss  very  deeply. 
Clear  and  cool.     Rode  to  Glastonbury  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Birge.^ 


>  Rev.  Elisha  B.  Cook,  often  referred  to,  ^  Rev.  Joseph  Mi.x. 

pastor  at  Manchester,  1814-1S23.  ^  Rev.  Caleb  Burge. 


934  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1823. 

20.  Preached  on  Jonah  ii :  8,  and  2  Cor.  i:  12.  This  congregation 
appears  larger  than  it  used  to.  At  evening  visited.  Mr.  Birge  does  not 
attend  extra  meetings   much. 

21.  Looked  over  Mr.  Lockwood's'  pamphlets.  Some  of  them  are  quite 
valuable.  Bought  eighty-five  of  them,  and  paid  him  for  them,  $4.00.  I  have 
seldom  paid  as  much  for  pamphlets,  but  he  seemed  to  feel  that  they  were  sold 
cheap.  Rode  home.  Cousin  Eliza  went  from  here  this  morning  to  Enfield. 
My  brother  and  his  wife  went  to  Hartford,  and  she  went  off  to  the  eastward 
with  her  son.  Sent  Capt.  Le  Baron  an  elegant  copy  of  Trumbull's  JVorks. 
Rode  to  the  harvest  field,  and  carried  dinner.  The  harvest  of  wheat  and  rye 
has  not  been  so  good  for  many  years.     Looked  over  pamphlets. 

22.  Read.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  The  late  additions  are  valuable. 
Carried  dinner  to  harvesters.  Thermometer  for  several  days  but  85°.  In 
the  evening  the  total  and  long  eclipse  of  the  moon  took  place  according  to 
the  calculations.^     It  appeared  red,  and  much  more  visible  than  I  expected. 

23.  On  Monday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Canfield,  of  Hartford.  Yes- 
terday wrote  to  Miss  Flint,  of  Hartford.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  Read. 
Visited. 

24.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  Hosmer  for  my  Leghorn  hat,  with  its  addi- 
tions, $4.84.  For  two  quarts  of  Port  wine,  $1.33.  Warm.  Very  fine 
weather.     Went   into   the    water.     Read. 

25.  Read.  Wet.  Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  There  were 
but  few.  Walked  and  visited.  Did  not  attend  our  evening  meeting  on 
account   of   the    rain. 

26.  Wet.  Last  night  we  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  It  was  very  refreshing  to 
the  ground,  which  had  become  very  dry.  Read.  Visited.  Rode  to  Elling- 
ton to  exchange.     There  is  a  good  deal  of  grain  out. 

27.  Mr.  Brockway^  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  in  the  evening. 
Very  warm.  Suffered  much  by  the  heat.  Preached  on  2  Cor.  i:  12,  and 
Rev.  ii :  9.  Attended  a  third  meeting,  and  preached  without  notes  on  Luke 
ix  :  30,  31.  Was  at  Mr.  Wills's.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Hall's.  Last  night  there 
was  a  hard  shower. 

28.  Visited  Dr.  North.  Rode  to  Tolland.  The  town  of  Ellington  is  very 
handsome."*  Visited  Dr.  Williams^  and  Mr.  Nash.^  Attended  a  funeral  with 
them.  Dr.  Williams  let  me  have  one  hundred  and  five  pamphlets,  with  about 
forty  old  proclamations,  and  several  other  papers.  Gave  him  $3.00.  Rode 
to  Orford  and  home.     Got  home  late. 


'  Rev.  William  Lockwood.  ^  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway. 
2  Of  the   six  eclipses  for  1823,  the  fifth,             *  The  red  sandstone  formation  prevailing 
according  to  the  prediction  of  the  Almanac,  in    Ellington    and   Vernon,   Ct.,   gives   very 
will  be  a   total  eclipse  of  the  moon,   begin-  graceful    curves    and    pleasing    landscapes, 
ning  July  22,  and  ending  July  23 :  This  formation   prevails,    up  and  down  the 
Beginning,                                     8  h.  46  m.  river,  between  the  alluvial  soil  of  the  mead- 
Beginning  of  total  eclipse,         9  "  52  "  ows  and  the  hard  rock  east  and  west. 
End  of  total  darkness,              11   "  30  "                   s  pr.  Nathan  Williams,  senior  pastor. 
End,                                              o  "  38  "                   *  Rev.  Ansel  Nash,  junior  pastor. 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


935 


29.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Read.  We  had  several  showers,  one 
exceeding  hard,  with  severe  thunder.  The  ground  is  ulmost  inundated.  At 
evening  walked  out. 

30.  Read.  Walked  and  visited.  A  good  deal  of  hay  and  grain  has  been 
injured  by  the  rains.  The  ground  is  finely  wet.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
attended  a  funeral.  Miss  Williams'  gave  me  fifty-eight  pamphlets.  The 
most  of   them   are   such   as   I   have. 

31.  Wrote,  Walked  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  I  have  done  but 
little  visiting  lately.  Tarried  out.  It  is  a  very  catching  time  for  haying.  We 
have  wet  almost  every  day.  The  thermometer  for  several  days  has  been 
about  90°. 

August. 

1.  Visited.  Rode  to  Manchester  and  attended  a  funeral.  Quite  warm. 
Catechised  two  schools,  who  came  to  my  chamber.  Attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Get  but  little   time  for  study. 

2.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John  vi :  44.  I  fear  I  am  getting  out 
of  a  habit  of  close  study.     Wrote  pretty  slow.     Read. 

3.  Finished  and  preached  all  day  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  My 
voice  is  pretty  strong  to  what  it  has  sometimes  been.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Tarried  out. 

4.  I  do  not  know  that  anything  can  arouse  my  people  from  their  stupidity. 
Read.  Received  a  letter  from  W.  Woodbridge,  of  Manchester.  Our  monthly 
prayer-meeting  was  prevented  by  a  severe  thunder-shower.  The  thunder  was 
the  hardest  we  have  had  for  a  long  time.     Worked  at  my  pamphlets. 

5.  Rose  early  and  worked  some.  If  I  could  do  this  steadily,  it  might 
favor  my  health.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  McLean,  of  Lockport,  N.  Y.  Gave  a 
testimony  at  the  court  of  probate.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  my  two  nieces, 
Mr.  Battell's  daughters,^  who  are  attending  a  music-school.     Cooler. 

6.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  Joseph  Battell,  soon  to  be  graduated  at  Middle- 
bury  College.^  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  meeting  of  the  directors 
of  the  insane  institution.  In  the  evening  rode  to  Pine  Meadow.  Was  out 
late.     Paid  Murls  $7.00,  for  his  work  on  my  sulky.     Was  out  late. 

7.  Visited  in  Windsor.  Got  a  few  pamphlets.  Very  warm.  Ther- 
mometer, I  believe,  above  90°.     Tired. 

8.  Began  to  write  off  my  sermon  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Cook  for  publica- 
tion. The  heat  very  severe.  Visited.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 
Thermometer  95°. 

9.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xi :  i.  Much  cooler.  Ther- 
mometer but  about  80°.  Eveline  went  to  Hartford,  brought  up  my  nieces, 
Sarah  and  Irene  Battell.  Yesterday  Mr.  Nash,  of  Tolland,  dined  here,  and 
conversed  considerably  about  writing  with  me  a  volume  for  publication. 


'  Miss  Abigail  Williams,  daughter  of  Dr.  ^  Joseph  Battell,  then   in   his   eighteenth 

Eliphalet  Williams.  year,  was  graduated  that  summer  at  Middle- 

^  Sarah   Battell,  then  thirteen   years  old,  bury  College,  and  received  an  honorary'  A.  B. 

and  Irene,  eleven.  the  same  year  at  Yale  College. 


936  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

10.  Expounded  on  Acts  x :  18  to  the  end.  Finished  and  preached  my 
sermon  on  i  Cor.  xi :  i.  Preached  more  than  an  hour.  Tlie  evening  meeting 
was  prevented  by  wet. 

11.  Received  a  letter  from  the  society  committee  of  Manchester,  request- 
ing a  copy  of  my  sermon  for  publication.  It  had  been  intimated  to  me  before. 
My  nieces  returned  to  Hartford.     We  had  a  very  heavy  shower. 

12.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon  for  the  printer.  Very  warm.  Visited. 
Thermometer  95°.     I  think  I  find  benefit  by  early  morning  labor. 

13.  Nearly  finished  my  sermon.  Hindered  by  company.  Thermometer 
83°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  the  printer.  Attended  a  meeting  of  the  insane 
directors. 

14.  Wrote  an  address  for  the  newspapers  on  the  subject  of  a  public  con- 
tribution for  the  Insane  Retreat.     Visited.     Thermometer  84°.     Wrote  late. 

15.  Rode  early  to  Hartford,  and  carried  my  address.  Rode  to  Man- 
chester, and  attended  a  fast  observed  by  them  on  account  of  their  afflicted 
state.  Mr.  Shipman,'  a  candidate  at  Vernon,  was  with  us.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Mr.  Eells  and  Mr.  Charlton^  conducted  our 
catechising   without   me. 

16.  Mr.  Bull,  an  English  preacher,  was  here.  Rainy.  Wrote.  Am  quite 
feeble  with  the  labors  of  the  week.  Unable  to  write  a  sermon.  Received  a 
letter  from  Professor  Kingsley,  of  New  Haven,  with  some  valuable  pamphlets. 
Read. 

17.  Wrote  notes  of  a  sermon  on  Gal.  i:  8,  and  preached  it  both  parts  of 
the  day.     At  evening  had  a  full  conference.     Very  tired. 

18.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Am  quite  feeble.  Afternoon  rode  to  Farm- 
ington.  Hindered  at  Hartford.  Looked  at  the  Retreat  for  the  Insane.  It  is 
likely  to  be  a  very  good  building.  Stopped  at  Gov.  Treadwell's.^  He  has 
just  deceased,  after  a  severe  illness  of  eight  days.  His  Christian  character 
appeared  remarkably  well. 

19.  Tarried  last  night  at  Gen.  S.  L.  Cowles's.'*  There  was  a  very  hard 
shower.  Sultry  hot.  Maj.  Hooker^  gave  me  about  thirty  old  pamphlets. 
Mr.  Pitkin  about  an  equal  number.  Found  one  election  sermon  which  I  had 
not.  Of  one  hundred  and  nine  printed  in  this  State  I  now  have  one  hundred 
and  eight.  A  good  Providence  has  much  favored  my  research.  Rode  home. 
The  roads  are  very  wet.     Called  on  Dr.  Perkins. 

20.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point  to  witness  the  consecration  of  the  Episcopal 


'  Rev.  Thomas   L.  Shipman,  a  graduate  yer,    town    representative,    Lieut.-Govemor 

of  Yale,  1818,  afterwards  settled   at   South-  and   Governor,   Member  of   Congress,   first 

bury  and  Jewett  City.     At  the  latter  place  he  President  of  the  American   Board,  he  was 

now  resides  [Dec,  1885],  in  a  vigorous  old  greatly  honored,  beloved,  and  trusted, 

age.     He  is  the  father  of  Judge   Nathaniel  *  There  was  also  a  Gen.  George  Cowles 

Shipman,  of  Hartford.  in  Farmington. 

^  Ozias  S.  Eells,  his  student,  the  teachec  *  Rev.  Samuel  Hooker,  son  of  the  famous 

of  the  academy,  and  Mr.  Jesse  Charlton.  Thomas,  of   Hartford,  was  pastor  at   Farm- 

^  Gov.  John  Treadwell,  born  in  Farming-  ington,  1661-1697,  and  the  name  Hooker  has 

ton,  Ct.,  1745,  graduated  at  Yale,  1767,  law-  long  been  an  honored  name  in  the  town. 


[823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


937 


church.  The  bishop,'  on  account  of  disagreement  among  the  proprietors,  did 
not  do  it.  Heard  Mr.  Wheaton''  preach.  Rode  to  Enfield.  My  horse  is 
lame.     Returned.     Called  at   Pine   Meadow. 

21.  Wrote  to  Ab.  Hosford,  of  Canton.  Visited.  The  ground  is  wet.  The 
river  is  much  risen.     Read  a  proof-sheet  of  my  sermon. 

22.  Began  to  write  off  Mr.  Hallock's  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Everest 
for  publication.  It  is  a  great  task.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Worked 
driving  a  scraper.     Visited. 

23.  Began  to  write  an  historical  sketch  of  religions  for  iDublication.  Quite 
cool.  This  morning  we  feared  a  frost.  Rode  to  Gilead  to  exchange  with  Mr. 
Gillett.^     My  horse  is  so  lame  that  he  could  not  go.     Called  at  Manchester. 

24.  Mr.  Gillett  went  yesterday  to  East  Windsor.  Preached  on  Luke 
xi :  13,  and  Luke  xvii:  22.  This  society  and  congregation  are  quite  small. 
At  five  o'clock  attended  a  third  meeting  at  a  school-house,  and  preached  with- 
out notes  on  Luke  ix  :  30,  31.  Preached  three  times  from  Luke.  Had  com- 
pany.    Much  fatigued.     Sectarianism  does  great  injury  in  our  State. 

25.  Rode  home.  Saw  nothing  of  Mr.  Gillett.  Visited  a  school  in  the 
west  part  of  Vernon.  Society  matters  there  are  in  a  pretty  poor  state. 
Attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting  in  the  evening  ;  expecting  next  Monday 
to  be  absent.     We  had  a  good  meeting. 

26.  Am  very  languid.  Read.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Ver}'  warm. 
Thermometer  85°.  At  evening  Mr.  Battell,  and  his  two  sons,*  and  Mr. 
Emerson,  came  here  on  their  return  from  Middlebur}\  Joseph  took  his 
degree  last  week.     He  is  a  good  scholar. 

27.  My  friends  went  off  to  Norfolk.  Wrote  on  Mr.  Hallock's^  sermon. 
The  heat  oppressive.  Thermometer  90°.  At  evening  attended  our  church 
conference.     We  are  stupid. 

28.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Our  people  talk  of  removing  the  meeting- 
house.    Wrote.     Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.     Thermometer  92°. 

29.  Received  of  Mr.  Tudor  the  payment  of  a  note  of  $39.50,  for  my 
collector.  Borrowed  of  Mrs.  Wolcott,  $300  00,  and  gave  her  my  note.  Took 
up  a  note  at  the  bank.  Attended  a  meeting  of  the  managers  of  the  Hartford 
County  Missionary  Society  at  Hartford.  In  the  forenoon  visited  a  school. 
Thermometer  about  88°.  Quite  dusty.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 
Visited. 

30.  Visited  a  school  at  Wapping.  Wrote.  Examined  Mr.  Eells  consider- 
ably. On  the  28th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Canfield,  of  Hartford.  Am 
greatly  perplexed  with  a  wandering  mind.     Thermometer  84°. 

31.  Expounded  on  Acts  xi,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  ix  :  4. 
Very  dusty.     At  evening  attended  conference.     Very  tired. 


'  The   Episcopal   Bishop  of   Connecticut  "•  Joseph,  the  elder,  had  just  graduated, 

then  was  Thomas  Church  Brownell,  D.  D.  and  Philip  had  finished  his  freshman  year. 

^  Nathaniel  S.  Wheaton,  D.D.  5  Rev.  Jeremiah    Hallock   was   pastor  at 

3  Rev.  Nathan  Gillett,  pastor   at  Gilead,  Canton,   where   Dr.    Everest,   who    left    the 

1 799-1824.  Everest  Fund,  was  a  parishioner. 


938  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

September. 

1.  Much  cooler  than  last  week.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Williamstown. 
Rode  to  Canton.  Did  business  with  several  persons  respecting  the  Everest 
legacy.  Mr.  Hallock  and  Mr.  Porter'  were  not  there  as  I  expected.  Rode 
to  a  tavern  in  Sandisfield.^     My  horse  travels  slow. 

2.  In  the  morning  quite  cool.  It  is  said  there  was  a  little  frost.  A 
pretty  poor  country  up  Farmington  River.  Rode  to  Lenox.  Stayed  some  time 
at  my  brother's.''  His  circumstances  appear  well.  Rode  on  to  New  Ash- 
ford.**     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Many  small  streams  are  dry.     The  dust  is  bad. 

3.  Rode  early  to  Williamstown.  The  distance  from  home  about  ninety 
miles.  Cool.  Attended  the  Commencement.  The  class  was  small,  but  the 
exercises  were  very  good.  A  larger  collection  of  people  than  there  used  to 
be.  Dr.  Griffin^  presides  well.  I  have  not  attended  here  before  since  1816, 
nor  since  then  have  I  visited  my  brother  James.  This  is  not  right. 
Attended  the  meeting  of  the  society  of  the  alumni  of  the  college.  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge,*  of  Hadley,  delivered  an  excellent  oration  for  them.  At  evening  Mr. 
Williston,^  of  New  Durham,  preached.  Kindly  treated  by  Mr.  Noble.^  Find 
many  friends  and  acquaintance. 

4.  Left  Windsor  in  the  forenoon,  and  rode  to  Lenox.  In  the  morning  it 
was  showery.  The  most  of  this  county  is  very  hilly  and  mountainous.  My 
brother's  family  appears  well.  Visited  the  aged  Mrs.  Collins,^  of  Lanes- 
borough.  Gave  her  $1.62  for  forty  pamphlets.  At  evening  visited  Dr. 
Shepard.'° 

5.  Rode  to  Stockbridge.  Visited  Mrs.  West."  She  is  lonely  and  quite 
feeble.  Paid  her  $2.00  for  one  hundred  of  the  doctor's  old  pamphlets. 
Visited  Mr.  Woodbridge.'^  Late  in  the  day  left  Stockbridge,  and  rode  to  Otis. 
Have  not  time  to  go  by  Norfolk,  as  I  hoped.     My  horse  travels  poorly. 

6.  Tarried  last  night  at  a  tavern.  Rode  home ;  forty-nine  miles.  To- 
wards night  my  horse  was  considerably  lame.  Very  warm.  Thermometer 
near  90°."  The  dust  very  oppressive.  The  ground  has  become  very  drj^ 
Have  had  a  prosperous  journey,  through  rich  mercy.     Find  things  well. 

7.  Am  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Preached  an  old  double  sermon  on 
Kings  xvii :  9.  Showery.  Very  grateful  to  the  ground.  Had  no  conference. 
Looked  over  pamphlets.  Have  near  sixty  Massachusetts  election  sermons.'* 
Preached  long;.     Meetins:  not  full. 


'  Dr.  Porter,  of  Farmington.  '  Her  husband,  Rev.  Daniel  Collins,  died 

^  In  Berkshire  County,  Mass.  the  year  before,  in  the  fifty-seventh   year  of 

^  James  Watson  Robbins.  his  ministry. 

*  Berkshire  County,  Mass.  '°  Dr.  Samuel  Shepard,  of  Lenox. 

s  Edward  Dorr  Griffin,  D.  D.,  President  of  "  Dr.  Stephen  West  died  in  1819,  after  a 

Williams  College,  1821-1836.     He  died  the  ministry  in  Stockbridge  of  fifty-nine  3'ears. 
following  year.  '-  Joseph  Woodbridge. 

*  John  Woodbridge,  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Had-  "  Hot  weather  of  early  September. 

ley,  Mass.,  1810-1830.  '*  This  work  of  collecting  old  pamphlets 

'  Rev.  Seth  Williston.  has  its  fascinations.     It  is  not  that  the  col- 

'  His  class-mate,  now  Hon.  Daniel  Noble,  lector  is  so  eager  to  read  them  all,  as  to  say 

of  Williamstown.  that  he  owns  them. 


1823.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  939 

8.  Arranged  my  pamphlets.  Wrote.  Walked  out.  My  brother  and  a 
Mr.  Boies'  came  here  and  tarried.     Cool. 

9.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  Tudor  and  Eveline  went.  Mr.  G.  Goodwin^ 
went  with  me  from  Hartford.  At  evening  Mr.  Emerson'  preached  for  the 
Education  Society  exceeding  well.  Mr.  Battell  and  wife  are  here.  The 
roads  good,  and  not  very  dusty. 

10.  Saw  Morse's  picture  of  Congress  hall.  The  Commencement  exercises 
were  very  good.  A  great  collection  of  people.  The  weather  is  very  fine. 
Mr.  Goodwin  walked,  and  sat  with  me.''  In  the  evening  Mr.  Porter'  preached 
very  well  at  the  Concio  ad  Clerum.     A  great  collection  of  the  clergy. 

11.  Attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Education  Society.  It  appears  to 
do  good.  Left  New  Haven  after  noon,  and  rode  home.  Stopped  at  Walling- 
ford,  and  looked  at  pamphlets.     Rode  late,  and  took  cold.     Paid  %\  for  a  book. 

12.  Am  fatigued  with  my  journey.  Read.  Had  company.  Have  various 
trials.  Towards  night  Mr.  Huet,*  of  Fairfield,  came  here  and  tarried.  He 
assisted  at  the  prayer-meeting. 

13.  Rode  considerably  with  Mr.  Huet.  He  suffers  much  with  depression 
of  spirits.  He  concludes  to  tarry  over  the  Sabbath.  Cool.  Visited.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Emerson,  of  Norfolk,  dined  here.  Towards  night  my  cousin,  Mrs. 
Olmsted,  came  here.     She  has  been  a  good  while  at  Enfield. 

14.  Mr.  Huet  preached  exceeding  well.  He  is  an  able  man.'  I  assisted 
in  the  exercises.  Mr.  Chandler  was  here  for  singing,  and  we  had  no  confer- 
ence.    Read  the  Bible. 

15.  Mr.  Huet  went  off  for  Boston.  His  feelings  are  pretty  low.  Rode 
with  my  cousin  Eliza  to  Hartford.  She  is  much  burdened  respecting  a  pro- 
posed connexion.*  Rode  to  Manchester,  and  dined  with  the  officers  of  a 
regiment  of  cavalry.     Visited  a  school.     Wrote.     Read  Joan  of  Arc? 

16.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  on 
2  Cor.  i :  12.     We  had  a  good  meeting. 

17.  Called  at  Mrs.  Stebbins's."  Mrs.  Stebbins  gave  me  thirty  valuable 
pamphlets.  Visited  Dr.  Flint  at  Hartford.  He  and  his  society  are  in  a  very 
unpleasant  situation.  Wet  and  rainy.  Got  considerably  wet.  Paid  my  book- 
binder, $20.00. 

18.  Attended  to  Mr.  Eells.  Wrote.  Walked  out.  Attended  the  exami- 
nation of  our  academy.  It  appeared  uncommonly  well.  Very  warm. 
Thermometer   near   90°.     Tarried   out.     Visited. 

19.  Visited.  Read.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  at  the  poor-house 
without  notes  on  John  iv  :   10.     Was  out  late. 


•  Rev.  Artemas  Boies,  a  graduate  of  Will-  ^  Dr.  Noah  Porter,  of  Farmington. 

iams,  1816.  ^  Nathaniel  Hewett,  D.  D.     Dr.  Robbins 

^  George  Goodwin,  Jr.,  of  East  Hartford,  does  not  spell  the  name  correctly. 

a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1S06,  who  died  not  till  '  He  afterwards  became  distinguished  as 

1878.  a  temperance  advocate. 

3  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.,  of  Norfolk.  ^  That  connection  was  ere  long  completed. 

-»  Walked  with  him  in  the  procession,  and  9  Robert  Southey's  Life  of  Joan  of  Arc. 

sat  with  him  in  the  church.  "  Widow  of  Rev.  Samuel  Stebbins. 


940  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

20.  Had  to  ride  to  Hartford.  My  cousin  Eliza  is  in  much  anxiety.  Quite 
warm.  Find  but  little  time  for  study.  Wrote.  In  the  evening  began  to  write 
a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii :  i6.     Wrote  five  pa^jes. 

21.  Wrote  what  I  could,  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on 
Heb.  xii :  i6.  It  was  not  finished.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with  old  notes 
on  Ps.  Iv :  16.  Attended  the  evening  conference.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Solomon 
Stoddard,'  of  Northampton.     Quite  cold. 

22.  This  morning  we  had  our  first  frost,  and  it  was  unusually  hard.  A 
good  deal  of  tobacco  was  not  cut,  and  it  is  much  hurt.  Examined  Mr.  Eells. 
Read.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr.  I  hope  Mr.  Eells  may  be  his 
successor. 

23.  Wrote  on  my  historical  compilation^  for  Mr.  Cook,  the  bookseller.  I 
think  I  cannot  bear  study  as  I  have  done.  At  evening  visited  a  family  in 
much  affliction. 

24.  Rode  and  visited  a  school  in  Scantrck,  and  another  in  East  Hartford, 
taught  by  instructors  belonging  here.  Received  twenty-seven  copies  of  my 
sermon  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Cook. 

25.  The  weather  moderates.  We  have  had  a  very  cold  turn  for  Septem- 
ber. Tuesday  morning  the  frost  was  harder  than  on  Monday.  Vegetation  is 
mostly  stopped.  Have  a  fire  in  my  chamber  steadily.  Wrote  on  my  histor)'. 
Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  At  evening  attended  a  wedding. 
Mr.  Cushman '  married  the  persons. 

26.  Visited.  Dined  with  the  officers  of  the  regiment.  Assisted  in  staking 
out  the  ground  for  the  public  review.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 

27.  Wrote.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxvi :  26.  Wrote  late. 
Am  easily  hindered. 

28.  Expounded  on  Acts  xii.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ezek. 
xxxvi:  26.  Cool.  Full  meeting.  We  had  our  contribution  for  the  insane 
institution,  and  procured  $13.36.  I  think  we  should  have  got  more,  but  that 
a  good  deal  has  been  given  to  the  institution  from  here  by  subscription.  Had 
no  conference.     Wrote,     ^^z.^  X\\^  Life  of  Patrick  Henry,"  very  late. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  Dr.  Flint.  Preparing  for  the  Consociation. 
Dined  with  the  artillery  company  at  East  Hartford.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Hallock,  of  Canton.  Quite  cold.  Mr.  I.  L.  Skinner'  came  up  and 
tarried  v.'ith  me. 

30.  A  hard  frost.  Rode  with  Mr.  Skinner  to  Scantick  to  attend  Conso- 
ciation. The  meeting  pretty  full.  Mr.  Rowland  was  moderator.  Dr.  Flint, 
who  has  been  moderator  for  ten  years,  was  not  present.  I  was  scribe.  Mr. 
McLean  preached  very  well.     Mr.  Eells  and  Mr.  Coleman  were  examined  for 


'  Of  the  same  name,  and  a  descendant  of  *  Wirt's  Life  of  Patrick  Henry. 

the  venerable  Solomon    Stoddard,  pastor  at  '  Rev.  Ichabod  Lord  Skinner,  a  native  of 

Northampton,  1672-1729.  Marlborough,  Ct.,  was  graduated  at  Yale  in 

^  Probably   the    sketch    of    different    re-  1793,  and   for   a  few   years   was   settled    at 

ligions,  before  mentioned.  North  Coventry.     He  then  left  the  ministry 

^  Rev.  Elisha  Cushman,  Baptist  minister  and  gave  himself  to  civil  employments.     He 

of  Hartford.  spent  his  later  years  in  Washington,  D.  C. 


i823.] 


PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


941 


license.  The  former  passed  exceeding  well,  better,  I  think,  than  I  expected. 
We  held  our  session  in  the  academy.  Very  well  accommodated  at  Mr. 
Stephen  Potwine's.' 

October. 

1.  The  Consociation  examined  Mr.  Case  and  Mr.  Wadsworth,  and 
licensed  them,  and  the  two  of  yesterday.^  Mr.  Eells  is  the  best  instructed, 
theologically,  of  the  whole,  so  far  as  we  could  judge.  Left  the  Conso  before 
they  finished  their  session  to  attend  our  regimental  training.  The  regiment 
of  cavalry  was  with  us.  I  prayed  with  both  regiments.  The  military  per- 
formance was  exceeding  good.  I  think  we  have  not  had  a  better  since  I 
belonged  to  the  regiment.  The  cavalry  did  very  well.  The  day  was  \erv 
fine,  there  was  a  great  concourse  of  people,  and  God  preserved  us  from 
accident  and  injury.     Many  men  of  godliness  were  under  arms.^ 

2.  Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Lyman,*  of  Northampton, 
relative  to  Dr.  Gridley,*  of  Amherst.  Took  the  letter,  and  rode  to  Enheld. 
Consulted  with  my  brother  and  sister.  We  feel  anxious  about  our  cousin 
Eliza.  Left  Enfield  after  sundown,  came  home,  and  rode  to  Hartford 
to  see  Eliza.  She  had  gone  to  Norfolk  in  the  morning.  Got  home  late.  We 
had  a  warm  day,  and  the  ground  is  dr}^  Paid  my  brother  $71.65,  and  took 
up  a  note  he  held  against  me. 

3.  Am  much  fatigued  with  labors.  Poorly  able  to  study.  Preached  a 
sacramental  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Job  v :  19.  At  evening  attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     The  afternoon  very  warm.     The  thermometer  at  80°. 

4.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell  relative  to  Eliza.*  Walked  out.  Read.  At 
evening,  after  supper,  began  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  i :  23.  Wrote  seven  pages- 
Wrote  rapidly. 

5.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ex.  xv :  2.  Finished  and  preached  my 
sermon  begun  last  evening.  It  was  written  too  hastily.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  A  little  wet.  The  church  not  very  full.  I  have  now  preached 
twenty-five  years.  Fifteen  in  this  place.  Mentioned  it  in  public.  Very 
tired.  Unable  to  attend  our  conference.  Read  Joan  of  Arc.  Thermometer 
yesterday  and  today  76°. 

6.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited    a   sick   man.     Visited   a   school.     At 


'  He  was  one  of  the  sons  of  Rev.  Thomas 
Potwine,  the  first  minister  of  the  north  parish 
of  East  Windsor,  which,  by  the  division  of 
the  town,  is  now  the  First  Parish  in  East 
"Windsor. 

-  By  the  last  entry  of  September  and  this 
first  of  October,  it  appears  that  four  candi- 
dates for  the  ministry  were  examined  and 
licensed.  Dr.  Robbins  does  not  furnish 
many  given  names,  but  so  far  as  we  can 
determine,  these  men  were  Lyman  Coleman, 
afterwards  distinguished,  Charles  ^Yad5Worth, 
Ozias  S.  Eells,  and  Francis  H.  Case. 


^  The  military  interest  remained  quite 
strong  in  Connecticut  until  some  fifteen  or 
twenty  years  later,  when  it  greatly  declined. 

*  Probably  Judge  Joseph  Lyman,  who 
married  for  his  second  wife  a  daughter  of 
Hon.  E.  H.  Robbins,  of  Milton,  Mass. 

5  Dr.  Timothy  J.  Gridley,  of  Amherst. 

^  There  seems  to  have  been  some  ground 
for  anxiety  with  regard  to  Mrs.  Olmsted's 
marriage  with  Dr.  Gridley,  but  not  such  as 
to  hinder  the  consummation  of  the  plan.  The 
marriage  proved  to  be  a  very  happy  one. 
He  was  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  town. 


942  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

evening   attended   our   monthly   concert.     We    had   an    interesting   meeting. 
Received  a  second  letter  from   Mr.  Lyman,  of   Northampton.     Read. 

7.  Read.  Put  money  to  my  coins,  amounting  to  $3.20.  Paid  a  black- 
smith, .92.     Visited  a  school.     Wrote. 

8.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  cattle  show.  Carried  my  coins, 
which  made  a  valuable  addition  to  the  exhibition.  The  manufactures  and 
cattle  appeared  very  well.  A  great  collection  of  people.  Saw  the  ploughing 
match.  I  think  this  object  is  very  useful.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Battell,  and  one  from  cousin  Eliza.  They  wish  me  to  go  to  Amherst.'  Saw 
my  cousin  W.  Lawrence  at  Hartford.  Mr.  Battell  did  not  come  as  I 
expected.  In  the  evening  saw  in  the  Boston  Recordei-  an  account  of  the  most 
afflictive  death  of  my  dear  cousin,  Samuel  Prince  Robbins,"^  of  Marietta.  A 
most  mysterious  event.  It  would  seem  his  place  could  hardly  be  supplied. 
He  has  left  a  widow,  and  several  orphans.  I  know  not  why  he  should  be 
taken  rather  than  I.     O  that  I  may  be  prepared  to  follow. 

9.  Walked  and  visited.  Read.  In  the  evening  attended  our  church 
conference.     Got  quite  wet. 

10.  Read  respecting  the  Greek  church.  Mr.  Eells  came  here.  I  think  he 
will  succeed  well  as  a  preacher.  At  the  prayer-meeting  gave  the  life  of  the 
prophet  Isaiah. 

11.  Began  a  sermon  on  Gen.  iii :  i.  It  requires  considerable  study,  and, 
intending  to  divide  it,  I  found  in  the  evening  I  could  not  finish  it.  Wrote  to 
Mr.  Bobbins,  of  Turkey  Hills,  and  sent  Mr.  Eells  there.     Quite  cold. 

12.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Rom.  xiii :  12,  and  preached  an  old 
sermon  on  Gen.  xviii :  27.  Baptized  two  children.^  Full  meeting.  In  the 
evening  set  out  on  my  journey,*  and  rode  to  Enfield.     Quite  cold. 

13.  Rode  to  Northampton.  Cold  and  wet.  Springfield  is  very  flourish- 
ing. Kindly  entertained  at  Judge  Lyman's.  At  evening  heard  a  very  poor 
preacher;  much  like  Maffitt.  Was  at  Judge  Howe's.  Kindly  treated  by 
several  gentlemen.     At  evening  we  had  considerable  thunder. 

14.  Rode  to  Amherst.  Had  an  agreeable  visit  with  Gen.  Mattoon.^  Was 
much  disappointed  in  not  seeing  Dr.  Gridley.  Find  things  more  favorable 
respecting  him  than  I  expected.''  Was  at  his  house.  Saw  the  college  build- 
ings. Mr.  Humphrey^  is  to  be  inaugurated  tomorrow.  Cold  and  windy. 
The  Northampton  and  Hadley  meadow  is  undoubtedly  the  best  on  the  river. 
Rode  to  South  Hadley.     Visited  Mr.  Hayes.*     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 


1 


'  To  malce  more   particular   inquiries  re-  there,    1843.      He   was    State    Senator  and 

specting  Dr.  Gridley.  Member   of  Congress,  and  filled   many  im- 

^  Rev.   Samuel    Prince    Robbins.       After  portant  offices.      He  was  a  member  of  the 

long  watching  at  the  bedside  of  his  wife,  who  State  Constitutional  Convention  in  1820. 
was  sick,  he  was  so  debilitated  that  he  sank  *  Pleasant  to  carry  back  a  good  report, 

quickly  under  the  power  of  disease.  '  Dr.    Heman    Humphrey,    President    of 

^  Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  Daniel  Hayden,  Amherst,    1823-1S45.     He   was   a  native   of 

and  Harriet,  daughter  of  Noah  Sadd.  West  Simsbury,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale, 

*  To  Amherst.  1S05. 

5  Gen.  Ebenezer  Mattoon,  a  revolutionary  ^  Rev.  Joel  Hayes,  pastor  at  South  Had- 

soldier,   born   in   Amherst,    1775,   and    died  ley,  Mass.,  17S2-1S27. 


1S23.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  943 

15.  The  morning  very  cold  and  frosty.  Rode  early.  Rode  home.  At 
Chicopee  paid  $i.oo  for  pamphlets,  and  .50  for  a  book  to  the  McKinstry 
family.'  Mrs.  Wolcott  was  taken  with  a  turn  of  raising  blood  from  the 
stomach  on  Sabbath  night,  and  this  evening  more  than  a  pint.  She  is  very 
feeble.  In  the  evening  married  Edward  Bissell  and  Maria  Reed.  Had  a 
splendid  wedding. 

16.  Wrote  to  my  sister  Battell.  Visited  a  school.  Rainy.  Visited.  Our 
society  had  a  meeting  on  the  subject  of  making  a  small  removal  of  the 
meeting-house. 

17.  Read  on  the  Greek  church.  Paid  Waterman  $8.00  for  my  last  book- 
case. The  cost  is  $18.00.  Paid  him  for  work,  .84.  Mrs.  Wolcott,  we  hope, 
is  a  little  better.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Thin. 

18.  In  the  morning  we  had  our  first  snow.  Wrote.  Have  unnecessary 
hindrances.  Renewed  the  writing  of  my  sermon  begun  last  week  on  Gen. 
iii :  I.     Wrote  six  pages  in  the  evening. 

19.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Gen.  iii:  i.  The  subject  was 
very  interesting.  I  have  not  written  a  double  sermon  at  full  length  for  some 
time.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  in  the  evening  without  notes  on 
Isa.  i :   18.     Visited  a  young  man  very  sick.     Quilie  cold.     Tarried  out. 

20.  Visited.  Rode  to  Vernon.  They  wish  to  employ  Mr.  J^ells  there. 
Got  home  late.     Mrs.  Wolcott  is  very  weak,  but  I  hope  getting  better  slowly. 

21.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Read  on  my  historical  compilation.  My 
horse,  which  I  used  about  nine  years,  and  have  given  to  Mrs.  Wolcott,  died  of 
glanders.     He  has  been  diseased  more  than  two  years. 

22.  Read  and  wrote  on  my  historical  compilation. 

23.  My  brother  and  his  wife  came  here  to  see  me  relative  to  Dr.  Gridley 
and  Eliza.  I  think  it  is  best  for  them  to  be  connected.  Last  evening 
received  a  letter  from  my  good  Uncle  Starr.  Read.  Walked  and  visited. 
The  people  are  preparing  to  remove  the  meeting-house.  Received  a  letter 
from  Rev.  Mr.  Henlpsted,^  of  Washington,  Mass.  Tarried  out.  Gave  a  poor 
man,  $1.00. 

24.  Visited  a  young  man  at  Wapping ;  very  low.  Assisted  in  reconciling 
two  brothers  after  a  long  variance.  Visited.  Received  a  letter  from  my 
sister.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Wrote  to  Esq.  Ellsworth,^ 
of  Scantick. 

25.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Starr,  and  to  Dr.  Gridley,  of  Amherst.  Hindered 
by  company.     Read  on  my  compilation.     Read  the  Bible  and  expositors. 

26.  Wet.  Thin  meeting.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Mai.  iii :  i,  2. 
After  the  afternoon  meeting  rode  to  Wapping,  and  preached  with  notes  in 


'  Family  of   Rev.  John    McKinstry,  who  pastor    at    Washington,   Berkshire    County, 

had   been   pastor  of   the  Second  Church  in  Mass.,   1S23-1826. 

Springfield,  afterwards  Chicopee,  from  1752  3  Timothy  Ellsworth,  Esq.,  who  lived  at 

to  1789.  what  was  then  called  Ketch-Mills,  but  is  now 

^  Rev.  John   A.  Hempsted,   a   native    of  called  Windsorviile,  about  two  miles  easterly 

Hartford,  Ct.,  graduate   of   Yale,    1821,  and  from  the  center  of  Scantic  parish. 


944  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

the    meeting-house    on    Ps.lv:    i6.     Visited   the  sick  man.     A  woman  died 
here  this  morning  very  suddenly.     Read  the  Bible.     Very  cold. 

27.  Read  yoa7i  of  Arc.  Received  a  letter  from  Esq.  Ellsworth.  Wrote. 
Something  wet. 

28.  Read  on  my  historic  compilation.  Mr.  Eells  came  here  and  tarried. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Lyman.'     1  trust  Mr.  Eells  will  do  well. 

29.  Mr.  Eells  went  to  Vernon  to  supply  there.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  The  form 
of  the  society  has  altered,  and  made  auxiliary  to  the  American  Board  of  Com- 
missioners for  Foreign  Missions.  At  evening  heard  a  good  missionary 
sermon  from  Mr.  Pierce,^  of  Harwinton.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Day's. ^ 

30.  Did  errands.  Paid  for  books,  $3.13;  for  donations,  $3.14.  Rode 
home.     Read.     Wrote. 

31.  Wrote  on  my  compilation.  Rode  and  visited.  Attended  our  even- 
ing prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin.  Last  evening  the  Hartford  Universalist 
preached   here   in   the    Baptist   meeting-house.'' 

November. 

1.  Read  and  wrote  on  my  compilation.  Am  sorry  to  have  to  omit  writing 
a  sermon.     Read  the  Bible.     Cold  and  wet. 

2.  Last  night  we  had  a  good  deal  of  rain.  Thin  meeting.  Expounded 
on  Acts  xiii :  1-42,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  xi :  22,  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  Had  read  Mr.  Porter's  sermon  on  the  death  of 
Gov.  Treadwell.' 

3.  Rode  and  visited.  We  have  several  sick  persons,  some  quite  low. 
Very  cold.     Attended  the  monthly  concert.     Had  a  good  meeting.     Wrote, 

4.  Wrote  on  my  compilation.  Set  out  on  a  journey  to  Norfolk.  Rode 
to  Simsbury.  Visited  at  Mr.  Stebbins's.*  Tarried  at  Mr,  McLean's.^  Got  a 
few  coins  at  Hartford  Bank. 

5.  Rode  to  Norfolk ;  frosty  and  cold.  Found  mothei"  quite  comfortable, 
and  a  little  about  the  house.  Yet  she  has  lately  had  a  severe  ill  turn,  from 
which  she  appears  to  be  mercifully  recovering. 

6.  Walked  out.  Afternoon  rode  with  Mr.  Emerson  to  the  south  part  of 
the  town,  and  preached  a  lecture  on  Ps.  iv :  5,  This  part  of  the  town 
appears  be  to  improving.     Wrote, 

7.  Last  night  it  snowed  considerably ;  the  ground  is  quite  covered,  Mr, 
Battell  returned  from  a  journey  to  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  We  are 
much  perplexed  about  cousin  Eliza's  affair.  She  is  much  agitated.  Saw 
some  good  paintings. 


'  Mrs,  Mary  Lyman,  aged  forty-nine.  *  The  Universalist   minister  of   Hartford 

^  Rev.  George  E.  Pierce,  pastor  at   Har-  at  that  time  was  Rev.  Richard  Carrigue, 

winton,  1822-1834.     He   was  a   graduate   of  '  Dr.  Noah  Porter's  sermon  on  the  death 

Yale,  1816,  and  a  native  of  Southbury,  Ct.  of  Gov.  John  Treadwell,  of  Farmington. 
^  Hon.    Thomas   Day,   Secretary   of   the  *  Mr.  Samuel  Stiles  Stebbins,  his  former 

State   of   Connecticut   from    1810    to     1835,  pupil  in  theology. 

brother  of  President  Day  of  Yale  College.  ">  Rev,  Allen  McLean. 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


945 


8,  Gave  mother,  $3.44.  Her  pecuniary  resources  are  rather  small.  She 
appears  to  be  gaining  health,  through  divine  mercy,  and  I  hope  she  will  be 
comfortable  as  she  has  been.  Paid  at  the  store  for  handkerchiefs,  $3.46. 
Rode  to  Simsbury,  The  snow  thaws,  and  it  is  quite  bad  riding.  Mr. 
McLean  has  gone  to  East  Windsor. 

9.  Very  pleasant,  which  has  been  of  late  pretty  uncommon.  Preached 
on  Luke  xii :  13,  and  Rev.  xxii :  9.  Full  meeting.  This  congregation  is 
larger  than  it  used  to  be,  and  larger  than  mine.  In  the  evening  preached 
without  notes  on  Luke  ix :  30,  31.     Very  tired.     Visited  some. 

10.  Visited  old  acquaintance.  Afternoon  rode  home.  Mrs.  Wolcott 
appears  to  be  some  better  than  when  I  left  home.  A  young  woman  has  died 
here  since  I  have  been  absent. 

11.  Rainy.  Read.  We  have  the  news  of  the  fall  of  Cadiz,'  and  the 
probable  end  of  the  Cortez  government  for  the  present.  I  do  not  think  this 
change  will  be  for  the  worse.     That  is  a  very  ungodly  nation. 

12.  Read  in  the  Life  of  Calvin.^  Rode  to  Hartford.  Quite  cold.  Paid 
for  candles,  .78.  The  country  is  very  full  of  agricultural  produce.  I  think 
prices  must  be  very  low.  The  Cookes  conclude  to  finish  their  volume 
with  extracts,  because  of  their  hurry,  and  release  me  from  any  further 
writing.     I    am  glad.     Wrote.     Read  the   Bible. 

13.  Studied  and  wrote  some  in  a  piece  for  publication.  Dr.  McGregor' 
came  from  Enfield  to  see  me.  Rode  with  him  to  Enfield.  Received  a  let- 
ter from  Dr.  Gridley.     Was  up  very  late. 

14.  My  brother  and  wife  conclude  to  go  to  Norfolk  next  week.  Wrote  to 
cousin  Eliza.  Procured  some  pamphlets.  Gave  for  them  $1.00.  Rode 
home.  Visited  an  afflicted  family.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Paid  a 
post  office  bill,  $1.90.  Received  a  very  valuable  pamphlet  from  my  Uncle 
Starr,  his  own  half  century  sermon.'' 

15.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Have  many  small 
things  to  take  up  my  attention.  Wrote  on  a  supplement  to  a  sermon  on 
Pro\%  viii:  17.     Read. 

16.  Wrote  and  preached  all  day  an  old  sermon  on  Prov.  viii:  17.  Quite 
cold.  Took  notice  of  the  late  death  of  a  youth.  At  evening  attended  the 
conference.     Our  conferences  are  thin.     The  Lord  be  our  helper. 

17.  Visited.  Cold  like  winter.  Worked  at  the  house.  Read.  Spain 
seems  likely  to  return  to  her  former  miserable  regimen.  Mrs.  Wolcott  gains 
strength  but  slowly. 

18.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  Wrote  on  a  portion  of  Scripture.  Read. 
Dr.  Tudor's  family  gave  me  some  valuable  old  books.  Thermometer  this 
mornins:  about  12°.     Wrote. 


'  At  our  last  report  it  was  invested  by  the  ^  Dr.  McGregor  was  one  of  the  practicing 

French  army,  and  now  it  seems  to  have  been  physicians  of  Enfield. 

taken  and  occupied  by  the  French  for  some  *  Rev.  Peter  Starr  was  settled  in  Warren, 

ye^i-s^  Ct.,  in  1772.     The  year  1822  brought  about 

=  John  Calvin.  his  half-century. 


946  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

♦ 

19.  Thermometer  22°.  Read.  Attended  a  funeral  of  old  Mrs.  Wolcott, 
in  the  hither  part  of  East  Hartford.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow  and  attended  the 
wedding  of  Herlehigh  Haskell.'  Got  home  late.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Whittlesey,  of  Hartford.     There  is  some  ice  in  the  river. 

20.  Worked  some.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick  and  others. 
Read  the  Bible.  Was  thrown  from  my  horse  by  his  falling,  but  through 
mercy,   not  much  hurt. 

21.  Received  a  letter  from  D.  P.  Hopkins,  Hartford.  Rode  to  Hartford, 
Did  errands.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  weather  more 
mild  than  it  has  been.     Paid  .25  for  pamphlets. 

22.  Read  old  manuscripts.  Found  one  yesterday  in  the  garret  of  Mr. 
Whitman,  of  Hartford,  deceased,  of  great  value.  Rode  to  Enfield  to 
exchange.     Windy  and   cold. 

23.  My  brother  rode  early  to  East  Windsor  and  returned  in  the  evening. 
Preached  on  Gen.  iii:  i.  At  evening  attended  conference,  and  preached 
without  notes  on  Ps.  iv :  5.  Quite  cold.  Walked  to  meeting  three  times. 
The  Lord  help  me  in  all  my  needs.  The  congregation  here  appears  well. 
Much  fatigued. 

24.  Rode  to  Longmeadow.  Looked  over  the  pamphlets  and  papers  of  the 
Williams  family.  They  are  not  so  valuable  as  I  expected.  They  will  not 
part  with  anything.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  home.  A  cold  day.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Received  college  pamphlets  from  my  cousin  P. 
Battell.^ 

25.  Walked  and  visited.  The  ground  hard  frozen.  Worked  at  my  pam- 
phlets. Examined  a  school-master.  We  had  snow  and  considerable  rain. 
The  swamps  are  uncommonly  dry. 

26.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  to  see  a  sick 
man  very  low.  In  the  evening  began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxxvi :  23,  24,  25,  and 
nearly  finished  it  before  I  went  to  bed.     Wrote  till  after  one  o'clock. 

27.  Thanksgiving.  M}'  obligations  to  the  sparing  mercy  and  rich  grace 
of  God  are  greater  continually.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on 
Ps.  cxxxvi :  23,  etc.  In  the  morning  wet ;  afternoon  warm  and  pleasant.  I 
think  my  tremor  in  writing  is  much  less  than  it  used  to  be.  Mrs.  Wolcott 
dined  with  us,  the  first  time  after  her  confinement. 

28.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  To  Hartford  and  attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  Cold  and  tedious. 
Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Osgood,  of  Springfield,  and  wrote  to  him 
in  reply.     Wrote. 

29.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  Springfield.  My  cousin  Eliza  and  Dr.  Gridley 
were  married  at  Enfield  on  Thursday  evening.^     I  hope  the    blessing  of  God 


*  Herlehigh  Haskell  was  the  brother  of  by  Rev.  H.  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor,  and 
Harris  Haskell,  who  a  year  or  two  before  Dr.  Robbins  was  there  as  an  invited  guest, 
had  married  Frances  Wolcott.  He  was  the  ^  His  nephew,  Philip  Battell,  then  in  Mid- 
brother  of  Eli  B.  Haskell,  Dr.  Robbins's  old  dlebury  College. 

friend,  at  East  Windsor  Hill.     The  marriage  '  They  were  married  at  the  house  of  Rev. 

service  of  Herlehigh  was  performed  probably  Francis  L.  Robbins. 


I 


1823.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  947 

may  be  upon  them.     Quite  cold  and  tedious.     Mr.  Osgood'  left  home  yester- 
day intending  to  go  to  East  Windsor." 

30.  Last  evening  attended  a  conference.  Mr.  Osgood  has  a  large  family. 
Very  cold.  No  stoves  in  the  meeting-house/  which  is  very  large  and  elegant. 
A  large  congregation.  Preached  on  2  Cor.  i:  12,  and  Rev.  xxii :  9.  At 
evening  visited  Mr.  Howard.  Mr.  Peabody"  was  absent.  Mr.  Dan  Hunt- 
ington^ was  there.     Their  Unitarian  sentiments  are  dreadful. 

December. 

1.  Rode  home  through  Suffield  and  Pine  Meadow.  In  the  morning  the 
river  was  frozen  over,  but  the  ice  broke  in  the  course  of  the  day.  Very 
pleasant.  At  evening  attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Spoke  pretty 
poorly.     Got  home  late. 

2.  Rode  to  Wintonbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Pretty  thin. 
Mr.  McLean  preached.     My  horse  stumbles  badly.     Paid  for  two  maps,  $1.50. 

3.  Rode  home.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Quite  tired.  At  evening  attended 
our  church  prayer-meeting.  Quite  thin.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Piattell. 

4.  Wrote.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a 
young  man  who  had  long  been  sick.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell  at  Hartford. 
Wrote  to  Nathaniel  Willis,^  of  Boston.  I  conclude  not  to  take  the  Recorder 
any  more.     I  have  taken  it  eight  years.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 

5.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  rain  ;  very  useful  to  the  dry  ground.  Rode 
to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  colored  man  who  was  killed  by 
another  colored  man  in  a  quarrel.  They  are  in  pursuit  of  the  murderer. 
Very  cold  and  tedious.  Visited  the  Rev.  Amasa  Loomis,  who  is  at  his 
father's,  apparently  in  a  fixed  consumption.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Read. 

6.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  double  sermon  on  Jer.  xxiii :  29.  Wrote  nearly 
seven  pages  in  a  little  more  than  six  hours  in  the  evening.  My  eye-sight 
evidently  fails. 

7.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Jer.  xxiii :  29.  Meeting  pretty 
full.     At  evening  wet.     Visited. 

8.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  child.  Cold  and  tedious.  At 
evening  met  with  the  school  visitors  and  teachers.  We  are  trying  to  improve 
our  schools. 


'  Dr.  Samuel  Osgood,  of  Springfield.  *  In  the  early  years  of  the  diary  we  werd 

=  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  of  Scantic,  was  very  conversant  with  Rev.  Dan  Huntington, 

to    preach    probably   for    Dr.    Robbins  —  a  tutor  at  Williams  and  at  Yale,  pastor  at  Litch- 

triple  exchange.  field   and    Middletown.     But  now  we  meet 

3  They  were  more  conservative  at  Spring-  him  as  a  Unitarian.  And  yet,  the  Unitarian- 
field  than  in  many  other  places.  In  both  the  ism  of  both  Mr.  Peabody  and  Mr.  Hunting- 
churches  of  East  Windsor,  and  in  the  church  ton,  as  we  understand  it,  was  of  a  conserva- 
of  East  Hartford,  stoves  had  been  introduced.  tive  type.     Mr.  Huntington  died  in  Hadley, 

*  Rev.  William  B.  O.  Peabody,  a  native  of  Mass.,  in  1864,  at  the  age  of  ninety. 
Exeter,  N.  H.,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1816,  «"  Dea.  Nathaniel  Willis,  the  publisher  of 

first    pastor    of    the    Unitarian    Church    in  the  Boston  Recorder,  was  born  in  1780  and 

Springfield,  settled  there  in  1S20.  died  in  1870,  ninety  years  old. 


948  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

g.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  12°.  Wrote.  Read.  Visited  a  school. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Attended  a  book  auction.  Bid  off  several  volumes.  The 
ground  very  hard  and  rough.     Rode  home  late  in  a  snow-storm. 

10.  The  snow  is  about  four  inches  deep.  Read.  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Sadd's  child.  Sleighs  are  out.  Visited.  Read 
the  Bible.     Thermometer  in  the  morning  20°. 

11.  Thermometer  15°.  Last  night  at  bed-time  it  was  at  9°.  It  snowed 
moderately  all  day. 

12.  Wrote  on  a  piece  for  the  Christian  Spectator }  Our  evening  meeting 
was  omitted.     Gave  a  poor  man,  $1.00. 

13.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxx:  3,  and  another  on  Ps.  cxxx :  4.  I 
believe  I  never  wrote  so  much  in  a  day  before.  Each  one  was  written  in  less 
than  eight  hours.  I  wrote  one  by  daylight,  and  the  other  in  the  evening. 
Began  a  little  after  eight,  and  finished  a  little  before  one  at  night.  My  hand 
pained  me  considerably.     Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  9°. 

14.  Preached  my  two  sermons  written  yesterday.  It  has  been  very 
uncommon  for  me  (too  much  so)  to  preach  two  separate  written  sermons  at 
home  on  a  Sabbath.  At  evening  attended  the  conference,  and  went  into  the 
singing-school.  Very  much  exhausted  by  labor.  Thermometer  in  the  morn- 
ing at  5°. 

15.  Read.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Our  schools  are  much  smaller 
than  they  were  some  years  ago.  Yesterday  after  meeting  visited  j\Ir.  A. 
Loomis.  He  declines.  Wrote.  At  evening  assisted  two  neighbors  in 
settling  some  affairs,  and  wrote  an  agreement  for  them.  Was  out  very  late. 
Thermometer  near  freezing  point  the  most  of  the  day. 

16.  It  began  to  snow  yesterday  afternoon,  and  snowed  without  intermis- 
sion more  than  twenty-four  hours.  Thermometer  a  little  below  freezing.  It 
is  more  than  a  foot  deep  and  very  solid.  Was  invited  out  to  supper.  Wrote. 
Read.     Our  society  had  their  annual  meeting. 

17.  Shoveled  snow.  Completed  another  piece  for  the  Christiati  Spectator. 
The  roads  are  bad.  Read  and  wrote.  Thermometer  near  freezing  the  most 
of  the  day. 

18.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  3°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  snow  is 
at  least  one  and  one  half  feet  deep,  and  very  solid.  Many  people  are  out. 
Paid  for  liquors,  $1.88.  For  a  horse-blanket  and  circingle,  $1.55.  Wrote. 
My  brother  and  wife  called  here.  He  has  a  case  of  discipline  in  his  church. 
A  woman  here  died  last  night.^ 

19.  Wrote.  Finished  another  piece  for  the  Christian  Spectator.  It  rained 
hard  all  the  forenoon.  Thermometer  rose  above  50°.  Had  a  new  great  coat 
made  of  a  Devonshire  kersey.  The  cost  is  as  much  as  $20.00.  I  think  it  the 
best  I  have  ever  had.  The  ground  is  exceeding  wet.  Read  Feveril  of  the 
Feak^    Had  no  prayer-meeting. 

20.  Read.     Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Elmer  at  Long  Hill.     Rode  to 


*  The  monthly  published  in  New  Haven,  *  Mrs.  Dolly  Elmer,  aged  sixty-one. 

started  in  1819.  ^  Walter  Scott's  novel. 


1823.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  949 

Vernon  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Eells.'     He  has  gone  to  East  Windsor.     Bad 
riding. 

21.  Cold  and  rough.  Meeting  not  full.  Preached  on  Ps.  ciii :  3,  and 
Ps.  ciii :  4.  At  evening  attended  a  conference,  and  preached  without  notes 
on  Luke  ix  :  30,  31.     This  people  are  in  a  very  unsettled  state. 

22.  Rode  home.  Visited  in  Vernon.  Did  errands  and  visited  a  sick  man 
in  Manchester.  Mr.  L.  Hyde'  is  to  be  installed  this  week  at  Bolton,  with 
favorable  prospects.  Our  people  had  a  society  meeting  to  sell  the  pews,  and 
made  out  pretty  poorly.  Have  a  hard  cold.  Spoke  yesterday  with  difficulty. 
Rough  and  bad  riding.     Was  thrown  from  my  horse,  but  not  hurt. 

23.  It  rained  all  day.  Mr.  Grew,  of  Hartford,  came  here  and  read  to  me 
a  long  manuscript  on  the  Arian  sentiment.  I  had  not  thought  of  his  going 
that  way.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  Got  quite  wet.  The  ground 
is  almost  flooded.     Took  an  addition  to  my  cold.     Paid  for  postage,  .30. 

24.  It  rained  without  interruption,  though  not  very  hard,  till  near  noon; 
about  thirty  hours.  My  cold  is  very  oppressive.  It  is  seated  on  my  lungs, 
and  my  cough  is  very  sharp.     Wrote.     Read  Peveril. 

25.  My  cold  is  no  better.  Have  to  keep  house  almost  wholly.  Wrote  on 
my  library  catalogue.  Read  Hooker's  Survey  of  Church  Discipline.''  Had  a 
physician  and  took  medicine.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  18°.  The  first 
society  in  Hartford  had  a  Christmas  meeting.  I  presume  for  the  first 
time.' 

26.  Thermometer  19°.  Worked  at  my  library  catalogue.  Rode  out  and 
saw  Mr.  Loomis.  Unable  to  attend  our  evening  meeting.  Paid  $2.00  for 
Straps  to  inter  the  dead  at  Wapping.     Hindered  by  company.     Read  Peveril. 

27.  Thermometer  17°.  I  hope  my  cold  is  going  off,  in  divine  mercy,  but 
I  am  quite  feeble.  Received  a  letter  from  W.  W.  Ellsworth,*  of  Hartford. 
Wrote  an  address  for  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society.  My  hand  is  quite 
weak  in  writing.     The  water  is  quite  high  in  the  meadows. 

28.  Am  quite  feeble,  particularly  in  the  voice.  In  the  forenoon  had  a 
sermon  read.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Heb.  iv :  15.  Ther- 
mometer about  45°  the  most  of  the  day.  The  ground  thawed  a  good  deal. 
Spoke  quite  feebly.     Wrote.     Read. 

29.  Read,  It  thawed  a  good  deal.  Our  society  sold  the  pews  in  the 
meeting-house,  and  did  wfell.  Received  of  my  collector,  $381.00.  Paid  Mr. 
Wolcott's  taxes,  $79.41.  My  own  taxes,  $8.28.  A  merchant's  bill,  $29.52. 
A  smith's  bill,  $1.25.  I  think  our  society  prospects  do  not  grow  worse. 
Wrote.     My  eyes  are  weak. 


'  His  former  student,  Mr.  O.  S.  Eells,  is  *  The  notable  work  of   Thomas  Hooker, 

supplying  at  Vernon.  first  minister  of  Hartford. 

^  Rev.  Lavius   Hyde,   an   able   man,  was  '  We  were  not  aware  that  any  Congrega- 

pastor  at  Bolton  from  1823  to  his  death  in  tional  church  in  New  England  held  a  special 

1S30.  service  for  Christmas  as  far  back  as  1823. 

^  Between  Edwin  Burge  and  Huldah  *  Hon.  W.  W.  Ellsworth,  son  of  Chief- 
Elmer.  Justice  Oliver  Ellsworth. 


95©  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1823. 

30.  On  the  morning  my  old  classmate,  Josiah  Battell,'  from  New  Connec- 
cut,  came  here  and  spent  the  day.  He  is  an  interesting  man.  Rode  out  with 
him  and  visited.     The  ground  thaws. 

31.  Mr.  Battell  went  off.  Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master.  The 
thermometer  rose  about  50°.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  muddy.  Paid  Mr. 
Birge,  $45.00;  Hudson,  $8.08;  Sheldon,  $6.06;  Bancroft,  $7.46;  for  books 
bought  at  auction,  $5.07  ;  (some  satin  for  which  I  have  paid  I  have  sold). 
Paid  for  other  things,  ,96.  Got  home  late.  Endeavored  to  call  to  mind,  with 
admiring  gratitude  and  deep  humiliation,  the  great  mercies  of  God,  and  my 
own  unworthy  returns  in  poor  services,  disobedience,  and  transgression  the 
year  past.     His  mercy  endureth  forever. 


*  Josiah   Buckingham   Battell,  whom   we  noticed  many  years  ago  out  in  Ohio. 


18534- 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  to  commit  my  all  to  the  keeping  and  disposal  of  God  for 
the  ensuing  year.  I  pray  that  I  may  see  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  Rode  to 
Wapping  and  visited  sick  persons.  Visited  the  school  on  the  Hill.  My 
horse  became  suddenly  very  lame.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Battell.  Received  a  letter  from  a  committee  in  Hartford  for  the  aid  of  the 
Greeks/  requesting  that  a  collection  may  be  made  in  this  town.  Warm. 
Very  muddy  and  bad  riding.  Tarried  out.  Gave  $5.00  for  foreign  missions. 
Paid  a  tailor  a  bill  of  $19.44. 

2.  Am  quite  feeble  from  my  late  cold.  Hindered  in  getting  home.  My 
horse  is  much  better,  but  goes  slow.  Had  to  take  old  notes  for  my  prepara- 
tory lecture,  and  preached  on  Rev.  ii :  7.  Attended  the  prayer-meeting. 
Wrote.     Finished  my  last  diary.     Meetings  thin. 

3.  Rode  out  and  visited  an  aged  man  very  sick.  Wrote  a  sermon  on 
Deut.  xxxii :  35.  Wrote  six  pages  in  the  evening.  Did  not  finish  till  near 
one  o'clock. 

4.  A  very  pleasant  day.  Thermometer  rose  to  50°.  Very  full  meeting. 
I  think  I  have  never  known  our  winter  sacrament  so  full.  Meetings  and 
communion  were  solemn.  Very  tired.  Something  hoarse.  Unable  to  attend 
conference.     Read. 

5.  Visited  the  sick  man.  Dined  with  the  civil  authority.  Was  appointed 
on  a  town  committee  to  solicit  aid  for  the  Greeks.  Attended  our  monthly 
concert.  We  have  concluded  to  have  a  regular  contribution  at  these  meet- 
ings, and  procured  a  box  to  be  placed  at  the  door.  Collected  $2.48.  Very 
bad  going. 

6.  On  the  4th  preached  a  sermon  written  on  the  day  preceding,  and  with 
old  notes  on  Ex.  xii :  21.  Wet.  Thermometer  rose  above  temperate. 
Finished  reading  Peveril  of  the  Peak.  Wrote  an  address  to  the  people  of  this 
town  respecting  the  Greeks. 

7.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  school.  Visited  several  sick  persons. 
Riding  very  rough.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  20°.  Received  pamphlets 
by  mail.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Comstock  of  Hartford.^  My  horse 
became  lame,  and  hindered  me  from  attending  the  church  conference. 


'  This   was   the   time   when   Greece   was  matic  fever  at  Missolonghi.     By  the  help  of 

passing   through   her  war  of  Independence,  foreign   nations,  after  a  protracted  struggle, 

throwing   off  the   Turkish    yoke.     In    June  Greece  obtained  her  liberty, 

of  the  year  before,  Marco  Botzaris  had  ob-  -  John    Lee   Comstock,   M.   D.,   born   in 

tained    his   victories   over    the    Turks.      In  East  Lyme,  Ct.,  1789,  and  died  in  Hartford, 

August    of     1823    Lord     Byron     landed    in  Nov.   21,  1858.     He   was   a  surgeon   in  the 

Greece,  and  in  April,  1824,  he  died  of  rheu-  War  of    1812.     He  prepared  for  the  use  of 


952  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

S.  Wrote,  Prepared  and  begun  this  diary.  Ma}'  God  enable  me  to 
record  his  great  mercies.  Mr.  Burge,  of  Glastonbury,  came  here  and  tarried. 
A  new  magazine  is  about  to  be  published  in  Hartford. 

9  Rode  to  Hartford.  Visited  Mr.  Flint.  Did  errands.  The  ground 
thaws.  Mr.  Eells  came  here.  He  attended  the  prayer-meeting  with  me  and 
preached.  Meeting  quite  full  and  encouraging.  He  has  done  at  Vernon. 
The  people  there  are  in  a  poor  state.  Wrote.  Sent  $5.00  to  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions.     Paid  a  merchant,  $1.67. 

10.  Mr.  Eells  went  off  for  New  Hartford,  N.  Y.,  to  be  employed  six 
months  as  a  missionary  by  a  Female  Missionary  Society  in  that  quarter. 
Wrote  by  him  to  Mrs.  Risley,  of  N.  H.  He  paid  me  $25.00,  which  I  charged 
him  for  instruction,  use  of  library,  and  stationery.  He  is  very  successful  in 
ha\ing  employment.  I  have  now  commenced  taking  the  Missionary  Heroic!, 
and  discontinued  the  Recorder,  after  having  taken  it  for  eight  years.  Put  into 
my  coins,  $3.70.  Mr.  Sprague,  of  West  Springfield,  called  here.  Gave  him 
near  sixty  pamphlets  of  which  I  have  duplicates.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Bartlett. 
Read  expositors.     Rainy  and  foggy  all    day.     Thermometer  was  up  to  50°. 

11.  Quite  wet  all  day.  The  frost  is  mostly  out  of  the  ground.  Thin 
meeting.  Expounded  on  Acts  xiii :  42  to  xiv :  19,  and  preached  an  old 
sermon  on  2  Tim.  iv :   10.     Read.     Wrote. 

12.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Visited  a  school.  Visited  sick  persons.  Very 
muddy.     Read. 

13.  Walked  out.  Wet.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man.'  Read 
Hooker's  Survey.     Much  of  it  is  obscure.^     Wrote. 

14.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  about  45°.  Some  people  are  ploughing. 
Visited.  Visited  a  school.  The  weather  changed,  and  we  had  a  hard  wind. 
Worked  at  old  books.     Read. 

15.  Thermometer  16°.  Read.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford.  Rough 
going.     Visited.     The  circumstances  of  the  Greeks  excites  much  attention.     ' 

16.  Thermometer  up  to  28°  in  the  morning.  Walked  and  visited.  My 
horse  is  quite  lame,  and  I  fear  is  worth  very  little.  Gave  a  poor  man,  $1.00. 
At  evening  gave  the  biography  of  the  prophet  Daniel  at  our  prayer-meeting. 
I  have  now  done  with  the  Old  Testament  saints.     Spoke  long. 

17.  Thermometer  30°.  Paid  $2.00  for  the  Mirror  newspaper  for  a  year. 
Hindered  by  company.  Received  a  letter  from  Professor  Goodrich.^  They 
have  a  good  many  charity  scholars'*  at  college.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon 
on  John  i :  18.  Wrote  nearly  seven  pages  in  the  evening.  Wrote  coldly. 
Thermometer  in  the  evening  14°. 

18.  Thermometer  26°.     Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  John  i :   18. 


schools   those   well-remembered    text-books  understand  fully  the  thoughts  of  another  that 

Comstock's  Chemistry,  Coms/ock's  Botany,  etc.  lived  two  centuries  before, 
Comstock's  Natural  Philosophy  is  said  to  have  ^  Prof.  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich,  D.  D.,  of 

reached  nearly  a  million  copies.     He  wrote  Yale  College. 

also  a  History  of  the  Greek  Revolution.  *  Young  men   studying  for   the   ministry 

'  Mr.  John  Anderson,  aged  seventy-four.  who  needed  aid.     The  American  Education 

'  It   is    difficult    for    one    generation    to  Society  was  then  nine  years  old. 


1824.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR. 


953 


Expounded  on  Acts  xiv :  19  to  xv :  36.  Full  meeting.  Very  tired  by 
speaking.  Had  no  conference.  Read  the  first  number  of  the  Evangelist} 
Walked  out.     Wrote. 

19.  Read.  Mr.  O.  Tudor^  gave  me  a  few  volumes  of  old  books  which  I 
am  glad  to  have.  Received  a  present  of  a  good  volume  of  Gov.  R.  Wolcott's 
Foetns^  from  Mr.  Herrick,"  a  senior  at  college.  A  very  rare  and  valuable 
work.  Cold  and  tedious.  Read.  Wrote  an  address  for  our  ministers' 
meeting. 

20.  Our  ministers'  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  here.  No  member 
came  but  Mr.  Bartlett.^  We  had  a  meeting,  and  he  preached  in  the  evening. 
Mr.  S.  Eartlett^  came,  and  was  with  us  during  the  afternoon.  Cold.  The 
ground  very  hard  frozen.     No  snow  at  all.     Paid  $3.00  for  oats. 

21.  Rode  with  Mr.  Bartlett  to  Hartford.  Dr.  Flint's  society  had  a 
meeting,  and  voted  to  give  Mr.  Linsley'  a  call  to  settle  with  them.  A  favor- 
able event.  Examined  papers  in  the  secretarj^'s  office.  Came  home  late  in  a 
snow-squall. 

22.  Thermometer  6°.  The  ice  is  stopped  in  the  river.  Had  work  done 
to  my  furniture.  Mr.  Oliver  Tudor's  house  took  fire,  and  was  but  just  pre- 
served by  providential  favor.  Got  much  fatigued  at  the  fire.  Walked  out. 
My  horse  is  at  present  useless.  The  road  has  become  smooth.  Have  sat  up 
ver}^  late  nights  this  week.     Paid  a  blacksmith,  .75. 

23.  Much  hindered.  Wrote.  Thermometer  10°.  At  evening  attended 
the  prayer-meeting.  Our  roads  have  become  smooth.  My  horse  does  very 
poorly. 

24.  Wrote  the  greater  part  of  a  double  sermon  on  Micah  vi :  8.  Have 
many  unnecessary  hindrance's.  Wrote  six  long  pages  in  the  evening.  Ther- 
mometer in  the  morning  17°.     My  right  hand  is  quite  lame. 

25.  Wrote  what  I  could.  Did  not  quite  finish  my  sermon.  Preached  on 
Micah  vi:  8,  a  clause.  Thermometer  20°.  Pretty  full  meeting.  At  evening 
had  a  full  conference.     Quite  tired.     Read. 

26.  It  thawed  considerably,  but  went  off  warm.  People  are  very  anxious 
for  snow.  Thermometer  above  freezing  the  most  of  the  day.  Worked  at 
books.     Walked  and  visited.     Read. 

27.  Thermometer  28°.  Wrote.  Had  a  joiner  to  work  for  me.  Wrote 
transcribing:  Mr.  Hallock's  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Everest.     One  of  our 


'  A  religious  newspaper  started  in    New  '  Rev.  John   Bartlett,  pastor  at  Winton- 

York,  which  has  continued  till   the  present  bury  (now  Bloomfield),  1815-1831. 
time.  *  Rev.  Shubael  Bartlett,  brother  of  above, 

^  Oliver   Tudor,   brother   of    Mrs.    Abiel  pastor  at  Scantic,  1804-1854. 
Wolcott.  ^  Rev.  Joel  Harvey  Linsley,  D.  D.,  bom  in 

^  Roger   Wolcott,  Colonial    Governor   of  Cornwall,  Vt.,  1790,  graduated  at  Middlebury 

Connecticut,  1751-1754.     He  lived  in  his  life-  College,  181 1,  pastor  of  South  Church,  1824- 

time  only  a  very  small  distance  from  where  1832,  pastor  of  Park  Street  Church,  Boston, 

Dr.  Robbins   was    then    living,  on  the  East  1832-1S35;    President   of   Marietta   College, 

Windsor  Street.  O.,  1S35-1S45,  pastor  at  Greenwich,  Ct.,  1847, 

*  John  Pierrepont  Herrick,  M.  D.  to  his  death,  March  23,  1S6S. 


954 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 


dancing-schools  closed  with  a  great  ball.  It  excites  much  attention.  Mr. 
Bartlett  called  here  with  his  son  on  his  way  to  New  Haven.  Sent  John* 
classical  books,  and  gave  him  $i.oo. 

28.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Met  with  the  directors  of  the  Retreat.  The  build- 
ing is  finished,  and  is  a  verj'  excellent  one.  It  is  to  be  dedicated  and  opened 
for  patients  on  the  first  of  April.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  The  Messrs.  Cookes 
allowed  me  $30.00  for  what  I  did  in  the  compilation  of  their  late  volume.  It 
is  liberal,  and  more  than  I  asked.  Paid  them  for  four  half  volumes  of 
Encydoptedia^  $16.00;  for  three  numbers  of  Clarke's  Bible,  $3.75  ;  for  Hurd's^ 
Rites  and  Ceremonies,  $7.50;  for  other  books,  $2.50.  Thermometer  in  the 
morning  15°,  but  the  day  was  warm  and  thawy. 

29.  Thermometer  about  27°.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick  and 
mourners.  Visited  Mr.  Loomis.^  He  appears  to  fail  fast.  It  thawed 
considerably.  There  is  some  crossing  of  the  river  on  the  ice.  Very  good 
traveling. 

30.  Thermometer  30°.  Paid  a  joiner  $1.00  for  making  a  box  for  oats. 
Wrote  copying  ISIr.  Hallock's  sermon.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     Quite  warm.     Am  troubled  with  a  cold. 

31.  It  snowed  some.  Last  night  Mr.  Loomis  died."  He  has  declined 
very  fast  in  a  few  days.  Visited  the  family.  He  left  a  request  that  I  would 
preach  at  his  funeral.  In  the  evening  began  a  sermon  for  the  purpose  on 
John  xi :  23.     Wrote  late.     Wrote  to  my  brother. 

February. 

1.  Thermometer  about  6°.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  Suffered  with  the 
cold.  Mr.  Linsley  took  my  horse  and  rode  to  East  Windsor.  A  cold  and 
tedious  day.  Preached  on  Ezek.  xxxvi :  26,  and  John  i:  18.  x\fter  meeting 
Mr.  Linsley  returned,  and  I  rode  home.  The  roads  ver}'  rough.  Dr.  Flint' 
is  very  feeble,  and  I  think  breaking  down.  In  the  evening  wrote  four  pages 
on  my  sermon. 

2,  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on  John  xi :  28,  and  preached  it  at  the  funeral  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis.  It  was  not  quite  finished.  It  appeared  better  than  I 
feared.     Mr.  Rowland,^  Mr.  Bartlett,'  Mr.  Whittlesey,*  and  my  brother  were 


'  John    Leffingvi'ell    Bartlett,  oldest  child  '  Dr.  Abel  Flint  was  born  in  Windham, 

of    Rev.    Shubael   and   Fanny   (Leffingwell)  Ct.,  1765,  graduated  at  Yale,  1785,  pastor  of 

Bartlett,  was  now  twent}-  years  old,  and  he  the  South  Church,  Hartford,  1791-1S24.     He 

finished  his  studies  in  New  Haven  in  1S27.  had    just   resigned    his   pastorate,    and    Dr. 

^  View  of  all  the    Religious    Rites,  Cere-  Linsley  is  about  to  be  installed  in  his  place. 

monies,  and  Customs  of  the  Whole   World,  by  Dr.  Flint  was  not  yet  an  old   man,  but   he 

William  Hurd,  D.  D.     New  edition.     New-  was  broken  in  health,  and  died  the  following 

castle-upon-Tyne.     18 12.  year. 

^  Rev.  Amasa  I.oomis,  whose  dangerous  ''  Rev.  Henry  A.  Rowland,  of  Windsor, 

illness  has  been  before  noticed.  '  Rev.   Shubael    Bartlett,    of    the    north 

*■  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis,  son  of   Dea.  Amasa  parish,  East  Windsor,  then  twenty  years  in 

Loomis,   was    graduated    at    Yale    in    1S07,  the  ministrj'. 

but  his  ministerial   life  seems  to  have  been  ^  Rev.   Samuel    Whittlesey,  of   Hartford, 

broken  and  irregular  by  reason  of  ill-health.  without  charge. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR, 


95  5 


here,  and  each  performed  a  part.  The  day  was  very  cold,  rough,  and  tedious. 
Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  zero.  Omitted  our  monthly  prayer-meeting. 
Very  much  fatigued. 

3.  Thermometer  10°.  My  brother  stayed  here  last  night,  and  carried  me 
today  to  Northington '  to  attend  Association.  He  has  a  new  and  valuable 
horse.  Very  rough  riding.  Thirteen  members  of  Association  were  present. 
Old  Mr.  Hawley^  is  quite  feeble,  but  comfortable,  and  entertained  us  well. 
My  brother  preached  well.  Our  sister  Battell  was  there.  I  was  scribe  of  the 
Association.     We  examined  and  licensed  a  Mr.  Ferry  ^  to  preach. 

4.  The  Association  d;d  a  good  deal  of  business.  I  was  appointed,  with 
others,  to  meet  here  next  week  on  a  council.  Rode  home.  It  thawed  a  good 
deal.  My  brother  went  home.  At  evening  attended  our  church  conference. 
Very  thin.  Yesterday  Mr.  Wolcott  went  to  Somers  to  see  about  my  horse.  I 
hope  I  shall  get  some  reparation  for  my  loss. 

5.  Last  night  the  weather  changed,  and  the  thermometer  this  morning 
was  at  2°  below  zero.  Read.  Wrote.  Congress  is  unexpectedly  divided  on 
the  Greek  question.  Thermometer  at  bed-time  at  3°.  It  did  not  exceed  10° 
through  (a  clear  sun)  the  day. 

6.  Thermometer  2°  below  zero.  Walked  to  Wapping,  and  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Hall,  one  of  our  best  women.  The  ground  very  hard. 
Visited.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.  Walked  about  ten  miles. 
Our  second  dancing-school  closed  with  a  public  evening.  There  appears  to 
be  a  real  work  of  divine  grace  among  the  convicts  of  Newgate  prison. 

7.  Thermometer  about  20°.  Wrote.  Read.  At  evening  began  a 
sermon    on    i    John    iv:    20.     Looked   over   papers. 

8.  Thermometer  about  30°  and  rose  to  47°.  In  the  morning  it  snowed, 
but  cleared  off  warm.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke 
xix:  27.  Afternoon  an  old  sermon  on  Eph.  iv :  20.  Mr.  Cushman,''  of  Hart- 
ford, preached  here  for  the  Baptists.  At  evening  attended  our  conference. 
Quite  full. 

9.  Thermometer  about  25°.  Wrote.  Read.  Wrote  and  finished  late  at 
night  my  sermon  on  i  John  iv  :  20.     Am  pretty  feeble. 

10.  Rode  with  Dea.  Reed  to  Northington  to  attend  a  council.  Met  with 
Dr.  Perkins  and  Col.  Goodman.  Finished  our  business,  I  trust,  satisfactorily. 
I  hope  this  society  to  be  increased  and  prospered.  Preached  in  the  evening 
to  a  very  attentive  audience  on  i  John  iv:  20.  The  sermon  prepared  for  this 
people.     Rainy. 

11.  Rode  home  by  way  of  Farmington.  It  rained  some,  and  thawed  very 
fast  all  day.  The  riding  became  very  bad,  and  we  got  home  late  with 
difficulty.     Much  fatigued. 


*  Now  Avon.  -  ^  Rev.  Alpheus  Ferry,  a  graduate  of  Will- 


* 


^  Rev.  Rufus   Hawley,  now  in  the   fifty-  iams  College,  1821. 
fourth  year  of   his  ministry,  but  with  a  col-  ■♦  Rev.   Elisha    Cushman,   who    was    the 

league,  Rev.  Ludovicus  Robbins,  settled  in  Baptist   minister    at    Hartford,    and    pronii- 

1820.  nent  in  his  denomination. 


95^  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1824. 

12.  The  wind  last  night  was  very  high.  Mr.  Wolcott  had  a  cow-house 
blown  down.  In  the  hight  of  the  storm  the  thermometer  was  58°  and  49°. 
Read  poetry.     At  evening  very  unwell  with  a  cold. 

13.  Am  better  of  my  cold,  but  quite  feeble.  Thermometer  18°.  Read. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Mitchell,  of  New  Haven.  Mr.  Brace,  of  New- 
ington,  called  here,  soliciting  subscriptions  to  build  a  new  chapel  at  Yale 
College.'  Gave  him  $5.00.  Wrote.  At  evening  our  prayer-meeting  was 
thin.     The  water  has  become  higher  than  it  has  been  for  three  or  four  years. 

14.  The  water  rose  till  late  last  night.  It  is  within  one  or  one  and  one 
half  feet  of  as  great  hight  as  I  have  ever  seen  it.  Thermometer  27°.  Wrote. 
Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Micah  vi :  8,  last  clause.  Began  late,  and 
wrote  six  pages  in  the  evening.     Am  oppressed  with  indolence. 

15.  Thermometer  about  freezing.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  fore- 
noon on  Matt,  viii :  7.  Wrote  and  preached  on  Micah  vi :  8.  My  sermon  not 
quite  finished.  Preached  long.  Cold  and  unpleasant.  Thin  meeting.  Had 
no  conference.     At  night  quite  rainy.     Had  company. 

16.  Wet.  Walked  out.  Thermometer  above  freezing.  Mr.  Boardman 
came  up  from  Hartford  and  brought  me  a  letter  for  the  church  respecting 
their  proposed  ordination,"  and  a  request  that  I  would  preach  at  their  pro- 
posed fast^  on  the  20th.  Walked  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  Quite 
muddy.  Paid  a  tailor,  $4.44.  Paid  my  annual  tax,  $1.00,  to  the  Agricultural 
Society. 

17.  Thermometer  6°.  Read.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  librar}-.  Wrote  a 
part  of  a  sermon  on  Jer.  iii :  15.  The  case  of  my  thermometer  was  broken. 
Read  the  Bible. 

18.  Thermometer  about  26°.      Very  windy  and  tedious.     Walked  out. 

19.  Wrote  steadily,  and  finished  my  sermon  on  Jer.  iii:  15.  Dr.  Flint 
appears  to  be  better  than  he  has  been.  I  think  Mr.  Linsley  will  be  a  valuable 
man.  At  night  much  afflicted  with  an  ague  in  my  face.  Had  to  get  up. 
Read  the  Bible.     Paid  for  liquors,  $2.13. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  fast  with  the  South  Society  pre- 
paratory to  their  ordination.  Dr.  Chapin  preached  in  the  forenoon,  and  I 
preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Jer.  iii :  15. 

21.  Confined  with  my  ague.  Constant  pain,  and  at  times  quite  severe. 
Wrote.  Paid  for  a  book,  .75.  Read.  Yesterday  the  colored  man,  who 
killed  another  at  Wapping  in  November,  was  acquitted  of  murder,  and  con- 
victed of  manslaughter.     I  think  he  is  a  murderer. 

22.  Yesterday  Capt.  Hall,  of  Wapping,  brought  me  a  load  of  walnut  pole 
wood ;  the  best  load  of  wood,  1  think,  I  have  ever  had.  Last  night  took  a 
sweat,  and  am  better  of  my  ague,  but  am  pretty  feeble.     Last  night  about 


'  This  was   the  college   chapel   at  Yale  ^  We  have  %|en  that  it  was  a  custom  of 

from  1824  to  the  time,  only  a  few  years  since,  the  churches  then,  before  the  ordination  or 

when  the   Battell    Chapel  was   finished   and  installation  of  a  pastor,  to  observe  a  day  of 

opened  for  use.  fasting  and  prayer.     It  is  not  unlikely  that 

*  Of  Rev.  Joel  H.  Linsley.  this  custom  continues  in  some  places. 


1824.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  957 

two  o'clock  a  messenger  called  for  me  to  go  to  East  Hartford  to  see  Mrs. 
Fairchild,  apparently  near  death.  I  was  so  unwell,  and  the  weather  so 
unfavorable,  that  I  concluded  not  to  go  till  morning.  Rode  there  early,  and 
found  that  she  was  dead.  She  died  in  good  hope.  Brother  Fairchild  is 
deeply  afflicted.  He  requested  me  to  preach  at  the  funeral.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford to  exchange  with  Mr.  Hawes.  He  went  to  East  Windsor.  Very  stormy 
and  tedious  rain  and  snow  all  day.  Preached  on  2  Cor.  i:  12,  and  John 
i:  18.  After  meeting  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  In  the  evening  rode 
home.  Quite  tedious.  Was  carried  through  the  day  much  better  than  I 
expected.     Mr.  Hawes  had  quite  a  thin  meeting  here. 

23.  Wrote.  Am  quite  feeble.  At  three  o'clock  P.  M.,  began  a  sermon  for 
the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Fairchild,  and  finished  it  after  one  in  the  night.  Was 
poorly  able  to  write.  Walked  out.  Sleighs  move  pretty  well  witli  the  snow 
that  fell  last  night. 

24.  Rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott,  my  delegate,  to  Hartford  to  attend  the 
ordination.  Met  with  the  council.  After  dinner  rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Fairchild.  The  council  did  not  consent  that  any 
of  their  numbers  should  go  with  me.  Mr.  Bartlett  and  Mr.  Beach,'  of  Win- 
sted,  assisted  at  the  funeral.  Preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday  on 
Ps.  xxxi :  5.  A  very  large  and  solemn  funeral.  Mr.  Fairchild  is  deeply 
afflicted,  and  in  poor  health.  When  I  returned  to  Hartford,  the  council  had 
finished  the  examination  and  adjourned.  In  the  evening  Dr.  Chapin 
preached.     Kindly   entertained   at    Mr.    Hinsdale's. 

25.  Attended  the  ordination.  I  made  the  first  prayer.  Mr.  Fitch ^ 
preached  remarkably  well.  The  prospects  of  this  society  appear  well. 
Walked  to  the  Retreat.     It  is  a  very  noble  building.     Tarried  at  Mr.  Cook's. 

26.  Last  night  it  snowed.  Rode  home  in  a  sleigh.  Wet  and  rainy  the 
most  of  the  day.  Am  much  overdone  with  fatigue.  Visited  Mr.  Fairchild. 
He  is  quite  feeble. 

27.  Last  night  we  had  a  violent  rain,  and  the  whole  of  the  snow  is  gone. 
Wrote,  Read.  Bad  going.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Am  quite 
feeble. 

28.  Worked  considerably.  Mr.  Gridley^  came  here.  Read.  Read  the 
Bible.     I   have  too  much  neglected  the   sacred  volume, 

29.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Gal,  ii :  16,  17.  At 
noon  Mr.  Gridley  came  here  from  Mr.  Fairchild's,  and  I  went  to  East  Hart- 
ford and  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Hab.  iii :  17,  18.  Mr.  Fairchild,  I 
think,  is  getting  better.  At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Cold.  Ther- 
mometer in  the  morning  at  22°. 

March. 

I.     Wrote.      Read.      Walked   and   visited.      At    evening    attended    our 
monthly   concert.     Not   very   full.     Cold. 


'  Rev.  James  Beach,  pastor  at  Winsted,  ^  Rev.  Elnathan  Gridley,  who   had  been 

1S06-1842.  licensed  by  the  Hartford  North  Association 

2  Dr.  Eleazar  T.  Fitch,  of  Yale  College.  the  year  before,  and  was  not  yet  settled. 


958  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

2.  Last  night  tarried  out.  Very  cold  and  blustering.  Visited  the 
academy.  Walked  and  visited.  Last  evening  we  collected  at  the  concert, 
$1.88.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ely,  of  Simsbury,  and  one  from  Mr. 
Me  ruin,  of  New  Haven.     Read. 

3.  Read.  Wrote  answers  to  the  two  letters  received  yesterday.  Wrote 
on  Mr.  Hallock's  funeral  sermon.  At  evening  attended  our  church 
conference. 

4.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Bought  some  auction  books.  Have  had 
some  old  books  well  repaired  by  the  binders.  Paid  for  pamphlets,  .65.  At 
evening  Mr.  Gridley  came  here  and  tarried.     Very  good  riding. 

5.  Visited.  Warm  and  pleasant.  Worked  at  my  library.  Had  com- 
pany.    Read.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

6.  Visited.  Quite  warm.  Sheldon'  came  from  Somers  to  see  me  respect- 
ing my  horse.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Park,^  of  Providence.  Have  been 
much  hindered  this  week.     Read. 

7.  Wet  and  rainy.  Preached  all  day  an  old  sermon  on  Eph.  iii:  8.  Had 
no  conference.     Thin  meeting.     Had  company. 

8.  Paid  for  oats,  $1.56.  Wrote.  Visited.  Rode  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to 
Pine   Meadow.     Very  muddy. 

9.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  saw  Sheldon.  We  agreed  to  submit  the  question 
respecting  my  horse  to  the  decision  of  two  men.  My  good  Uncle  Le  Baron' 
has  a  revival  of  religion  among  his  people.     Rode  home. 

10.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  young  man  apparently  near 
dying  from  a  cut  of  his  leg.     Visited  at  Wapping. 

11.  Am  quite  feeble.  Read  G if  Bias.*  Mr.  Burge,  of  Glastonbury,  was 
here,  desirous  to  have  me  write  for  the  Evangelist.  It  appears  like  spring. 
Wrote,  copying  my  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Fairchild,  for  the  printer. 

12.  Wrote.  Read  President  Humphrey's  address.*  It  is  very  well 
written.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting ;  quite  thin.  Walked  and 
visited.     Received  of  Mr.  Tudor  for  my  collector,  $17.82. 

13.  Wrote  transcribing  my  funeral  sermon.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  to 
learn  some  facts  relative  to  Mrs.  Fairchild.  Not  able  to  write  a  sermon  for 
tomorrow.     Wrote  late. 

14.  Expounded  on  Acts  xv :  36  to  xvi :  25,  and  preached  my  late  funeral 
sermon  on  Ps.  xxxi :  5.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  to  visit  a  young  man 
very  sick.  He  died  while  I  was  present  of  a  cut  on  his  leg  with  an  ax  about 
three  weeks  ago.  Wrote  late  in  the  night,  and  finished  copying  my  sermon. 
Much  fatigued. 

15.  Very  pleasant.  The  roads  considerably  dried.  Rode  to  Warehouse 
Point,    and    met    with    Sheldon    and    our   two   arbitrators.     We    agreed   that 


'  Mr.  Sheldon,  of  whom   he   bought   his  *  Le  Sage's  famous  story,  before  noticed, 

horse.  ^  Dr.  Heman    Humphrey   was   President 

^  Dr.  Calvin  Park,  of  Brown  University,  of   Amherst    College,  1S23-1S45.     This   was 

father  of  Dr.  Edwards  A.  Park,  of  Andover.  doubtless  his  inaugural   address.      The   col- 

^  ITis  uncle,  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  of  Roches-  lege  was  in  its  infancy  when  he  took  charge 

ter  (Mattapoisett),  Mass.  of  it,  and  he  saw  its  rapid  growth. 


1S34.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  959 

Sheldon  should  take  back  my  horse,  and  the  arbitrators  decided  that  he 
should  pay  me  $77.50.  I  consider  my  whole  loss  in  the  horse  not  less  than 
$50.00.  I  took  Sheldon's  note.  Afternoon  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Sigourney,'  of  Hartford.     Read.     Very  tired. 

16.  In  the  morning  it  began  to  snow  hard,  and  continued  more  or  less 
through  the  day.     Visited  a  school.     Wrote. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford  in  a  sleigh,  and  in  the  stage  to  New  Haven.  It 
snowed  considerably  the  most  of  the  day.  Very  bad  riding.  As  much  snow 
at  New  Haven,  I  think,  as  at  East  Windsor. 

18.  Visited  at  college.  Called  on  Col.  Lyon.  He  has  a  number  of  very 
valuable  ancient  books.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  Gave  $70.00  to  two 
scholars  from  the  Everest  fund.  College  is  in  a  very  unsettled  state.  Many 
of  the  students  have  lately  been  dismissed.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Merwin's.^  Paid 
for  books,  $1.00. 

19.  Kindly  treated  by  friends.  Received  above  an  hundred  valuable  pam- 
phlets, given  me  by  Mrs.  Dana,*  Mr.  Sherman,'*  and  Esq.  Daggett.'  Visited 
at  Mr.  Goodrich's.  There  is  much  talk  here  and  at  Hartford  about  the 
location  of  Washington  College.  Bought  Rapin,*  and  some  other  books  of 
Gen.  Howe.     The  streets  very  wet. 

20.  Visited  early.  Wet  with  rain  and  snow.  Took  the  stage,  and  rode  to 
Hartford.  Very  muddy  and  hard  traveling.  A  Greek  lad,  lately  arrived  from 
Scio,  came  on  with  me,  going  to  be  educated  by  Capt.  Partridge,'  of  Vermont. 
Walked  home  from  Hartford.     The  evening  cold  and  windy. 

21.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  15°  or  lower.  A  cold  day.  The  snow 
mostly  gone.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ex.  iv :  31,  and  an  old  sermon  on 
Ps.  cxiii :  6.     At  evening  attended  conference.     Meetings  thin. 

22.  Thermometer  18°.  The  ground  pretty  hard  frozen.  Rode  to  Hart- 
ford and  brought  up  my  things.  Got  some  books  at  the  auction  store. 
Worked  at  my  library.  Much  fatigued.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Hall,^  of  Ellington,  announcing  the  death  of  Mrs.  Brockway.' 

23.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Read.  Afternoon  visited  a  school.  Wrote 
to  Mr,  Burge,  of  Glastonbury. 

24.  Read  Rapin.  Wrote.  Visited  a  school.  Received  a  letter  from 
Hartford  relative  to  the  proposed  college.     Visited. 


'  Charles  Sigourney,  probably,  a  substan-  in  France  in  1661.     He  went  in  1685  to  live 

tial  merchant,  who,  in  1819,  married   Lydia  and   make   his  home  for  years  in  England. 

Howard  Huntley,  of  Norwich,  afterwards  so  On   the  death  of  the  Prince  of   Orange,  he 

well  and  widely  known   as  Mrs.  Sigourney,  went  to  Wesel,  in  the  duchy  of  Cleves,  and 

author  of  many  poetical  works.  there  wrote  his  history.     He  died  in  1725. 

=^  Rev.    Samuel    Merwin,    of    the    North  '  Capt.   Alden    Partridge,   a  graduate   of 

Church,  New  Haven.  West    Point,    1S06,   and   a   professor   there. 

3  Mrs.  Dana,  widow  of  Rev.  James  Dana,  In  1S20  he  established  a  military  school  in 

of  the  Center  Church,  New  Haven.  Norwich,  Vt.,  which  was  his  native  place. 
*  Mr.  Roger  Sherman.  ^  John   Hall,  Principal   of  the   Ellington 

5  Judge  David  Daggett.  School,  graduate  of  Yale,  1802.     This  school 

^  Rapin-Thoyras,   Paul    De,   author  of   a  for  some  years  was  active  and  thorough, 
celebrated   English    history.     He  was  born  ^  wife  of  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway. 


960  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S24, 

25.  Wrote.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  dedication  of  the  Retreat  on  Matt, 
iv  :  24,  25.  Rode  to  Wapping,  visited  a  school,  and  attended  a  conference  in 
the  evening.     Got  home  late. 

26.  Worked  with  Mr.  Wolcott's  framers.  Visited  a  school.  Warm.  Had 
a  full  prayer-meeting.     I  am  feeble  for  study. 

27.  Worked  some.  Wrote  to  Gov.  Wolcott.  Paid  a  merchant,  $1.31. 
Rode  out.  Put  twenty-four  Testaments  into  the  meeting-house  for  the  use  of 
jDeople.  The  most  of  them  I  procured  for  .19  each.  Warm.  The  roads  dry. 
Two  young  men  here  were  drowned'  in  the  river  in  a  shocking  manner. 
Visited  the  afflicted  families.  Last  week  a  steamboat^  commenced  running 
between  Hartford  and  New  York.  On  the  25th  wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  1  find 
but  little  time  for  study. 

28.  Many  people  were  out  looking  for  the  bodies  of  the  drowned  youths. 
Expounded  on  Acts  xvi :  25  to  the  end  ;  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
Acts  xxiv :  25,  latter  part.  Afternoon  meeting  quite  full.  At  evening 
attended   the    conference. 

29.  Read.  Wet  and  rainy.  Got  a  fright  in  burning  my  chimney.  Read 
the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  on  the  steamboat  case.  It  is  very  able. 
Wrote.     Have  many  hindrances. 

30.  Wrote  on  my  address  for  the  Retreat.  Much  interrupted  by  company. 
Wrote  a  will  for  a  man.     Sat  up  late.     Paid  a  blacksmith,  $3.00. 

31.  Wrote  on  my  address.  Finished  it  late  at  night.  The  most  of  it  I 
have  written  twice  over.     Quite  cool.     Am  much  fatigued. 

April. 

1.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  Attended  the  dedication  of  the  Retreat  in 
the  forenoon.  1  made  the  dedicatory  prayer,  and  delivered  my  address. 
Bishop  Brownell,^  and  Mr.  Cushman,'*  and  Dr.  Flint,^  performed  other  parts. 
Attended  a  meeting  of  the  directors.  They  requested  a  copy  of  my  address 
foj  publication.  Did  errands.  Read  a  proof  of  my  sermon  at  the  funeral  of 
Mrs.  Fairchild.  Tarried  with  Ursula  at  Mr.  Ezekiel  Williams's.  Many  of  the 
people  searched  today  for  the  bodies  of  the  young  men  lately  drowned.  The 
water  is  high  and  difficult.     A  man  in  Scantick  hung  himself  this  morning. 

2.  Saw  Mr.  Battell's  two  daughters^  at  Hartford.  Rode  home.  Quite 
cold.  Paid  for  a  new  hat,  $7.50.  Read.  Afternoon  preached  our  prepara- 
tory lecture  with  old  notes  on  Neh.  i :  7.  Visited.  Attended  our  evening 
prayer-meeting.     Tarried  out. 

3.  Visited,  The  air  is  quite  cold.  We  have  several  mourning  families. 
Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Chester,^  of  Albany.  Got  but  little  time  in 
my  study.     Wrote. 

4.  In  the  morning  wrote  notes  on  Rev.  xxii :   12,  but  did  not  preach  with 


'  William  E.  Skinner,  and  Samuel  New-  ^  Thomas  Church  Brownell,  D.  D.,  LL.D. 

bury.  *  Rev.  Elisha  Cushman. 

'  The  name  of  this  first  steamboat  plying  *  Rev.  Abel  Flint,  D.  D. 

between  Hartford  and  New  York,  1824-1843,  *  Sarah  and  Irene  Battell. 

was  the  Oliver  Ellsworth.  '  Rev.  John  Chester,  D.  D. 


1824.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  961 

them.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Joel  ii :  17,  and  an  old  sermon  on  James 
i :  23,  24.  Administered  the  sacrament.  Meetings  very  full  and  solemn. 
The  church  very  full.  At  evening  went  into  the  singing-school.  The  ther- 
mometer was  about  60°.     Much  fatigued. 

5.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Visited,  Warm  and  dry.  Thermometer  at  66°. 
Read.  At  evening  attended  the  monthly  concert.  Mr.  Burge  called  here, 
and  stayed  some  time. 

6.  Looked  over  old  statute  books.  Hindered  by  company.  Thermome- 
ter 68°.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hartford  Mills,'  and  visited  a  school. 
Returned  at  evening  in  a  hard  rain.     The  rain  was  very  much  needed. 

7.  Studied  diligently  revising  the  book  of  all  religions  for  a  new  edition. 
Cold.     At  evening  our  church  conference  was  very  thin. 

8.  Visited.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  attended  a  singing-lecture.  Mr.  Nash,' 
of  Tolland,  preached.  More  than  eighty  singers.  They  performed  well. 
Rode  home  late  in  the  evening.  Cold.  On  the  6th  received  a  letter  from 
my  brother.  People  begin  to  plough  and  garden.  Mr.  Wolcott  is  making  a 
good  improvement  in  his  out-houses. 

g.  Wrote.  Collected  at  our  prayer-meeting,  $1.93.  Wrote  to  my  Uncle 
Starr,  and  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chester.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  The  printer  gave  me  some  copies  of 
my  sermon  on  the  death  of  Mrs.  Fairchild. 

10.  Wrote.  Began  and  wrote  considerably  on  a  sermon  on  i  Tim.  iii :  16. 
Mr.  Fairchild  brought  twenty-five  copies  of  my  sermons.  He  appears  to  be 
getting  better.     Thermometer  above  60°. 

11.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Wet  and  rainy 
all  day.     Meetings  quite  thin.     Wrote  a  piece  for  the  newspaper  on  suicide. 

12.  Walked  out.  Our  people  talk  again  of  moving  the  meeting-house. 
Copied  off  my  piece  on  suicide  for  the  Mercury.^  Read  my  book  on  Religions 
and  Ceretnonies.     Quite  rainy. 

13.  Studied  all  day  on  my  book  of  religions.  Rainy  and  wet.  Worked  in 
the  garden.     Warm.     Vegetation  seems  to  be  commencing  very  early. 

14.  Am  quite  enervated.  Mr.  Skinner,'*  of  Berlin,  called  to  see  me. 
Visited  an  insane  man.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow.  In  some  places  quite 
muddy. 

15.  The  water  is  high;  within  about  a  foot  of  the  flood  in  the  winter. 
This  morning  it  rained.  Wrote.  Began  to  copy  off  my  address  at  the 
dedication  of  the  Retreat  for  publication.  Am  poorly  fitted  for  study. 
Worked  some.     Afternoon  visited  a  school.     Warm. 

16.  Fast.  Spent  the  day  mostly  in  private  meditation.  Preached  an  old 
sermon  on  Nehemiah  i:  4.     Meetings  rather  thin.     I  noticed  no  open  viola- 


'  The  village  now  known  as  Burnside.  and  G.  F.  Olmsted  were   its   publishers   as 

^  Rev.  Ansel  Nash.  years  passed  on.     In  1833  it  was  merged  in 

^  The  American  Mercury  was  begun   in  the  Independent  Press. 
1784,  with  Joel  Barlow  for  editor,  and  Elisha  *  Rev.  Newton  Skinner,   whose   ministry 

Babcock  for  publisher.      Charles   Babcock  was  cut  short  by  an  early  death. 


g63  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS.    D.D.  [1824, 

tion  of  the  day.     At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting.     Ate  no  dinner.     On 
the  14th  received  a  letter  from  J.  W.  Barber,'  of  New  Haven. 

17.  Wrote  copying  my  address.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child. 
Visited.  Paid  $2.25  for  a  book  (Jahn).*  People  begin  to  garden.  We  have 
a  good  deal  of  moving. 

18.  Expounded  on  Acts  xvii,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  viii :  7. 
In  the  afternoon  I  was  very  weak  at  my  lungs,  and  spoke  feebly.  Had  no 
conference.     Cold.     Meetings  rather  thin.     Wrote. 

19.  Wrote  transcribing  my  address.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Got  new  clothes. 
Did  errands.  There  is  much  excitement  respecting  the  new  college.^  Rode 
in  the  evening.     Saw  my  nieces,  S.  and  I.  Battell.     Cold. 

20.  Wrote  on  my  transcribing.  Worked  at  my  things.  Visited.  We 
have  some  new  families  moved  here. 

21.  Wrote.  Have  many  interruptions.  Am  languid  and  feeble.  Worked 
some.  Finished  transcribing  my  address,  and  studied  on  the  revisal  of  the 
book  of  religions.  People  have  commenced  the  work  of  removing  the 
meeting-house.  Mr.  Stebbins,  of  Simsbury,  came  here  and  tarried.  He  is 
about  commencing  a  school  at  Windsor.     The  thermometer  rose  to  82°, 

22.  Wrote  on  religions.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  blossoms  on  the  daflfafi 
and  peach-trees.     Thermometer  78°. 

23.  W^rote.  Began  a  sermon  on  Titus  ii :  14.  Rainy.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     Had  no  evening  meeting.     Read  pamphlets. 

24.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Worked  the  most  of 
the  afternoon  at  the  meeting-house.  They  have  got  along  better  than  I 
expected  they  would.     Wrote  to  Mr.  Birge,  of  Glastonburj-. 

25.  Preached  with  notes  written  on  the  4th  inst.  on  Rev.  xxii :  12.  Fin- 
ished and  preached  my  sermon  on  Tit.  ii :  14.  Wrote  four  pages,  one  half  of 
a  sermon.  Full  meeting.  The  meeting-house  stands  on  rolls.  Warm. 
Went  in  the  afternoon  without  an  overcoat.     At  evening  attended  conference. 

26.  Am  quite  feeble.  Assisted  in  setting  fruit-trees.  Walked  out  and 
visited.     Assisted  some  at  the  meeting-house.     The  business  succeeds  well. 

27.  Had  company.  The  people  moved  the  meeting-house  about  the  width 
of  the  house,  forty-five  feet  directly  back  ;  the  whole  of  it  stood  in  the  street. 
It  went  easy  and  perfectly  safe  without  any  injury  or  accident.  It  appears 
better  than  was  expected.  When  it  was  done  we  went  into  the  house,  and 
had  a  short  religious  exercise.  We  have  much  reason  to  bless  God.  After 
preparing  timber  for  the  ways,  etc.,  it  was  done  in  six  days.  INfr.  E.  BisselP 
is  about  moving  to  Genesee.     Very  tired.     Reviewed  the  proof  of  my  address. 

28.  Cold    and   wet.       Paid    $1.25    for   repairing    my   carriage.      Visited. 


'  John  Warner  Barber,  before  noticed  as  ^  Washington,  changed  to  Trinity  College, 

the  author  of  Historical  Collections  of  many  Hartford,  Ct.     The  charter  of  this  institution 

States,  beside  other  volumes  of  much  histori-  was  gained  in  1824,  but  it  was  not  organized 

cal  interest.  for  work  until  1S26. 

^  John  Jahn,  a  Vienna  scholar  and   pro-  *  Mr.  Edgar  Bissell,  who  married  Eveline 

fessor,   distinguished    for    his    biblical    and  Wolcott.     He   and  his  wife  are  now  (1885) 

Oriental  learning.  living  in  the  old  family  home. 


1824.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  963 

Visited  our  academy.  I  think  I  never  knew  it  to  appear  better.  Wrote.  I 
have  been  prevented  from  study  this  week  most  unexpectedly.  The  examina- 
tion of  the  academy  was  attended  by  a  good  many  people. 

29.  Set  out  late  for  Norfolk.  Received  at  Hartford  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Battell,  with  an  old  book  which  he  has  purchased  and  given  to  me.  People 
at  Hartford  are  much  discouraged  about  getting  the  new  college.  Paid  Hills, 
$20.00.  Rode  to  Colebrook.  Found  my  brother  very  low.  Last  Sabbath 
he  swallowed,  by  mistake,  some  oil  of  vitriol.  He  came  very  near  instant 
death,  but  is  mercifully  preserved,  and  I  think  recovering.  Concluded  to 
tarry  here. 

30.  Rode  to  Norfolk,  Mother  is  at  Mr.  Battell's.  Sally  Lawrence  went 
to  Amherst  for  a  visit,  and  she  has  since  that  left  housekeeping.  I  came  here 
when  I  came  into  town,  for  the  first  time,  instead  of  going  to  the  paternal 
mansion.  Visited.  A  good  house  is  building  on  the  green.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Battell  have  lately  returned  from  a  journey  to  Washington,  Mount  Vernon, 
etc.  The  season  here  is  much  behind  East  Windsor.  My  horse  does  pretty 
well. 

May. 

1.  Rode  with  mother  to  her  house,  and  to  the  burying-ground.  Warm. 
Left  Norfolk  near  noon,  and  rode  across  Canaan  mountain  to  Warren.  My 
aged  Uncle  Starr'  is  feeble,  and  suffers  much  from  nervous  dejDression.  Mr. 
Downs,^  a  young  candidate,  is  preaching  here. 

2.  In  the  morning  rainy.  Preached  on  John  iv:  13.  Administered  the 
sacrament.  Uncle  Starr  attended  meeting,  but  did  but  little.  Had  long 
meetings.  Very  tired.  They  have  a  very  fine  new  meeting-house  here.  Had 
company. 

3.  Misty  and  wet.  Prayed  and  dined  with  a  military  company  with  my 
uncle  and  Mr.  Downs,  Concluded  not  to  ride.  Uncle  Starr  gave  me  fifty- 
nine  pamphlets,  some  of  them  very  valuable.  The  people  here  appear  well. 
Wrote.  I  have  not  seen  a  smile  from  my  uncle  since  I  have  been  here.  At 
evening  attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

4.  Left  my  uncle's,  and  rode  to  Woodbury.  My  brother  Samuel  and  his 
family  have  recently  left  this  town.  He  is  about  moving  to  Onondaga. 
They  are  well  spoken  of  here.  Visited.  Kindly  treated,  Mr.  Benedict  and 
his  aged  mother  gave  me  fifty-one  pamphlets,  forty-two  proclamations,  etc. 
Gave  her  $2.00.     Old  Mr.  Benedict's'  papers  are  in  very  good  order. 

5.  Rode  to  New  Haven.  The  lower  part  of  the  way  a  very  hilly  road. 
The  early  fruit-trees  in  full  blossom.     Got  to  New  Haven  about  noon.     Went 


'  Rev.  Peter  Starr  was  then  not  far  from  inary  in  1822,  and  was  settled  as  a  Presby- 

eighty  years  old.     He  had   been  sixty  years  terian  minister,  in  Canajoharie,  N.  Y.,  where 

out  of  college,  and  fifty-two  years  in  the  min-  he  died  young, 
istrv  at  Warren.  '  Rev.    Noah    Benedict   was    minister   in 

-  Rev.  Cyrus  Downs,  who  was  afterwards  Woodbury  from  1760  to   his  death,  1813  — 

a    Presbyterian    minister,   was  from    South  fifty-three   years.      The   pamphlets   were   in 

Britain,  Ct.     He  closed  his  studies  at  Hamil-  the  keeping  of  his  widow  and  his  son.     This 

ton  College  in  1S19,  and  at  Andover  Sem-  was  a  valuable  acquisition. 


964  DIARY    OF   REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S24. 

soon  into  the  Methodist  meeting-house  for  the  election  exercises.  Mr. 
Luckey,'  the  Methodist,  preached  one  hundred  and  twelve  minutes.  The 
sermon  was  miserable.     Saw  Mr.  Battell.     Drank  tea  at  Judge  Baldwin's.' 

6.  Judge  Baldwin  gave  me  seventeen  pamphlets,  and  a  number  of  valu- 
ble  manuscripts.  Visited.  Rode  home  after  one  o'clock.  Washington 
College  was  located  at  Hartford.  There  was  much  rejoicing  in  that  town. 
Large  pecuniary  offers  were  made  from  Hartford,  Middletown,  and  New 
Haven. ^  Got  home  late.  There  was  no  meeting  here  last  Sabbath.  Have 
had  a  prosperous  journey. 

7.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Wet  and  rainy.  Yesterday  saw  the  first 
apple-tree  blossoms.  But  little  difference  between  New  Haven  and  here,  and 
all  the  intermediate  way.  Am  fatigued.  Dea.  Reed"*  is  quite  poor.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Received  a  letter  from  T.  S.  Williams,^ 
Hartford. 

8.  Rode  to  Hockanum,  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  colored  child. 
Rode  down  to  Manchester.  Their  ecclesiastical  matters  are  in  a  critical 
state.  Warm.  Mr.  Sidney  Olcott^  let  me  have  thirty-six  pamphlet's,  which 
were  his  father's,  making  one  hundred  and  sixty-three  that  I  have  procured 
this  week.  Some  of  them  are  duplicates,  but  some  are  valuable  and  scarce. 
Paid  Olcott,  $1.00  for  pamphlets,  and  .50  for  a  book.  Received  a  present  of 
^2.00  from  a  man  in  Wapping. 

9.  Poorly  prepared  for  the  Sabbath.  Expounded  on  Acts  xviii,  ai-,d 
preached  a  sermon  written  and  preached  at  Northington  in  Februar)-  on  John 
iv  :  20.  Our  meeting-house  is  not  yet  underpinned,  and  still  rests  on  rolls. 
At  evening  attended  our  conference.  Thin  meetings.  Yesterday  Mr.  Olcott 
let  me  have  a  number  of  old  college  papers.  My  collection  requires  much 
labor. 

10.  Had  company.  Read.  Rode  to  Manchester,  and  attended  a  church 
meeting  which  gave  a  call  to  Mr.  Burt,^  by  a  vote  of  nineteen  yeas,  and  three 
nays,  and  four  that  did  not  vote.     Got  home  late. 

11.  Rode  to  Manchester,  and  attended  a  funeral.  In  the  forenoon  rode 
to  Hartford  to  buy  a  horse.  Have  very  poor  success.  Warm  and  very  dusty. 
Am  much  burdened  with  so  many  calls.  In  the  morning  performed  a 
marriage.^ 


'  Rev.  Samuel  Luckey,  Methodist  minister  '  Thomas  Scott  Williams,  LL.D.,  bom  in 

at  New  Haven.  Wethersfield,  Ct.,  June  26,  1777,  graduated 

'^  Judge  Simeon  Baldwin,  born  at  Norwich,  at  Yale,  1794,  died  in  Hartford,  Dec.  15, 
Ct.,  1761,  graduated  at  Yale,  1781,  died  in  1861.  Besides  filling  many  and  various  im- 
New  Haven,  1S51,  father  of  Gov.  Roger  portant  offices,  he  was  Chief-Justice  of  Con- 
Sherman  Baldwin,  and  grandfather  of  Hon.  necticut,  1834-1847,  a  man  of  eminent  good- 
Simeon  E.  Baldwin.  ness  as  well  as  greatness. 

^  The   fitness   of  things  was   secured   by  *  Son  of  Rev.  Allen  Olcott,  who  was  pas- 
locating    Washington    (Trinity)    College    at  tor  at  Farmington,  Ct.,  1787-1791,  and  who 
Hartford.      New    Haven    already    had    her  died  181 1. 
college,  and  Middletown,   soon   afterwards,  '  Rev.  Enoch  Burt. 
1831,  had  Wesleyan  University,                                   ^  Between    Loring    E.  Coe,  of   Granville, 

■♦  Dea.  Abner  Reed.  Mass.,  and  Mary  Stanley. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  965 

12.  On  the  9th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  H.  Pitkin,'  of  Manchester. 
Wrote.  Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
society  for  the  insane.     Did  errands. 

13.  Wet.  The  apple-trees  are  in  full  blossom.  '  Rode  to  Hartford  and 
attended  the  meeting  of  the  Connecticut  Bible  Society  and  the  Ministers' 
Annuity  Society.  We  have  some  difficulty  with  the  claim  of  Mr.  Cook's 
annuitants.     Paid  for  a  book,   $1.00;  for  pamphlets,  .42. 

14.  Quite  cold.  Paid  Horace  Wolcott  for  assistance,  $i.oo.  Wrote. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  former  pupil,  Mr.  Eells.  Rode  out  and  visited. 
At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

15.  Bottled  two  hundred  and  forty-eight  bottles  of  cider,  Mr.  Wolcott  got 
it  yesterday  at  Turkey  Hills,  but  it  is  not  good  as  I  expected.  Am  quite 
feeble  and  languid.  Late  in  the  afternoon  began  a  sermon  on  Matt, 
vii :  13,  14,  and  wrote  four  pages. 

16.  Wrote  four  full  pages,  and  finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun 
yesterday.  Divided  it.  The  meeting-house  still  rests  on  rolls.  At  evening 
rainy.  We  had  our  missionary  contribution,  and  collected  $32,25.  Less  than 
we  have  had  for  several  years,  but  as  much  perhaps  as  could  be  expected. 

17.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Made  an  asparagus  bed.  Walked  out.  Mr, 
C.  A.  Goodrich"  called  on  me.  There  is  a  great  blowth  on  the  fruit-trees. 
Wrote. 

18.  Rode  to  Simsbury  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Mr.  BushnelP 
preached.  Had  a  good  meeting.  Met  with  the  committee  of  the  Everest 
legacy. 

19.  Wet.  Rode  home.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  society  for  the 
insane.     Saw  my  nieces.     Cannot  find  a  horse  that  will  answer  for  me. 

20.  Studied  on  the  Revisal  of  all  Religions.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and 
performed  a  marriage.*     Crossed  the  bridge,  and  saw  the  printers. 

21.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow.  Mrs.  Haskell  is  quite  unwell.  Visited  an 
aged  woman,  very  low,  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  Attended  our 
prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

22.  kindled  on  \hQ  Revisal  of  all  Religions.^  Hindered  by  company.  I  get 
but  little  time  for  study.     Worked  some. 

23.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  on  Isa.  Ixiv  :  8.  Afternoon  preached  an 
old  sermon  on  2  Cor.  vi :  17.  Meetings  full  and  solemn.  The  meeting-house 
is  partly  underpinned.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  Quite  full. 
Tarried   out. 


'  Dea.  Horace  Pitkin.  of    Hartford,    Ct.,  and   Caroline   Oilman,   of 

^  This  was  probably  Rev.  Charles  Angus-  East  Hartford, 
tus  Goodrich,  minister   and   book-publisher.  *  This  work  on  which  he  is  engaged,  after- 

His  initials  are  the  same  with  Prof.  Chaun-  wards  published   by  Oliver  Cooke,  of  Hart- 

cey  Allen  Goodrich,  of  Yale  College.  ford,  has  been  many  times  mentioned,  an<i  it 

^  Rev.    Harvey   Bushnell,   who    had    just  was  doubtless  to  help  him  in  this  labor  that 

been  settled  at  Avon,  as  colleague  with  the  he  bought    Dr.    William    Hurd's    book   on 

venerable  Rev.  Rufus  Hawley.  Religious  Kites  and  Ceremonies.     The  subject 

*■  The  parties  married  were  William  Selby,  is  a  very  large  one. 


g66  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S24. 

24.  Walked  and  visited.  Attended  a  funeral  in  the  upper  part  of  East 
Hartford.  Received  of  my  collector,  $50.00.  The  ground  has  become  quite 
dry.     Worked  considerably. 

25.  Studied  on  my  Rcvisal.     Much  hindered  by  useless  company.     Cold. 

26.  This  morning  there  was  a  hard  frost.  Thought  to  be  harder  than  we 
have  had  for  a  month.  Garden  vegetables  are  much  hurt  and  probably  fruit. 
The  blossoms  had  got  off.  Saw  ice  after  six  o'clock.  It  is  hoped  the  grain 
is  not  forward  enough  to  be  injured.  Walked  and  visited.  My  cousin  J.  W. 
Lawrence'  and  his  wife  came  here.  He  is  a  respectable  lawyer  in  Onondaga. 
My  brother  SamueP  has  removed  to  live  near  him  in  the  town  of  Camillus. 
Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  W.  Lawrence  at  Norfolk.  Uncle  Starr  has 
lost  his  poor  son  William. 

27.  My  cousins  went  off  to  Enfield.  Very  dry  and  dusty.  My  brother 
and  his  wife  called  here.     Studied  on  my  revision.     Wrote. 

28.  Wrote  a  piece  for  publication.  Afternoon  very  warm.  Thermometer 
at  86°.  So  languid  I  could  do  but  little.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.     We  are  in  a  low  state. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  our  subscription  for  the  Greeks,  ^59.50  for 
this  society,  and  $5.50  for  Wapping.  Paid  my  own,  $2.00.  Paid  a  merchant, 
$2.50.  Very  dusty.  Read.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Yates,^  Schenectady.  At  evening 
rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  to  exchange.  The  late  frost  has  injured  early  peas,  and 
some  other  things  materially. 

30.  Mr.  Bartlett  supplied  my  people.  This  morning  there  was  a  little 
frost.  Preached  on  Titus  ii :  14,  and  John  iv :  29.  This  people  as  well  as 
mine  appear  quite  stupid.  At  evening  rode  home.  Attended  our  singing- 
school.     Our  meeting-house  is  done  except  leveling  the  ground. 

31.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  chamber.  Wrote  a  report  respecting  the 
Everest  fund  for  General  Association.     Walked  out.     The  ground  very  dry. 

June. 

I.  Hindered  by  company.  Ecclesiastical  matters  at  Manchester  are  in  a 
very  critical  state.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  met  with  the  Association.  No 
religious  exercise  today.     We  examined  and  licensed  four  candidates.'*     One 


'  J.  William    Lawrence    was    the    uncle  have  been  noteworthy  for  their  love  of  books 

of    William    Lawrence,   who    was    born    in  and   literary  culture.     Samuel   was   born  in 

Paris,  N.  Y.,  June  28,  1801,  but  was  adopted  1784,  and  was  then  thirty-eight  years  old. 
when   a   child  by  Joseph   and   Sarah  (Rob-  ^  Dr.   Andrew    Yates,   formerly   of    East 

bins)  Battell,  and  was   older   by   five  years  Hartford,  then   professor  in  Union  College, 

than     the     oldest    of    their    own    children.  Schenectady,  N.  Y. 

When  Dr.  Robbins  made  this  entry  in  his  *  These  four  candidates  were  John  Rich- 
diary,  young  Lawrence  was  only  twenty-three  ards,  native  of  Farmington,  Ct.,  1797,  gradu- 
years  old,  but  was  already  making  his  way  in  ated  at  Yale,  1S21,  and  at  Andover,  1824, 
the  world,  and  became  in  after  years  a  man  afterwards  Dr.  John  Richards,  of  Hanover, 
of  good  standing  and  character.  N.  H.,  and  Dartmouth  College  ;  Horatio  N. 

^  Samuel  Robbins,  who  lived  a  number  of  Brinsmade,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1S22,  after- 
years  at  Norfolk  after  his  marriage,  and  then  wards  Dr.  H.  N.  Brinsmade,  a  man  well 
went  to  Woodbury,  Ct.,  had  now  removed  to  known  and  widely  useful,  especially  at  the 
the    State   of   New  York.     His  descendants  West ;  Jos.  Ives  Foot,  native  of  Watertown, 


1824.]  PASTOR   IN   EAST   WINDSOR.  967 

of  them  for  one  year  only.  The  Association  very  improperly  examined  the 
four  together.  We  were  much  driven  with  business.  Very  warm  and  dusty. 
Quite  tired. 

2.  The  Association  ordained  as  an  evangelist  Mr.  Charles  Wadsworth, 
who  was  licensed  by  our  Conso  last  fall.  He  has  been  preaching  in  the  State 
of  New  York.  I  gave  the  right  hand  almost  wholly  without  preparation.  A 
number  of  my  people  were  present.  Last  night  we  had  a  most  grateful 
rain.  Showery.  Rode  home.  Much  fatigued.  The  people  have  leveled 
the  ground  about  the  meeting-house  very  finely.  Mr.  Hawes  made  a  long 
communication  to  the  Association  respecting  Washington  College.  Borrowed 
$100.00  of  Mrs.  Wolcott,  and  gave  my  note. 

3.  Purchased  of  my  neighbor,  William  Tudor,  three  acres  and  a  half  of 
good  meadow  land  for  fifty  dollars  an  acre.  Paid  him  $75.00,  and  gave  him  a 
note  for  $100.00.  The  first  land  I  have  ever  owned.'  Rode  to  Tolland,  and 
saw  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers,  and  Mr.  Loomis,^  of  Willington.  We  conclude 
not  to  allow  the  whole  of  Mrs.  Cook's  demand  on  the  Annuity  Society.  Wet 
and  rainy.  Some  of  the  time  it  rained  very  hard.  Tarried  at  Col.  McLean's,^ 
of  Vernon.     A  prospect  of  settling  a  minister  there.'* 

4.  Rode  home.  Wet  and  rain.  Vegetation  is  greatly  revived.  Read 
Variations  of  Protestantism}     Wrote. 

5.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Mark  x:  21.  Hindered  by  company. 
Wrote  a  short  piece  for  publication.  Warm.  Visited  a  sick  family,  and  bap- 
tized a  child*  apparently  near  dying. 

6.  Wrote  four  pages,  finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday. 
The  latter  part  of  it  is  quite  deficient.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old 
notes  on  Rom.  v :  6.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  infant  child  I  baptized 
yesterday.  The  heat  severe.  Thermometer  at  90°.  Very  tired.  Had  no 
conference. 

7.  Walked   out.     Am   quite    feeble.      Sultrj'.     Read.     My   cousin    Sally 


Ct.,  1796,  graduate  of  Union  College,  1821,  of  of  Shurtleff  College,  111.  He  heard  Jared 
Andover,  1824,  after  two  or  three  settlements  Sparks,  LL  D.,  afterwards  President  of  Har- 
he  was  Joseph  Ives  Foot,  D.D.,  president  of  vard  College,  a  poor  young  man  and  car- 
Washington  College,  Tenn. ;  Reuben  Porter,  penter  in  Willington,  recite  his  first  Latin 
perhaps  a  son  of  that  Reuben  Porter  that  Dr.  lessons. 
Robbins  found  in  the  State  of  New  York,  ^  Col.  Francis  McLean, 
near  the  beginning  of  the  century.  That  ■*  Rev.  Amzi  Benedict  was  settled  there 
Reuben  Porter  was  from  Farmington.     This  this  very  month. 

one  was  appointed  by  the  Connecticut  Mis-  *  The  great  French  preacher,  James  Be- 
sionary  Society  for  missionary  service  to  nigne  Bossuet,  1627-1704,  wrote  a  book  en- 
Pennsylvania.  A  large  amount  of  valuable  titled  Variations  of  the  Pfotestant  Churches. 
Christian  influence  went  forth  from  that  This  was,  without  doubt,  the  work  Dr.  Rob- 
day's  work.  bins   refers   to   in    his   diary.      Dr.    Samuel 

'  So  the   land  we   have   before  supposed  Edgar,  of   Ireland,   thought   an   opportunity 

him  to  own,  was   only  land  hired    probably  was   thus  given  for   another    book   entitled 

for  grass  and   pasturage,  and  sometimes  he  Variations  of  Popery,  which   he  accordingly 

had  grass  to  sell  from  it.  wrote.    This  would  give   wider    scope    for 

^  Rev.  Hubbell    Loomis,  pastor  at   Will-  illustration, 

ington,  1S04-1828,  and  afterwards   President  ^  Mary,  daughter  of  Joel  King. 


968  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

Lawrence  came  here  on  a  return  from  Amherst.'  Vegetation  is  very  rapid. 
At  evening  attended  our  monthly  concert.  Pretty  thin.  The  collection  but 
.85.     Thermometer  89°. 

8.  Wrote  on  my  compilation.  The  heat  very  oppressive.  Thermometer 
93°.     Dr.  Flint  called  here.     He  is  quite  feeble.     Unable  to  study  but  little. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands.  Much  dissatisfaction  there  with 
regard  to  the  site  designated  for  the  new  college.^  Paid  my  merchant  tailor, 
$25.00.  A  donation,  $1.27.  Carried  down  my  cousin  to  go  to  Norfolk. 
Paid  for  spirits,  $1.00.  For  other  things,  $1.25.  Thermometer  near  90°. 
Went  to  the  place  of  our  church  conference.  It  was  something  wet,  and 
none  came.     May  God  help  us  in  our  low  state. 

10.  Rode  to  Windsor  and  looked  at  a  good  horse.  Capt.  Bissell  went 
with  me.  Cool.  Read.  Had  headache.  Received  a  letter  from  iSlr.  Wood- 
bridge,  and  one  from  my  good  Uncle  Starr,  who  has  lately  lost  his  poor  son 
William.     Received  of  my  collector,  $40.00. 

11.  I  cannot  write  steady  and  long  as  I  have  done.  Wrote  a  part  of  a 
missionary  report  for  Dr.  Flint.  Had  a  little  fire.  Had  my  first  catechising 
of  the  children.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 

12.  Finished  my  missionary  report.  Mr.  T.  Dwight,  Jr.,^  of  New  York, 
called  on  me.  Yesterday  was  sixteen  years  since  I  came  to  live  in  this 
family.     Read.     Wrote  on  my  Rroisal. 

13.  Expounded  on  Acts  xix,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Prov.  ii :  4,  5. 
Cool.  Meeting  thin.  My  people  are  excessive  stupid.  Read  the  Bible.  At 
evening  had  a  full  conference. 

14.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Bought  a  horse  of  Capt.  Roger  Phelps,  of 
Windsor,  raised  by  himself,  seven  years  old,  for  $125.00.  I  think  him  the 
best  horse  I  have  ever  owned.  Paid  him  $25.00,  and  gave  him  a  note  of 
$100.00  at  ninety  days.  I  hope  he  will  do  well.  Quite  cool.  Read. 
Studied  on  my  Revisal. 

15.  We  much  feared  a  frost  this  morning,  but  I  believe  there  was  none 
Last  evening  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bartlett.  Paid  a  highway  tax  o 
$3.00.  Set  out  on  a  journey.  Rode  in  the  afternoon  to  Torringford.  Tar 
lied  at  a  tavern.     Found  on  my  way  that  there  was  some  frost  ^  this  morning, 

16.  Rode  early  to  Goshen.  Kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  M.  Lyman's 
Quite  cold.  Many  gentlemen  wear  out-coats.'  Attended  the  General  Asso 
ciation.     Presented   our  report   on   the  Everest  fund.     Afternoon  heard  Dr 


'  Mrs.  Olmsted,  who  had  married  Dr.  1796,  graduate  of  Yale,  1814,  died  in  Brook- 
Timothy  J.  Gridley,  of  Amherst,  was  her  lyn,  1866,  son  of  Theodore,  secretary  of  Hart- 
sister,  ford  Convention,  and  nephew  of   President 

^  What  was  the  ground  of  objection   to  Timothy    Dwight.      He    was   a  well-known 

the  site  of  the  college,  is  not  stated.     It  had  literary  man. 

a  fine  and  commanding  position.     The  spot  *  Frost  in  the  middle  of  June,  in  Central 

where   it  stood  was  bought  by  the  city  for  and  Southern  New  England,  is  rare,  but  al- 

its  new  State  House  and  Park,  and  a  great  most  every  one  in   middle    life   will   recall 

price  was  paid  for  it.  instances  of  it. 

'  Theodore    Dwight,   born   in    Hartford,  '  Overcoats. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  969 

Hill,'  of  Virginia,  preach.     The  foreign  delegation  is  very  respectable.     Rode 
to  Norfolk.     Found  my  mother  quite  well. 

17.  Mr.  Loomis  in  the  house  is  a  great  help  to  my  mother.  She  rode  to 
Mr.  Battell's  in  my  sulky.  My  horse  does  very  well.  Afternoon  rode  with 
my  nephew  Joseph  to  Sheffield  in  hopes  to  get  some  old  pamphlets  of  Mrs. 
Judson.''     Got  but  a  few.     Still  cold. 

18.  Visited.  A  good  new  house  is  building  here  on  the  green.  Rode 
home.  Dined  at  brother  Ammi's.  He  fears  a  permanent  contraction  of  his 
throat  from  his  late  injury.  Warmer  and  very  dusty.  Got  home  at  dusk, 
and  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Vegetation  has  advanced  very  little  in  a 
week.  Have  had  a  prosperous  journey.  Gave  my  niece,  Sally  Lawrence, 
$1.00. 

19.  Rode  out.  Quite  warm.  Hindered  by  company.  Mr.  Fairchild  and 
Mr.  Mann,^  of  Bristol,  R.  I.,  called  here.     Read. 

20.  Wet  and  showery.  The  rain  very  refreshing.  Preached  all  day  with 
old  notes  on  Rev.  xxii :  7.  Meetings  quite  thin.  Read  the  Bible.  At  even- 
ing visited  a  young  man  quite  sick. 

21.  Wrote.  Worked  considerably.  Am  pretty  languid.  The  season  has 
become  rather  backward.     Had  company. 

22.  Read.  I  fear  my  horse  will  be  bad  to  catch.*  Rode  to  Wapping  and 
attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.  Visited  there.  Our  sectarians  are  doing  off^ 
the  Baptist  meeting-house. 

23.  Worked  considerably.  Wrote.  Visited.  Visited  a  school  at  Long 
Hill.  At  evening  preached  there  without  notes  on  Matt,  xii :  50.  Warm,  and 
vegetation  again  advances. 

24.'  Showery  all  day.  Attended  in  the  forenoon  the  funeral  of  an  infant 
child ;  and  in  the  afternoon  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man  belonging  in  Scantick, 
who  was  at  the  poor-house,  and  who  yesterday  drowned  himself  in  Scantick 
River.     Was  out  in  a  hard  rain.     The  ground  is  well  watered. 

25.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  attended  their  fast  previous  to  their  installation. 
Warm.  Mr.  Hyde,'  of  Bolton,  preached  in  the  forenoon.  I  preached  in  the 
afternoon  on  Jer.  iii :  15.  Mr.  Benedict '' appears  well.  Returned  by  Man- 
chester. Mr.  Burt*  requested  me  to  preach  at  his  installation  next  Thursday. 
He  had  previously  sent  to  me,  but  I  had  not  heard.  He  ought  to  have  paid 
better  attention.     Got  home  late. 

26.  Last  evening  I  took  a  bad  cold.  Wrote.  Received  my  church  letter 
from  Manchester.  Wrote  on  my  Revisal.  Thermometer  84°.  Read.  Am 
much  oppressed  with  my  cold. 


'  Dr.  William  Hill,  of  Winchester,  Va.  *  Rev.  Lavius  Hyde. 

2  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson,  of  Sheffield,  died  ''  Rev.  Amzi   Benedict,  the   pastor   elect, 

in  1813,  but  his  widow  was  still  living.  He  was   a   native   of  New  Canaan,  1791,  a 

^  Rev.  Joel  Mann,  native  of  Orford,  N.  H.,  graduate   of   Yale,   1814,  of  Andover,  tSiS, 

graduate  of  Darmouth,  iSio,  pastor  at  Bris-  pastor   at   Vernon,  1824-1830,  and   at  some 

tol,  R.  I.,  1815-1826.  other  places;  died  from  the  effects  of  a  rail- 

*  The  perfect  horse  is  a  rare  animal.  way  accident,  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  1856. 

-  Doing  off,  for  finishing  off.  ^  Rev.  Enoch  Burt,  1824-1828. 


970  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

27.  The  heat  oppressive.  Thermometer  91°.  Preached  an  old  double 
sermon  on  i  Pet.  ii :  7.  Spoke  feebly,  but  got  along  better  than  I  feared. 
Had  no  conference. 

28.  Am  poorly  qualified  for  study.  My  cold  enfeebles  me.  Began  a 
sermon   for  installation.     Studied  what  I  could.     Thermometer  89°. 

29.  Wrote  on  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  i :  18,  and  finished  it  late  in  the  even- 
ing. It  is  pretty  long,  but  written  with  too  much  haste.  Much  fatigued  and 
nervous.  A  very  growing  season.  Thermometer  about  90°.  Received 
$G.oo  of  my  collector. 

30.  Rode  to  Vernon  and  attended  the  installation  of  Mr.  Benedict.  The 
parts  were  well  performed.  Mr,  Porter'  preached.  There  was  a  hard 
shower  while  we  were  in  the  meeting-house.  The  directors  of  the  Ministers' 
Annuity  Society  had  a  short  meeting.  My  brother  and  wife  were  there. 
Thermometer  89°.  Rode  to  Manchester  and  met  with  the  installation 
council.     The   council   not   large. 

JULV. 

1.  Mr.  Burt's  examination  was  completed  in  the  morning.  He  passed 
very  well.  The  people  appear  to  be  much  better  united  than  has  been 
expected.  Preached  on  i  Cor.  i :  18.  A  large  collection  of  people.  Rode 
home.     Very  tired.     Thermometer  about  88°. 

2.  Walked  out.  Wrote.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  Gen.  iv :  7 
with  old  notes.  Had  a  church  meeting,  and  dissolved  the  connection  of  a 
member  who  has  joined  the  Methodists.  Attended  our  evening  prayer- 
meeting.     Quite  thin.     Thermometer  about  80°. 

3.  Wrote  a  considerable  part  of  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  9.  Have  many 
interruptions,  and  I  fear  I  am  not  able  to  study  as  steadily  as  I  have  done. 
Walked  out. 

4.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Deut.  xxxii :  20.  Admin- 
istered the  sacrament.  Had  a  very  favorable  day.  The  church  full. 
Preached  in  the  afternoon  my  sermon  on  i  Cor.  ii :  9.  It  was  not  quite 
finished.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  at  six  o'clock  without  notes  on 
Matt,  xii :  50.     At  evening  performed  a  marriage  there.''     Very  tired. 

5.  Am  quite  feeble.  Rode  out.  Sent  to  friends  a  number  of  copies  of 
my  address.  Wrote  on  my  Revision.  Mr.  Cook^  called  here  anxious  to  have 
it  soon  finished.  Attended  our  monthly  concert.  Pretty  thin.  Collected  at 
the  concert,  $1.41. 

6.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  Revision  of  all  Religions,  and  in  the  evening 
finished  it.     I  feel  greatly  relieved ;  it  has  been  on  hand  several  months. 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Carried  the  last  of  my  copy  to  Cook.  Did 
errands.  Called  on  Mr.  Flint  and  Mr.  Linsley.  Paid  my  annual  subscription 
to  the  Annuity  Society,  1^5.00,  and   to   the    Insane    Retreat,  $4.00.     Paid  a 


'  Dr.  Noah  Porter,  of  Farmington.     Mrs.  of  Scantic,   and  Hannah   Higley,    of    Wap- 

Benedict  was   a  Cowles,  of  F"armington,  of  ping. 
Dr.  Porter's  church.  ^  -p^g     publisher     at     Hartford,     Oliver 

'^  The    parties     were    Elijah     Robinson,  Cooke. 


1824.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


971 


merchant,  $9.31.  For  the  skin  carpet  to  my  sulky,  i^i.75  ;  Port  wine,  $1.25; 
other  things,  .95.  Looked  at  the  site  of  the  new  college.  At  evening 
attended  our  church  conference.     Very  thin. 

8.  Wrote.  Wrote  on  the  church  records.  Looked  at  my  land  in  the 
meadow.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's  and  to  Enfield  with  Mrs.  McClure.  Quite 
warm. 

9.  Showery.  People  are  generally  haying.  Rode  home.  Thermometer 
90°.  Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  The  heat  severe.  Walked 
up  street,  and  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Dr.  Gridley  and  his  wife 
called  here.' 

10.  Wrote  church  records.  Wrote  to  Pres.  Humphrey,  of  Amherst,  and  to 
J.  W.  Barber,  New  Haven.  Afternoon  rode  to  Glastonbury  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Purge.     He  went  to  East  Windsor.     Rainy. 

11.  Preached  on  Mark  x:  21,  and  i  Cor.  ii :  9.  Very  warm.  This  con- 
gregation appears  well.  Saw  Mr.  Lockwood.  At  evening  rode  home. 
There  has  been  a  great  Baptist  meeting  here  today.  They  have  done  off 
their  meeting-house. 

12.  Rode  to  Middletown  with  Mr.  Elizur  Wolcott^  to  see  Alexander 
Wolcott.'  He  is  supposed  to  have  a  cancer,  but  is  now  much  encouraged 
about  it.     The  grain  appears  very  well. 

13.  Wrote  records  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Did  errands.     Got  quite  wet  riding  home  in  the  rain. 

14.  Wrote  all  day  on  the  records  of  the  Everest  fund.  Thermometer  85°. 
Poor  hay  weather.     Walked  out. 

15.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Park,  of  Providence.  Visited.  Walked  and  preached  a 
lecture  at  the  poor-house  without  notes  on  Matt,  xii :  50.  Cool  and  windy. 
Tarried  out.     People  are  beginning  their  harvest. 

16.  Visited.  Visited  the  academy.  Quite  tired.  Had  a  good  prayer- 
meeting. 

17.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iv :  18.  My  nervous  system  is 
feeble.     The  ground  is  quite  dry.     Read. 

18.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Eph.  iv:  18.  Expounded  in 
the  forenoon  on  Acts  xx:  1-28.  Thermometer  92°.  Baptized  a  child.''  At 
evening  attended  the  conference. 

19.  Am  very  languid.     Rode  out  and  visited.     Showery.     Read. 

20.  Wrote  to  John  Griscom,^  Esq.,  of  New  York,  giving  a  recommenda- 


*  Dr.  Gridley,  of   Amherst,  and  his  new  *  Edward  Francis,  son  of   Russell  Rock- 
wife,  who  were  on  their  first  visit  among  her  well, 
kindred.  ^  John  Griscom,  LL.  D.,  was  altogether  a 

^  Elizur   Wolcott  was   the   son   of  Capt.  remarkable  man.     He  was  born  in  New  Jer- 

Gideon  Wolcott,  and  was  born  in  1760,  then  sey  in  1774,  and  died   in  Burlington,  N.  J., 

sixty-four  years  old.  1852.     He  belonged  to  the  Society  of  Friends. 

^  Alexander   Wolcott  was   son   of    Alex-  He   was   an   advanced    teacher,    a    kind    of 

ander  Wolcott,  M.  D.     Elizur  Wolcott's  wife  Thomas  Arnold   of  his   day.      He   traveled 

was   Elizabeth,  sister  of   this  Alexander,  of  much  and  wrote  much,  in  the  interest  of  this 

Middletown.  general  subject. 


972  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1824. 

tion  of  the  Windsor  Fellenberg'  School,  by  the  desire  of  Mr.  Stebbins. 
Rode  to  Northington  and  attended  ministers'  meeting.  Preached  by  way  of 
exposition,  at  the  desire  of  the  brethren,  on  Acts  xx:  1-28.  People  generally 
at  their  harvest.  I  should  have  carried  dinner  today  to  the  harvest  field  had 
I  been  at  home.     We  had  a  shower. 

21.  All  the  members  of  our  meeting,  six,  were  present.  Rode  home.  A 
good  deal  of  rain  here  last  night.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read  Life  of 
Dr.  Colman!^ 

22.  Rode  with  Mrs.  Wolcott  to  Pine  Meadow.  She  has  been  in  no  house 
before,  but  her  own,  since  last  October.     Read  Colman's  Life. 

23.  Rode  home.  ■  Quite  unwell  with  a  pain  in  my  bowels.  ^iP'inished 
Colman's  Life.  Can  do  but  very  little.  Was  so  unwell  I  did  not  go  out  to 
attend  our  prayer-meeting.     Read. 

24.  Rainy.  Read  C,  Mather's  Ratio  Disciplina?  Afternoon  rode  to 
Berlin  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Skinner.  Met  him  on  the  road.  Got  wet  in  a 
shower. 

25.  Quite  warm.  Preached  on  Eph.  iv :  18,  and  John  i :  18.  They  have 
here  a  very  fine  new  meeting-house.  The  congregation  appears  very  well. 
At  evening  preached  again  to  a  full  meeting  without  notes  on  Matt,  xii :  50. 
Ver}'  tired. 

26.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whittlesey*  gave  me  a  number  of  Dr.  Smalley's  pam- 
phlets. Rode  home.  Quite  sultry.  Thermometer  88°.  Yesterday  there 
was  a  hard  shower  here.  It  is  a  very  growing  season,  but  unfavorable  for  the 
ingathering.     Bad  for  the  grain.     Read.     Walked  out.     At  evening  rainy. 

27.  Visited.  Gave  a  dollar  to  a  child  who  bears  my  name.  Wrote. 
Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  a  meeting  of  the  society  for  the  insane.  Had 
a  new  harness  made  for  my  sulky.  The  cost,  $20.00;  paid  $10.00.  Paid  for 
wine,  .88;  a  halter,  .50.     Visited. 

28.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Walked  to  the 
Hill,  and  visited  the  academy.  Visited  a  sick  child.  Cool.  Read.  A  very 
growing  season. 

29.  Rode  out.  Visited.  We  have  several  sick  persons.  Wrote  a  long 
letter  to  the  administrators  on  Mr.  Cook's  estate  for  the  Ministers'  Annuity 
Society,  and  copied  it.  Paid  a  blacksmith,  $1.00.  Showery.  An  unfavor- 
able season  for  haying. 


'  Phillippe   Emanuel  De   Fellenberg  was  ^  Dr.  Benjamin  Colman,  pastor  of  Brattle 

born  in  Berne,  Switzerland,  1771.     "He  was  Street  Church,  Boston,  1699-1747.     His  life 

the  founder  of  an  institute  of   Hoffwell  for  was   published   in    1749,  two  years  after  his 

the  theory  and  practice  of  agriculture,  includ-  death,  by  his  son-in-law.  Rev.  E.  Turell. 
ing   manufactories   of    the    instruments   and  ^  Cotton    Mather's   Ratio  Disciplina  was 

machines,  and  a  school   of   industry  for  the  first  published  in  1726. 
poor."    Mr.  Samuel   S.  Stebbins,   Dr.  Rob-  ■*  Two   daughters   of    Dr.  John    Smalley 

bins's  former  pupil,  was  trying  to  build  up  a  married  husbands  of  the  name  Whittlesey  — 

school  having  something  of  this  Fellenberg  Roger  \Yhittlesey  and  David  Whittlesey.  Dr. 

principle  in  it,  and  he  wished  to  bring  it  to  Smalley  had  then  been  dead  four  years,  dying 

the  notice  of  Mr.  Griscom.  at  the  age  of  eighty-six. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  973 

30.  We  had  a  pretty  hard  rain.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Mr.  R. 
Nettleton,  of  New  Connecticut,  called  on  me.  Put  off  our  catechising  on 
account  of  the  weather.  Gave  Dea.  Reed  $10.00,  to  assist  in  defraying  the 
expenses  for  the  late  removal  of  the  meeting-house.  Attended  the  prayer- 
meeting.     Rode  out.     Sultry  hot. 

31.  Visited.  Wrote.  Dr.  Flint  called  here.  Thermometer  89°.  Gave' a 
poor  woman,  $1.00.  I  have  got  much  in  arrear  in  my  visiting.  Was  unable 
to  write  a  sermon  today. 

August. 

1.  We  have  at  length  clear  and  settled  weather.  Wrote  notes  and 
preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Luke  xix :  27.  Afternoon  an  old  sermon  on 
Acts  iv :  12.  Full  meeting.  Baptized  a  child.'  At  evening  had  a  full 
conference.     Very  tired. 

2.  Wrote.  Am  quite  feeble.  Preparing  for  my  journey.  Received  from 
my  collector  by  Dr.  Reed,  $30.00.  Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children ; 
and  at  evening  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Collection,  $1.11.  Received  a 
letter  and  an  old  Scotch  Psalm  Book  from  my  cousin  J.  W.  Lawrence.^ 

3.  Wet  and  rainy.  Expected  to  have  set  out  on  my  journey.  Concluded 
not  to  go  on  account  of  the  weather.  Put  up  my  things.  Paid  for  repairs 
and  additions  to  my  sulky,  $10,00.     Read.     Am  quite  feeble  with  labors. 

4.  Left  home  early.  Weather  very  good,  but  roads  wet.  Rode  to 
Springfield.  My  horse  does  not  go  very  well  in  his  new  harness.  Called  at 
my  brother's.     Rode  to  Western.^     Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Quite  cool. 

5.  Rode  to  Worcester.  Rode  the  most  of  the  day  in  my  great  coat. 
People  are  harvesting.  Visited  Rev.  Messrs.  Gaylord,*  of  Western,  Phelps,^ 
of  Brookfield,  Crosby,^  of  Spencer,  and  Nelson,'  of  Leicester.  Kindly  treated 
by  Dr.  Bancroft.*  Saw  Mr.  I.  Thomas'  and  the  cabinet  of  the  Antiquarian 
Society."  It  is  very  valuable.  More  than  five  thousand  volumes  in  the 
library.     Last  night  quite  unwell  with  a  diarrhoea.     This  morning  took  physic. 

6.  Slept  last  night  at  a  tavern.  Rode  to  Shrewsbury.  Last  night  very 
cool.  Saw  the  aged  Dr.  Sumner,"  who  has  just  completed  sixty-two  years  of 
his  ministry.  Last  Sabbath  he  was  unwell,  and  absent  from  the  communion, 
the  first  time  in  the  period ;  and  no  one '"  (six  times  in  the  year)  has  been 


'  Jason  Gerry,  son  of  William  Marble.  ^  Dr.  John   Nelson,  pastor   at   Leicester, 

^  His  kinsman,  J.  William  Lawrence,  of  1812-1S71. 

Onondaga,  N.  Y.  ^  Dr.  Aaron   Bancroft,  father   of   George 

^  Warren,  Mass.,  was  taken  from  Brook-  Bancroft,  the  historian,  pastor  at  Worcester, 

field,  Brimfield,  and  Palmer,  and  incorporated  1786-1839. 

in    1741    under   the  name  Western.     It  was  9  Isaiah    Thomas,  whose   almanacks    he 

changed  to  Warren,  1834.  had  so  long  used  for  keeping  his  diary. 

*  Rev.    Munson    C.   Gaylord,    pastor    at  '°  Of  which  he  had  been  now  several  years 

Warren,  Mass.,  1S16-182S.  a  member. 

5  Dr.  Eliakim    Phelps,  pastor   at   Brook-  "  Dr.  Joseph  Sumner,  pastor  at   Shrews- 
field,  1816-1826.  bury,  1762-1824.     Pie  died   in  the  following 

^  Rev.  Stephen  Crosby,  pastor  at  Spencer,  December. 

1S19-1825.  *^  No  communion  season. 


974  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

omitted.     Paid  him  $3.00  for  about  one  hundred  pamphlets,  and  $1.00  for  the 
first  volume  of  the  Christian  History.     Visited  Mr.  E.  Johnson'  and  family  at  i 
Southborough.     Worcester  County  appears  well.     Rode  to  Roxbury.     Got  to  1 
my   cousin's'^   in    the    evening.     Kindly    received.     Pretty   tired.     My   horse  I 
does  very  well.     The  roads  are  very  good. 

7.  Rode  out  with  my  cousin,  and  to  Boston.  Saw  my  cousin  Chandler. 
The  country  here  appears  very  rich.  Called  on  Rev.  Dr.  Porter.  The 
season  here  is  quite  dry.     Wrote. 

8.  Preached  for  Dr.  Porter^  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2,  and  Rev.  xxii :  9.  He 
administered  the  sacrament.  His  congregation  is  pretty  large,  but  the  church 
is  small.     They  use  Belknap's'' Psalm  Book.     Afternoon  showery.     Am  feeble. 

9.  Showery.  The  rain  here  is  much  wanted.  Rode  with  my  cousin  to 
Gov.  Robbins,'  of  Milton.  He  was  absent.  After  our  return  he  called  here. 
Much  troubled  with  a  diarrhoea.  Warm  and  showery.  Read  Gifford's* 
History   of  French   Resolution. 

10.  Last  night  we  had  a  hard  thunder-shower.  Quite  warm.  Rode  with 
my  cousins  to  Cambridge.  Attended  the  examination  of  the  theological 
students.  Their  dissertations  were  very  intelligent  but  ungodly.  Very  kindly 
treated  by  Pres.  Kirkland,^  Dr.  Holmes,^  and  others.  Saw  Mr.  Kendall,'  of 
Plymouth.  Went  to  Boston.  Tarried  with  cousin  Chandler.  See  many 
acquaintance. 

11.  Walked  about  the  city.  It  appears  wealthy  and  flourishing.  Kindly 
treated  by  Judge  Davis. '°  Dined  with  him.  Saw  the  noble  Athenaeum.  My 
young  cousin  Chandler  is  a  promising  young  physician.  Quite  tired.  Visited 
the  State  House.  Returned  to  Roxbury.  Fine  weather.  The  appropriate 
duties  of   this  day  will   be   attended  to,   I   hope,   hereafter. 

12.  Rode  with  my  cousin  to  Milton,  and  spent  the  most  of  the  day  at 
Gov.  Robbins's.  Rode  through  several  places.  This  vicinity  appears  very 
flourishing.     Read  Gifford's  History.     Very  good.     Read  late. 

13.  Rode  into  Boston.  Attended  a  book  auction.  Visited  Mr.  Wisner." 
His  society  have  a  very  valuable  ancient  library,  but  I  could  get  nothing  from 
the  collection.  Dined  with  Mr.  Chadwick.  Afternoon  we  had  a  hard  rain. 
Tarried  with  cousin  Chandler, 


'  Mr.  Johnson   was   not   the   minister   at  ''  John  Thornton  Kirkland,  D.  D.,  LL.  D., 

Southborough,  but  some   personal  friend  of  President   of    Harvard    College,    1810-1828. 

Dr.  Robbins.  Dr.    Robbins    encountered    his    father,    the 

^  Dr.  Peter  Oilman  Robbins.  plain  Indian  missionary,  in  the  earlier  years 

^  Dr.    Eliphalet    Porter,   born    in    North  of  this  diary,  out  in  the  center  of  New  York. 

Bridgewater,  1758,  a  graduate   of   Harvard,  *  Dr.  Abiel  Holmes. 

1777,  pastor  of  the  First  Church,  Roxbury,  '  Dr.  James  Kendall. 

1782,  to  his  death,  1833.  '°  Judge  Daniel  Davis,  born  in  Barnstable, 

*  Dr.  Jeremy  Belknap,  pastor,   preacher,  Mass.,  1762,  died  in  Cambridge,  Mass.,  1835. 
historian,  and  public  writer.     His  collection  Eminent  as  a  criminal  judge. 

of  Psalms  was  published  1795.  "  Benj.  B.  Wisner,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  Old 

^  Lieut.-Governor  E.  PI.  Robbins.  South  Church,  1821-1833,  when  he  was  made 

*  John  Oiflord,  a   pseudonym.     His   real  secretary  of  the  American  Board.     Born  in 
name  was  J.  R.  Green,  1725-1807.  Goshen,  N.  Y.,  1794,  died  in  Bostijn,  1835. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  975 

14.  Rode  to  Hingham.  Had  hoped  to  make  some  valuable  collections 
from  the  family  of  the  aged  Mr,  Gay,"  the  former  minister  here  ;  but  I  got  but 
little.  At  Quincy  called  on  Pres.  Adams.^  He  has  good  health,  and  his 
mind  clear.  Returned  to  Milton,  and  stayed  with  Rev.  Mr.  Gile.^  Visited  at 
Mr.  Amory's.     Quite  cool. 

15.  Last  evening  took  some  cold,  and  have  a  bad  return  of  my  diarrhoea. 
Preached  for  Mr.  Gile,  in  consequence  of  Gov.  Robbins,"*  on  2  Cor.  i:  12. 
This  is  a  large  congregation.  At  noon  rode  to  Roxbury  and  Boston,  Am 
quite  weak  with  my  complaint.  Preached  for  Mr.  Wisner  on  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2. 
A  great  congregation.  A  very  bad  house  for  speaking.'  iVt  evening  preached 
for  Mr.  Green*  on  Heb,  xi :  24,  25,  A  full  house.  I  believe  I  am  no  worse 
for  my  day's  labor.     Rode  with  my  cousin  to  Roxbury. 

16.  Rode  to  Cambridge.  Quite  warm.  Broke  my  sulky,  which  hindered 
me  considerably.  Called  on  Mr.  Gannett,  Dr.  Holmes,  and  Pres.  Kirkland. 
Dined  at  Mr.  Mellen's.  Went  into  the  burying-ground,  and  saw  the  grave- 
stone of  my  great  great  grandfather.  Very  kindly  treated  by  Mr.  Ezra  Stiles 
Gannett.  Rode  to  Charlestown.  Went  into  the  navy-yard.  A  great 
curiosity.     Returned    to    Roxbury. 

17.  Rode  with  Dr.  Porter,  and  visited  Dr.  Pierce,^  of  Brookline.  A  man 
of  much  information.  Warm.  The  country  seats  in  this  vicinity  appear  very 
well.  Rode  to  Boston.  Paid  for  books  bought  at  auction,  $9.70.  Walked 
out  with  my  cousins  Ch.  and  B. 

18.  Rode  to  Boston,  and  called  on  acquaintance.  Treated  with  much 
kindness.  Quite  warm.  Paid  for  donations,  $3.25.  For  articles  purchased, 
$1,53,  Gave  presents,  .83,  Left  Roxbury  and  rode  to  East  Bridgewater. 
Tarried  at  a  tavern.  My  journey  has  been  hitherto  very  prosperous,  through 
divine  mercy.  Have  had  an  agreeable  visit  at  Roxbury  and  vicinity,  and 
been  very  kindly  treated  by  friends.  The  Lord  be  pleased  to  continue  His 
favor  through  the  residue  of  my  journey.  I  have  spent  more  time  in  this 
vicinity  than  I  designed,  I  shall  not  now  be  able  to  visit  Bristol,  as  I  had 
calculated. 

19.  Rode  to  my  Uncle  Le  Baron's^  at  Rochester.  Very  kindly  received. 
Though  near  seventy-seven  he  is  healthy  and  active,  performing  steadily  the 
various  duties  of  his  ministry.  His  family,  four  sons  and  a  daughter,  are  all 
married,  and  live  around  him.  Quite  warm.  From  Boston  here  is  a  little 
over  fifty  miles.  The  roads  in  this  part  of  the  country  are  latterly  much 
improved.  But  little  fruit  appears.  Corn  is  small  and  backward  from  our 
cool  summer.     Walked  with  my  uncle,  and  visited  cousins. 


'  Ebenezer  Gay,  D.  D.,  pastor   at    Hing-  *  Rev.  Samuel   Green,   pastor   of   Union 

ham,  1718-17S7.  Church,  Boston,  1S23-1834. 

^  President  John  Adams.  ^  Dr.  John   Pierce,  pastor   at   Brookline, 

3  Samuel  Gile,  settled  in  Milton,  1S07,  1 797-1849,  a  native  of  Dorchester,  Mass.,  and 

■*  That    is,   his    kinsman,   Gov.    Robbins,  graduate  of  Harvard,  1793. 
brought  it  about.  ^  Rev.  Lemuel  Le  Baron,  who  had  then 

s  This  was  the  old  Old    South   Meeting-  been  fifty-two  years  settled  at  Rochester,  a;:d 

house,  still  standing.  was  to  have  Dr.  Robbins  for  his  colleague. 


976  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D,  [1824. 

20.  Cooler.  Our  warm  turns  are  all  short.  Wrote.  Walked  out.  There 
is  a  good  deal  of  vessel  building  here.  Plank  and  timber  are  brought  from 
Connecticut  River.  Looked  over  my  uncle's  pamphlets.  Walked  out. 
There  are  several  salt  works  here  which  do  well.  At  evening  attended  a 
conference,  and  preached  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv :  5.  There  has  been  a 
very  pleasing  revival  here  the  last  winter  and  spring;  and  another,  about  four 
years  ago,  still  greater.  My  uncle  and  his  people  have  been  greatly  blessed. 
Tarried  at  my  cousin  William's.'  He  has  a  little  son''  who  bears  my  name. 
My  health,  I  think,  is  much  improved. 

21.  Wrote.  My  time  is  much  taken  up.  The  village  here  appears  to  be 
flourishing.  Dined  at  my  cousin's.  Afternoon  rode  with  my  cousin  Mayhew^ 
to  Fairhaven,  and  visited  my  cousins  there.  Their  meeting-house  has  lately 
been  much  injured  by  lightning.     Returned. 

22.  In  the  morning  it  rained  a  good  deal.  Meeting  rather  thin.  Preached 
on  John  i:  16,  and  2  Cor.  i:  12.  In  the  evening  at  six  o'clock  spoke  at  the 
conference.  The  meetings  were  very  serious  and  interesting.  The  people 
appear  exceeding  well.  My  good  uncle  is  greatly  rejoiced.  Quite  tired. 
Tarried  at  my  cousin's. 

23.  Early  in  the  morning  saw  the  launching  of  a  good  brig,  belonging 
partly  to  my  cousins.  Visited  a  sick  woman  and  others.  Afternoon  set  out 
for  home.  Rode  to  Fairhaven.  Tarried  with  my  cousins.  Preached  in  the 
evening  for  Mr.  Gould,''  a  good  minister,  on  2  Cor.  i:  12.  Cool.  This  place 
and  New  Bedford  suffer  much  from  the  low  price  of  whale  oil.  In  the  morning 
gave  my  little  namesake,  $1.00.     My  uncle  gave  me  a  number  of  pamphlets. 

24.  Several  people  have  gone  from  this  quarter  to  Boston  to  meet 
Gen.  La  Fayette.^  Rode  across  the  rough  country  through  Swanzey  to  Provi- 
dence. A  merciful  God  has  much  prospered  me  in  the  second  part  of  my 
journey.  My  horse  performs  well.  Saw  Mrs.  McClure.*  Tarried  at  a 
tavern.     Paid  for   a   donation,    $1.50. 

25.  Put  up  at  Mrs.  McClure's,  and  very  kindly  treated.  Dr.  Park/  pro- 
fessor in  the  college,  called  on  me.  Afternoon  drank  tea  with  him,  and 
visited  the  college.  Attended  at  prayers.  Visited  the  President.  This  town 
is  quite  flourishing.  Visited  Mr.  Williams.*  On  Monday  Gen.  La  Fayette 
passed  through  here  on  his  way  from  New  York  to  Boston.  There  was  the 
greatest  parade  ever  seen  in  this  town.  All  speak  in  the  most  favorable 
terms  of  the  appearance  of  the  General,  and  of  the  ceremony. 


'  Capt.    William    Le    Baron,   now   thirty-  triumphal    journey   through   the    cities    and 

eight  years  old.  towns  of   New   England.     A  few  days  after 

'  Thomas  Robbins  Le  Baron  was  now  six  this  entry,  the  writer  of  this  note,  as  a  boy, 

years  old.  saw  him  in  Hartford,  Ct. 

^  This   was   a  son  of  his  uncle  William,  *  The  second  Mrs.  David  McClure,  it  will 

and    his   full    name   was   Thomas    Mayhew  be  remembered,  was  from  Providence, 
(or  Mayo).  '  Prof.  Calvin  Park,  D.  D. 

*  Rev.   William   Gould,   settled   at    Fair-  ^  Rev.  Thomas    Williams,  who  preached 
haven,  1S22.  Dr.  Emmons's  funeral  sermon,  and  lived  to 

*  This  was  the  year  of  Gen.  La  Fayette's  be  ninety-seven  years  old. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


977 


26.  Visited  the  college  with  Dr.  Park ;  the  library  and  apparatus,  which 
appear  very  well.  Visited  acquaintance.  Afternoon  with  much  pleasure  set 
out  for  home.  Rode  twenty-four  miles  to  Killingly.  Tarried  at  a  tavern. 
The  road  is  hilly,  but  well  made. 

27.  In  the  morning  rainy.  Wet  all  day.  Rode  out  of  my  way,  and  visited 
Dr.  Whitney,'  of  Brooklyn.  He  was  ninety-three  years  old  last  Sabbath; 
born  August  11,  1731,  at  Plainfield.  He  is  a  brother  of  Joshua  Whitney,  the 
first  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  Norfolk.^  He  has  had  the  longest  ministry  ever 
in  this  State;  ordained  February,  1756.  He  gave  me  near  forty  pamphlets. 
I  paid  him  near  $7.45  for  books,  including  Tillotson's*  Works,  twelve  volumes. 
Dined  with  a  company  of  persons  who  are  attending  court.  Kindly  treated. 
The  small  Unitarian  society  here  appears  to  be  declining.  Rode  on  to 
Mansfield.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

28.  Breakfasted  at  Mr.  Calhoun's*  at  Coventry,  and  rode  home.  Found 
our  family  better  than  when  I  left  home,  and  my  people  in  a  favorable  state. 
Nothing  unpleasant  has  occurred  during  my  absence.  I  have  had  a  very 
prosperous  journey,  and  a  kind  return.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  unmerited  benefits.  Mr.  Gaylord  preached  here  the  first  Sabbath, 
and  half  of  the  day,  the  2d  and  3d.  Dr.  Flint  preached  the  other  half  of 
those  days.  He  is  now  boarding  at  Dea.  Reed's.  His  health  is  much  better 
than  it  has  been.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Gaylord,  which  he  left  here  ; 
and  one  from  a  Mr.  Bigelow,  an  agent  for  the  theological  institution  in 
Virginia.  Visited  a  sick  child,  and  an  afflicted  family.  Mr.  Hough,  formerly 
a  Baptist  preacher  here,  lately  died  in  West  Boylston.  I  brought  the  news  to 
his  wife's  parents  here. 

29.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Num.  xxxv :  11,  12,  and  an  old  sermon  on 
John  xi :  42.  Mr.  Flint  went  to  meeting  with  me.  Meeting  quite  full.  My 
people  appear  glad  to  see  me  returned.  Mr.  Gaylord  has  been  quite  accept- 
able here.  At  evening  attended  the  conference.  I  think  my  health  has  been 
much  improved  by  my  journey.  Mr.  Bigelow,  the  agent,  came  here,  but  we 
concluded  not  to  have  a  contribution.     Gave  him  $1.00. 

30.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  woman ; 
very  low.  Our  summer  has  been  cool.  I  carried  thin  clothes  on  my  journey, 
but  did  not  put  them  on.  The  newspapers  are  filled  with  the  distinguished 
attentions  paid  to  La  Fayette.     Read. 

31.  Wrote  in  my  diary.  I  brought  home  with  me  on  my  journey  more 
than  two  hundred  pamphlets,*  the  most  of  them  such  as  I  had  not  before.  In 
my  pecuniary  accounts  I  find  the  sums  noted  and  what  I  brought  home,  $1.22 


'  Josiah  Whitney,  D.  D.,  native  of  Plain-  ^  Dr.  John  Tillotson,  Archbishop  of  Can- 
field,  Ct.,  graduate   of   Yale,  1752,  pastor  at  terbury. 

Brooklyn,  17  56-1824,  sixty-eight  years.     He  •♦  Dr.  George  A.  Calhoun, 

died  soon  after  this  visit.     The  ministry  of  *  Of  late   years,   whatever   journeys   Dr. 

Rev.  Nathan  Buckham,  of  Medway,  Mass.,  Robbins   makes,    he   never   forgets   the   old 

was  seventy-oue  years,  1724-1795.  pamphlets,  and  is  very  successful  as  a  col- 

^  Town  of  Norfolk,  Ct.  lector  of  them. 


978  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

less  than  what  I  carried.  This  must  have  been  lost,  or  not  set  down,  and 
must  be  added  to  my  expenses.  Rode  out.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Rainy 
and  wet.     I  thank  God  for  another  summer's  mercies. 

September. 

1.  In  the  morning  a  hard  rain.  Rode  to  Canton  on  business  of  the 
Everest  fund.  Received  but  three  payments  of  interest.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  were  not  present.  Got  home  in  the  evening.  I  charge 
the  fund  my  expenses  of  toll,  and  the  tavern  bill  at  Canton.'  The  ground  is 
pretty  wet. 

2.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  T.  Dwight,  Jr.,*  New  York;  one  from 
Rev.  D.  Austin;^  and  one  for  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  from  R.  R. 
Phelps,  Esq.,  of  Manchester.  Received  by  mail  seven  pamphlets.  Visited  a 
school.     Rode  to  Wapping.     A  good  woman  died  there  today.     Was  out  late. 

3.  Received  letters  today  containing  my  usual  military  orders.  Received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Hallock,*  of  Canton.  A  messenger  came  and  paid  the 
interest  on  four  of  the  notes  of  the  Everest  fund.  The  debtors  were  misin- 
formed with  regard  to  the  day.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Hallock.  Rode  to  Wapping 
and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  good  woman,  a  member  of  the  church.  W'et, 
and  I  did  not  go  to  the  prayer-meeting. 

4.  The  morning^  very  rainy.  Great  preparations  were  made  in  Hartford 
last  evening  to  illuminate,  etc.,  in  honor  of  La  Fayette.  But  he  did  not 
arrive.  Rode  down  after  the  rain  subsided.  He  got  in  a  little  before  noon. 
The  ceremonies  were  very  well  conducted,  and  the  throng  of  people  was 
immense.  I  think  I  have  never  seen  so  many  together.  I  rode  with  the 
military  officers,  and  was  near  him.  The  streets  were  very  wet.  I  believe 
had  the  weather  been  favorable,  the  throng  of  people  would  have  been  twice 
as  numerous.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  I  regret  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  write 
a  sermon  this  week.     Wrote. 

5.  In  the  morning  Dr.  Park,^  of  Providence,  came  here.  Preached  in  the 
forenoon  with  an  old  sermon  on  Ps.  xix:  7.  Dr.  Park  preached  in  the  after- 
noon. In  the  evening  we  attended  our  monthly  concert.  Dr.  Park  spoke 
very  well.     Dr.  Flint  assisted.     We  had  no  contribution.     Warm  and  sultry. 

6.  Rode  out  with  Dr.  Park  and  visited.  Very  sultry.  The  fruit  is 
scarce,  and  with  so  much  wet  quite  poor.  Afternoon  set  out  with  Dr.  Park 
for  New  Haven.     Looked  at  various  things  at  Hartford.     Visited  the  Retreat. 


'  Not  for  time  and  trouble,  but  simply  for  ^  A  morning  vividly  remembered  by  the 

money  paid  out.  writer  of  this  note,  then  a  boy  of  nine  years. 

^  Theodore  Dwight,  Jr.,  nephew  of  Presi-  When  he  awoke  with  the  rain  pouring  like  a 

dent  Dwight.  flood,  hope   almost   died   within   him,  as  to 

^  Rev.  David  Austin,  an  able,  but  some-  going  to  Hartford  to  see  La  Fayette.     But  by 

what  erratic  man,  settled  at  Elizabethtown,  and   by  the   rain   stopped,  and    he   went  to 

N.  J.,  1788-1797.     He  was  then  an   elderly  Hartford,  and  it  was  one  of  the  great  days 

man,  settled  in  Bozrah,  Ct.,  where  he  died  in  of  his  early  life,  with  a  brilliant  sun. 

183 [,  aged  seventy-one.  ^  Dr.  Calvin  Park,  of  Brown  University, 

*  Rev.  Jeremiah  Hallock.  Providence,  R.  I. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  979 

Drank  tea  at  Dr.  Todd's.'     Rode  in  the  evening  to  Middletown,  upper  houses, 
and  tarried  at  a  tavern.     The  roads  wet. 

7.  Rode  early  and  got  to  New  Haven  about  one  o'clock.  The  doctor  is 
a  good  deal  unwell.  He  is  an  excellent  man.  Very  sultry.  Attended  the 
meeting  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.  Mr.  Wilcox^  delivered  an  excellent  poem 
before  the  society.  Heard  speaking  for  premiums.  Very  good.  In  the 
evening  Mr.  Sprague^  preached  before  the  Education  Society.  Afternoon 
and  evening  quite  wet.  Paid  Mr.  Gaylord*  $10.00,  for  preaching  two 
Sabbaths   for  me    on    my   late   journey. 

8.  I  believe  it  was  rainy  through  the  night,  and  continued  without  inter- 
mission till  near  sundown.  Some  of  the  time  very  hard.  It  was  very  uncom- 
fortable. The  exercises  were  good,  and  the  speaking  better  than  usual. 
Three  presidents  were  present,  besides  Mr.  Day,  alumni  of  this  college.  At 
evening  Mr.  Stuart^  preached,  the  appointed  preacher  of  the  Concio  having 
failed.  Dr.  Park  is  treated  with  much  attention.  Quite  tired.  Paid  for 
an  umbrella,  $2.50;   for  a  present,   .75. 

g.  Attended  the  morning  prayer-meeting  and  the  Education  Society. 
Mr.  BattelP  was  elected  president  unanimously.  Pleasant  weather.  .Paid  for 
Machiavel,  a  folio,  $4.00.  Paid  Gen.  Howe,  endorsed  on  his  note,  $77.80. 
He  is  selling  off  his  stock.  Got  about  fifty  volumes.  Left  New  Haven  after 
two  and  got  home  half  after  ten,  and  stopped  an  hour  at  Meriden.  The  roads 
are  wet.  There  has  been  a  great  deal  of  rain.  Found  things  all  well,  through 
God's  blessing.     Have  taken  a  pretty  bad  cold. 

10.  The  sum  of  $77.80,  paid  yesterday  to  Gen.  Howe,  was  received  from 
him.  Saw  at  New  Haven  Col.  Trumbull's^  picture  of  Washington's  resigna- 
tion. It  is  exquisite.  Worked  at  my  library.  I  have  procured  about  one 
hundred  volumes  this  year.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  catechising  of 
the  children.     At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

11.  My  horse  has  become  poor.  I  believe  the  effect  of  the  flies.  Wrote 
the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Heb.  x:  20.     Visited  the  sick.     Read. 

12.  Expounded  on  Acts  xx :  28  to  xxi :  17.  Finished  and  preached  the 
sermon  begun  yesterday.  Much  oppressed  with  my  hoarseness  and  cold. 
Found  it  laborious  and  difficult  to  speak.  Had  a  little  fire  yesterday  and 
today.     Wrote. 

13.  Am  some  better  of  my  cold.  Walked  to  Wapping  and  back.  Visited 
sick  persons.     Read.     Warm. 

14.  Read.     Wrote  to  Capt.  Phelps,  of  Windsor,  and  to  Sidney  Mills,  of 


'  Dr.  Eli  Todd,  physician  connected  with  in  1826  because  of  failing  health,  and  died  in 

the  Retreat.     He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in  1827,  a  victim  of  consumption, 
the  class  of   1787.     He  was  very  successful  ^  William  B.  Sprague,  D.  D. 

in  his  superintendence,  and  acquired  a  most  **  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord. 

■honorable  reputation,  in  the  early  manage-  ^  Rev.   Moses    Stuart,  professor    at  An- 

ment  of  this  useful  institution.  dover. 

-  Rev.  Carlos  Wilcox.     He  was  settled  in  *  Joseph  Battell,  Esq.,  so  often  mentioned. 

December   following,  the  first  pastor  of  the  '  Col.  John  Trumbull,  the  painter.    One  of 

North  Church,  Hartford,  but  was  dismissed  the  pictures  of  the  Trumbull  Gallery. 


qSo  diary   of    rev.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l82d. 

Canton,     Walked   and    visited.      Very   warm.      Thermometer    at   85°.      My 
lungs  are  much  affected  with  my  cold  and  cough. 

15.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  Capt.  R.  Phelps,  of 
Windsor,  and  paid  him  $100.00  for  my  horse,  and  took  up  my  note. 
Received  a  dividend  of  the  bank.  Paid  for  liquors,  $2.31.  The  American 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  met  here.  In  the  evening  heard  Dr.  Austin' 
preach.  Dr.  Flint  gave  me  a  large  bundle  of  pamphlets,  and  a  complete  set 
of  proclamations  for  about  thirty  years.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Merwin,  of  New 
Haven.  Yesterday  drew  a  plan  of  a  large  book-case.  My  library  increases 
much.     The  heat  oppressive. 

16.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  a  man  in  years,  and 
visited  a  school.  My  hoarseness  continues.  Very  languid  with  the  heat.  A 
fine  season  for  the  corn.  Visited  an  aged  woman  in  a  dying  state.  My 
brother  and  wife  called  here  yesterday  and  today,  and  I  was  absent. 

17.  Wrote.  A  little  cooler.  The  thermometer  has  been  about  85°  for 
four  days.  Mr.  Brockway,  of  Ellington,  made  me  a  visit.  Dr.  Beecher* 
made  a  jDretty  poor  speech  at  Hartford  last  evening.  A  young  man,  a  Metho- 
dist preacher,  came  here  wishing  to  study  with  me,  and  be  introduced  into  the 
ministry  in  our  order.  I  wrote  to  Dr.  Perkins,  and  sent  him  to  him.  Visited. 
Attended  the  evening  prayer-meeting.     An  aged  woman  ^  died  last  night. 

18.  Have  many  hindrances.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Is.  ix :  6,  7. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Mrs.  Bement.  My  voice  is  feeble.  Wrote 
late. 

19.  Am  feeble  with  my  cold,  and  cough  a  good  deal.  Finished  and 
preached  my  sermon  on  Isa.  ix :  6,  7.  In  the  afternoon  spoke  with  difficulty. 
Read. 

20.  Rode  to  Hartford.  My  horse  exceedingly  afflicted  with  flies.  Paid 
Webster  $10.00,  making  $20.00  which  I  have  paid  him  for  my  harness. 
Paid  for  a  whip,  $1.25.  Dined  with  the  rifle  company.  Walked  and  visited. 
Was  out  late.     Dr.  Whitney,*  of  Brooklyn,   whom  I  saw  on  the  27th,  is  dead. 

21.  Rode  out,  and  visited  a  family  who  set  out  on  a  removal  to  Genesee. 
Dined  with  a  company  of  cavalry.  Walked  to  Wapping,  and  visited  and 
returned.     My  cold  is  still  burdensome. 

22.  Cold,  but  we  have  yet  no  frost.  Received  of  Capt.  Bissell,  for  my 
collector  (a  note  given  last  winter),  $55.00.  Have  now  paid  William  Tudor, 
September  3d  and  today,  $100.00,  and  taken  up  my  note,  making  $175.00  for 
the  land  I  bought.     Visited  two  schools.     Am  very  much  taken  up.     Wrote. 

23.  On  the  17th  received  a  letter  from  J.  I.  Wells,  of  Hartford,  a  Quaker, 


'  Dr.  Samuel  Austin,  for  many  years  pas-  ^  If  any  one  could  afford  to  make  a  poor 

tor  of  the  First  Church,  Worcester,  Mass.,  speech,  it  was  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher,  for  it  was 

from  181 5  to  1821  President  of  the  University  certain  to  be  soon  redeemed  with  an  able  on,e. 

of  Vermont,  from  1821  to  1S25  pastor  of  a  ^  Widow  Surana  Bement,  aged  eighty-five. 

small  church  in  Newport,  R.  I.     He  died  in  *  His  death  was   mentioned   in   previous 

1830,  at  Glastonbury,  Ct.,  at  the  age  of  sev-  note.     See  note  under  date  of  August  27th 

enty.    He  was  a  native  of  New  Hav&n,  Ct.  ult. 


1824.]  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  981 

reproving  me  severely  for  appearing  in  a  military  character  at  I.a  Fayette's 
day.'  Wrote  an  obituary  for  the  late  Dr.  Whitney.  Yesterday  visited  old 
Mr.  Watson,^  quite  sick.  Kindly  treated.  He  rests  his  hope  on  natural 
religion  entirely.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  performed  a  marriage.^ 
Cold.     Gave  my  dollar  to  Mrs.  Bartlett.'* 

24.  Rode  to  New  Haven,  to  exchange  the  next  Sabbath  with  Mr.  Merwin.' 
Rode  from  Hartford  in  the  stage.  This  morning  there  was  considerable 
frost.  The  first  we  have  had.  Vegetation  is  considerably  affected.  Put  up 
at  Mr.  Merwin's. 

25.  Visited  acquaintance.  Spent  some  time  with  Prof.  Kingsley.*  The 
vacation  of  college  makes  much  difference  in  the  appearance  of  the  town. 

26.  Preached  on  John  i:  18,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  This  is  a  large  and  very 
respectable  congregation.  Am  still  oppressed  with  my  hoarseness  and  cough. 
After  meeting  attended  a  funeral.  Preached  in  the  evening  on  Heb.  xi : 
24,  25.     Had  some  difficulty  in  speaking.     Very  tired. 

27.  Procured  books  and  pamphlets  of  Gen.  Howe.  Received  of  him,  and 
paid  him,  $9.95.  Received  of  him  in  money,  $30.00.  Paid  for  a  book,  $1.00. 
Rode  to  Hartford,  and  walked  home.  Very  pleasant.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Colton,^  near  Niagara ;  and  one  from  Dr.  Comstock,*  requesting 
me  to  deliver  an  address  at  the  cattle  show  at  Hartford.  Mr.  Merwin' 
preached  yesterday  ver)^  acceptably  ;  and  his  brother,  J.  P.  Taylor,  preached 
in  the  evening. 

28.  Rode  with  Dr.  Loomis  to  Windsor,  and  met  with  the  Consociation.  I 
was  scribe.  Something  wet.  The  Conso  ordained  Mr.  Bacon, '°  of  Hartford, 
and  Mr.  Maltby,"  of  Branford,  as  evangelists.  The  latter  is  going  on  a  mis- 
sion. The  ordination  is  in  the  evening.  I  came  home  in  great  haste,  and 
got  a  sermon,  and  preached  on  the  occasion  on  i  Cor.  i:  i.  Got  into  the 
meeting-house  at  the  time  of  the  second  singing.  I  believe  I  hurt  my 
hoarseness. 

29.  Very  kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Payne's.  The  Conso  licensed,  two 
candidates.  Turner,'^  of  Hartford,  and  Hinckley,"  of  Vermont.     The  latter,  by 


'  Dr.  Robbins  was  probably  able  to  appre-  ^  Dr.  John  L.  Comstock. 

date  and  rightly  improve  the  reproof.  ^  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin,  of  New  Haven. 

-  John  Watson,  Senior.  "  Dr.   Leonard   Bacon,  who   finished   his 

^  The  parties  were    Hiram  Wolcott    and  studies  at  Andover  in  1823,  and  was  settled 

Sophronia  Crane.  at  New  Haven,  1S25. 

*  The  dollar  he  received  for  the  marriage  "  Erastus  Maltby,  who  had  just  been  grad- 

he  gave  to  Mrs.  Bartlett,  wife  of  Rev.  Shu-  uated  at  Andover.     He  was  one  of  four  min- 

bael  Bartlett,  of  Scantic.  isters  raised   up   from  the  church  in   North 

5  Rev.    Samuel    Merwin,    of    the    North  Branford. 

Church,  New  Haven.  '^  Rev.  William    W.  Turner,  graduate   of 

«■  Prof.  James  L.  Kingsley,  connected  with  Yale,   1S19.     Mr.   Turner  is   still   living   in 

Yale  College  as  tutor   and   professor,  more  Hartford,  Ct.,  after  a  long  and  useful  life,  in 

than  fifty  years.  connection  with  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum. 

''  Rev.  Chester  Colton,  now  in  the  service  "  Rev.    Oramel     Strong     Hinckley,    just 

of  the    Connecticut    Missionary   Society,   in  graduated  at  Andover.     A  superior  scholar 

Western  New  York.  and  professor. 


982  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1824. 

mistake,  had  left  his  sermon,  and  read  none.  Left  the  Conso  a  little  before 
noon,  and  rode  with  the  regiment,  who  met  a  little  distance  from  the  meeting- 
house. Prayed  with  the  regiment.  They  performed  well.  Rode  to  Pine 
Meadow  and  tarried  at  Mr.  Haskell's.  Eveline  is  here,  and  quite  unwell.  I 
raise  considerably  from  my  lungs. 

30.  Rode  home.  Quite  warm.  Old  Mr.  Watson  is  very  low.  Read. 
Afternoon  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Job  xiii:  15. 
Wrote  to  Gen.  Howe,  of  New  Haven.  In  the  evening  rode  to  Hartford,  and 
visited  a  sick  woman  in  East  Hartford,  and  one  in  the  lower  part  of  this 
town. 

October. 

1.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  Saw  old  Mr.  Watson;'  very  low. 
Prayed  with  a  part  of  the  family.  He  rests  his  hope  on  a  good  God,  expresses 
a  confidence  that  he  shall  be  happy  in  the  future  world,  and  says  that  he  is 
willing  to  die.  Attended  the  examination  of  the  academy.  The  pupils  per- 
formed very  well.  Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.  I  fear  the  sickness 
increases  among  us. 

2.  This  morning  a  pretty  hard  frost.  Read.  Looked  over  books.  Mr. 
Sprague,  of  West  Springfield,  called  and  dined.  He  is  very  eager  in  the 
pursuit  of  pamphlets.  Mr.  G.  Mills  and  his  son,^  of  Canton,  called  on  me. 
Afternoon  attended  the  catechising  of  the  children,  the  last  for  the  present 
season.  Visited  a  sick  woman.  Have  so  much  to  do  that  I  cannot  write  a 
sermon  today.     Wrote.     Read. 

3.  Last  Sabbath  at  New  Haven  baptized  a  child.  Preached  with  old 
notes  on  Gen.  xvi :  13,  and  an  old  sermon  on  Prov.  viii :  9.  Administered 
the  sacrament.  The  church  quite  full.  Burdened  with  my  hoarseness. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Miss  A.  Bissell,^  who  died  at  East  Hartford. 
Buried  here.  Meeting  very  full.  Could  not  attend  an  evening  conference. 
Visited  at  Mr.  Watson's,  but  did  not  see  him. 

4.  Wrote.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Walked  to  the  Hill  and  visited  a  school. 
At  evening  attended  the  concert.     Collected  $2.21.     The  meeting  pretty  full. 

5.  Mr.  Watson  died  last  evening.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  short  address  for 
the  Agricultural  Society. 

6.  Finished  my  address.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  cattle 
show.  Wet.  The  ploughing  was  done  by  four  teams  between  twenty-four 
and  thirty  minutes.  Delivered  my  address  in  about  eighteen  minutes.  The 
prospects  of  the  Agricultural  Society  are  good.     My  cough  continues. 

7.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  my  cousin  Dr.  Robbins,  of  Roxbury,  and  received 
a  letter  from  him.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Watson.  A  church  preacher"* 
from  Hartford  performed  the  service.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow,  and  saw 
Eveline.  She  is  low,  but  hopefully  a  little  better.  Did  not  get  back  in  time 
to  attend  the  church  conference.     Cold. 


I 


*  John  Watson,  Senior.  ■♦  An   Episcopal    minister.      Mr.   Watson 

^  Sydney  Mills  and  his  father.  was  eighty  years  old.     Mr.  Watson  was  the 

^  Miss  Alice  Bissell,  aged  eighty-two.  father  of  Henry  and  John  Watson. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  983 

8.  Rode  to  Wethersfield,  and  attended  a  training  of  three  regiments. 
They  did  not  do  very  well.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  my  horse  as  chaplain.  At 
evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

9.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  i  John  v:  9.  Rode  out  and  visited  the 
sick.     Got  along  with  my  writing  pretty  well. 

10.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  John  v:  9.  Full  meeting. 
Baptized  a  child.'  Very  dry  and  dusty.  Thermometer  about  summer  heat. 
At  evening  attended  the  conference.     Quite  full. 

11.  Rode  to  Farmington,  and  met  with  the  committee  of  the  Everest 
fund.  We  made  appropriations  for  the  year.  Rode  to  Southington,  and 
tarried  at  Mr.  Robinson's.^     He  is  pretty  feeble.     Warm  and  wet. 

12.  Hoped  to  have  got  some  old  pamphlets  here,  but  am  disappointed. 
Rode  back  to  Farmington.  Looked  over  the  books  of  Gov.  Treadwell. 
Rode  to  Wethersfield.  Got  about  fifty  pamphlets  of  Mrs.  Williams,  and  paid 
her  $1.50.  Mr.  Sprague  has  been  here  unexpectedly,  and  taken  a  good 
many.  He  has  been  at  a  good  many  places  in  this  State,  and  made  valuable 
collections,  while  I  expected  he  would  have  been  confined  to  Massachusetts.^ 
Rode  to  Windsor,  Pine  Meadow,  and  tarried.     Eveline  is  still  quite  low. 

13.  Rode  to  Suffield.  The  Hamden  Association  are  sitting  at  Mr.  Gay's. 
They  sat  as  an  ecclesiastical  council  on  existing  difficulties  between  Mr.  Gay 
and  certain  members  of  his  church.  I  sat  with  them,  and  wrote  the  result. 
The  difficulties  are  very  great.  I  hope  they  will  yet  get  quiet.  Towards 
evening  rode  to  West  Springfield,  and  tarried  with  Mr.  Sprague.  Preached 
at  an  evening  conference  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv:  5.     Quite  thin. 

14.  Mr.  Sprague  has  a  very  large  and  valuable  collection  of  pamphlets. 
He  gave  me  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  his  duplicates.  He  gave  me  a 
china  plate  that  was  Gen.  Washington's.  He  is  to  look  for  pamphlets  in 
Massachusetts,  and  I  in  Connecticut.*  Dined  at  my  brother's  in  Enfield. 
SavvT  Eveline.  I  hope  she  is  gaining.  Got  home  in  the  evening.  Quite 
tired.     Received    a   letter  from    my  brother. 

15.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  My  collection  has  been  of  late  much 
improved.     Wrote.     Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting. 

16.  Hindered  by  company.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Ps.  iv :  3.  Got  through 
in  good  season.  Have  not  written  one  so  easy  in  a  good  while.  Laiis  Deo. 
We  have  an  account  of  the  death  of  the  French  king.^  Wrote.  Warm 
and  dry. 

17.  Eveline  still  continues  quite  low.  Expounded  on  Acts  xxi :  17  to  the 
end ;  and  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday.  Wore  no  out-coat.  Very 
dusty.  Attended  the  evening  conference.  Am  still  something  hoarse.  Very 
tired.     Preached  too  long. 


'  Helen  Maria,  daughter   of   Elihu  Wol-  ^  You  cannot  confine  pamphlet  collectors, 

cott-  If  we  remember  rightly,  Dr.  Robbins  did  not 

•^  Rev.  William  Robinson,  pastor  at  South-  confine   himself  to  Connecticut,  but  took  a 

ington,    1780-1S21.     He   died   in    1825.     He  good  pamphlet  where  he  could  find  it. 
was   the   father   of    the    celebrated    biblical  *  They  have  agreed  on  the  boundaries, 

scholar,  Dr.  Edward  Robinson.  '  Louis  XVIII  died  September  i6th  ult. 


984  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

18.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Walked  out  and  visited. 
Read. 

19.  Warm.  Labored  in  sorting  my  pamphlets.  It  is  a  great  task.  Rode 
to  Wapping  and  visited.  Got  some  pamphlets  and  old  books  of  the  aged 
Misses  Tuttles,'  granddaughters  of  Mr.  Timothy  Edwards.  Paid  them  $1.25. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  D.  P.  Hopkins,  of  Hartford. 

20.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Battell,  and  to  D.  P.  Hopkins.  People  have  a  fine  time 
to  get  in  their  fall  crops.     Worked  at  my  pamphlets. 

21.  Worked  at  my  library.  Spent  the  most  of  the  day  in  visiting.  We 
have  some  sick.     Am  pretty  languid. 

22.  Worked  abroad.  Finished  arranging  my  pamphlets.  Wrote.  Our 
prayer-meeting  quite  thin. 

23.  Cold  and  very  dusty.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  Col.  Grant's  wife  is 
very  sick.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  exchange.  My  library  takes  up  a  good  deal 
of  my  time. 

24.  Preached  for  the  new  North  Society  Meeting  in  their  conference 
room.  Mr.  Turner,^  of  the  asylum,  preached  for  me.  Preached  on  Ps. 
iv:  3,  and  i  John  v:  9.  This  people  have  given  Mr.  Wilcox  a  unanimous 
call.     Their  prospects  are  very  encouraging.     At  evening  rode  home.     Cold. 

25.  Rode  with  Ursula  to  Pine  Meadow.  Eveline  is  still  quite  poor. 
Visited.     Read.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Yates,  of  Schenectady. 

26.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Horatio  Buell,  of  Glen's  Falls,  and  to  my  cousin  J.  R. 
Lawrence,^  of  Camillus.  Rainy.  Am  pretty  languid.  Read  a  very  valuable 
old  Boston  pamphlet. 

27.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of 
an  aged  poor  woman,  and  visited.  The  rain  of  yesterday  was  very  beneficial. 
Read.     Contribution,  .50. 

28.  Finished  reading  the  Bible  in  course.  1  have  been  quite  too  long 
going  through  it.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  a 
lecture,  at  the  south  part  of  the  town,  without  notes  on  Rev.  xvii :   14. 

29.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  Did  errands.  Rode  to  Weth- 
ersfield.  Looked  over  Dr.  Marsh's  pamphlets.  Attended  at  Hartford  in  the 
evening  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  Missionary  Society. 
Paid  for  two  years  of  the  Recorder,  $6.00 ;  for  primers  for  the  children,  .88  ; 
for  cotton  cloth,  $1.68.     A  cold  evening. 

30.  Worked  at  my  things.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  2  Chron.  xxxiv :  3.  Wrote 
five  pages  in  the  evening.     I  write  in  too  much  haste,  and  too  poorly. 

31.  Expounded  on  Acts  xxii,  and  preached  the  sermon  written  yesterday. 
Quite  cool.  At  evening  attended  conference.  There  was  a  Baptist  meeting 
here.     There  had  not  been  one  before  in  several  weeks. 


'  Martha  Edwards,  a  somewhat  eccentric  Wapping,  and  preached  there.     These  were 

daughter  of  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards,  married  his  daughters,  now  advanced  in  life.     Their 

Rev.  Moses   Tuthill  (now   generally  written  father  died  in  17S5,  and  their  mother  in  1794. 
Tuttle),  of  Granville,  Mass.,  a  somewhat  ec-  ^  Rev.  W.  W.  Turner, 

centric    minister.      He    afterward    lived    in  ^  His  nephew,  the  young  lawyer. 


1824.J  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  985 

November. 

1.  Worked  some.  Read.  Visited  the  sick.  We  have  two  women  in 
consumption  quite  low.  At  e\ening  attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting. 
Our  contribution  was  $2.21.  Paid  for  cloth  for  a  great-coat,  $10.00;  for 
cutting,  etc.,  $1.44.     Read. 

2.  Worked  some.  Dined  out.  Rode  to  Wapping.  Rainy.  Had  ap- 
pointed to  preach  at  the  farther  part  of  Wapping  in  the  evening,  but  the 
information  was  not  received,  and  there  was  no  meeting.  Began  to  read  my 
Bible  in  course. 

3.  Cold  and  tedious.  Wrote  off  my  agricultural  address,  by  particular 
request  of  the  committee,  to  be  published  in  the  newspapers.  Went  to  the 
place  for  our  church  conference,  but  no  other  was  present,  and  we  had  no 
meeting.     Read  the  Bible.     Wrote. 

4.  Rode  to  West  Hartford.  Visited  Dr.  Perkins.  Paid  him  $1.00  for 
about  thirty  pamphlets.  Did  errands  at  Hartford.  Visited  there.  At  even- 
ing attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  A.  F.  M.  Society. 
Rode  home  late.  The  thermometer  this  morning  17°.  Paid  for  liquors, 
$1.00. 

5.  Wrote.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Afternoon  rainy.  We  had  a  pretty 
hard  thunder-shower.     Read  Camoen's  Lusiad}     My  eyes  are  pretty  poor. 

6.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Cold  and  rough.  At 
evening  attended  the  conference.     We  are  very  stupid. 

7.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow,  and  to  Hartford.  Eveline  gets  better,  through 
divine  goodness. 

8.  Got  about  seventy  pamphlets  of  Mr.  S.  Lawrence,  at  Hartford ;  some' 
quite  valuable.  Paid  for  them  $2.50,  and  for  a  book,  .75.  Attended  the  ad- 
journed meeting  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society.  We  altered  our  constitu- 
tion to  have  it  compare  with  others.  The  Presidential  election  appears  to  be 
going  favorably.^     Rode  home  late.     Received  a  letter  from  New  Haven. 

9.  Wrote.  Had  my  stove  repaired.  Wrote  off  a  second  copy  of  my 
agricultural  address  for  the  printers.  The  first  having  been  lost.  Read. 
Rainy.     Mrs.  Wolcott  is  unwell. 

10,  Walked  out  and  visited.  Eveline  came  home  after  an  absence  of 
eleven  weeks,  six  and  one  half  of  which  she  has  been  sick.  She  is  quite 
weak,  but  through  divine  goodness  convalescing.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and 
preached  a  lecture  in  the  evening  to  a  full  meeting  on  Matt,  ix :  9.  Am  a 
good  deal  hoarse.     The  thermometer  was  up  at  58°.     Tarried  out. 

11.  Visited.  Received  a  letter  from  my  cousin  P.  G.  Robbins,^  one  from 
Mrs.  Graham,  of  Catskill,  and  one  from  the  new  society  "*  in  Hartford,  request- 
ing me  and  a  delegate  to  attend  at  their  proposed  ordination.^     On  the  19th 


*  Luis  De  Camoens.     Appleton's  Cyclopir-  was  elected  by  the  House  of  Representatives. 

dia  of  Biography  says  Camoens  "is  the  only  There  was  no  choice  by  the  people. 
Portuguese  poet  who  enjoys  a  European  rep-  ^  Peter  Oilman  Robbins,  M.  D.,  of  Ro.x- 

utation."     The  Zusiad  js  one  of  the  well-rec-  bury,  Mass. 
ognized  heroic  poems  of  the  world.  *  The  North  Church  and  Society. 

-  It  was  all  right.     John  Quincy  Adams  '  Ordination  of  Rev.  Carlos  Wilcox. 


986 


DIARV   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1824. 


Mr.  E.  Cowles/  of  Norfolk,  came  here  and  requested  me  very  earnestly  to 
assist  him  before  an  ecclesiastical  council  on  the  23d  instant.  I  concluded, 
with  much  reluctance,  to  go.     Assisted  in  examining  a  school-master. 

12.  Walked  and  visited.  Very  clear  and  cold.  At  evening  attended  the 
prayer-meeting.  Pretty  thin.  Received  a  very  interesting  letter  from  Mr, 
Horatio  Buell,'^  of  Glens  Falls,  and  one  from  Mr.  Hooker,^  of  Hartford. 

13.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  at  about  13°,  Wrote  by  request 
a  sketch  of  the  life  of  Dr.  Strong,  for  a  biographical  dictionary  publishing  at 
New  York.  Visited  a  sick  woman  very  low,  and  others.  In  the  evening 
began  a  sermon  on  Ps.  x  :  13,  and  wrote  seven  pages.  Had  my  new  great- 
coat made.     A  veiy  good  one. 

14.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Lev.  v  :  10.  Wrote  a  little,  and  preached 
my  sermon  on  Ps.  x:  13.  It  was  unfinished.  Visited  the  sick  woman. 
Very  tired.     Read   and  wrote    a    little. 

15.  Wet.  Rode  over  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral''  and  visited. 
Worked   some.     Read. 

16.  Wrote.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Sent  my  biographical  sketch  of 
Dr.  Strong  to  New  York.     Bad  riding.     Paid  my  book-binder,  $10.43. 

17.  W^alked  out  and  visited.  Crossed  the  river,  and  attended  a  funeral; 
many  of  the  connexions  here.  At  evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  mar- 
riage.^    Wrote  to  Dr.  Porter,*  of  Catskill. 

18.  Cold.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  woman  who  died  on  Tuesday.  A 
valuable  young  wornan  died  this  morning,  in  the  same  neighborhood,  of 
consumption.'  Visited  the  family.  My  large  new  book-case  was  brought  me. 
Put  up  books.     Paid  for  a  book,  .75.     Wrote.     Read. 

19.  Sheldon,  of  Somers,  paid  me  $78.00,  and  took  up  his  note  of  $77.50, 
which  he  gave  me  last  March  for  my  horse.  He  lost  a  good  deal  by  him,  and 
I  gave  in  about  $2.40.     Our  evening  prayer-meeting  was  quite  thin. 

20.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Job  xvii:  i.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Miss  Moore. 
Visited  the  sick.  Dr.  Tudor  is  pretty  feeble.  Wrote  late,  five  and  one  half 
pages  in  the  evening.     Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Whitman,  of  Hartford. 

21.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  John  xii :  37,  and  the  sermon  written 
yesterday.  Very  pleasant.  Meetings  full  and  solemn.  Am  pretty  feeble. 
Attended  the  singing-school.     Very  tired. 

22.  Left  home  quite  early,  and  rode  to  Norfolk  from  Hartford  in  the 
stage.  My  mother  is  quite  well.  Spent  the  evening  with  Mr.  Eb.  Cowles, 
and  the  church  committee,  preparing  for  the  council. 

23.  Visited.*    Afternoon  the  ecclesiastical  council  sat  here  on  the  affair  of 


'  Mr.  Ebenezer  Cowles.  He  died  three 
years  later  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight. 

^  Horatio  Buell  was  a  graduate  of  Dart- 
mouth College,  1809.  Born  in  Newport, 
N.  H.,  1787,  died  at  Baliston,  N.  Y.,  1S33. 
He  practiced  law  at  Glens  Falls,  N.  Y. 

^  Rev.  Horace  Hooker. 


*  Mrs.  Sophia  Pelton,  aged  thirty-one. 

^  Between  Jourdan  Rogers,  of  Plymouth, 
Ct.,  and  Hannah  Strong. 

*  Dr.  David  Porter,  born  in  Hebron,  Ct., 
May  17,  1 761,  graduated  at  Dartmouth,  1784, 
died  in  Catskill,  1851,  aged  eightA'-nine. 

'  Miss  Eliza  Moore,  aged  thirty-three. 


1824.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  987 

Mr.  Cowles.  I  was  his  counsel,  and  Dr.  Lee,'  of  Colebrook,  for  the  church. 
The  hearing  was  closed  pretty  soon.  This  town  is  in  an  unusually  good 
state. 

24.  The  council  resulted  early  in  the  morning  unfavorably  to  Mr.  Cowles. 
I  wrote  a  confession  for  hini,  which  he  presented  to  the  church  in  the  after- 
noon, and  they  adjourned  to  consider  it.  Much  fatigued.  Mr.  Battell's 
children  appear  well.     Wet. 

25.  Started  early.  Mr.  Battell  carried  me  in  his  wagon  to  Hartford. 
Walked  and  rode  home.  At  evening  performed  a  marriage.^  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Seth  Terry,  of  Hartford.  Yesterday  Mr.  Cowles  gave 
me  $2.00. 

26.  On  the  24th  preached  a  lecture  at  Norfolk,  previous  to  the  church 
meeting,  on  John  i :  i8.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  fast  preparatory 
to  ordination  with  the  new  society.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Jer.  iii :  15. 
Afternoon  Mr.  Burge,  of  Glastonbur}^,  preached.  Visited.  Got  home  late. 
Paid  for  buckskin  gloves,  $1.25  ;  for  eight  pounds  of  mould  candles,  $1.00. 
Received  $10.00  for  grass  cut  on  my  land  last  haying. 

27.  Wrote.  Attended  to  various  things.  Thermometer  at  about  temper- 
ate the  most  of  the  day.  Read.  The  Presidential  votes  are  likely  to  be 
much  scattered.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Jones,  of  Norfolk.  Read  Prof.  Everett's 
admirable  oration.' 

28.  Showery  and  thin  meeting.  Expounded  on  Acts  xxiii,  and  preached 
an  old  sermon  on  i  Tim.  i:  15.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Ripley,'*  of 
Marlborough. 

29.  Read.     Worked  at  my  library.     Afternoon  visited  a  school.     Visited. 
;^o.     Rode   out.     Received    a   letter  from   Mr.  Converse,  of   New  Haven. 

Afternoon  rode  to  Hartford  to  attend  the  proposed  ordination.  Mr.  Wilcox 
performed  very  well  on  examination.  The  council  is  large.  Tarried  at 
Maj.  Isham's.  Visited  Dr.  Flint.  He  is  feeble,  and  I  think  declining.  We 
have  gone  through  the  fall  without  any  snow. 

December. 

I.  The  day  very  pleasant  and  favorable.  The  new  meeting-house' was 
opened  and  dedicated  in  the  forenoon.  Mr.  Hawes'  performed  exceeding 
well.  The  house  is  very  elegant,  but  I  do  not  admire  its  singular  combina- 
tion.    Afternoon  we  attended  the  ordination.'     Very  interesting  and  solemn. 


'  Dr.  Chauncey  Lee.  of  1824,  in  the  presence  of  La  Fayette.  His 
^  Between  Julius  Birge  and  Mary  Ann  subject  was  American  Literature.  He  was 
Stoughton.  During  Dr.  Robbins's  absence  then  occupying  the  chair  of  Greek  Literature 
at  Norfolk,  his  brother  Francis  came  down  in  Harvard  College.  The  next  year  he  was 
from  Enfield  and  united  in  marriage  Wyllis  elected  Member  of  Congress,  and  afterwards 
Stoughton  and  Mary  B.  Birge.  These  seem  passed  on  to  his  higher  honors, 
to  have  been  companion  marriages  in  a  ''  Rev.  David  B.  Ripley,  pastor  at  Marl- 
double  sense.  Marriages  in  those  days  were  Ijorough,  Ct.j  1804-1827. 
usually  thick  about  Thanksgiving  time.  '  Of  the  North  Church,  Hartford. 

^  This  was  Edward  Everett's  notable  ad-  ^  Dr.  Joel  Hawes,  of  the  First  Church, 

dress  delivered  at  Cambridge,  in  the  summer  '  Of  Rev.  Carlos  Wilcox. 


988  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S24. 

Dr.  Spring'  preached  excellently.     The  council    quite  harmonious.     I  think 
this   event    will   check    sectarianism    in    Hartford. 

2.  Warm  and  wet.  Worked  at  my  library.  Have  three  hundred  and 
fifty   volumes  in   my  new  book-case.     Visited  a  school.     Visited. 

3.  Read.  Visited  two  schools.  Wet.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting. 
Wrote.  Yesterday  my  brother  and  his  wife  were  here.  My  agricultural 
address  is  jDublished  in  a  Boston  paper. 

4.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Lev.  xiii :  45.  Read.  My  tremor  is 
worse  than  usual.  Rainy.  Afternoon  it  snowed  considerably ;  the  first  we 
have  had  this  season. 

5.  The  ground  is  about  covered  with  snow.  Thermometer  in  the 
morning  at  19°.  Very  tedious  day.  The  going  very  bad.  Thin  meeting. 
Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Lev.  xiii :  45.  Attended  the  singing- 
meeting. 

6.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Read.  Wrote.  Worked  some.  Paid  a 
tailoress,  $1.00.  At  evening  attended  the  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Ver}- 
thin.     Collected  $1.01. 

7.  Read.  Visited  the  Long  Hill  school  alone.  Warm,  The  most  of  the 
snow  went  off.  Wrote.  Had  some  books  finely  bound.  Worked  at  my 
library.    - 

8.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa,  Ixv :  i.  I  write  slow.  My 
tremor  is  troublesome.     My  strength  for  study,  I  fear,  grows  less. 

9.  Thanksgiving.  Unusually  late.  Pleasant,  but  bad  traveling.  Fin- 
ished and  preached  my  sermon  on  Isa.  Ixv:  i.  Yesterday  it  snowed  con- 
siderably. We  had  Mr,  E.  Bissell,^  from  Genesee,  to  dine  with  us.  Quite 
fatigued  and  languid. 

10.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford  with  my  brother.  He  is  trying  to  pur- 
chase a  chaise.  Considerable  ice  in  the  river.  At  evening  our  prayer- 
meeting   was   quite   thin,     ^^'et. 

11.  Very  unwell  with  a  diarrhoea  all  day.  Read  Li\y.  Wet.  The  snow 
about  gone.     Wrote.     Unable  to  study  much. 

12.  Expounded  on  the  24th  chapter  of  Acts,  and  preached  an  old  sermon 
on  Ps.  xxxvii :  37.  Meeting  thin.  Ver}-  feeble,  but  was  able  to  go  through 
the  exercises.  We  had  our  contribution  for  the  Insane  Retreat.  We 
collected  but  $9.57.  Read  the  last  annual  Message  of  President  Monroe.  A 
very  good  one.  It  has  been  dark  and  cloudy  the  most  of  the  time  for  a 
fortnight. 

13.  Rainy.  Read  Livy.  A  very  interesting  writer.  Visited  the  sick. 
There  are  more  than  usual.     Gen.   Jackson   appears   likely  to  be    our  next 


'  Dr.    Gardiner    Spring,    of    the     Brick  till   his  death  in  1873,  ^^  the  great   age  of 

Church,  New  York.     He  was  born  in  New-  eighty-eight. 

buryport,  1785,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1805,  2  Epaphras  Bissell.    His  wife  was  Jerusha, 

was    settled    over    the    Brick    Presbyterian  daughter  of  Samuel  Wolcott,  so  that  he  was 

Church  in  New  York  City  in  1810,  and  be-  entitled  to  eat  Thanksgiving  dinner  at  Mr. 

came  one  of  the  conspicuous  pulpit  orators  Abiel   Wolcott's,   by  general    right   of  kin- 

and  able  preachers  of  the  land.     He  remained  ship. 


1824.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  989 

President ; '    'tis  monstrous.     Wrote    a   letter  for  Dr.  Tudor  to    Rev.   S.  A. 
Peters,  now  of  New  York.     Warm.  " 

14.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Windsor.  Quite  blustering.  Bad  riding. 
Read  Livy.^  Received  of  my  collector,  $115.00.  The  river  is  high.  Paid 
for  painting  a  canvas  cloth  to  lay  under  my  stove,  .92.  For  charitable 
objects,  $10.00. 

15.  Thermometer  20°.  Wrote  to  Horatio  Buell,  Esq.,  of  Glens  Falls, 
N.  Y.  Visited.  Rode  to  Wapping,  and  visited  a  black  family  very  sick. 
Very  cold. 

16.  Read.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  the  academy.  In  a  very  flour- 
ishing state.  Forty-four  scholars,  the  most  of  them  youths.  The  ground 
very  hard  frozen.  Received  of  my  collector,  including  two  notes  of  $40,00 
and  $20.00,  $145.00.  Paid  Mr.  Wolcott's  pew  tax,  $40.00.  Paid  for  ten 
bushels  of  oats,  $2.20.  Our  society  have  had  considerable  additional  change 
the  year  past.     Thermometer  in  the  morning  14°. 

17.  Walked  and  visited.  Visited  an  aged  man  very  low.  Attended  the 
evening  prayer-meeting.     Much  fatigued.     Thermometer  this  morning  13°. 

18.  Thermometer  about  50°.  Received  on  the  i6th  by  mail  a  newspaper 
from  Keene,  N.  H.,  containing  some  insidious  remarks  on  my  late  publica- 
tion of  All  Religions,  Wrote  on  my  accounts,  etc.  Thermometer  rose  to 
60°.  Quite  rainy  all  day.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cv  :  9.  Wrote 
five  pages  in  the  evening.     Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Whitman,  of  Hartford. 

19.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Preached  in  the 
forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Jer.  xiii :  23.  Full  meeting.  Pleasant  and  mild 
weather.  The  frost  mostly  out  of  the  ground.  Had  a  good  conference. 
Quite  tired. 

20.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  Mr.  Sadd  is  quite  poor.  Visited  the 
sick.     Very  pleasant  and  warm.     Read. 

21.  Wrote.  Read  Expositors.  Walked  out.  Hindered  by  company.  I 
am  very  anxious  respecting  our  society  matters.     The  Lord  be  our  helper. 

22.  Wrote  an  exposition    for  the   new  newspaper^  at  Hartford.     Visited. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  the  valuable  new  library  for  Washington 
College.  Messrs.  Cookes  readily  agreed  to  pay  me  my  charge  of  $150.00  for 
what  I  did  on  the  publication  of  All  Religions.''  Received  of  them  $75.00. 
Paid  Hudson  about  ^  of  which  was  for  books  at  auction,  and  the 


'  Dr.  Robbins  was  saved  from  this  mon-  ^  The  new  newspaper  was  the  Connecti- 

strous  fact   at  that  time,  but  it  came  in  all  cut  Observer,  the  first  number  of  which  was 

its   horror   four  years   later,   when  Jackson  issued  Jan.  4,  1825.     It  continued  some  fif- 

received  178  electoral  votes  against  83,  more  teen  or  twenty  years.     It  was  a  semi-religious 

than  two  to  one.     This  time,  in  1824,  no  one  paper  supporting  Congregationalism, 
was  elected  by  the  people,  and  John  Quincy  *  As   money   was   then  valued,  that   was 

Adams  was  elected  by  the  House  of  Repre-  more  adequate  pay  than  he  had  received  for 

sentatives.  some   of  ^his   writings.     A  large  part  of  his 

-  We  may  presume  that  Dr.  Robbins  had  miscellaneous  writings  were  gratuitous, 
such   classical  culture   that   he  was    reading  '  These  two  blanks  were  left  to  be  filled, 

Livy  in  the  original  Latin.  but  were  forgotten. 


990  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1824. 

residue    for   other  things.     Paid   for   Scaoida's    Lexicon,   $5.00.     Our  society 
sold  their  pews,  and  did  rather  poorly.     God  alone  can  save  us.     Cold. 

24.  Thermometer  about  15°.  Walked  and  visited.  Attended  our  prayer- 
meeting.  On  Monday  Mr.  Green,  of  Wapping,  brought  me  a  good  load  of 
wood. 

25.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Isa.  lix :  17.  But  a  few  people  go  to 
Hartford  to  Christmas.     Very  warm  for  the  season, 

26.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Am  quite 
feeble  and  unwell.  Am  much  tried  with  the  state  of  our  society  matters.  At 
evening  had  a  full  conference. 

27.  Read,  Rode  out  and  visited,  A  child  died  in  this  neighborhood  this 
morning  with  the  rattles.     The  ground  thaws  without  sun, 

28.  The  thermometer  has  been  scarcely  below  freezing  for  several  days. 
Walked  and  visited.     Very  good  traveling.     My  visiting  is  much  in  arrear. 

29.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Attended  a  funeral.  At  evening  rode  to 
Enfield.  Found  that  my  brother  was  absent  from  home,  and  rode  down  to 
Pine  Meadow.     Paid  a  shoemaker,  $1.00. 

30.  Visited  Gen.  Jencks.'  His  second  son  Ms  near  dying.  Visited.  Paid 
Mr.  Clapp  my  taxes,  $8.97;  and  Mr.  Wolcott's,  $43.13.  Got  home  late. 
Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Ripley,^  of  Marlborough. 

31.  In  four  days  past  I  have  visited  about  thirty  families.  The  weather 
this  week  has  been  mild  and  pleasant,  like  the  fore  part  of  November. 
Wrote  notes,  and  preached  a  preparatory  lecture  on  John  xv:  9.  Attended 
the  evening  prayer-meeting.  Had  good  meetings.  I  bless  God  for  the 
mercies   of   the   year. 


I 


*  Gen.  Charles  Jenks,  of  Warehouse  Point.  ^  Rev.  David  B.  Ripley  was  pastor  in  the 

^  Charles   Whipple  Jenks,  born  Oct.  21,       parish  where    Dr.   Robbins   first    preached 
1S25.  statedly  in  1798. 


18S5. 

January. 

1.  Endeavored  to  devote  myself  to  God  and  his  service  for  the  present 
year.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Luke  xiii :  7.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  woman. 
Wrote  five  pages  in  the  evening.  I  hope  and  pray  that  God  will  do  some- 
thing for  this  people  the  present  year. 

2.  Last  evening  it  snowed,  and  continued  through  the  night.  Cold  and 
very  tedious.  But  few  at  meeting.  We  put  off  our  sacrament,  and  I  omitted 
my  New  Year's  sermon.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  2  Kings  vii :  3,  and  an 
old  sermon  on  Ps.  Ixxviii :  ;^t,.  Rode  to  meeting  in  a  sleigh.  Made  this 
diary. 

3.  Thermometer  at  20°.  Sat  and  dined  with  the  January  meeting, 
Mr.  Rockwell  died  yesterday,  aged  ninety-three.'  He  has  had  ten  children, 
nine  of  whom  are  living;  the  oldest  seventy-one,  and  had  but  one  death 
(his  wife)  in  his  house. ^  At  evening  attended  the  monthly  concert.  Thin  for 
want  of  information.     Good  sleighing.     Read. 

4.  Thermometer  at  4°.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  Connecticut  Observer. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Rockwell.  Mr.  Cushman^  performed  the 
service.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  visited  an  afflicted  family.  Fine 
sleighing. 

5.  Thermometer  about  16°.  Wrote.  Walked  and  visited  the  sick. 
There  are  now  a  considerable  number.  At  evening  had  a  serious  church 
conference.     I  hope  we  may  not  be  forgotten. 

6.  Visited  the  sick.  A  man  is  very  bad.  Thermometer  20°.  Rode  to 
Hartford.  At  East  Hartford  attended  the  funeral  of  Franklin  Olmsted. 
Paid  for  wines,  $4.00.  For  the  Missionary  Herald  for  the  past  year,  $1.25. 
Other  things,  $1.15.     At  evening  rode  out  and  visited.     Cold  and  tedious. 

7.  Thermometer  at  2°.  Rode  to  Warehouse  Point,  and  attended  the 
afflictive  funeral  of  Gen.  Jencks's  son.  The  bishop''  preached.  Saw  my 
brother.  Clear  and  cold.  On  the  5th  received  a  letter  from  Gen.  J. 
Visited.     Attended   our   prayer-meeting. 

8.  Thermometer  at  8°.  Wrote.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  John 
iii :  3.  It  snowed  and  rained.  A  number  of  the  members  of  our  church 
have  agreed  for  a  private  concert  of  prayer  on  Saturday  evening,  for  a  revival 
in  this  church  and  society. 


'  Mr.  William  Rockwell.  ^  Rev.  Elisha  Cushman,  the  Baptist  minis- 

^  This  was  one  of  those  long-lived  families  ter  of  Hartford, 
that  compensate  for  the  short-lived  ones,  and  *  Dr.  Thomas  C.  Brownell,  of  Hartford.  It 

keep  thd  average  New  England  life  at  a  good  will  be  remembered  that  there  was  an  Epis- 

figure,  as  high,  perhaps,  as  in  any  other  part  copal  church  at  Warehouse  Point,  where  Gen 

of  the  world.  Jenks  attended. 

991 


992 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


[1825. 


9.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  my  sermon  on  John  iii :  3. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  Church  pretty  full.  Preached  my  New  Year's 
sermon  on  Luke  xiii:  7.  We  had  a  solemn  day.  Attended  the  evening 
conference.     Much  fatigued.     Thermometer  at  30°. 

10.  Thermometer  6°.  Wrote.  Visited  five  sick  families.  Very  pleasant 
weather.     Read. 

11.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  I  am  very  anxious  about  Mr.  Sadd. 
He  is  one  of  our  best  men.  It  thaws  considerably.  Thermometer  in  the 
morning  at  18°,  Paid  for  a  set  of  Newton's  Works, ^  subscribed  for,  $10.00. 
Rode  to  Scantick  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Paid  my  account  at  Mr. 
Haskell's  store,  $12.05  5  P°^t  office,  $2.39  ;  donation,  .31. 

12.  Thermometer  13°.  Rode  and  visited  all  day.  Warm.  It  thaws  con- 
siderably.    Read.     My  visiting  has  been  too  much  neglected. 

13.  Thermometer  but  little  below  freezing.  Read.  Wrote  to  my  cousin 
Dr.  P.  G.  Robbins.  Visited  the  sick.  Am  quite  unwell,  and  much  afflicted. 
Visited.     Dea.  L.  Loomis,  of  Cornwall,  came  here  and  tarried. 

14.  Dea.  Loomis  went  oflf.  The  Cornwall  school  is  prosperous,  and  a 
very  important  institution.  It  rained  steadily  all  day.  Paid  for  the  Mirror 
newspaper,  $2.00.  Wrote  to  Judge  Lyman,^  of  Northampton,  and  to  M.  May- 
hew,^  Esq.,  of  Martha's  Vineyard.  So  rainy  Ave  had  no  evening  meeting. 
Read  the  Bible. 

15.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Rom.  vi :  23.  I  get  too  late  in  my 
writing.     Warm  and  thawy. 

16.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Rom.  vi :  23.     Wet  and  bad 
Some  sleighs  were    out.     Thin    meeting.     Baptized  a  child.'*     Read. 


Visited   the   sick.     It  snowed  some.     Wrote  a  piece  for  publication. 


going- 
Wrote 

17- 
Read. 

iS.     Wrote  copying  my  sermon  at   the  installation  of  Mr.  Burt.     Visited. 

Wrote  late. 

19.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Paid  Mr.  Waterman  for  my  last  book- 
case, $20.00.  For  other  work,  $1.06.  Thermometer  has  been  but  little  below 
freezing  for  several  days.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon.  Wrote  late.  Some- 
thing troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  side. 

20.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  At  evening  saw  my  cousin  Francis  Law- 
rence' on  his  way  to  Amherst.     Visited  the  poor-house.     Thermometer  18°. 


'  Rev.  John  Newton,  an  Episcopal  divine, 
of  England,  with  a  strongly  Calvinistic  and 
Evangelical  turn.  He  Avas  born  in  Litchfield, 
England,  in  1725,  and  died  in  London,  in 
1807.  His  works  were  published  in  six  vol- 
umes, and  the  edition  is  very  familiar  to 
theological  students  of  forty  years  ago. 

^  Judge  Joseph  Lyman,  already  noticed. 

^  The  Mayhews  of  Martha's  Vineyard,  in 
their  several  generations,  were  a  remarkable 


set  of  men,  beginning  with  Gov.  Thomas, 
1641,  his  son  Thomas,  and  later  Matthew, 
and  Experience.  A  second  Matthew  (Dr. 
Matthew)  died  in  18 15,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
five,  and  it  was  probably  a  third  Matthew 
to  whom  Dr.  Robbins  wrote. 

*  Roger  Pitkin,  son  of  Edwin  Birge. 

*  Another  son  of  his  sister  Elizabeth, 
going  to  visit  his  sister,  Mrs.  Gridley  (before 
Mrs.  Olmsted). 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  993 

21.  I  have  lost  a  number  of  gallons  of  cider-brandy  which  I  had  put  aside 
for  preservation.  Read.  Wrote,  Paid  a  shoemaker,  ^4.08.  Attended  the 
prayer-meeting.     Visited  the  sick.     Quite  tired. 

22.  Finished  copying  my  sermon.  Thermometer  17°.  Very  cold  and 
rough.  Visited  the  sick.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Rowland  to  convene 
the  Consociation  next  month  at  Bristol.  Wrote.  So  cold  that  I  conclude 
not  to  ride  to  East  Hartford  this  evening. 

23.  Thermometer  16°.  Rode  early  to  East  Hartford,  and  exchanged  with 
Mr.  Fairchild.  Cold  and  very  tedious.  Meetings  quite  thin.  Preached  on 
Rom.  vi :  23.  Returned  in  the  evening,  and  attended  conference.  Much 
fatigued. 

24.  Thermometer  about  17°.  Read.  Visited  the  sick.  Wrote.  Walked 
and  visited.     I  hope  my  visiting  is  useful. 

25.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  At  evening  preached  at  the  Mill  neighbor- 
hood without  notes  on  Luke  xviii :  13.     We  had  a  serious  meeting. 

26.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  Mr.  Sadd.  I  much  fear  he  will  die. 
He  is  one  of  our  best  men.  Visited.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Paid  the  treasurer 
of  the  Retreat  our  contribution  of  $9.57.  Paid  the  treasurer  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions our  monthly  concert  collections  of  last  year,  $15.00.  Paid  him  my 
New  Year's  gift  of  $5.00.  It  thaws  considerably.  Very  good  riding.  Read 
Everett's  Plymouth  Oration} 

27.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick  and  others.  Quite  thaw}%  I^get  but  little 
time  for  study. 

28.  Wrote.  Hindered  by  company.  Read.  Attended  the  evening 
prayer-meeting.  Warm  and  wet.  Finished  copying  my  sermon  with  the 
appendix,    the    minutes   of   the    Guilford    Council.^ 

29.  Rainy.  Rode  to  Enfield  to  exchange.  It  rained  and  snowed. 
Riding  pretty  bad.     Called  on  Judge  Pease.     My  brother's  health  improves. 

30.  Quite  cold  and  rough.  The  meeting-house  needs  a  stove.'  Afternoon 
a  full  meeting.  This  congregation  is  large,  and  appears  well.  Preached  on 
John  iii :  3,  and  Ps.  iv :  3.  At  evening  had  a  very  full  meeting  at  a  school- 
house,  and  preached  without  notes  on  John  xii :  21.  My  brother  went  early 
to  East  Windsor.     Quite  tired. 

31.  Rode  home.  It  thawed  some.  Thermometer  yesterday  morning  10°. 
My  brother  does  not  return  today.  Attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting, 
expecting  then  to  be  absent.  My  brother  assisted.  After  which  performed  a 
marriage.''     Returning   from   Enfield    I    visited   Gen.  Jencks.     He    is  pretty 


*  Given  the  month  before,  in  the  annual  ^  The   Enfield  people  were  a  little  slow 

celebration  at  Plymouth  of  the  Landing.  in  getting  a  stove  into  their  church.    In  some 

^  Before  coming  to  Manchester,  Rev.  Mr.  of  the   towns   around,   this   had   been   done 

Burt  had   labored  on  the  Western  Reserve,  before  1825.     But   the  subject  seems  not  to 

Ohio,   as   a  missionary   of  the   Connecticut  have  been  agitated  at  Enfield,  and  it  was  sev- 

Missionary  Society,  and  this  Guilford  Coun-  era!  years  later  before  this  parish  had  stoves, 

cil    was    convened,    doubtless,   at    Guilford,  *  The     persons    married    were    William 

Ohio,  to  give  him  testimonials  for  his  future  Rich,  of  Manchester,  and  Minerva  Blinn,  of 

use.  East  Windsor. 


994  DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

poor.     Wrote.     Was  up  very  late.     Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Marsh,'  of 
Haddam,  and  wrote  him  in  reply. 

Fkdkuary. 

1.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Northington,  and  attended  the  Association. 
But  eleven  members  present.  I  was  scribe.  We  had  very  little  necessary 
business.  Mr.  Bartlett"  preached  very  well.  It  snowed  moderately  the  most 
of  the  day. 

2.  A  tedious  snow-storm  till  near  night.  Rode  home  with  a  good  deal  of 
difficulty.  The  snow  is  deep,  and  no  path.  Much  fatigued.  Held  our 
session  of  Association  till  near  noon.  I  hope  a  profitable  one.  My  brother 
tarried  here.     Wrote.     Thermometer  20°. 

3.  Read.  Wrote.  The  snow  is  pretty  deep.  Thermometer  about  15°. 
My  brother  went  home  with  his  wagon. 

4.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  seven  sick  houses.  Thermometer  at 
sunrise  9°  below  zero.  Last  evening  2°  above.  Good  sleighing.  Attended 
the  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

5.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  for  tomorrow,  but  had  so  many  hindrances  I 
did  but  little.  Thermometer  at  10°.  Visited  the  sick.  Very  good  sleighing, 
and  much  improved. 

6.  Thermometer  at  17°.  Expounded  on  Acts  xxv  and  xxvi,  to  verse  24, 
and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  v :  29.  Meeting  full  and  solemn. 
Attended  the  conference.  Visited  the  sick  man  twice.  It  thawed  a  good 
deal.     Read.  * 

7.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  up  to  freezing.  Wrote.  Visited  the 
sick.  The  man  for  whom  I  had  the  greatest  concern,  I  hope,  is  a  little  better. 
Afternoon  set  out  with  Dea.  Reed  to  attend  the  extra  session  of  the  Conso- 
ciation at  Bristol.  Rode  to  Farmington.  At  evening  preached  at  the  monthly 
concert  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv :  5.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Pitkin's.'  Rode  in  a 
wagon.     The  sleighing  is  poor. 

8.  Cold.  Rough  going.  A  number  of  the  members  accompanied  us  on 
the  way  to  Bristol.  The  Consociation  met.  I  was  chosen  scribe.  There  are 
thirty  members.  Went  into  the  hearing.  An  impure  and  awful  case.  Am 
considerably  troubled  with  an  ague  in  my  face.  Have  fine  lodgings  at  Mr. 
Hooker's,  near  the  meeting-house. 

9.  We  were  all  day  hearing  witnesses.  I  was  very  busy  taking  the 
minutes  of  the  testimony.  My  face  became  much  inflamed,  swollen,  and 
painful.  Left  the  council  in  the  afternoon,  and  took  my  bed.  Was  very  ill 
through  the  evening  and  night. 


'  John  Marsh,  D.  D.  ington  in  iSii.     His  father  was  Gov.  William 

^  Tlais  was  probably  Rev.  John  Bartlett,  Pitkin,  of  Connecticut,  and  his  grandfather 

of  Wintonbury  (now  Bloomfield).     In  a  few  was  William  Pitkin,  Chief-Justice  of  Connec- 

years  he  was  to  be  pastor  of  this  same  North-  ticut.     A  son  of  the  minister  was  Hon.  Tim- 

ington  (Avon)  church.  othy  Pitkin,  LL.D.,  M.  C,  who  died  in  New 

*  Rev.  Timothy  Pitkin  had  been  pastor  of  Haven,  1847.     It  was  probably  with  his  fam- 

the    P^armington   church,  1752-1785,  and  re-  ily  that  Dr.  Robbins  stayed.     William  Pitkin, 

tired  because  of  ill-health.    He  died  in  Farm-  of  Hartford,  was  the  founder  of  this  family. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    FAST   WINDSOR,  995 

10.  Am,  through  mercy,  a  Uttle  better.  Attended  the  session.  We  heard 
witnesses  and  the  counsel  for  the  parties  all  day.  The  council  took  the 
cause  about  sundown.  Sat  through  the  evening  as  in  the  two  precedmg.  All 
were  agreed  in  fully  acquitting  Mr.  Cone.'  Was  up  late  in  writing  the  result. 
Quite  feeble  and  weary. 

11.  The  Conso  resulted  about  eleven  o'clock.  The  scene  was  impressing 
and  moving.  I  trust  the  effect  will  be  happy.  The  manufactories  here  are 
extensive  and  profitable.  Rode  home.  Thaws  and  wet.  My  esteemed  sick 
neighbor  is  living  and  better.  My  face  was  sensibly  better  in  the  morning, 
but  seemed  to  grow  worse. 

12.  My  consociational  tour  has  been  very  fatiguing.  Visited  the  sick. 
It  thaws,  and  the  ground  is  very  wet.  Read.  My  face  grew  very  painful. 
At  night  took  a  sweat.  There  is  great  anxiety  respecting  the  Presidential 
election  which  must  be  soon  decided. 

13.  Am  quite  feeble,  but  better,  I  think,  than  last  evening.  Preached  an 
old  sermon  on  Ps.  cxxxvi :  28.  Got  through  the  exercises  better  than  I 
feared.  Very  wet  and  muddy.  At  noon  my  horse  got  loose  in  the  house- 
yard,  and  ran  over  the  wood,  and  up  street  in  the  chaise  with  violence.  He 
at  length  overturned  the  carriage,  fell,  and  was  secured.^  The  carriage  is 
much  broken,  but  the  horse  does  not  appear  to  be  injured.     Read. 

14.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child,  and  visited  the  sick.  The 
mud  becomes  deep  and  very  bad  for  traveling.  Read.  We  have  the  highly 
gratifying  intelligence  that  Mr.  Adams  was  elected  President  by  the  House  of 
Representatives  in  Congress  on  the  9th  instant,  by  eighteen  votes  out  of 
twenty-four  at  the  first  vote.  All  the  other  candidates  have  been  duelists.^ 
New  England  seems  to  have  had  the  only  chance  for  a  President  at  this  time. 
Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Benedict,''  of  Vernon.     Visited  the  sick. 

15.  Wrote,  copying  the  consociational  papers.  The  ground  is  very  wet. 
I  think  I  cannot  write  as  fast  as  formerly. 

16.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Benedict,  of  Vernon.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Very  bad  riding.  Visited  Dr.  Flint.  He  is  quite  low.  I  think  it  doubtful  of 
his  continuing  more  than  a  short  time.  Paid  a  clothier,  .90.  Read.  My 
face  is  still  painful. 

17.  Walked  and  visited.  The  ground  exceeding  wet.  Took  some  cold. 
Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick.  At  evening  attended  a  wedding.* 
Tarried  out.     I  hope  good  Mr.  Sadd  is  a  little  better. 


'  Rev.  Jonathan  Cone  was  pastor  at  Bris-  ^  When  a  horse  ran   in   one  of  the   old- 

tol,    1811-1828.     What   the   particular   diffi-  fashioned   chaises  and   turned  it  over,  the 

culty  was  that  caused  this  three-days'  session  powerful  twist  of  the  shafts  was  apt  to  turn 

of  the  Consociation,  we  might  doubtless  dis-  him   over   with   it.     It  would  be   so  with   a 

cover,  if   any  good   were   to   come   from   it.  sleigh,  if  the  sleigh  were  as  heavy. 
The  Contributions  to  the  Ecclesiastical  History  ^  The  other  candidates  were  Andrew  Jack- 

of  Connecticut  says  :  "  The  first  ten  or  twelve  son,  William  H.  Crawford,  and  Henry  Clay, 
years  of  Mr.  Cone's  ministry  were  pleasant  and  *■  Rev.  Amzi  Benedict, 

profitable  —  many  were  added  to  the  church.  *  Samuel  Williams,  of  East  Hartford,  was 

The  five  or  six  last  years  were  unpleasant  and  united  in  marriage  with  Cynthia  Stoughton, 

contentious,  causing  his  dismission."  of  Wapping. 


996  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [l82S' 

18.  Wrote.  Wrote  for  the  Observer.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Attended 
the  prayer-meeting.  The  mud  is  deep,  and  the  going  very  bad.  Have  taken 
a  cold.     Visited  the  siclc. 

19.  Wrote  on  a  sermon.  Walked  out.  Mr.  Benedict,  of  Vernon,  came 
here  to  exchange  tomorrow.  I  am  poorly  able  to  go.  Wrote.  Received  of 
my  collector,  $26.00. 

20.  Rode  early  to  Vernon.  Cold  and  tedious.  The  ground  is  ver)^ 
rough.  Preached  on  John  iii :  3,  and  Ps.  iv :  3.  The  meeting-house  very 
cold.'  Mr.  Benedict  returned.  He  is  well  situated  here.  Am  troubled  with 
some  hoarseness  in  speaking. 

21.  It  snowed  steadily  all  day.  Rode  home  in  the  storm.  My  neighbor, 
Mr.  Porter,^  died  this  morning,  after  a  short  and  light  illness.  Visited  the 
family.     Read.     Wrote. 

22.  Studied  all  day.  Wrote  and  read  Livy.  A  good  deal  of  snow,  and 
decent  sleighing. 

23.  Rode  out  and  visited.  It  thaws,  and  the  snow  wastes  pretty  fast. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Porter.  Many  people.  Performed  a  marriage^ 
in  the  evening  in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford. 

24.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  Read.  Poor  sleighing. 
Had  company.     Wrote  to  Dea.  Loomis,  of  Cornwall. 

25.  Was  called  early  to  see  a  dying  woman.*  She  died  before  I  arrived; 
a  very  worthy  young  married  woman.  Visited  the  sick.  We  have  not  had  so 
much  sickness  here  since  our  epidemic  in  18 16.  Very  wet  and  muddy. 
Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting  ;  very  thin.     Much  fatigued. 

26.  Visited  sick  persons.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xv:  56,  57.  Wrote 
late.     My  mind  is  much  dissipated. 

27.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Isa.  xlix :  5,  and  the  sermon  written 
yesterday.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Loomis  and  her  infant  child.  An 
affecting  scene.  Cold  and  tedious.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  day.  A  full 
and  solemn  meeting.     Very  tired.     Read. 

28.  Wrote  to  Dr.  Park,^  of  Providence.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Very  muddy. 
It  is  a  time  of  a  great  deal  of  sickness  through  the  country.  Great  numbers 
are  said  to  be  sick  in  Boston  and  New  York.  Visited  Dr.  Flint.  He  is  very 
low.  Was  informed  that  he  expressed  a  particular  desire  this  morning  that  I 
should  preach  at  his  funeral,^  and  Mr.  Linsly  ^  requests  it.     Visited  the  sick. 


»  This  was  the  old  square  house  without  ^  Dr.  Calvin  Park. 
a  steeple,  standing   on  the  top  of   the   hill,             '  This  is  only  another  testimony  showing 
which  a  year   or  two  later  was  torn  down,  how  highly  Dr.  Robbins  was  regarded  by  the 
and  the  present  meeting-house  built  not  on  ministers  as  well  as  the  laymen  of  the  State, 
the  old  spot,  but  in  th^  chief  and  populated  ^  When  Dr.  Flint  retired  from  the  minis- 
street,  try  of  the  South  Church,  Hartford,  the  year 

*  Mr.    Warham    Porter,    aged   fifty-eight.  before,  because  of  failing  health.  Dr.  Joel  H. 

His  given   name   probably  came  from    Rev.  Linsley  was  chosen  and  installed  as  his  sue- 

John  Warham,  the  first  minister  of  Windsor.  cessor.     Mr.  Linsley   also   wishes   Dr.  Rob- 

^  Between  Chester   Burnham  and  Eliza-  bins  to  perform  the  funeral   service  at  Dr. 

beth  Phillips,  of  East  Hartford.  Flint's  death,  which  was  now  near.     No  man 

■♦  Mrs.  Agnes  Loomis,  aged  twenty-four.  had  known  him  better  than  Dr.  Flint. 


1825.1  PASTOR   IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


997 


March. 

1.  Read.  Worked  considerably.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Paid 
a  blacksmith,  ^1.59,  and  gave  him  $1.00. 

2.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  Observer.  Afternoon  went  with  Mr.  Wolcott  to 
Windsor  to  see  his  brother,"  who  is  quite  sick.  I  hope  he  will  recover.  The 
river  is  mostly  open.     Very  muddy. 

3.  Our  black  girl,  Harriet,  that  I  procured  at  Norfolk,  went  away.  Her 
mother  took  her  away,  as  I  think,  unjustifiably.  Began  to  write  sketches  of  a 
sermon  for  the  expected  funeral  of  Dr.  Flint.  My  nervous  affections  are  very 
troublesome. 

4.  Wrote.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  The  roads  begin  to  dry. 
Cold  and  uncomfortable.  Attended  our  prayer-meeting.  I  bless  God  that 
our  country  has  once  more  a  New  England  President.^ 

5.  Wrote  to  my  mother.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  A  valuable 
woman  is  very  sick.     Read. 

6.  Expounded  on  Acts  xxvi :  24  to  the  end,  and  the  27th  through.  The 
27th  is  much  more  interesting  for  an  exposition  than  I  expected.  Preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Col.  iii :  2.     At  evening  had  a  full  conference. 

7.  Worked  considerably.  My  nerves  are  much  affected,  and  I  could  not 
go  to  writing.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child. 
Visited  the  sick.  Attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  The  riding  very 
bad.     On  the  5th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wilson,  of  Hartford. 

8.  In  the  morning  began  to  write  a  sermon  for  the  expected  funeral  of 
Dr.  Flint.  In  the  forenoon  a  messenger  informed  me  of  his  death,  which 
occurred  last  evening.^     Much  hindered.     We  had  a  good  deal  of  rain. 

9.  Wrote  and  finished  late  in  the  evening  my  sermon  on  the  death  of  Dr. 
Flint  on  John  ix :  4.*  I  never  wrote  a  biographical  sketch  with  so  great 
anxiety.^     Am  much  fatigued.     Rainy. 

10.  Rode  in  the  forenoon  to  Hartford.  The  roads  are  better  for  the  rains. 
Afternoon  attended  the  funeral.  A  number  of  ministers  were  present.  The 
house  very  full.  Preached  on  John  ix :  4.  Dr.  Perkins  and  Mr.  Rowland 
prayed.  I  walked  with  Amelia*  Flint.  Her  brother  is  in  Georgia.  Left  my 
sermon  with  the  printers  for  an  extract  for  publication.  Yesterday  afternoon 
visited  a  school. 

11.  Visited  the  Long  Hill  school.  Am  much  fatigued.  Wrote.  Read. 
Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     The  ground  is  considerably  settled. 


'  William  Wolcott,  Esq.,  who,  some  years  Ct.,  Aug.  6,  1765,  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1785, 

before,  after   his  wife's  death,  depressed   in  pastor  of  South  Church,  Hartford,  1791-1824, 

spirits,  made  his  home  with  a  married  daugh-  died  March  7,  1825,  in  his  sixtieth  year, 
ter,  at  Middlefield,  Mass.     William  was  eight  ■♦  Text,  "  I  must  work  the  works  of  him 

years  older  than  his  brother  Abiel,  and  was  that  sent  me  while  it  is  day;  the  night  com- 

born  in  1753,  so  that  he  was  now  seventy-two  eth  when  no  man  can  work." 
years  old.  '  Dr.  Flint  had  been  an  important  man,  in 

^  We   have   had   one  since   (1853)  in  the  a  promineni  position.   The  habits  of  ministers 

person  of  Franklin  Pierce.  were  different  from  those  of  the  present  day. 

^  Dr.  Abel  Flint  was  born  in  Windham,  *'  Daughter  of  Dr.  Flint. 


998  DIARY   OF    REV,    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

12.  Visited  three  sick  women,  very  sick.  Read  President  Adams's 
inaugural  speech.  The  best  we  have  had  since  the  days  of  his  father.' 
Read.  Mr.  Wilcox  came  here  from  Hartford  to  exchange.  In  the  evening 
went  again  and  saw  the  sick. 

13.  Rode  early  to  Hartford.  In  the  forenoon  a  young  man  preached  from 
Montreal.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  on  i  Cor.  xv :  56,  57.  This  is  a  pleas- 
ant and  very  promising  congregation.^  The  most  of  them  are  young,  and  in 
middle  life.  Warm.  Rode  home  and  attended  conference,  and  preached 
without  notes  on  John  i :  14.     Conference  very  full. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  They  are  very  low.  Our  roads  are 
mostly  settled.  Read.  Am  quite  languid.  Received  a  letter  from  the 
Everest  beneficiaries  at  college.     Visited. 

15.  Wrote  a  piece  for  the  paper.  Mr.  Bartlett,  of  Wintonbury,  came  here 
with  an  expectation  of  having  a  ministers'  meeting.  No  other  one  came.  I 
did  not  expect  them,  and  had  appointed  no  meeting.  Visited  the  sick.  Two 
of  our  best  women,^  aged,  died  this  afternoon.  I  was  with  one  a  little  before 
she  expired.     I  see  no  abatement  of  our  sickness.     The  Lord  be  our  helper. 

16.  Wrote.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Day.  She 
has  left  a  good  name,  better  than  precious  ointment.  Much  fatigued  by  being 
so  much  in  sick  rooms.     Wrote. 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  business  at  the  bank.  Saw  Miss  Flint. 
She  wishes  a  copy  of  my  sermon  at  her  father's  funeral  for  publication.  She 
gave  me  Gibbs's  Hebreiv  Lexicon.*'  My  choice  of  a  volume  from  her  father's 
library.  Wrote  to  Sidney  Mills,  of  Yale  College.  Much  hindered.  Mr. 
Linsly's  society  are  about  to  build  an  elegant  new  meeting-house.  Paid  for 
a  ream  of  best  writing  paper,  $4.50.  Paid  my  subscription  for  Washington 
College,  $25.00.  In  Hartford  very  muddy.  At  evening  our  prayer-meeting 
was  held  in  the  academy,  with  special  reference  to  our  prevailing  sickness. 
Visited  the  sick.     They  appear  worse.     Was  up  late. 

19.  Was  called  early  to  see  a  sick  child.'  Baptized  it.  A  man  called  to 
see  me  who,  I  hope,  has  recently  got  religion.  Much  hindered.  Am  unable 
to  write  a  sermon  today  as  I  designed.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr, 
Hooker,  of  Hartford.  Yesterday  had  the  pleasing  intelligence  that  my  sister 
had  an  additional  daughter,''  and  all  well.     Wrote.     Read  the  Bible. 

20.  Wrote   an   addition   to   my  sermon   at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Flint,  and 


'  Such  was  doubtless  the  opinion  of  the  was  a  native  of  Salem,  Mass.,  born  in  1790, 

New  England  Federalists  generally.  was  graduated  at  Yale,  1809,  and  was  Profes- 

^  This  was  the  congregation  which,  a  few  sor  of  Sacred  Literature  at  Yale  from  1824  to 

years  later,  was  to  come  under  the  pastoral  his  death  in  1S61 — a  gentle-hearted  man,  and 

care  of  Dr.  Horace  Bushnell.  a  profound  philological  scholar. 

*  Widow  Bethia  Strong,  aged  seventy-six,  ^  Samuel,  son  of  Samuel  Waterman, 

and  Widow  Mary  Day,  aged  seventy-eight.  *  -pj^jg  ^^.^g  Ellen,  youngest  child  of  Joseph 

■*  This   was   a   work   which    Prof.  Josiah  and    Sarah    Battell,   now   the    wife    of    Dr. 

Willard  Gibbs,  LL.D.,  of  Yale  Theological  Azariah    Eldridge,   brother    of    Dr.  Joseph 

Seminary,  had  just  published,  Ncbrexu  Lexi-  Eldridge,   who   married    Sarah    Battell,   the 

cm  of  the  Old  Testament,  1824.     Prof.  Gibbs  oldest  daughter  of  the  familv. 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  999 

preached  it  in  the  afternoon  on  John  ix  :  4.  In  the  forenoon  preached  with 
old  notes  on  Matt,  xvi :  26.  Mentioned  five  cases  for  prayers  in  the  morning, 
and  one  in  the  afternoon.  Visited  the  sick  child.  Am  troubled  with  a  pain 
in  my  side.     Had  a  full  conference. 

21.  Read.  Looked  over  pamphlets.  Added  twenty  silver  coins  and 
twenty  coppers  to  my  stock.  A  number  of  them  have  been  given  to  me, 
others  have  cost  me  $4.60.  Visited  the  sick.  The  late  Mrs.  Day  has  willed 
to  me  as  trustee  five  hundred  dollars  for  the  benefit  of  this  church  and 
society. 

22.  Began  to  write  off  my  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  Flint.  Visited  Mr. 
Sadd  at  Wapping.     He  is  evidently  failing.     Cold.     Wrote  late. 

23.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands.  Mrs.  Austin,  of  East  Hartford, 
died  last  evening,  after  a  short  illness.  She  and  Mr.  Fairchild  had  designed 
to  be  published  last  Sabbath,  and  come  here  in  the  evening  and  be  married. 
Visited  Mr.  F.  He  is  greatly  afflicted.  Visited  the  other  mourners.  Visited 
the  sick. 

24.  Visited  the  sick.  I  hope  they  are  generally  getting  better.  Rode  to 
East  Hartford  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Austin.  Mr.  Fairchild 
appeared  as  chief  mourner.  Went  over  to  Hartford  to  procure  a  supply  for 
him  on  the  next  Sabbath.     The  roads  are  dry. 

25.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  two  schools.  Am  much  hurried. 
Attended  the  evening  prayer-meeting.  Cold  and  rough  weather.  People 
have  sowed  early  grain. 

26.  It  snowed  and  hailed  moderately  the  most  of  the  day.  Visite'd  a 
young  woman  in  a  dying  state,  and  a  sick  child.  Wrote  and  finished  a  ser- 
mon begun  some  time  since  on  i  Pet.  i:   15  and  16.     Wrote  late. 

27.  Rode  to  East  Hartford,  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  for  Mr.  Fair- 
child  on  I  Cor.  XV :  56,  57.  He  is  quite  feeble.  Mr.  Hooker,'  of  Suffield, 
supplied  me.  Rode  home  in  the  intermission  and  preached  on  i  Pet.  i : 
15,  16.  Cold.  The  snow  went  off.  Attended  the  evening  conference. 
Much   fatigued. 

28.  A  child  died  last  night.  Cold  and  tedious.  Visited  the  sick. 
Attended  the  funeral  of  a  young  woman '^  who  died  of  consumption.     Wrote. 

29.  Visited  a  school.     Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.     Visited.     Read. 

30.  Began  to  write  a  sermon  for  the  Fast.  My  time  is  much  taken  up. 
Afternoon  visited  a  school.  After  which  married  a  respectable  bachelor  of 
about  sixty-five.^    Wet.     Read  Burke. 

31.  Yesterday  received  of  my  collector,  $30.00.  Wrote  on  my  sermon. 
Afternoon  visited  our  academy.     Wrote  late.     Warm. 


'  This  was  probably  Henry  B.  Hooker,  a    most    excellent  man,    a    good    preacher, 

D.  D.,  a  native  of  Rutland,  Vt.,  graduated  at  and  a  sincere  Christian. 

Middlebury  College,  1821,  and  from  Andover  ^  Miss  Clarissa  Ranney,  aged  twenty-three. 

Seminary,  1S25.     The  later  years  of  his  life,  ^  Roger  Burnham,  of  East  Hartford,  and 

1858-1S73,   he   was    Secretary   of    the    Mas-  Roxey  Kilbourn.     Dr.  Robbins  himself  had 

sachusetts    Home    Missionary   Society.     He  now  grown  to  be  a  respectable  bachelor  of 

died  in  Boston    Highlands,  1881.       He  was  forty-eight. 


iOOO  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    RODBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

April. 

1.  Fast.  Wrote  and  finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Lev,  xxiii : 
26-31.  Our  meeting  was  at  the  usual  period  of  our  sacramental  lecture. 
Noticed  that  occasion.     At  evening  attended  a  conference.     Much  fatigued. 

2.  Rode  to  Berlin  and  attended  the  funeral  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Skinner.' 
He  preached  last  Sabbath,  was  taken  sick  in  the  evening  of  a  bilious  colic, 
and  died  on  Thursday  evening.  I  know  not  why  he  should  be  taken  rather 
than  I.  Mr.  Brace  preached  very  well.  Mr.  Linsly  went  with  me  from 
Hartford.  A  large  number  of  ministers  were  present.  Cold  and  rough  east 
wind.     Got  home  late. 

3.  It  snowed  the  most  of  the  da}',  and  was  very  tedious.  Meeting  thin. 
Attended  the  sacrament.  A  good  number  of  the  church  were  present. 
Preached  with  old  notes  on  Luke  xii :  42,  and  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor. 
xvi :  22.     Wrote.     Weak  and  sore  at  my  lungs. 

4.  Opened  the  electors'  meeting  with  prayer,  and  left  the  meeting  as 
usual.  They  chose  Democratic  representatives.  The  first  time.  Both 
openly  irreligious  and  ungodly  men.^  A  severe  and  holy  frown  of  heaven. 
Read  Connediait  Forty  Years  Since?  We  had  a  full  monthly  concert.  Was 
up  late. 

5.  Warm.  Read.  Mr.  King,"  of  Vernon,  called  on  me,  and  stayed  almost 
all  day.     Wrote  on  my  accounts. 

6.  Wrote.  Rode  to  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford  and  visited.  Saw  a 
boy  of  sixteen  in  a  consumption.     Attended  the  chureh  conference, 

7.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  Pine  Meadow.  Dry  and  very  dusty.  Paid  for 
spirits  and  a  keg,  $13.59.     The  water  has  not  been  in  the  meadows  at  all. 

8.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  Mr.  Sadd.  He  appears  to  be  failing 
fast  with  his  disease.  A  woman'  died  last  night  with  the  dropsy.  Visited. 
Visited  a  school.  The  scfiool  visitors  are  very  remiss.  Had  no  one  of  them 
with  me.     At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting, 

9.  Wrote  a  part  of  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii:  24.  Afternoon  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mrs.  Bow.  Visited.  Find  that  I  have  taken  a  cold.  Was  not 
able  to  finish  my  sermon.  Read.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr,  Thaddeus 
Osgood.* 


'  Rev.  Newton    Skinner  was  a  native   of  ■''  Mrs.  Wealthy  Bow,  aged  fifty-five. 

East  Granby  (Turkey  Hills),  Ct,  was  gradu-  *  Rev.  Thaddeus  Osgood  was  a  graduate 

ated  at  Yale  in   1804.     He  was   a  man  of  of   Dartmouth   College  in   1803,  and  for  a 

great  physical  strength,  and  was  in  the  very  short  time  preached  at  South  Britain,  Ct.     A 

midst  of  life,  not  far  from  forty  years.     His  remarkable  organizer.     He  formed  the  First 

wife,   it  will    be    remembered,   was    Ursula  Church  in  Buffalo,  and  many  other  churches, 

Wolcott,  daughter  of  Mr.  Samuel  Wolcott,  In  181 2  he  collected  $9,000  in  England,  and 

of  East  Windsor.  established  a  school  in  Quebec  in  which  two 

^  That  was  the  general  style  of  a  Demo-  hundred  boys  were  gathered.     In    1825   he 

crat,  as  estimated  by  the  other  side.  was  in   England,  where  he  gathered  $5,000 

^  This  was  a  i2mo  volume,  published  in  for  the  promotion  of  education.     He  died  at 

Hartford  in  1824,  a  book  of  278  pages,  au-  last  in  Scotland  in  1S62,  at  the  age  of  eightj'- 

thor's  name  not  given.  seven.     He  was  a  native  of  Methuen,  Mass. 

*  Probably  Col.  Francis  King.  He  had  peculiar  aptitude  for  his  chosen  work. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  lOOI 

10.  In  the  forenoon  expounded  on  the  last  chapter  of  Acts,  and  finished 
the  book.  Am  quite  hoarse,  and  much  oppressed  with  a  cold.  Preached  an 
old  sermon  on  Isa.  xxxiii :  14.  After  meeting  rode  to  Wapping  with  a  few 
friends,  and  had  a  very  solemn  visit  with  the  excellent  Mr.  Sadd.  He 
appears  to  be  on  the  confines  of  heaven.  Visited  a  family  who  have  lost  an 
infant  child.     Very  tired. 

11.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  infant  child.  Mr. 
Sadd'  died  this  morning.  He  was  the  best  and  most  useful  man  in  Wapping, 
and  one  of  the  first  in  the  church  and  in  the  town.  He  is  taken  from  a  nu- 
merous family,  by  a  consumption,  at  fifty  years  of  age.  May  God  by  his  grace 
supply  the  void.  Visited  the  distressed  family.  My  cold  and  hoarseness  are 
much  increased.  Read.  Very  dry.  Cool.  The  thermometer  on  Saturday 
was  at  70°,  and  yesterday  higher. 

12.  Last  night  was  quite  unwell  with  my  cold.  Worked  a  good  deal  at 
bottling  cider.  We  have  three  hundred  and  nine  bottles,  and  two  hundred 
and  thirty-three  are  filled  with  good  T.  Hills ^  cider.  Paid  a  tailoress,  $1.29. 
Wrote  on  an  (expositor. 

13.  Cool  and  very  dry.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  affecting  funeral 
of  my  friend,  Mr.  Sadd.  It  was,  I  think,  the  largest  and  most  interesting 
funeral  I  have  ever  attended  in  Wapping.  Looked  at  a  Boston  catalogue  of 
books.     Mr.  Smith,^  of  Durham,  called  on  me.     Paid  him  for  books,  $1.50. 

14.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  man. 
Rode  to  Hartford.  Mr.  Wolcott  and  Eveline  and  others  went  off  in  a  steam- 
boat for  New  York.  Did  errands.  Paid  for  oats,  $3.36.  Wrote.  Yesterday 
received  a  letter  from  S.  H.  Huntington  *  requesting  me  to  preach  on  election 
evening,  before  the  Hartford  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Intemperance. 
On  the  8th  paid  for  wine,  ^1.33. 

15.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Sowed  an  asparagus  bed.  Planted  peas. 
Visited  the  sick.  My  kinsman,  G.  A.  Alden,  has  come  to  live  with  Mr. 
Haskell.  Received  a  dozen  copies  of  my  sermon  at  the  installation  of  Mr. 
Burt  at  Manchester,  lately  finished.  It  has  a  number  of  typographical  errors.' 
Very  warm  and  dry.     Saw  blossoms  on  the  fruit-trees. 

16.  Assisted  in  setting  some  maple-trees.  The  thermometer  at  76°. 
Visited  a  woman  very  sick.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  James.  Am 
pretty  feeble.     Wrote. 

17.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Acts  v  :  20.  Afternoon 
an  old  sermon  on  i  John  iii :  9.  Exceeding  warm  and  dusty.  The  ther- 
mometer at  82°.  A  very  hearty  woman ^  died  last  night  with  pneumonia. 
Visited  the  family. 


'  Mr.  Noah   Sadd,   born  June    10,    1774,  ^  Dr.  David  Smith, 

died   April   11,  1825.      Fifty  years  and   ten  *  Samuel    H.   Huntington,   graduated    at 

months.  Yale  in  181S. 

^  T.    Hills    means    Turkey    Hills,   which  '  p,-oof-i-eading  was  far  less  exact  than  now. 

seems  to  have  had  a  special  reputation  for  its  In  these  days  Dr.  Robbins  would  have  seen 

cider.     Dr.  Robbins  and  Mr.  Wolcott  made  a  the  proof, 
point  of  getting  their  cider  from  that  place.  *  Mrs.  Betsey  Mack,  aged  thirty-seven. 


I002  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    RORBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

18.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Mack.  She 
was  buried  in  East  Hartford.     Visited.     Thermometer  about  76°.     Read. 

19.  Wrote  and  finished  copying  my  sermon  on  the  death  of  Dr.  Flint. 
We  had  a  little  rain.  It  is  very  dry.  Received  a  dozen  copies  of  my  sermon 
at  the  installation  of  Mr.  Burt.  It  has  several  bad  errors  in  printing. 
Received  them  yesterday. 

20.  Quite  cool.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  performed  a  marriage.' 
Crossed  to  Hartford,  Did  errands.  Mr.  Wolcott  and  daughter  returned  from 
New  York.     Flowers  have  been  in  the  gardens  for  several  days, 

21.  Wrote.  Visited,  My  brother  James  came  here  unexpectedly.  His 
health  appears  better  than  heretofore.  Quite  cold.  Last  night  it  froze  a 
good  deal. 

22.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Enfield,  and  made  a  short  visit.  Towards 
night  he  returned  to  Hartford,     Attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Pretty  full. 

23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Deut.  xxxii:  35,  Visited  a  sick  man 
very  low.  In  the  afternoon  he  died."  Visited  the  family.  Worked  some  in 
the  garden. 

24.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Preached  with 
old  notes  on  i  Pet.  i:  10.  Heard  from  Norfolk,  The  congregation  appeared 
solemn.     Wrote  to  my  mother  and  sent  her  $5.00. 

25.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Attended  the  funeral  of 
Mr.  Newbury.     Read  the  Bible.     Warm. 

26.  Read,  Wrote  on  an  expositor.  Wrote  to  Mr.  E.  F.  Reed,  of  New 
York,  Warm  and  dry.  Hindered  by  company.  Read  the  Bible,  I  have 
latterly  too  much  neglected  this  duty.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Matthew 
Mayhew,^  of  Chilmark,  Martha's  Vineyard.  Began  a  sermon  for  the  Hartford 
Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Intemperance  on  James  v  :  19,  20, 

27.  Worked  some,  I  am  pretty  languid,  and  am  troubled  with  a  tremor. 
Rode  out  and  visited.     Read, 

28.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.     Warm.     Visited.     My  eyes  sensibly  fail. 

29.  Wrote.  We  had  a  very  refreshing  rain,  though  not  great.  At  evening 
attended  our  prayer-meeting. 

30.  Wrote  and  finished  my  sermon  on  James  v:  19,  20.  I  write  pretty 
slow.  At  evening  visited  Mr.  Haskell,*  who  is  quite  sick.  I  feel  anxious 
concerning  him.  The  month  of  April  has  been  uncommonly  warm.  Blossoms 
begin  to  appear  on  apple-trees.' 

May. 

I.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Luke  xiii :  3.  Wrote  three  pages,  and 
finished  a  sermon  begun  some  time  since  on  Heb.  xii :  24.  Spoke  with 
difficulty.     Had  no  conference.     We  had  our  annual  contribution,  and  col- 


'  The  parties  were  Ashbel  Hills  and  Phi-  hew,  who  died  in  1S15,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 

lura  Brewer,  both  of  East  Hartford.  five.     This  entry  confirms  that  conjecture. 

2  Mr.  John  Newbury,  aged  sixty-eight.  *  Eli  B.  Haskell,  Esq. 

^  In  a  previous  note  we  conjectured  that  *  This    was   certainly   proof  of  an   early 

Mr.  M.  Mayhew  must  mean  Matthew  May-  spring,  as   ordinarily  we    do   not   see   apple 

hew,  son  of  the  venerable  Dr.  Matthew  May-  blossoms  till  toward  the  middle  of  May 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


1003 


lected   $29.91.     We   grow  less  from  year  to  year.     We  are  in  a  low  state. 
Preached  in  the  afternoon  the  sermon  just  finished.'     Walked  out. 

2.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Mr.  Haskell  is  getting  better.  Visited  at 
Wapping.     Cold.     At  evening  our  monthly  prayer-meeting  was  thin. 

3.  This  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  The  early  fruit  is  probably 
injured.  Wrote  on  an  expositor.  Read.  We  had  rain  and  thunder.  Mr. 
A.  Gaylord  came  here  and  tarried.  At  evening  attended  our  church  confer- 
ence. 

4.  Some  frost.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  election.^  The 
transactions  were  very  good.  A  great  collection  of  people.  Mr.  Dow 
preached  very  well,  but  too  short ;  forty-eight  minutes.^  At  evening  I 
preached  for  the  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Intemperance,  and  had  a  very 
good  audience.  Rode  home  late  with  my  brother.  A  large  number  of 
ministers  were  present.  Mr.  Battell  told  me  that  my  mother  is  sick,  and 
very  desirous  to  have  me  go  there.  Received  a  letter  from  my  Uncle  Starr,^ 
and  one  from  Mr.  Waterman,^  of  Bridgeport.  The  two  Representatives  from 
Norfolk,  Pettibone  and  Battell,*  are  worth  more  property  than  those  of  any 
other  town. 

5.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  auction  of  Dr.  Flint's  books. 
Bought  a  number  of  volumes.  Wet.  The  Legislature  appears  pretty  slim. 
Wrote.     A  full  blowth  on  the  apple-trees.     Dr.  Tudor  is  quite  feeble. 

6.  Did  errands.  Set  out  late  for  Norfolk.  Cool,  pound  mother  quite 
low,  with  not  much  disease  except  a  bad  cough.     Something  tired. 

7.  Walked  out.  My  mother  is  quite  feeble,  and  her  memorj-  appears 
doubtful.  Mr.  Emerson  rode  to  Northington  to  supply  Mr.  Kellogg^  to- 
morrow, who  is  to  preach  for  me.     Read. 

8.  Preached  on  John  iii:  3,  and  Luke  xvii :  22.  I  think  this  is  the  first 
time  that  I  have  ever  preached  in  this  meeting-house  *  on  the  Sabbath.  The 
congregation  appears  well.  They  have  a  good  organ.  At  meeting  preached 
at  the  conference  room  to  a  full  meeting  without  notes  on  Heb.  xii :  24. 
Very  tired. 

9.  The   early   blossoms  appear  here.     Warm.     Wet.     Walked   out   and 


'  It  has   been   noticed,  probably,  by  the  port,   1806-1825.     He   died   in   October   fol- 

readers  of  this  diary,  that  when  Dr.  Robbins  lowing. 

has  an  old  sermon  and  a  new,  as  often  hap-  *  Augustus  Pettibone  and  Joseph  Battell. 

pens,  he  is  apt  to  put  the  new  one  into  the  Since  Norfolk  became  a  town,  in  1758,  down 

afternoon.      In   those   days   in   the    country  to   the   year  1S25,  there  had  been  compara- 

towns,  the   afternoon    audiences   were    gen-  tively  few  years  when  some  man  of  the  name 

erally  the  larger  of  the  two.  Pettibone    had    not   represented    the    town, 

^  Oliver  Wolcott,  the   younger,  who  was  either  in  the  spring  or  the  fall  session  of  the 

first  chosen  Governor  in  1817,  was  annually  legislature.       Giles    Pettibone    had    served 

re-chosen  every  year  till  1827.  eighteen   years   in   that  capacity;    Augustus 

^  Dr.  Daniel  Dow,  of  Thompson ;  and  we  Pettibone  had  served  fifteen  years,  and  Amos 

should  say  that  forty-eight  minutes  was  just  Pettibone  followed  on  in  this  dignified  and 

about  the  right  time  for  an  election  sermon.  honorable  succession. 

■♦  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  of  Warren.  ^  Rev.  Bela  Kellogg,  a  triple  exchange. 

*  Rev.  Elijah  Waterman,  settled  in  Bridge-  *  The  new  meeting-house  at  Norfolk. 


I004  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

visited,     I  think  the  character  of  this  town  is  not  declining.     Its  inhabitants 
are  much  changed. 

10.  Rode  out  with  my  cousin  William.'  My  mother  has  frequent  poor 
turns,  and  is  very  feeble,  but  I  think  she  is  a  little  better.  Read.  Walked 
out.  People  here  are  making  their  gardens.  At  evening  brother  James  came 
here.     Mother  is  not  able  to  sit  up. 

11.  My  mother  gave  me  a  very  large  pewter  platter,  and  I  gave  Sally  Law- 
rence, who  is  to  have  her  furniture,  $1.00.  Rode  home.  Mr.  Gay,  of  Suffield, 
preached  here  last  Sabbath  for  Mr.  Kellogg.  I  hope  my  journey  has  been  a 
comfort  to  my  mother.     She  appears  like  a  ripened  Christian. 

12.  Visited  an  aged  woman  vety  lov/.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  town  very 
full  of  people.  The  annual  meeting  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  was  to 
be  holden.  I  was  the  only  person  who  attended.  Attended  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Society  of  the  Retreat  for  the  Insane.  At  evening  made  a 
draft  for  an  act  to  incorporate  a  Historical  Society. "^  Got  home  late.  Mrs. 
Rockwell,^  one  of  our  best  women,  died  this  afternoon. 

13.  Wrote.  Attended  to  my  books.  Read  Labaume's  Russian  Campaign.* 
Attended  our  evening  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

14.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  1 :  5.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the 
late  aged  and  pious  Mrs.  Rockwell.  Wrote  late,  and  something  easier  than 
usual  by  the  divine  blessing.     Visited. 

15.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  1:  5.  Expounded  on 
Luke    i :    1-46.     Had   a   full   conference.     Baptized    a   child.^ 

16.  Wrote.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  saw  Mr.  Fairchild.  Made  some 
inquiry  respecting  the  ancestry  of  the  Pitkin  family.     Worked  at  my  library. 

17.  Rode  to  Simsbury  to  attend  ministers' meeting.  Mr.  Thomas  Case's 
house,  with  his  back  buildings,  were  burnt  in  the  middle  of  the  day.  All  the 
members  of  our  meeting  were  present  and  Mr.  Hallock.  I  preached  on 
Ps.  1:5.  ^^'e  had  a  good  meeting.  On  Sabbath  evening  a  man  was  killed 
at  Farmingon  by  an  insane  man,  and  yesterday  one  was  shot  in  the  pursuit 
of  the  insane  person.^ 

18.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  home.  Saw  Mr.  Battell.  Our  mother  is  hope- 
fully a  little  better.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  directors  of  the  Retreat. 
Went  there  with  Mr.  Ellsworth  to  examine  the  circumstances  of  a  late 
elopment.  Warm.  Last  night  we  had  a  very  refreshing  shower.  Received  a 
letter  from  T.  Dwight,'  Jr.,  of  New  York. 

ig.  Wrote.  Worked  in  the  garden.  Shower)'.  A  very  growing  season. 
Performed  a  marriage.^     Read  old  pamphlets. 


'  J.  W.  Lawrence.  ^  Seth,  son  of  Benjamin  Gillett. 

^  Connecticut  Historical  Society.  ^  There  were   some    tragedies    in    those 

^  Widow  Abigail  Rockwell,  aged  eighty-  quiet  days  of  old,  even  in  the  land  known  as 

four.  ore  of  steady  habits. 

*  A  Sketch  of  the  Campaign  of  the  French  ^  Theodore  Dwight,  Jr. 

in    Russia,    by    Eugene    Labaume,    second  ^  The   persons   united   in  marriage   were 

edition,  London,  181 5.    An  edition  published  Nathan   F.   Stoddard,  of  Wethersfield,  and 

in  Philadelphia,  181 5.  Sarah  Knowles,  of  East  Windsor. 


I 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  IOO5 

20.  Read.  Wrote  on  an  expositor.  Had  company.  Attended  the  even- 
ing prayer-meeting.     Wrote. 

21.  Visited.  Finished  one  expositor,  and  wrote  another.  Am  preparing 
to  write  a  sermon  for  General  Association.  Mr.  Battell  and  my  cousin 
G.   Starr  called   here,   and  went  to  Enfield. 

22.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  Ixviii :  i8.  An 
interesting  subject.  Afternoon  preached  an  old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  xiv :  15. 
There  was  a  great  Baptist  meeting.  Baptized  a  child.'  At  evening  attended 
the  conference. 

23.  Wrote.  Warm.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Did  errands.  Have  consider- 
able to  do  for  the  proposed  Historical  Society.  The  House  of  Representa- 
tives are  more  respectable  than  for  a  few  years  past.  Received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Mann,  of  Bristol,  R.  I.,  requesting  an  exchange  for  two  or  three  Sabbaths. 

24.  W'rote.  Messrs.  Pitkin,  Pettibone,  Battell,  and  Hotchkiss,^  Represen- 
tatives, came  up  from  Hartford  and  dined,  and  inspected  my  library.     Read. 

25.  Began  my  sermon  for  General  Association  on  Jer.  vi :  16.  It  requires 
much  investigation.     Quite  warm.     Thermometer  at  82°. 

26.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  ]\Iann,  of  Bristol.  Wrote  on  the  Pitkin  genealogy. 
Wrote  on  my  Association  sermon. 

27.  Wrote  on  my  sermon.  I  get  along  pretty  slow.  Cool.  At  evening 
attended  the  prayer-meeting. 

28.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  I  hope  we  may  have  some  addition  to 
our  church,  but  we  are  very  stupid.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  E.  F.  Reed,^ 
of  New  York.     Quite  cool. 

29.  Preached  an  old  double  sermon  on  Matt,  v:  17.  There  was  a  great 
Baptist  meeting,  and  one  man  baptized.  Visited  a  woman  very  sick.  Very 
dry  and  dusty.  Attended  the  conference.  Was  up  late.  Yesterday  gave  a 
poor  man,  $1.00. 

30.  Wrote  on  the  Pitkin  genealogy.  Rode  to  Hartford.  At  evening  the 
Historical  Society  was  organized.*  It  appeared  well.  Very  warm  and  dusty. 
Got  home  late.  Received  a  bundle  of  books  and  pamphlets  from  Mr. 
Romeyn's^  library  of  New  York.  I  have  made  a  poor  bargain.  Much 
fatigued. 

31.  Received  a  letter  from  my  sister.  My  mother  is  apparently  gaining. 
Visited  a  sick  woman.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  drought  is  severe.  Assisted 
in  forming  a  constitution  for  the  Historical  Society.  Bought  some  old  books. 
Attended  the  meeting  of  the  Historical  Society.     Paid  S3. 00  on  becoming  a 


'  Frances   Maria,   daughter  of   Epaphras  largely  through   his   agency,  that   the   great 

Grant.  library  he  was  so  carefully  gathering  would 

^  Messrs.  Timothy  Pitkin,  of  Farmington,  find  its  permanent  home  in  this  society,  and 

Augustus   Pettibone   and  Joseph   Battell,  of  that  he  himself  would  spend   his  late  years 

Norfolk,  and   Minor   Hotchkiss,  of   Middle-  as  the  honored   librarian   in  this  important 

town.  organization. 

3  Elijah  Fitch  Reed,  M.  D.  *  Rev.  John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D.,  pastor  of 

■•  Dr.   Robbins    little   thought   when    the  the  Duane  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  who 

Connecticut  Historical  Society  was  formed,  died  the  previous  February 


IOo6  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

member.  Paid  $5.00,  my  annual  payment  to  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society. 
Got  home  late.  The  assembly  do  pretty  well.  Am  pretty  feeble.  Have 
seen   ripe    strawberries. 

June. 

1.  Read.  Am  much  fatigued.  Visited  a  sick  woman  and  a  mourning 
family.     Able  to  write  but  little. 

2.  Wrote  on  my  Association  sermon.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child.' 
We  had  a  very  refreshing  rain.  Paid  Dr.  Reed  for  books  bought  at  New 
York  at  a  dear  rate,  $22.20. 

3.  Wrote  diligently  on  my  sermon.  Hindered  by  company.  We  had 
some  rain.     At  evening  our  prayer-meeting  was  thin. 

4.  \\'rote  the  most  of  the  day  on  the  business  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity 
Society  and  the  Everest  fund.     Wet. 

5.  Rainy  and  wet  all  day.  Meeting  very  thin.  Preached  with  old  notes 
on  Matt,  vi:  22,  23.     Wrote. 

6.  Walked  out.  Wrote  on  my  Association  sermon.  The  rains  have  been 
exceedingly  beneficial. 

7.  Rode  to  West  Hartford  with  my  brother,  and  met  with  the  Associa- 
tion. Was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  General  Association.  Left  the 
Association,  and  rode  to  Marlborough^  to  meet  the  directors  of  the  Ministers' 
Annuity  Society,  who  were  there  attending  Association.^  We  could  not  make 
a  settlement  with  the  heirs  of  Mr.  Cook,''  as  we  hoped.  Much  oppressed  with 
the  heat. 

8.  Sat  with  this  Association.  It  appears  well.  Rode  home.  The  heat 
very  severe.  The  thermometer  has  been  today  at  92°;  yesterday  it  was  at 
8g°.  Very  much  fatigued.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Mann,  of 
Bristol. 

9.  Wrote  laboriously  on  my  sermon.  Had  much  mental  fatigue.  Ther- 
mometer 93°. 

ID.  Walked  out  and  visited.  On  Wednesday  evening  attended  our  church 
conference,  and  examined  a  man^  to  be  propounded  to  the  church.  Wrote. 
The  heat  increases  every  day.     Thermometer  96°.     We  had  green  peas. 

11.  Wrote  what  I  could.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Thermometer 
at  98°,  and  a  little  over.  At  night  we  had  a  very  refreshing  shower,  and  a 
great  deal  of  thunder. 

12.  Preached  an  old  sermon  on  John  iii :  16,  17.  The  heat  very  little 
abated.  People  much  oppressed  with  it.  Thin  meeting.  Thermometer  at 
95°.  In  the  morning  married  Samuel  Stiles  and  C.  S.  Reed.*  At  evening 
attended  the  conference.  We  had  a  light  shower  and  much  lightning. 
Received  a  letter  from   B.   Ely,   Esq.,   of  Simsbur}\ 


*  Ann  Maria  Rockwell,  aged  four.  Hartford   North   had   its   meeting  at   West 

^  A   ride   of  some   sixteen   or   seventeen  Hartford, 
miles.  *  Rev.   Elisha   B.   Cook,   who   died    two 

^  The  Association  to  which  Marlborough  years  before  at  Manchester, 
belonged  (Tolland)  was  holding  its  meeting  '  Mr.  Horace  Filley. 

at  Marlborough  on  the  same  day  that  the  ^  Samuel  Stiles,  of  Utica,  N.  Y.,  and  Char- 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


1007 


13.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  sick  woman.  Cooler.  The  thermometer  did 
not  exceed  87°.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  a  meeting  of  the  directors  of 
the  Retreat.     Visited.     Wrote. 

14.  Wrote  copying  my  sermon.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman,' 
who  died  yesterday.     Thermometer  about  78°.     Visited. 

15.  Wrote  laboriously  transcribing  my  sermon.  It  is  unreasonably  long. 
Thermometer  80°. 

16.  Wrote.  Close  study  affects  my  nerves.  Walked  out.  Towards 
evening   rode    to   Enfield.     Cool. 

17.  I  conclude  to  omit  some  things  from  my  sermon  on  my  brother's 
advice.     Rode  home.     Wrote.     At  evening  had  a  full  prayer-meeting. 

18.  Concluded  to  sell  a  small  piece  of  my  land.  About  noon  finished  my 
long  sermon.  I  am  troubled  to  abridge  it.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Linsley,^  of  Hartford.  Wrote.  The  ground  is  quite  dry.  We  have  a  plenty 
of  peas,  the  first  of  our  own  on  the  12th.  On  the  14th  wrote  to  my  mother. 
Am  fatigued  with  study. 

19.  Rode  to  Mr.  Bartlett's,  and  made  an  exchange  with  him.  Preached 
on  John  iii :  3,  and  Ps.  .1 :  5.  The  meeting-house  was  very  warm.  At  even- 
ing rode  home  and  attended  conference.  The  thermometer  was  90°.  Very 
tired. 

20.  Rode  to  Litchfield  to  attend  General  Association.  Hindered  at 
Hartford.  The  heat  and  dust  very  oppressive.  Rode  slow.  Went  to  Mr. 
Deming's,^  and  was  kindly  received.  My  thermometer,  as  I  have  been  since 
informed,  was  92°. 

21.  Very  warm  and  sultry.  My  brethren  have  a  very  uncomfortable  time 
to  come  into  town.  Called  on  Mr.  Beecher.'*  The  Association  met.  I  was 
chosen  scribe,  and  Dr.  Chapin'  moderator.  The  public  service  was  at  four 
o'clock.  In  sermon  I  spoke  rapidly,  and  omitted  what  I  could,  and  spoke 
eighty-five  minutes.^  I  was  very  tired,  as  well  as  my  hearers.  In  the  after- 
noon the  heat  seemed  to  abate.  Mrs.  Battell  and  a  part  of  her  family  were 
here.  The  audience  seemed  to  be  very  attentive.^  At  evening  we  had  a 
hard  thunder-shower.     My  thermometer,  since  informed,  was  at  95°. 

22.  Am  very  busy  with  my  scribeship.  This  is  an  excellent  family,  and  I 
am  treated  with  great  kindness.  In  the  afternoon  there  was  public  worship 
and  the  sacrament.  There  was  a  great  number  of  ministers  and  commtmi- 
cants.  I  did  not  attend.  I  was  very  busy  on  my  writing.  The  other  scribe 
does  the  most  of  the  reading,  but  none  of  the  writing.     At  evening  heard  Mr. 


lotte  Sophia  Reed,  of  East  Windsor.     Ances-  ^  Stephen  Deming,  Esq.,  a  place  where  he 

trally,  this  Samuel  Stiles  probably  belonged  used  to  visit  years  before, 
to  the  Stiles  family  of  Windsor,  descended  *  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher,  who  had  now  been 

from  John  Stiles,  the  settler.     The  bride  was  at  Litchfield  fifteen  years,  but  was  to  go  the 

the  daughter  of  Dea.  Abnev  Reed.  next  year  to  Boston. 

*  Miss  Lucy  Grant,  aged  sixty-two.  ^  Dr.  Calvin  Chapin,  of  Rocky  Hill. 

-  Dr.  Joel  H.  Linsley.     Dr.  Robbins  spells  *  Too  long  by  thirty-five  minutes, 

it   without  the   e,   but    Dr.    Linsley    always  ^  The   word  patient  sometimes  expresses 

used  it.  better  the  fact  in  such  cases. 


IOo8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

Hopkins,'  of  Vermont,  who  preached  well.     We  have  a  cool  and  good  air. 
My  Uncle  Starr  is  here  and  comfortable. 

23.  Attended  the  morning  prayer-meeting.  There  is  some  attention  here. 
The  Association  have  driven  business  very  much,  according  to  their  time. 
They  finished  their  session  at  one  o'clock,  P.  M.  I  am  much  fatigued. 
Visited  some  families.  Mr.  Landon  gave  me  near  fifty  of  Mr.  Champion's^ 
old  pamphlets.     Called  at  Mr.  Bacon's.^ 

24.  Took  leave  of  my  kind  host  and  his  accomplished  family.  Mr. 
Battell  was  here  yesterday,  and  dined  with  me.  Called  at  Mr.  F.  Wolcott's* 
and  Mrs.  Reeve's.^  Saw  the  former  Mrs.  Hooker,*  of  Goshen.  Rode  home. 
This  morning  we  had  a  good  shower.  Got  home  well.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Goldthwait,  of  Hartford,  requesting  me  to  deliver  an  address  at 
Hartford  at  Independence. 

25.  Am  much  debilitated  by  my  late  labors.  Two  young  men  called  on 
me  from  Hartford  to  get  me  to  deliver  the  Independence  address.  With 
much  reluctance  I  engaged  to  do  it.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Linsly,  of  Hart- 
ford.    Arranged  the  General  Association  papers.     Read  newspapers. 

26.  Expounded  on  Luke  i :  46  to  ii :  15,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on 
2  Chron.  xxix :  10.  Meeting  pretty  thin.  Received  Mr.  Filley' to  the  com- 
munion of  the  church.  He  was  baptized.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  old 
Mrs.  Sadd ;  very  low.  Attended  the  conference.  Had  read  the  General 
Association  narrative  of  the  state  of  religion. 

27.  Am  quite  feeble.  Walked  out.  People  are  haying.  Wrote.  Visited. 
Rode  to  Pine  Meadow,  and  tarried  over  night.  I  think  I  have  never  known 
a  finer  season  for  vegetation. 

28.  In  the  forenoon  we  had  a  very  hard  rain.  Began  to  write  my  address 
for  Independence.     Towards  night  rode  home.     Read. 

29.  Wrote  on  my  address.  Received  a  letter  of  thanks  from  S.  H.  Hunt- 
ington, of  Hartford,  in  behalf  of  the  Society  for  the  Suppression  of  Intemper- 
ance, with  a  donation  of  $3.00  for  my  preaching  on  the  election  evening. 
Saw  a  young  woman  in  great  distress  of  mind. 

30.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  Aiken,*  of  Utica.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Linsly,  of  Hartford.  Attended  the  funeral  of  good  old  Mrs.  Sadd,  of  Wap- 
ping, who  died  on  Tuesday.  Our  best  church  members  are  called  away. 
Wrote  on  my  address.  Walked  out  and  visited.  The  prospects  of  the 
harvest  are  very  fine.  Yesterday  a  Mr.  Rockwell,'  a  minister  in  New  Connec- 
ticut, called  on  me.  Gave  him  $i.oo  for  a  public  charity.  Paid  $1.50  on  my 
highway  tax.     Am  quite  languid. 


'  Rev.  Josiah  Hopkins,  born  in  Pittsford,  ^  Widow   of   Tapping    Reeve,    LL.D.,   of 

Vt.,  178S,  graduated  at  Middlebury  College,  the  Litchfield  Law  School.     He  died  in  1S23. 

1813,  pastor  at  Nev/  Haven,  Vt.,  1809-1830.  *  Widow  of  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker. 

^  Rev.  Judah  Champion,  pastor  at  Liich-  '  Mr.  Horace  Filley,  before  mentioned, 

field,  1753-1S10.  ^  Rev.  Samuel  C.  Aikin. 

^  Asa  Bacon,  Esq.  9  Rev.  Daniel  Rockwell,  a  native  of  Corn- 

■*  I'>ederick    Wolcott,    brother    of    Gov.  wall,  Vt.,  who  went  out  as  a  missionary  to 

Oliver  Wolcott.  Ohio. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR.  IOO9 

July. 

1.  Wrote.  Preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  2  Chron, 
xxix :  6.  Thin  meeting  and  all  dull.  Evening  meeting  pretty  full.  Quite 
feeble.     Thermometer  88°. 

2.  Finished  my  address  for  Independence.  It  has  cost  me  a  good  deal 
of  study.  At  four  o'clock  began  a  sermon  on  Luke  x:  27,  and  wrote  six 
pages.  Wrote  unusually  fast  and  easy.'  The  weather  is  very  languid.  Ther- 
mometer at  82°. 

3.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Luke  xix:  21.  In  the  forenoon 
preached  with  old  notes  on  John  xvi :  ^^.  Administered  the  sacrament.  The 
church  pretty  full.  Had  an  addition  of  three  worthy  members,^  by  letter. 
Warm  and  languid.  Thermometer  86°.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  preached  on 
Heb.  xii :  14.  Baptized  a  child  ^  there.  Visited  a  sick  woman,  very  low. 
Very  tired. 

4.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  hard  thunder-shower.  Rode  to  Hartford  and 
attended  the  celebration.  The  company  was  almost  wholly  military.  The 
audience  was  large  in  the  north  meeting-house.  My  address  was  near  tifty 
minutes.  We  had  a  good  dinner  at  Dutch  Point.*  Dr.  Perkins  and  Mr. 
Mervvin,  of  New  Haven,  were  with  us.  Paid  S^4.oo,  my  annual  payment  to  the 
Retreat.  We  had  a  very  favorable  day.  At  evening  attended  the  concert  of 
prayer.     Quite  thin.     Much  fatigued. 

5.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Whittlesey,  of  Danbury.  Rode  out.  At  evening  we  had  a 
good  church  conference.  A  very  growing  season,  but  pretty  poor  hay  weather. 
People  began  reaping  yesterday.  The  season  has  not  been  so  early  for 
several  years. 

6.  Wrote.  Prepared  for  my  journey.  Afternoon  rode  to  East  Hart- 
ford and  attended  a  funeral.  Crossed  to  Hartford.  Paid  Hills,  my  merchant 
tailor,  $26.96.  Paid  Col.  Gleason,  $26.00,  for  Seth  Terry,^  for  books  bought 
of  Dr.  Flint's  library.  Paid  E.  W.  Bull  for  wine,  $2.00.  Paid  a  butcher  for  a 
piece  of  beef  I  had  some  time  ago,  $1.08.  Set  out  on  my  journey  to  Rhode 
Island,  and  rode  to  Bolton.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

7.  Rode  to  Windham.  Got  some  pamphlets  and  books  of  the  Misses 
White.^  Paid  them  $1.25.  Rode  to  Mansfield.  Gen.  Salter'  gave  me  a 
number  of  pamphlets,  old  and  good.  Rode  back  to  Windham  and  to  Scot- 
land.®    Tarried  at  a  tavern.     Very  fine  weather. 

8.  Called  early  on  old  Esq.  Devotion.'     He  would  not  let  me  have  any 


'  Writers  will  understand  this  fact.     His  *  Daughters  or  granddaughters,  probably, 

mind   had   become  thoroughly  wakeful   and  of  Rev.  Stephen  White,  pastor  at  Windham, 

active  on  his  address  for  Independence.  1740-1793. 

^  Ralph  R.  Rollo,  Sybil  Rollo,  and  Lucy  ^  Gen.  John  Salter,  son  of  Richard  Salter, 

Ann  Rollo.  D.  D.,  pastor  at  Mansfield,  1744-1787. 

3  Lucy,  daughter  of  John  Stoughton.  ^  A  parish  in  the  town  of  Windham. 

*  Dutch  Point,  on  the  river  a  little  below  «  Judge  Ebenezer  Devotion,  son  of  Rev. 
the  city,  where  the  Dutch  had  their  trading-  Ebenezer  Devotion,  pastor  in  Scotland  par- 
post  before  the  English  settlement  began.  ish,  1735-1771.     This  name,  Devotion,  seems 

s  Seth  Terry,  Esq.,  was  the  administrator,  to  be  a  peculiarly  appropriate  one  fora  Chris- 

probably,  of  Dr.  Flint's  estate.  tian  minister,  like  the  name  Pentecost. 


lOIO  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

pamphlets.  Rode  to  Providence.  The  road  from  Windham  to  Sterling  is 
very  hilly.  Saw  Mrs.  McClure'  at  Providence.  Rode  a  few  miles  and 
tarried  at  a  tavern.  Rode  forty-five  miles.  The  crops  on  my  way  are  good, 
and  nearly  as  forward  as  at  home.  Paid  Gates,  .84 ;  tavern,  and  a  barber, 
$1.60. 

9.  Rode  about  eleven  miles  to  Bristol.  Put  up  with  my  cousin,  W.  Brad- 
ford.^ Kindly  received.  Mr.  Wight,^  an  aged  minister  here,  called  on  me. 
Mr.  Mann,"  with  his  wife,  went  off  for  Connecticut,  on  Tuesday.  Called  at  my 
cousin  George  De  Wolf's.^  His  house  is  much  the  most  splendid  I  have  ever 
seen.     Walked  out  with  Mrs.  Goodwin*  and  visited.     Cool. 

10.  Very  warm.  Preached  on  Cor.  i:  12,  and  i  Cor.  xv:  56,  57.  Much 
oppressed  with  the  heat.  Mr.  Wilcox,  of  Hartford,  was  here  and  preached  in 
the  evening.  The  congregation  is  not  very  large.  Bishop  Griswold^  has 
great  popularity  and  influence  here.     Dined,  splendidly,  at  Gen.  Wolf's. 

11.  Rode  out  with  Mr.  Wilson;  called  on  Mr.  J.  De  Wolf  and  Mr.  J.  Brad- 
ford, and  rode  to  the  summit  of  Mount  Hope.  The  prospect  is  noble.  The 
heat  very  severe.  It  seems  as  if  I  never  perceived  a  more  burning  sun. 
Towards  evening  walked  out.  The  most  of  the  day  there  was  no  breeze  of 
air.  The  thermometer  here  was  95°.  Said  to  be  very  uncommon  for  this 
place.     The  buildings  and  furniture  here  are  very  splendid. 

12.  Had  calls  from  friends.  Rode  with  Mr.  Bradford  to  Pappasquash.^  A 
ver)'  pleasant  situation.  Very  warm,  but  a  good  air.  Wrote.  Dined  with  Mr. 
J.  De  Wolf.  Wrote.  Called  on  Mr.  Wight,  the  senior  minister  here,  and 
looked  over  his  pamphlets.     Drank  tea  with  a  company.     Have  many  cousins. 

13.  Wrote.  Wrote  to  Dr,  Todd,'  of  Hartford.  Looked  over  Mr.  Wight's 
pamphlets.  I  think  I  shall  get  a  good  number  of  him.  Very  hot.  Afternoon 
■we  had  a  grateful  shower.     Rode  out  and  made  calls.     Visited. 


'  Second  wife   of   Dr.  McClure,  of   East  Bristol   in  General   Court  almost  constantly 

Windsor.  from    1798  to  1S20,  John  De  Wolf  in  1S21, 

^  The  diary  has  led  us  to  the  hospitable  George  De  Wolf  followed  from  1822  to  1825, 

home   of   William   Bradford    several    times  and   then   another  James  (probably   son   of 

before.     He  was  Lieut-Governor  of   Rhode  James),  did  the  same  from  1829  to  1837. 
Island.  6  Two  of  Dr.  Robbins's  aunts,  half-sisters, 

^  Henry  Wight,  D.  D.,  had  been  pastor  at  and    several    years   older   than   his   mother, 

Bristol  since  1785.  married  two  brothers  of  the  name  Goodwin. 

"*  Rev.  Joel  Mann  had  been  colleague  with  The   Mrs.  Goodwin   with   whom  he  walked 

Dr.  Wight  since  181 5.  was   wife   of  one   of  his   cousins,  a   son   of 

5  He  was  the  son  probably  of  Capt.  James  Nathaniel  Goodwin. 
De  Wolf,  one  of  the  most  enterprising  and  '  Rev.  Alexander  Vietts  Griswold,  D.  D., 

successful  tea-merchants  in  Bristol.     His  im-  a  native  of  Simsbury,  Ct.,  was  made  Bishop 

mense  fortune  was  due,  however,  largely  to  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  of  New  England  in 

the  slave-trade,  which  he  followed  during  the  iSii,  then  a  new  diocese.     His  residence  was 

last  years  of  the  last  century  and  the  early  at  Bristol.     In  1S29  he  removed  to    Salem, 

years  of  the   present.     The  slave-trade   was  Mass.,  and  his  after  life  was  spent  in  Massa- 

prohibited  in  1S08,  and  he  obeyed  the  law,  chusetts.     He  died  in  1843. 
but  his   wealth   had   been  already  acquired.  ^  One  of  the  ugly  Indian  names.     Some 

He  and  his  sons  were  able  to  live  in  luxury.  of  them  are  more  graceful. 
James  De  Wolf   represented    the  town  of  «  Dr.  Eli  Todd,  of  the  Hartford  Retreat 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR. 


lOII 


14.  Rode  to  Rhode  Island,'  to  Mr.  Ch.  De  Wolf's.  His  seat  is  exceed- 
ingly elegant."     Rode  to  Newport.     Tarried  at  Lieut.-Gov.  Collins's.^ 

15.  Visited  Dr.  Patten."  Walked  about  the  town.  It  appears  to  be  very 
poor.  Mr.  Collins  had  a  dining  party;  Mr.  Cheves  and  others.  I  was  glad 
to  see  the  company.  Returned  to  Vancluse.^  Mr.  De  Wolf  has  some  val- 
uable books. 

16.  Called  on  Dr.  Channing,^  of  Boston,  now  residing  here  at  a  fine 
country-seat.  Rode  to  Bristol  with  my  cousin,  Mrs.  DeWolf.  Am  quite  feeble 
with  a  diarrhoea.     We  have  had  a  very  hot  week.     Called  on  Bishop  Griswold. 

17.  Mr.  Wight  attended  meeting  with  me.  Very  warm.  Preached  on 
Ps.  1 :  5,  and  Ps.  Ixxxiv :  2.  There  appears  to  be  very  little  sense  of  the  holi- 
ness of  the  Sabbath  in  this  town.  At  evening  Mr.  Sessions,  agent  for  the 
Colonization  Society,  preached  to  a  full  house.     Quite  tired. 

18.  Walked  and  visited.  Read.  My  cousins  have  a  good  many  valuable 
books.  Bought  of  Mr.  Wight  one  hundred  and  forty-two  pamphlets,  the  Chris- 
tian History  and  /  Mather's  Life?  Paid  for  the  pamphlets  three  cents  each ; 
for  the  whole,  $8.50.     Steady  hot  weather. 

19.  Read.  Packed  up  books  and  pamphlets  to  be  sent  home.  Wrote. 
Am  quite  feeble  and  languid.  Drank  tea  at  Gen.  De  Wolf's.  His  house  and 
garden  are  exceedingly  magnificent.     Read  the  Spectator,  all  in  one  volume. 

20.  Read  a  new  French  geography.  It  is  constantly  hot  and  so  enervating 
that  I  can  hardly  do  anything.  I  have  intended  to  visit  Rochester,  but  the 
heat  is  so  severe,  and  I  am  so  unwell  with  a  diarrhoea,  that  I  do  not  feel  able 
to  go.  In  the  afternoon  my  brother  Francis  and  his  wife  called  here  on  their 
return  from  Boston,  Rochester,  etc.,  to  their  home.  They  went  on  to  Provi- 
dence,    Rode  to  the  Mount. ^ 

21.  The  heat  seems  rather  to  increase.  It  has  now  continued  with  little 
abatement  near  a  fortnight.  The  ground  has  become  ver}^  hot  and  dry.  A 
fine  season  for  getting  hay.  The  corn  has  grown  very  well.  Rode  out. 
Wrote  to  my  Uncle  Le  Baron,  of  Rochester.  Received  two  copies  of  the  late 
Report  of  the  Retreat,  at  Hartford,  and  gave  them  away.  Paid  for  a  carriage, 
$2.00, 

22.  Made  calls.  Rode  to  Vancluse  on  Rhode  Island.  The  heat  evidently 
increases.  It  is  ver}'  severe,  the  warmest  day,  I  think,  of  this  week.  Kindly 
entertained  at  Mr.  De  Wolf's.  Called  on  Dr.  Channing.  His  country-seat 
is  most  splendid.     Read, 


'  Rhode   Island  proper,  which  gives  the  *  Dr.  William   Patten,  pastor  of   Second 

name  to  the  State,  is  the  island  some  fifteen  Church,  Newport,  17S6-1833. 
or  twenty  miles  long,  on  the  southern  end  of  '  Vancluse  is  supposed  to  be  the  name  of 

which  stands  the  city  of  Newport.  Mr.  Charles  De  Wolf's  place  of  residence. 

-  There  are  many  points  along  the  shore  *  Newport    was    Dr.    William   E.   Chan- 

of  Rhode  Island  of  commanding  beauty.     A  ning's  native  place. 

ride  from  Newport  up  to  the  northern  end  ^  The    Life  of  Increase    MatJier,   by  his 

of  the   island,  in   the   summer   season,   will  son,  Dr.  Cotton   Mather,  first  published  in 

reveal  many  charming  pictures.  1724- 

^  Charles  Collins,  Lieut-Governor.  '  Mount  Hope. 


IOI2  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1S25. 

23.  The  newspapers  abound  with  accounts  of  the  great  heat.  In  the  cities 
there  have  been  a  great  many  deaths.  Rode  in  to  Newport,  Called  at  Gov. 
Collins's.  The  ground  is  very  dry.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  Dined 
with  Dr.  Channing.     He  is  an  agreeable  and  interesting  man.     Read. 

24.  Wrote.  This  family  is  well  regulated  for  one  of  its  description.  Went 
to  meeting  with  Dr.  Channing,  and  preached  in  a  small  meeting-house  they 
have  here,  to  a  few  hearers,  on  James  i:  23,  24.  Took  leave  of  my  friends 
here,  and  rode  to  Bristol.  The  dust  very  tedious,  but  the  heat  a  little  abated. 
Mr.  Mann  and  his  wife  got  home.  They  speak  of  the  heat  at  East  Windsor 
as  unprecedented.  He  preached  here  this  forenoon.  I  preached  in  the  after- 
noon on  Heb.  xi :  24,  25,  and  in  the  evening  without  notes  on  Ps.  iv :  5. 
]\Iuch  fatigued. 

25.  Am  very  feeble.  The  air  exceeding  languid.  Read  a  little.  Dined 
with  Mr.  Mann.  We  had  a  light  shower,  ^^'rote.  Could  not  conveniently 
get  away  today.     Cherries  here  are  good  and  plenty. 

26.  Took  my  leave  of  numerous  friends.  Set  out  on  my  journey  home- 
ward. Rode  to  Providence.  Called  on  Mrs.  McClure.  Rode  to  Hopkinton, 
forty-eight  miles.  The  road  from  Providence  to  New  London  is  very  good. 
Quite  warm,  but  not  so  severe  a  heat  as  it  has  been.  The  drought  is  severe. 
Many  fields  of  corn  appear  to  be  revived.  Left  a  large  bundle  of  books,  etc., 
at  Providence,  to  be  sent  by  the  stage  to  Hartford. 

27.  Rode  to  Stonington.  Kindly  treated  by  Mr.  Hart.'  Visited,  enquiring 
for  pamphlets,  etc.  Stonington  Borough  is  large  and  flourishing.  The  state 
of  religion  here  is  much  improved.  The  aged  IMr.  William  Woodbridge,^ 
whom  I  came  here  principally  to  see,  was  buried  last  Monday.  Mrs.  Eells, 
daughter-in-law  of  the  former  minister,^  and  some  others,  gave  me  some  pam- 
phlets and  manuscripts.  At  evening,  preached  for  Mr.  Hart,  without  notes, 
on  Ps.  iv  :  5. 

28.  Walked  out  with  Mr.  Hart.  Very  dr}-,  but  I  think  this  stony  land 
suffers  less  than  other  places.  Left  Mr.  Hart  and  rode  to  Mrs.  Woodbridge's. 
Kindly  treated.  Mr.  Woodbridge  was  a  good  miser,  and  has  left  a  great 
estate.  His  nephew,  William  Woodbridge,  showed  me  his  collections,  which 
are  a  great  curiosity  to  an  antiquary.  He  gave  me  some  continental  money. 
He  could  give  me  nothing  else,  as  there  had  been  no  inventory.  Rode  to 
Groton  Ferr}\     These  towns  are  improving. 

29.  Crossed  the  ferr}-  in  a  good  horse-boat  to  New  London.  Called  on 
Mr.  McEwen.*  Find  much  kindness.  A  number  of  pamphlets  were  given 
me,  and  Judge  Perkins'  gave  me  two  hundred.     ]\Ir.  McEwen  went  with  me 


*  Rev.   Ira   Hart,   pastor   at    Stonington,  ^  Rev.  Nathaniel  Eells,  pastor  at  Stoning- 

1809-1829.  ton,  1 762-1 786. 

^  This  is  a  man  described  in  a  previous  *  Dr.  Abel  McEwen.     A  call  on  Dr.  Mc- 

note,  a  graduate  of  Yale  in  1765,  first  Princi-  Ewen  was  very  sure  to  be  entertaining  and  in- 

pal  of  Phillips  Academy,  Exeter,  and  father  structive.     In  conversation  few  equaled  him. 

of  William  C.  Woodbridge,  distinguished  as  '  Judge   Elias   Perkins,  born   in   Lisbon, 

an  educator  and  writer.  Ct.,  1767,  graduated  at  Yale,  1786,  died,  1S45. 


[825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


IOI3 


to  see  him.     Quite  warm.     I  cannot  find  the  election  sermon  of  17 10.'     Near 
sundown  left  New  London,  and  rode  to  Salem.     Tarried  at  a  tavern. 

30.  Rode  to  Colchester,  saw  Mr.  Cone.^  The  heat  and  dust  very  oppress- 
ive. The  drought  is  very  oppressive.  Many  fields  of  corn  are  nearly  if  not 
quite  ruined.  The  fields  are  brown.  All  crops  are  suffering  severely.  At 
East  Hartford  saw  Mr.  Fairchild.  He  has  been  to  Philadelphia  and  got 
suddenly  a  young  wife.  In  the  afternoon  got  home,  after  a  prosperous  and 
favorable  journey,  through  the  great  mercy  of  God.  Find  our  family  in 
affliction.  Our  dear  little  Elizabeth  Haskell,^  whom  we  all  loved  too  much, 
died  last  Sabbath.  She  was  sick  with  a  dysentery  about  a  week.  Much 
fatigued.  No  death  among  my  people  in  my  absence.  After  I  got  home,  my 
bundle  that  I  sent  to  Hartford  by  stage  was  brought  me.  I  have  thus  brought 
home,  in  the  whole,  four  hundred  and  sixty-nine  pamphlets.  I  paid  for  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty-five,  and  the  rest  were  given  me.  A  number  of  them 
are  such  as  I  had.  But  they  are  worthy  of  the  last  century,  and  a  valuable 
addition  to  my  stock.  Mr.  Whittlesey,  of  Hartford,  preached  here  last  Sab- 
bath, for  Mr.  Mann.     The  expenses  of  my  journey  have  been  about  $20.00. 

31.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  with  old  notes  on  Rom.  v :  12.  Afternoon, 
an  old  sermon  on  Matt,  xxi:  28.  Shortened  the  afternoon  exercises  on 
account  of  the  weather.  We  had  a  moderate,  but  ver}-  refreshing,  shower. 
There  was  a  shower  here,  of  a  limited  extent,  last  Sabbath ;  so  that  this 
society  has  not  suffered  as  much  as  other  places.  At  evening  rode  to  Pine 
Meadow,  and  saw  my  afflicted  friends.* 

August. 

1.  This  family  is  quite  gloomy.  Wrote  a  will  for  Miss  Eunice  Wolcott.* 
She  is  quite  feeble.  Rode  home.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  the  monthly 
concert. 

2.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  hard  shower.  Wrote.  Looked  over  my 
pamphlets,  lately  procured.  They  make  me  a  fine  addition.  Walked  out. 
Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Battell. 

3.  Vegetation  is  greatly  revived  by  the  rains.  Read.  Walked  out  and 
visited.  Have  received  a  number  of  valuable  books,  as  donations,  in  my  late 
journey.     At  evening  had  a  good  church  conference. 

4.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  library.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Historical  Society.  I  fear  we  shall  have  some  trouble  from 
the  inclination  of  the  Washington  College  folks  to  connect  it  with  that. 

5.  Hindered  by  company.  Two  men  from  Bristol*  were  here  with  me  the 
most  of  the  forenoon  conversing  about  their  church  difficulties.  Rode  out  and 
visited.     Received  a  letter  from  James  Flint,  of  Hartford. 

6.  Began  a  sermon  on  i  Thess.  v :  3,  and  wrote  one  half  of  it.     Hindered 


'  That  is  the  one  missing  link.  *  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harris  Haskell. 

^  Rev.  Salmon  Cone,  pastor  at  Colchester,  '  Sister  of  Mr.  Abiel  Wolcott      She  was 

1792-1S30.  "ovv  seventy-five  years  old. 

3  Daughter  of  Harris  and  Frances  (Wol-  *  Bristol,  Ct.,  where  Rev.  Jonathan  Cone 

cott)  Haskell.  was  settled. 


IOI4  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [^^^g, 

by  compan}\     My  sight  begins  to  make  it  difficult  for  me  to  write  my  sermon 
hand  in  the  evening.     Read  expositors. 

7.  We  nave  uninterrupted  warm  weather.  The  dust  is  very  severe.  Fin- 
ished and  preached  my  sermon  on  i  Thess.  v :  3.  Expounded  in  the  fore- 
noon on  Luke  ii :  15,  to  the  end.  Preached  long.  At  evening,  attended  a 
conference,  after  which,  rode  to  Hartford,  to  go  to  Norfolk. 

8.  Left  Hartford  at  half  past  one  in  the  morning,  in  the  stage,  and  got  to 
Norfolk  in  seven  hours.  Found  my  mother  much  better  than  I  expected. 
She  attended  meeting  yesterday,  and  has  before.  My  cousin  Hannah  Gilman 
and  her  son' are  here.     I  am  much  fatigued.     Read. 

9.  Expected  to  have  returned  home,  but  the  stage  was  so  full  that  I  could 
not  get  a  seat.  The  drought  not  so  severe  here  as  with  us.  Mr.  Battell  and 
Joseph^  are  absent.  Gave  my  mother  $5.00.  Visited  Mr.  Emerson^  and 
others.     Read. 

10.  Mrs.  Battell  let  me  have  her  chaise,  and  got  a  horse,  and  I  rode  home. 
Cousin  Arthur  Oilman''  with  me.  The  heat  and  dust  are  most  oppressive.  I 
am  persuaded  I  never  saw  the  streams  on  this  road  so  low.  Met  with  the 
committee  of  the  Historical  Society  at  Hartford.  Received  of  my  collector, 
$50.00.  Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Sigourney,'  of  Hartford,  Quite  tired. 
People  are  generally  alarmed  at  the  drought. 

11.  Spent  the  day  appropriately,  as  my  birthday.    Cool.     Read  the  Bible. 

12.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Worked  opening  a  spring.  Attended  the 
catechising  of  the  children.  Attended  the  prayer-meeting.  Quite  tired.  On 
the   loth  received  $50.00  of  my  collector. 

13.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on  i  Tim.  iv  :  16.  In  the  afternoon  occupied  by 
company.     Not  ver}'  warm,  but  the  drought  is  ver\^  severe. 

14.  Wrote  three  pages.  Finished  and  preached  all  day  my  sermon  on 
I  Tim,  iv :  16,  Had  a  third  meeting  as  a  season  of  prayer  on  account  of  the 
drought.  It  was  well  attended.  Very  warm.  Theimometer  at  92°.  It  was 
91°  at  half  after  five,  when  we  returned  from  our  third  meeting.  I  think  I 
have  never  known  a  drought  on  all  accounts  so  great.     Very  tired, 

15.  The  heat  so  great  that  I  can  scarcely  do  anything.  Wrote.  Read. 
Our  melons  are  very  fine.*  Wrote  on  my  inscription  for  the  tombstone  of  Dr. 
Flint,     Read  EncydopcEdia.     Thermometer  97°.     Very  hot  through  the  day. 

16.  Last  night  we  had  a  light  but  most  grateful  thunder-shower.  The  Lord 
is  good.  We  need  more  exceedingly.  Wrote.  Had  company.  Wrote  to  Dr. 
Todd,  of  Hartford,     Paid  for  a  book,  $1.25.     Thermometer  about  90°,     On 


'  Wife  and   son  of   Benjamin  I.  Gilman,  daughter  of  Dr.  Chandler  Robbins,  of  Plym- 

formerly  of  Marietta,  O.,  lately  of  Philadel-  outh,  Mass. 
phia.     They  were  visiting  at  Norfolk.  *  Charles  Sigourney,  who,  six  years  before 

^  Joseph  Battell,  Sen.,  and  Joseph  Battell,  (1819),  married   Lydia  Howard    Huntley,  of 

Jr.,  the  latter  now  in  his  twentieth  year,  and  Norwich.     See  note  March  15,  1S24. 
two  years   out  of  Middlebury  College.     He  *  One  of  the  mysteries  of  nature  and  veg- 

was  very  superior  as  a  scholar.  etable  growth  is,  that  melons,  so  full  of  water, 

^  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson,  D.  D.  should  love  a  very  sandy  soil,  and  dry,  hot 

*  Son  of  his  cousir..  Mrs.  Hannah  Gilman,  weather. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST   WINDSOR. 


IOI5 


the  morning  of  the   nth,  my  cousin  Gihiian  went  off  for  Norfolk.     Wrote,  by 
him,  to  E.  Loomis. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Dined  with  the  officers  of  the  brigade.  Rode  out 
with  them  to  find  a  place  for  a  brigade  training.  It  is  pretty  difficult.  Re- 
ceived sixteen  volumes  of  books,  eleven  of  them  folios,  from  Boston,  lately 
imported  from  Germany,  Paid  for  them,  $37.63.  Some  of  them  are  very 
valuable.  Did  errands.  Paid  $3.00.  Received  my  annual  consociational 
letter.     Paid  for  a  book  .55.     Brought  up  my  heavy  box  of  books. 

18.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Went  to  Wapping.  Had  an  unpleasant  con- 
versation with  a  neighbor.  The  crops  of  corn  and  other  things  suffer  much 
with  the  long  and  severe  drought. 

19.  Worked  at  my  library.  It  is  bulky.  Hindered  by  company.  Walked 
out.  Evening  prayer-meeting  quite  thin.  I  have  everj^thing  to  discourage  me, 
but  the  power  and  faithfulness  of  God.     Received  of  my  collector,  $30.00. 

20.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  library.  It  rained  moderately  all  day.  It 
began  last  night.     Never  was  rain  more  grateful.     Am  much  tired. 

21.  In  the  morning  sent  to  Mr.  Rowland  that  it  was  not  best  for  us  to 
exchange  as  we  had  agreed,  on  account  of  the  rain.  It  rained  pretty  hard  till 
about  noon.  It  continued  with  very  little  intermission  for  thirty-six  hours. 
There  was  very  little  wind.  We  could  not  have  asked  it  to  be  more  favorable. 
Oh,  for  a  similar  refreshing  by  a  spiritual  rain.  Meeting  quite  thin.  Preached 
an  old  sermon  on  Rom.  xi :  29.     Read. 

22.  Worked  laboriously  at  my  library.  I  fear  some  books  are  lost. 
Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Porter,'  of  Farmington,  Mr.  Plosford, 
of  Canton,  and  Esq.  Ely,  of  Simsbury.     The  ground  is  finely  watered. 

23.  Vegetation  is  greatly  revived.  Worked  at  my  library.  I  have  about 
fourteen  hundred  volumes.    Visited  a  sick  woman,  very  low.    Thermometer  86°. 

24.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  heat  is  quite  oppressive.  Wrote.  Read 
the  Bible.     We  have  some  sickness.     Thermometer  90°. 

25.  Rode  and  visited.  Wrote.  Attended  the  funeral  of  my  neighbor, 
Mrs.  Bragg.^  I  think  we  have  had  no  heat  more  oppressive.  Thermometer 
at  93°.     Visited  at  the  poor-house. 

26.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Heard  from  my  mother.  Saw  Mr.  Fairchild's 
new  wife.^  Paid  for  a  halter,  .75.  Received  what  I  paid,  sometime  since,  for 
Dr.  Robbins's  ■•  harness.  Attended  the  catechising  of  the  children.  Had  a 
full  prayer-meeting.     Very  tired.     Thermometer  84°. 

27.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Amos  iv  :  7.    Read.    Thermometer  81°, 

28.  Wrote  notes  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  on  Ps.  xl :  9.  Finished 
and  preached  my  sermon  on  Amos  iv :  7.  Meetings  full  and  solemn.  At 
evening,  preached  at  the  poor-house  without  notes  on  Ps.  xliii :  5.  Very 
tired.     Thermometer  81°. 


'  Dr.  Noah  Porter.  picked  up   in   Philadelphia.     His  first  wife 

2  Mrs.  Rhoda  Bragg,  aged  forty-nine.  died   the   year   before.     Mr.  Fairchild's   life 

3  The  young  wife,  which,  by  a  previous  throughout  was  marked  by  singularities, 
entry  it  appears  he  had  somewhat  suddenly  *  Dr.  Peter  G.  Robbins,  of  Roxbury. 


lOl6  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

29.  \\'rote.  Rode  and  visited.  At  evening  preached  a  lecture  witli  short 
notes  on  Job  .\xi :  14,  at  the  south  part  of  the  town.  We  have  a  good  many 
sick. 

30.  Visited.  Rode  to  Pine  Meadow,  Visited  a  man  there  very  sick. 
Mrs.  Haskell  is  still  much  depressed  from  the  loss  of  her  child.  Mr.  Wolcott 
and  Tudor  are  quite  ill  and  confined.     Read. 

31.  Last  night  I  was  suddenly  taken  with  a  cholera-morbus,  and  was  very 
ill.  Was  much  distressed.  It  abated  before  morning,  and  I  got  some  rest. 
Am  very  feeble.  Rode  out  and  saw  the  sick  man.  Towards  night  rode  home. 
Saw  my  brother's  wife  *  and  her  niece,  Miss  Jackson.^ 

September. 

1.  Had  appointed  to  meet  the  committee  and  debtors  of  the  Everest 
fund  today  at  Canton.  Am  too  unwell  to  go.  Got  Mr.  Haskell  ^  to  go  for 
me.  He  returned  in  the  evening;  saw  the  committee  and  executor,  and  most 
of  the  debtors.  All  belonging  there  paid  their  interest.  Visited  sick  persons. 
Dr.  Tudor  is  very  low.     Another  aged  man  appears  in  a  dying  state.     Cool. 

2.  Wrote  on  the  records  of  the  Everest  fund.  Visited.  The  aged  man^ 
died  last  night.  Wrote  letters  for  the  Historical  Society.  Attended  the  even- 
ing prayer-meeting.     Cool. 

3.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Mr. 
Elmer.  Am  quite  feeble.  Last  night  I  was  quite  unwell  with  nervous  affec- 
tions.    Have  little  time  for  study.     Showery. 

4.  Expounded  on  Luke  iii,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Prov.  i:  31. 
Am  quite  weak.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  family  very  sick.  Cool.  Yesterday 
received  a  letter  with  a  military  warning. 

5.  Walked  out  and  visited.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  dined  with  a 
military  company.     Attended  our  monthly  prayer-meeting.     Read. 

6.  Read.  Have  some  fire  in  my  chamber.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Paid  for  a  cockade,  $1.33,  a  great  price.  Paid  for  watch  repairs,  etc.,  $2.17. 
Visited  the  sick. 

7.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  library.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited. 
Attended  the  church  conference.     Rode  late  in  the  evening  to  Enfield. 

8.  Detained  the  forenoon  by  rain.  Rode  home.  Failed  of  dining  with  a 
military  company  as  I  had  expected.     Quite  wet. 

9.  Received  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker,^  of  Fairfield.  Visited  the 
sick.  An  aged  woman  ^  died  while  I  was  present.  Attended  a  catechising  of 
the  children  and  the  evening  prayer-meeting.     Quite  tired. 

10.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Haggai  i :  5.  Poorly  able  to  write. 
Received  my  military  orders  for  the  brigade  meeting.  My  eyes  sensibly  fail. 
Quite  cool. 


'  His  brother  Francis's  wife,  of  Enfield.  theological  teacher,  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  of 

'  This  was  a  niece,  probably,  on  the  side  Goshen.    Dr.  Hooker  was  pastor  at  Green's 

of  her  first  husband,  Mr.  Alden.  Farms,  Fairfield,  1821-1S29.     He  was  after- 

^  Eli  B.  Haskell,  Esq.  wards  professor  at  the  Connecticut  Theolog- 

*  Mr.  Timothy  Elmer,  aged  eighty-four.  ical  Institute  at  East  Windsor. 
'  Edward  W.  Hooker,  D.  D.,  son  of  the  *  Widow  Mary  Gillett,  aged  seventy-four. 


1825.]  PASTOR  IN  EAST  WINDSOR.  101*' 

11.  Finished  and  preached  the  sermon  on  Haggai  i:  5,  and  preached  with 
old  notes  on  Ps.  i :  2.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Gillett.  Our  good  people 
are  falling.  Five  of  our  best  women  have  died  this  year.  Attended  the  even- 
ing conference.     Very  much  fatigued. 

12.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  and  dined  with  a  military  company.  Rode  to 
Hartford  and  visited  a  school.  Received  a  bank  dividend.  Visited  a  sick 
man. 

13.  Left  home  at  daylight,  and  rode  to  New  Haven  in  a  little  more  than 
seven  hours.  Attended  the  meeting  of  the  P.  B.  K.  Society.  Heard  Judge 
Gould's '  admirable  oration,  and  Dr.  Percival's  inaudible  poem.*  Dined  with 
the  society.  Paid  the  beneficiaries  of  the  Everest  fund.  Find  many  things 
to  do.  Heard  a  part  of  the  speaking  for  premiums.  At  evening  very  tired 
and  sleepy.  Heard  Mr.  McEwen  preach  for  the  Education  Society  eighty-five 
minutes. 

14.  The  Commencement  exercises  were  very  long,  but  unusually  good. 
The  speaking  was  excellent.  A  great  collection  of  people.  Quite  warm. 
Afternoon  the  house  was  very  hot.  Mr.  Hart  preached  the  Coticio  ad  Clerum 
very  well.     Find  many  acquaintance. 

15.  Mr.  Battell  was  here  yesterday.  Called  on  friends.  Have  been 
treated  with  much  kindness.  A.ttended  the  Education  Society.  Their 
resources  diminish.  Received  a  donation  of  valuable  manuscripts  from  Rev. 
T.  F.  Davies^for  the  Historical  Society.  Bought  Luther's  Works,  and  a  few 
other  books.     After  two  o'clock  rode  home.     Very  warm  and  oppressive. 

16.  Fatigued  by  my  journey.  Looked  over  new  purchased  books.  Wrote, 
Our  evening  prayer-meeting  was  very  thin. 

17.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Wrote.  Worked  at  my  books.  Rode 
to  Windsor  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Rowland.     Tarried  at  Pine  Meadow.    Read. 

18.  Preached  on  John  iii :  3,  and  Ps.  1:5.  Fuller  meeting  than  I  have 
usually  seen  here.  Dined  with  Mr.  Stebbins.'*  At  evening  preached  at  the 
school-house  in  Pine  Meadow  without  notes  on  Luke  xiii :  6-9.  A  full  and 
serious  meeting. 

19.  Rode  home  towards  noon.  Set  up  my  books.  I  have  lately  looked, 
them  over  and  find  a  few  volumes  missing.     I  fear  they  are  gone. 

20.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  most  of  the  day.  Conversed  with 
persons  respecting  making  a  profession  of  religion.  It  is  a  time  of  great 
darkness  with  us.     Walked  out. 


'  Judge  James  Gould,  LL.D.,  of  the  Litch-  Ct.,  1795,  graduated   at  Yale  College,  1815, 

field  Law  School.     He  was  born  at  Branfoid,  and  died  at  Hazel  Grove,  Wis.,  in  1856.     His 

Ct,  1770,  graduated  at  Yale,  1791,  died   at  poems,  in   two  volumes,  were   published  in 

Litchfield,  1838.  Boston  in   1S60. 

2  Dr.  Robbins  was  not  much  given  to  ^  Thomas  F.  Davies  settled  in  Hunting- 
joking,  but  he  probably  had  a  sense  of  fun,  ton  and  in  Green's  Farms.  A  graduate  of 
when  he  wrote  that  he  heard  an  inaudible  Yale,  1813,  and  native  of  Redding,  Ct. 
poem.  James  G.  Percival,  M.  D.,  though  a  *  Samuel  Stiles  Stebbins,  his  old  pupil  in 
true  and  genuine  poet,  was  a  very  modest  theology,  now  at  the  head  of  a  school  in 
and  shy  man,  and  not  much  given  to  ^:ub-  Windsor.  He  studied  for  the  ministry,  but 
licities  of  any  kind.     He  was  born  in  Berlin,  seems  never  to  have  been  settled. 


I0l8  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D,D.  [1825. 

21.  Wrote  a  public  address  and  delivered  it  before  the  Female  Auxiliary 
Bible  Society  here.     The  society  is  feeble.     Visited. 

22.  Fruit  is  very  plenty  and  good.  Rode  to  Hartford.  The  Eagle  Bank,' 
of  New  Haven,  has  stopped  payment,  and  produced  a  great  deal  of  distress. 
Did  errands.  Cool.  People  are  gathering  corn  without  having  bad  frost. 
Rode  and  visited  the  sick.     The  number  appears  to  be  increasing  among  us. 

23.  Read.  Wrote.  Afternoon  attended  the  catechising  of  the  children. 
The  last  for  the  present  season.  Attended  the  evening  prayer-meeting.  Yes- 
terday Mr.  Wolcott's  brother-  died  suddenly,  at  Windsor. 

24.  Wrote  a  sermon  on  Romans  v  :  5.  Afternoon  went  with  the  family  to 
Windsor  and  attended  the  funeral  of  Dr.  \A'olcott.     Wrote  late  in  the  evening. 

25.  Wrote  three  pages.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Romans  v: 
5.  Visited  a  sick  man,  very  low.  Attended  the  conference.  Bore  my  labors 
better  than  usual.     A  little  frost  this  morning. 

26.  On  the  24th  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hooker,^  of  Hartford,  Visited 
a  school,  well  instructed.  Afternoon,  attended  the  examination  of  the 
academy.     Visited  a  very  sick  house.     Mr.  Gilletf*  died  about  noon.     Read. 

27.  It  began  to  rain  last  evening,  and  continued  steadily  till  about  noon, 
and  occasionally  through  the  day.  Wrote.  Read.  Attended  a  funeral. 
Visited  the  sick. 

28.  In  the  morning  the  weather  cleared  away.  Our  Consociation  met 
yesterday,  at  Enfield,  but  I  could  not  attend  on  account  of  other  calls.  I 
believe  I  have  not  been  absent  before  since  I  have  been  a  member.  Rode  to 
West  Hartford  and  attended  the  brigade  training.  By  desire  of  Gen.  Adams,' 
I  acted  as  his  chaplain.  Prayed  with  my  own  regiment.  The  troops  were 
inspected,  and,  towards  night,  formed  into  line.  Four  regiments  of  infantry 
and  two  of  cavalry,  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  men.  The  ground  was 
wet,  but  the  weather  very  pleasant.     Tarried  at  Mr.  E.  Williams's. 

29.  The  weather  very  pleasant  and  favorable.  In  the  morning  the  brigade 
were  embodied  in  a  square,  and  I  prayed  before  them.  The  performances  of 
the  day  were  good.  At  the  close  I  made  a  short  prayer,  and  they  were 
dismissed  in  good  season.  Rode  home.  The  troops  behaved  very  well  at  the 
time  of  prayer.* 

30.  Wrote  an  account  of  the  training  for  the  newspaper.  Afternoon 
preached  a  preparatory  lecture  with  old  notes  on  Deut.  xxiii :  21,  At  even- 
ing attended  our  prayer-meeting.     Quite  thin. 

October. 

I,     Hindered.     Mr,  Bidwell,  an  Everest  beneficiary,'  called  on  me.    Wrote 
the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Phil,  iii:   13,  14.     Wrote  quite  late. 


'  The  failure  of  the  Eagle  Bank  was  long  ^  Gen.  Ezra  Adams, 

remembered    in   New    Haven   and    the   sur-  ''  One  would  hardly  suppose  that  a  man 

rounding  country.  of  Dr.  Robbins's  habits  and  tendencies  would 

^William   Wolcott,   Esq.,  born    Feb.  10,  ever  have  been  drawn  so  largely  into  mill- 

"753,  graduated  at  Yale,  1775.  tary  connections  and  associations. 

^  Rev.  Horace  Hooker.  ^  Walter  H.  Bidwell,  in  the  Junior  Class 

*  Mr.  Lemuel  Gillett,  aged  fortv-five.  at  Yale. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IX    EAST    WINDSOR. 


IOI9 


2.  Finished  and  preached  in  the  forenoon  the  sermon  begun  yesterday. 
Administered  the  sacrament.  The  church  quite  full.  Afternoon  preached  an 
old  sermon  on  i  Cor.  x  :  9.     Very  tired.     Had  no  conference. 

3.  The  thermometer  today  was  at  82°,  and  the  day  before  at  80°.  Walked 
out  and  visited.  The  heat  oppressive.  Wrote.  At  evening  attended  the 
monthly  concert. 

4.  Worked  arranging  my  pamphlets.     Visited  a  school.     Had  a  hard  rain. 

5.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Hallock,  of  Canton,  and  Mr.  Porter,  of  Farmington. 
Warm  and  sultry.  The  cattle  show,  I  conclude,  was  not  so  splendid  as  in 
former  years.  My  brother  F.  came  here  and  tarried.  Worked  at  my  pam- 
phlets.    Thermometer  79°. 

6.  Rode  with  my  brother  to  Hartford  and  assisted  him  to  buy  a  horse. 
The  heat  very  oppressive.  Visited  a  school.  Our  summer  schools  have  been 
better  kept  this  year  than  usual.     Thermometer  84°. 

7.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Rode  to  Hockanum  and  attended  the 
funeral.  Much  oppressed  with  the  heat.  We  have  an  extraordinary  season. 
Had  fresh  cucumbers.  They  have  continued  about  three  months.  Attended 
the  evening  prayer-meeting.     Thermometer  88°. 

8.  Walked  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Wrote.  Cooler.  Rode  to  Enfield 
on  an  exchange.     i\Iy  brother  is  gone  to  Norfolk. 

9.  Very  dark  and  smoky  weather.  Rode  home.  Attended  a  conference 
at  the  Hill.     Mr.  Hooker,  of  Hartford,  preached  here. 

10.  Rode  to  Canton  and  met  the  committee  of  the  Everest  fund.  Two 
oi  our  beneficiaries  were  present.  We  made  appropriations.  Returned. 
Rainy.  Got  something  wet.  Got  home  late.  On  Saturd.ay  wrote  to  Messrs. 
Loomis,  Strong,  and  Calhoun,'  of  the  Annuity  Society. 

IT.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Aly  cousin  Sally  Lawrence  called  here. 
My  brother  came  and  tarried  on  his  return  from  Norfolk.  I  fear  ^.Ir.  Battell 
will  lose  considerably  by  the  Eagle  Bank.     My  mother  is  quite  comfortable. 

12.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets.  Rode  to  East  Hartford  Mills,  and  visited 
a  small  school.  Heard  of  the  surprising  death  of  Mr.  Waterman,  of  Bridge- 
port.°     A  near  call.     Walked  out. 

13.  Last  evening  received  of  my  collector,  $50.00.  On  the  nth  received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Battell.  Wrote.  My  public  trusts  make  me  a  good  deal  of 
writing.  Visited  a  mourning  family.  Rode  to  Hartford  and  attended  a  public 
meeting  of  the  Hartford  County  Auxiliary  Foreign  Missionary  Society.  It 
was  very  interesting.     Got  home  late. 

14.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Visited  the  sick.  Attended  a  funeral  in  the 
upper  part  of  East  Hartford.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Consulted  an  attorney. 
Our  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  is  like  to  be  sued.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Ells- 
worth's.'    Very  dark. 


'  Rev.    Hubbell    Loomis,   of   Willington,  (Mrs.  Lucy  Talcott),  and  was  taken  with  a 

Rev.  William  L.  Strong,  of  Somers,  and  Rev.  violent  inflammatory  fever.     He  was  a  native 

George  A.  Calhoun,  of  North  Coventry.  of  Bozrah,  Ct.,  1769,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  1791, 

2  He  was  on  a  visit  to  Springfield,  where  a  superior  scholar,  and  a  very  able  minister, 
he  married  his  second  wife  two  years  before  ^  William  W.  Ellsworth,  Esq. 


I020  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

15.  Rode  home.  Wet.  Yesterday  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Strong,  of 
Somers.  On  the  13th  gave  to  charitable  purposes,  $5.00.  Rode  to  Wapping 
and  attended  a  funeral.  Am  fatigued  with  labor.  Read  expositors.  Much 
disappointed  that  I  could  not  write  a  .sermon. 

16.  Expounded  on  Luke  iv  :  1-22,  and  preached  an  old  sermon  on  Ex. 
xxxii :  26.     Full  meeting.     Wore  no  out-coat.     Attended  the  conference. 

17.  Rode  to  Tolland  and  met  the  directors  of  the  Ministers'  Annuity- 
Society.  They  appointed  me  to  manage  our  expected  lawsuit.  Rode  to 
Manchester  and  tarried  at  Mr.  Burt's.     It  grows  quite  cold. 

18.  This  morning  we  had  a  hard  frost.  The  first  we  have  had  to  stop 
vegetation.  Garden  vegetables,  tobacco,  etc.,  have  been  flourishing  till  now. 
The  leaves  on  the  trees  dying  with  age.  Cold  and  tedious.  The  ground  thij 
morning  very  considerably  frozen.     Rode  home.     Read.     W^alked  and  visited. 

19.  People  are  pinched  with  the  sudden  cold.  Worked  at  my  pamphlets. 
Walked  to  the  Mill '  and  preached  a  lecture  in  the  evening  with  old  notes  on 
Jer.  xxxi :  6.     Quite  tired. 

20.  Worked  laboriously  on  my  pamphlets  all  day.  It  grows  warmer.  My 
work  is  fatiguing. 

21.  Finished  putting  up  my  pamphlets.  I  did  not  expect  such  a  task. 
Wrote.     My  eyes  appear  to  fail  sensibly.      Our  evening  meeting  was  thin. 

22.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Saw  Mr.  Talcott,  of  Marlborough.  He  seems 
determined  on  his  lawsuit  and  manifests  a  feeling  that  is  not  good.  Came 
home  and  rode  to  Manchester  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Burt.^  Met  him  on  the 
way.     Cold. 

23.  Preached  on  Phil,  iii :  13,  14,  and  Ps.  1 :  5.  This  congregation  appears 
well.  The  town  is  improving.  Rode  home  and  attended  the  evening  confer- 
ence.    Full  and  solemn.     Read.     Not  very  tired. 

24.  Read.  Looked  over  the  papers  of  the  Annuity  Society.  Walked  and 
visited.  We  have  several  cases  of  fever.  The  crop  of  corn  in  this  society  is 
great, ^  but  generally  it  is  light. 

25.  Last  Sabbath  the  congregation  at  Manchester  had  a  contribution  foi 
the  Domestic  Missionary  Society.  Walked  and  visited.  At  evening  preached 
a  private  lecture  without  notes  on  Mark  i :  40.  Received  a  letter  from  iNIr. 
Hallock,  of  Canton. 

26.  Wrote.  Rode  to  Enfield  and  met  with  a  ministers'  meeting.  There 
was  too  much  conversation.     Mr.  Smith,"  of  Stamford,  preached. 

27.  Rode  down  to  Pine  Meadow.  A  violent  southern  storm  induced  me 
to  stay  there.     Read.     Wrote. 

28.  Visited  a  sick  man  at  the  Point.  Rode  home.  Found  a  long  writ  in 
which  the  Ministers'  Annuity  Society  is  sued  by  Mr.  Talcott,  of  Marlborough, 
It  is  scandalous.  At  evening  attended  our  prayer-meeting.  Visited.  Began 
a  sermon  on  Eph.  ii :  5. 


1 


*  In  East  Hartford,  now  Burnsicle  village.  -t  Rev.  Daniel  Smith,  pastor  at  Stamford, 

-  Rev.  Enoch  Burt.  Ct.,  1793-1S46.     He  was  graduated  at  Yale 

^  That  is,  in  nmnber  of  acres.  in  179 1. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  102 1 

29.  Rode  early  to  Hartford,  and  was  taken  up  with  the  business  of  tlie 
Annuity  Society  the  most  of  the  day.  In  the  evening  wrote  four  pages  on  my 
sermon  begun  yesterday.  Wrote  hrte.  Received  from  Gen.  Howe  a  fine  new 
copy  of  Sale's.' 

30.  Wrote  nearly  three  pages,  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Eph.  ii :  5. 
Attended  the  evening  conference.     Visited.     Very  tired. 

31.  Read.  Worked  some.  Mr.  Gaylord,^  of  Norfolk,  came  here  and 
tarried.     At  evening  rode  out  and  performed  a  marriage.' 

November. 

1.  Had  company.     Read.     Wrote  letters  for  the  Historical  Society. 

2.  Walked  and  visited.     Sickness  still  continues  with  us.     Quite  cool. 

3.  Rode  to  Hartford.  I  am  anxious  about  the  success  of  my  lawsuit. 
Attended  the  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Historical  Society.  QuiLe  thin.  Paid 
for  a  candlestick,  $1.62,  for  a  dust-brush,  .83.     Read  the  Alconvi.* 

4.  Examined  a  school-master.  Vvrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of  Somers.  Wrote. 
Mr.  A.  Gaylord  came  here  and  tarried.  He  preached  for  me  at  the  evening 
prayer-meeting. 

5.  Rode  to  the  east  part  of  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited 
the  sick.  Began  late  and  wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Luke  xix  :  13. 
Troubled  with  my  eyes. 

6.  Preached  with  old  notes  on  Ps.  Ixii :  5.  Wrote  and  preached  the 
sermon  on  Luke  xix:  13.  It  was  not  finished.  At  evening  had  a  solemn 
conference. 

7.  Rode  out  and  visited  the  sick.  Quite  warm.  At  evening  attended 
our  monthly  prayer-meeting.  Spoke  poorly.  Tarried  out.  Received  of  my 
collector,  $50.00. 

8.  Visited.  I  hope  our  sick  are  convalescing.  Warm.  Worked  at  my 
chamber.  Read.  Received  of  my  collector,  $105.33.  Of  this  sum,  $71.10 
are  for  Mr.  Wolcott's  taxes,  and  $14.23  of  my  own  taxes.  My  school  tax  of 
about  $2.66  is  yet  to  come.  Wrote.  My  collector  had  a  charge  of  $50.00 
delivered  to  me  September  16,  which  I  allowed,  though  I  have  no  account 
of  it. 

9.  Rode  to  Hartford  to  attend  the  trial  of  my  cause  at  the  County  Court, 
for  the  Annuity  Society.  It  did  not  come  on.  Pleasant,  but  cool.  Did 
errands.     Paid  for  home-made  flannel,  $4.00. 

10.  Rode  early  to  Hartford  and  attended  the  trial  of  my  case.  I  spake 
after  my  lawyer.  The  trial  was  suspended  for  a  jury  case.  Found  a  valuable 
set  of  old  newspapers,  registers,  etc. 

11.  Worked  considerably.  The  late  celebration  at  New  York  of  the 
opening  of  the  canal  was  very  splendid.'  Visited.  Wrote.  Assisted  in  exam- 
ining a  school-master.     Our  prayer-meeting  was  omitted. 


'  George  Sale,  a  superior  Oriental  scholar,  Middletown,   and   Betsey    S.    May,    of    East 

and  translator  of  the  Koran,  born   in  1680,  Windsor, 
and  died  in  1736.  ''  In  the  new  work,  probably,  of  George 

^  Rev.  Asahel  Gaylord.  Sale's,  which  he  had  just  purchased. 

3  The    parties    were    Allen    Osborne,   of  ^  jhe  Great  Eric  Canal,  363  miles  long, 


I02  2  DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D.  [1825. 

12.  \\'orkecl  some.  Hindered  by  company.  Vv'rote  the  most  of  a  sermon 
on  Gen.  x.xxvii  :  4.  Wrote  five  and  a  half  pages  in  the  evening.  Received 
an  old  Latin  Bible  from  H.  Buell,'  Esq.,  of  Glens  Falls,  as  a  deposit. 

13.  Cold.  Expounded  on  Luke  iv  :  23  to  the  end,  and  wrote  and  preached 
on  Gen.  xxxvii :  4.  The  sermon  was  not  quite  finished.  At  evening  attended 
the  conference.     Visited  a  sick  person. 

14.  Quite  rainy.  Read.  Worked  some.  Paid  on  my  highway  tax,  $10.00. 
Visited. 

15.  Wrote  a  will  for  a  neighbor.     Wrote.     Visited. 

16.  Walked  and  visited  all  day.  Very  pleasant.  Heard  that  my  lawsuit 
is  decided  in  part  against  our  society.  I  did  not  expect  it.  The  court,  evi- 
dently, did  not  understand  it. 

17.  Rode  to  Hartford.  Directed  our  attorney  to  appeal  our  lawsuit.  We 
want  such  courts  as  in  past  years.  Rode  to  places  in  East  Hartford  and 
examined  ancient  newspapers.  Paid  for  a  parcel  of  them,  $1.50.  Received  a 
letter  from  Z.  G.  Whitman,  of  Boston. 

18.  Looked  over  old  papers.  Quite  cold  and  tedious.  I  have  now  got 
out  of  wood,  having  been  supplied  from  Wapping,  more,  I  believe,  than 
twelve  years.     Attended  the  evening  prayer-meeting. 

19.  The  thermometer  this  morning  was  about  15°.  It  thawed  very  little 
through  the  day.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xiv :  2,  3.  Yesterday 
wrote  an  elaborate  letter  to  Mr.  Zechariah  G.  Whitman,^  of  Boston,  in  answer 
to  one  received  from  him  the  day  before,  on  the  subject  of  antiquarian  collec- 
tions.    He  is  an  entire  stranger  to  me. 

20.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  xiv :  2,  3.  Cold.  It 
snowed  some.  Thin  meeting.  Had  no  conference.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fairchild 
called  here.     Gave  a  poor  man,  $1.00. 

21.  Read.  Rode  to  Scantick  to  the  clothier's.  Visited.  The  ground  is 
considerably  frozen. 

22.  Wrote.  Made  a  draft  of  a  new  will  for  myself.  It  has  been  too  long 
neglected.  It  snowed  steadily  during  the  forenoon.  Performed  a  marriage 
in  the  upper  part  of  East  Hartford.^ 

23.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  20.  Had  to  write  quite 
late.     Have  many  hindrances.     Quite  cold. 

24.  Thanksgiving.  Finished  and  preached  my  sermon  on  Ps.  cxlvii :  20. 
Pleasant.  The  snow  is  mostly  gone.  We  had  no  company  with  our  own 
family.     Walked  out. 

25.  Read.  I  fear  I  have  hurt  my  e3^es  studying  nights.  Read  the  Bible. 
Walked  out.     Our  prayer-meeting  very  thin.     The  Lord  help  us. 


completed   and  opened    in    1825,   was   com-  -  Zechariah  G.  Whitman  was  a  counsellor 

menced  in  18 17.     Perhaps  if  men  had  known  at  law  in  Boston,  and  in  1820,  published  his 

how  soon  the  railroad  age  was  coming  on,  it  history  of  the  Ancient  and  Honorable  ^Vrtil- 

might  never  have  been  built.  lery  Company. 

'  Horatio  Buell,  before  mentioned,  a  grad-  'Between    Warren   Grant,   of    Wapping, 

uate  of  Dartmouth,  and   a   lawyer  at  Glens  and  Jane  Ann  Easton,  of  East  Hartford.     It 

Falls.  is  getting  near  Thanksgiving  time  again. 


1S25.J  PASTOR    IX    EAST    WINDSOR.  IO23 

26.  Wrote.  Read.  At  evening  rode  to  East  Hartford  to  exchange  with 
Mr.  Fairchild. 

27.  Mr.  Fairchild  rode  to  East  Windsor,  and  returned  after  meeting. 
Cold  and  frosty.  Preached  on  Phil,  iii :  13,  14,  and  Ps.  1:  5.  Rode  home  in 
the  evening,  and  performed  a  marriage.'     A  strange  Baptist  preached  here. 

28.  On  the  26th  received  of  my  collector,  $50.00.  Rode  to  Hartford. 
Traded,  $3.65.  Had  some  valuable  pamphlets  given  me.  Read.  The 
country  has  sustained  a  severe  loss  in  the  death  of  Com.  McDonough. 
Read. 

29.  A  young  woman '^  died  in  this  neighborhood  very  suddenly.  Visited 
the  family.  Wrote.  Received  a  letter  from  Naomi  Rockwell  in  Hartford. 
Finished  a  will  for  a  neighbor.  Received  a  fine  copy  of  RoIUn  and  yoscphus 
in  boards,  subscribed  for,  for  which  I  paid,  $17.30.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Strong,  of 
Somers.     Rode  out. 

30.  Wrote.  I  have  about  four  thousand  pamphlets.  Rode  to  Wapping 
and  visited.     Got  something  wet.     It  thaws  considerably. 

December. 

1.  Wrote  an  expositor  for  publication.  Attended  a  funeral.  Mr.  Bent- 
ley^  performed  the  service.     Wrote  late.     Wet  and  warmer  than  it  has  been. 

2.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Samuel  Walker,*  of  Boston.  Read  the  Bible.  Visited  a 
school.  Had  a  full  and  serious  prayer-meeting.  The  thermometer  was  at 
temperate,  56°.     The  ground  is  thawed. 

3.  Wrote  the  most  of  a  sermon  on  Eph.  ii :  14.  Wrote  late.  I  write 
pretty  slow.     Am  greatly  tried  to  know  what  is  best  to  preach. 

4.  Expounded  on  Luke  v:  27,  and  finished  and  preached  the  sermon  on 
Eph.  ii :  14,  first  clause.  Had  a  full  conference.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haskell' 
were  with  us. 

5.  Read.  Rode  out  and  visited  a  school.  Attended  the  monthly  concert 
of  prayer.  We  have  collected  for  foreign  missions  at  the  monthly  concerts 
this  year,  $17.00.  No  meeting  has  been  omitted.  Received  of  my  collector, 
$166.85.  Of  this  sum  $23.45  is  in  a  note  against  Mr.  O.  Tudor;  $14.03, 
Mr.  Wolcott's  school  tax,  and  my  own  school  tax,  $2.67,  are  also  included. 
The  society  accounts  appear  better  than  I  expected.     Gave  a  poor  man,  $1.00. 

6.  Read.      Visited  two  schools.     They  increase  in  number.     Cold. 

7.  Attended  the  funeral  of  an  aged  woman*  who  died  at  the  poor-house. 
Cold  and  tedious.  Visited  a  school  at  Wrapping.  Visited  there.  Was  pre- 
vented from  attending  the  church  conference. 

8.  Wrote.  My  niece,  Elizabeth  Olmsted,  called  here.  Received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Battell.  Mother  is  quite  well.  Read  Smith's '  History  of  Virginia. 
Walked  out  and  visited.     Received  a  letter  from  my  brother. 


*  The    parties    united    were    Joseph    A.  '  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harris  Haskell,  of   Pine 
Hawkins  and  Submit  French  Winchester.  Meadow. 

*  Olive  Bancroft,  aged  twenty-two.  ^  Miss  Lucy  Loomis,  aged  eighty-six. 

^  The  Baptist  minister  at  Glastonbury.  ^  John    Smith,  the   adventurous    captain, 

*  Mr.    Samuel   Walker  was  a  teacher   in  who  was  a  quaint  writer  as  well  as  a   bold 
Boston.  sailor.     His  writings  are  of  real  value. 


i024  DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D  [182!;. 

9.  Walked  and  visited.  We  have  more  sick  than  we  have  had.  Visited 
a  school.  Attended  the  evening  prayer-meeting.  Was  out  late.  I  have 
various    trials. 

10.  Visited  the  sick.  Went  to  Wapping  and  visited  a  sick  young  man. 
My  horse  got  away  from  a  post  and  ran  with  the  sulky,  and  broke  it  very 
much.  The  harness  is  not  hurt,  nor  the  horse,  except  very  much  frightened. 
I  had  a  long  walk.     W^as  not  able  to  write  anj^,  so  much  occupied  otherwise. 

11.  Wrote  notes  hastily,  and  preached  on  Eph.  iv :  i  ;  and  preaclied  an 
old  sermon  on  Isa.  xlii.  Quite  cold.  Thermometer  about  22°.  Attended 
conference.     Full  meetings.     Walked  to  meeting. 

12.  Read  the  President's  long  and  valuable  Message.  Thermometer  about 
15°.  Rode  out  and  visited.  The  ground  is  hard  frozen.  Yesterday  put  on 
my  flannel.     Read  Smith's  History.     Wrote. 

13.  Cold  day.  The  thermometer  in  the  morning  was  6°  below  zero.  It 
rose  to  2°  above,  and  no  higher  through  the  day  with  a  clear  sun.  At  sun- 
down it  was  at  zero,  and  at  10  P.  M.  2°  above.  It  was  windy,  and  very 
tedious.  There  is  no  snow  at  all.  Sent  to  the  Hartford  County  Auxiliary 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,  $17.00,  collected  at  our  monthly  concerts,  and 
$5.00  for  my  usual  New  Year's  gift.     Did  not  go  out.     Read  Smith. 

14.  Thermometer  this  morning  at  15°,  and  rose  near  to  the  freezing  point. 
Walked  and  visited.     We  have  some  sick.     The  Methodists  trouble  us  some. 

15.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited  the  sick  and  others.  Tarried  out. 
Paid  a  blacksmith,  .71. 

16.  Rode  and  visited.  At  evening  attended  the  prayer-meeting.  It  began 
to  rain  a  little.  The  season  is  very  dry,  and  the  wells  and  streams  unusually 
low.  Yesterday  and  today  the  thermometer  rose  nearly  to  temperate.  The 
river  is  closed,  and  there  is  a  little  crossing.     It  began  to  rain. 

17.  It  rained  steadily  all  day.  Quite  warm.  Wrote  on  a  sermon  on 
Acts  xiii:  2.     Wrote.     The  rain  is  very  grateful  to  the  dry  ground. 

18.  Wet.  Concluded  not  to  preach  the  sermon  begun  yesterday.  Preached 
with  old  notes  on  John  v :  39.     Thin  meeting.     At  evening  walked  out. 

19.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  visited.  A  young  man  died  there  last  evening. 
Old  Mr.  Rockwell  at  the  Mill  is  very  low.  Our  people  sold  the  pews,  and 
did  pretty  well.  The  thermometer  yesterday  and  Saturday  about  at  tem- 
perate. Today  above  freezing.  Bad  riding.  Dr.  Tudor  is  very  poor.  Read. 
Received  a  very  interesting  letter  from  Z.  G.  Whitman,  and  one  from  S. 
Walker,  of  Boston. 

20.  Rode  to  Wapping  and  attended  a  funeral.  Visited.  At  evening 
preached  at  Long  Hill  with  old  notes  on  Gen.  xxii :  13.  Full  meeting. 
Very  tired.     Thermometer  about  25°.     The  river  broke  up  on  Sabbath  night. 

21.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Dolly  Fenton,  who  died  at  the  poor- 
house,  aged  ninety-nine  and  one  half.'  Visited.  Tired.  Wrote.  Ther- 
mometer 18°. 


*  During  Dr.  Robbins's  ministry  at  East       old  people,  though   perhaps   no   more   than 
Windsor  he  attended  the  funerals   of  many       would  be  found  in  other  country  parishes. 


1825.]  PASTOR    IN    EAST    WINDSOR.  IO25 

22.  Thermometer  in  the  morning  at  i8°,  and  continued  with  very  little 
variation  through  the  day.  Visited  the  sick.  Rode  to  Hartford.  A  severe 
day.  The  ground  is  hard  frozen.  Paid  for  the  Courant  for  eighteen  years, 
$3.00,'  and  gave  them  to  the  Historical  Society.  Paid  for  catechisms,  etc., 
which  I  have  given  to  the  children,  $4.24.     Traded,  $3.06.     Read  the  Herald. 

23.  Thermometer  7°.  Added  thirty-seven  pieces  to  my  coins,  the  most  of 
them  given  me;  the  residue  cost  me  $1.00.  Attended  the  evening  prayer- 
meeting.     Visited.     Wrote.     Thermometer  did  not  exceed  22°. 

24.  Thermometer  17°.  Rode  out  and  visited.  Wrote  to  Z.  G.  Whitman, 
Esq.,  of  Boston.  Wrote  and  finished  my  sermon  begun  last  Saturday  on 
Acts  xiii :  2. 

25.  Wet  and  rainy  all  day.  Preached  on  the  character  and  work  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  from  Acts  xiii :  2.  Attended  the  funeral  of  the  aged  Mr.  Rock- 
well.^ We  have  had  nine  deaths  this  year  of  the  average  age  of  eighty  years.^ 
Thermometer  about  50°.     Read  newspapers. 

26.  Last  night  there  was  some  snow.  Read  the  Alcoran.  Wrote  to  Mr. 
S.  Walker,  of  Boston.     Read. 

27.  Walked  and  visited.  I  have  visited  more  this  year  than  usual. 
Read,     Thermometer  14°.     The  light  snow  continues  and  bad  going. 

28.  Thermometer  about  13°.  Rode  to  Scantick  and  attended  ministers' 
meeting.  The  meeting  was  interesting  and  useful.  Mr.  Dickinson  *  preached. 
Paid  a  clothier,  $1.05.  I  purchased  a  piece  of  flannel,  and  got  it  dressed,  and 
it  is  quite  poor. 

29.  Rode  home.  Rough  riding.  Read  the  Alcoran.  At  evening  per- 
formed a  marriage.^     It  snowed  some. 

30.  Wrote.  Read  the  Alcoran.  Rainy  all  day.  Went  to  the  meeting- 
house, having  appointed  a  sacramental  lecture.  The  rain  was  such  that  we 
had  none.  Had  no  prayer-meeting.  The  ground  is  almost  covered  with 
water. 

31.  Rainy  and  wet.  Wrote  to  my  mother,  and  sent  her  $5.00.  Wrote  the 
most  of  a  sermon  on  Ps.  xc:  10.  Wrote  quite  late.  Thermometer  about  40°. 
I  praise  God  for  the  year. 


'  Old  numbers.  He  was  a  visitor,  probably  an  invited  guest. 

^  Mr.  Samuel  Rockwell,  aged  seventy-nine.  He  settled  at  Longmeadow,  1S23-1829,  and 

^  A   remarkable    record,   not   easily   par-  was  a  very  cultivated  and  scholarly  man. 

alleled.  *  Between  Hezekiah  Gaylord,  of  Windsor, 

*  Dr.  Baxter  Dickinson,  of  Longmeadow.  and  Sarah  Filley,  of  East  Windsor. 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I. 


Abbott,  Rev.  Abiel,  D.D.,  474. 

Abbott,  Rev.  Johu  Emerj',  642,  671. 

Abbott,  Mr.,  249. 

Abbott,  Mr.,  of  Vernon,  Ct.,  869. 

Abelard  and  Eloisa,  76. 

Abensburg,  Bavaria,  Battle  of,  395. 

Abercrombie,  Sir  Ralph,  142. 

Aberdeen,  Scotland,  334. 

Aberdeen  University,  Scotland,  631. 

Abington,  Ct.,  84. 

Aboukir,  Battle  of,  69. 

Academy,  Williamstown,  13. 

Accidence,  512,  51S. 

Ackley,  Stephen,  621. 

Acra,  N.  Y.,  204. 

Adams,  Col.  Andrew,  45. 

Adams,  Rev.  Cornelius,  313. 

Adams,  Gen.  Ezra,  1018. 

Adams,  President  John,  27,  31,  34, 

35.  40,  54,  59>  61,  63,  65,  93,  143, 

16S,  24S,  975. 
Adams,      President     John     Quincy, 

356,  605,  619,  9S5,  989,  998. 
Adams,  Lewis,  72. 
Adams,  Rev.  Nehemiah,  D.D.,  630. 
Adams,  Gov.  Samuel,  85. 
Adams,  William,  605,  619. 
Adams,  Mr.,  71. 
Adams  Countv,  Penn.,  290. 
Adda,  Battle  of,  87. 
Addison,  Joseph,  278,  366,  739. 
Addison,  Mr.,  267. 
Addison  County,  Vt.,  85,  87. 
Adkins,  Katy,  6o4- 
Adkins,  Sylvia,  618. 
Agawam  River,  790. 
Agricultural  Society,  956,  982. 
Aiken,  Rev.  Samuel  C.,  1008. 
Akins,  Edmund,  Esq.,  302,  309,  353. 
Akins,  Mrs.,  294,  298,  302. 
Albany,  N.  Y.,  39,  156,  173,  176,  336, 

525. 
Albuera,  Battle  of,  482. 
Alcoran,  1025. 
Alden,  Mr.  Abner,  149. 
Alden,  Francis  L.,  924. 
Aldsn,  Gideon,  833. 
Aldeu,  Gideon  S.,  738,  745,  833,  8S0, 

9T2,  924. 
Alden,  Rev.  Timothy,  151. 
Alexander,  Rev.  Caleb,  S65. 
Alexander,  John,  610. 
Alexander,  Mary,  866. 
Alexander  of  Alexandria,  379. 
Alexander,    Paulowitch,   of    Russia, 

160. 
Alexander,  Prince  of  Greece,  865. 
Alexander  the  Great,  21. 
Alexandria,  Egypt,  42. 
Alexandria,  Va.,  272. 
Alien  and  Sedition  laws,  113. 
Alkmaer,  Battle  of,  105. 
Alleghany  County,  Penn.,  211,  213, 

230,  267. 
Alleghany  Mountains,  211,  289,  329. 
Alleghany  River,  215,  232. 
Allen,  Elizabeth,  719. 
Allen,  Elizabeth  (Mrs.  L.  Le  Baron), 

181. 
Allen,  Fanny,  875. 
Allen,  Rev.  George,  626,  731. 
Allen,  Israel,  648. 
Allen,  Hon.  John,  loo,  134,  136,293, 

294i  302.  335.  348,  439- 


Allen,  Mary,  78S. 

Allen,  Sabra,  717. 

Allen,  Rev.  Thomas,  iSi,  450. 

Allen,  Rev.  William,  D.D.,  208,  450. 

AUyn,  Rhoda,  622. 

Almanack  for  Diary,  219. 

Alstead,  N.  H.,  234. 

Alvord,  Eliphaz,  Esq.,  332. 

Alvord,  Samuel,  540. 

Alvord,  Capt.,  597. 

Ambrister,  Mr.,  773. 

American  Almanac,  458. 

American  Annals  of  Education,  930. 

American   Antiquarian  Society,  398, 

64S,  774,  7S1,  S77,  886,  923. 
American  Bible  Society,  749. 
American  Biography,  23. 
American    Board    of    Foreign    Mis- 
sions, 56,  100,  138,  527,  542,   552, 

834,  904,  918,  936,  952,  980. 
American  Colonization  Society,  99. 
American    Education    Society,    100, 

138,  552,  715.  774.  809,   885,   892, 

952,  979- 
American  Envoys,  59. 
American  Home  Missionary  Society, 

89S. 
American  Indians,  6S3. 
American  Mercury,  397,  961. 
American  Preacher,  515. 
American    Quarterly   Register,   179, 

625. 
American  Tract  Society,  636. 
American  Unitarianism,  632. 
Ames,  Fisher,  19. 
Amherst  College,  179,  316,  630,  636, 

709,  782,  958. 
Amherst,  Mass.,  152,  284,  640,  816, 

920,  941,  942,  943.  968,  971- 
Amiens,  Peace  of,   170. 
Amory,  Francis,  169. 
Amory,  Mr.,  975. 
Amsterdam,  Holland,  7. 
Ajnstcrdam,  N.  Y.,  6. 
Ancram,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Anderson,  John,  952. 
Anderson,  Pamela,  667. 
Anderson,  Theodore,  782. 
Anderson,  Thomas,  656. 
Anderson,  Thomas,  Jr.,  674. 
Andover,  Ct.,  520,  523,  754,  75^,  758, 

783,  793. 
Andover,  Mass.,  152,  585,  5S9,  627, 

647,  650,  656,  958. 
Andover  Theological   Seminary,  95, 

430,  444,  452,  476,  490,   5S9,    597, 

64s,  718,  813,  865,  8S5,  89S,    S99, 

902,  918,  920,  929,  963,  966,    967, 

969. 
Andrews,  E.  A.,  773- 
Andrews,  Rev.  Edward  W.,  705. 
Andrews,  Israel  W.,  D.D.,  279,  705. 
Andrews,  John,  28S. 
Andrews,  Rev.   Josiah  B.,  183,  192, 

197. 
Andrews,  Rev.  Samuel  J.,  D.D.,  705. 
Andrews,  Seth,  480. 
Andrews,  Rev.  William,  705,  868. 
Andrews,  Rev.  William  Watson,  705. 
Andrews,  Mr.  304. 
Andross,  William  P. ,  800. 
Andrus,  Silas,  800,  805,  824,  840. 
Animated  Nature,  300. 
Annals  of  Oneida  County,  165. 

1027 


Annals  of  American  Pulpit,  187,  755, 

S28. 
Annihilation,  93. 
Annuity  Society,  480,  484,  4S9,  495, 

5M,  5'5.  551.  555.  590,    592,   631. 

667,  671,  742,  819,  S21,   855,   866, 

893,  896,  931,  967,  991,  992,  1004, 

1019. 
Antrim,  Jeremiah,  535. 
Antiquary,  Scott's,  845,  847. 
Anthony,  Miss  Susanna,  38. 
Apocrypha,  367,  368,  370,   371,  374, 

377- 
Apology  for  the  Bible,  23. 
Arbuthnot,  Mr.,  773. 
Argus,  66. 
Argyle,  N.  Y.,  156. 
Arlington,  Vt.,  82,  93. 
Armenians,  83,  88,  97,  99,  190,  197, 

713- 
Armory,  Springfield,  529. 
Annstrong,  Hon.  John,  281. 
Arnold,  Susan,  639. 
Arnold,  Thomas,  971. 
Ashby,  Mass.,  S91. 
Ashford,  Ct.,  665,  745. 
Ashtabula   County,   Ohio,   215,  219, 

220,  222,  247,  250,  252,  254. 
Ashuelot  Valley,  641. 
Aspem,  Battle  of,  403. 
Assassination,  95. 
Assembly,  Presbyterian  General,  140, 

857.  S5S. 
Assembly  s   Catechism,  28,   30,  217, 

232. 
Association,  General,  of  Connecticut, 

23,  ii6,  122,  176,  441,  520,  555,  556, 

641,  705,  890,  906. 
Association,  General,  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, 641. 
Astor,  John  Jacob,  493. 
Asylum  for  Deaf  and   Dumb,    741, 

761. 
Athanasius,  Life  of,  721. 
Atonement,  Doctrine  of,  62. 
Attleborough,  Mass.,  99,  148. 
Atwater,  Caleb,  257. 
At  water,   Jeremiah,    D.D.,   82,    92, 

'55-       _  . 
Atwater,  Ohio,  257. 
Atwell,  Rev.  George,  431,  470,  471, 

472. 
Auburn  Theological  Seminary,  N.Y., 

859,  921. 
Auerstadt,  Battle  of,  308. 
Augusta,  N.  Y.,  165,  167,  16S. 
Augsburgh  Confession,  601. 
Aurelius,  N.  Y.,  173,  176. 
Aurora,  Newspaper,  65,  66. 
Aurora,  Ohio,  234,  258,  284. 
Austin,  Aaron,  243. 
Austin,  Aaron  E.,  243. 
Austin,  Rev.  David,    515,   573,  786, 

978. 
Austin,  Eliphalet,  161,  216. 
Austin,  Nathaniel,  161. 
Austin,  Samuel,  D.D.,  152,  396,  442, 

443,  454,  459.  466,  980. 
Austin,  William,  436. 
Austin,  Capt.,  222. 
Austin,  Major,  i6i. 
Austin,  Mr.,  44. 
Austin,  Mrs.,  099. 
Austintown,  Ohio,  216. 


1028 


DIARY   OF   REV.   THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Austinburgh,  Ohio,  216,  220,  221, 
222,  226,  229,  236,  243,  258,  259, 
262,  266,  268,  269,  270,  288,  414. 

Austrians,  21,  31,  86,  87,  96,  97,  118. 

Autobiography  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Badger,  266. 

Aver)',  Rev.  Joseph,  20,  40,  145,  192. 

Avery,  Mr.,  337. 

Avon,  Ct.,  80,  173,  268,  312,  317,  361, 
426,  454.  524.  S3i>  776,  887,  919, 
955.  965' 

Babcock,  Major  Elisha,  397,  961. 
Babcock,  Lydia,  871. 
Bache,  Benjamin  Franklin,  65. 
Backus,  Rev.  Azel,  D.D.,  161,  527, 

691. 
Backus,  Rev.  Charles,  D.D.,  50,  55, 

57,  59.  "6,  194,  295,  30s,  417,  419, 

424.  438,  527,  780. 
Backus,  Mrs.  Charles,  313,  419,  438, 

550,  564,  568,  780. 
Backus,  lilajor  Ebenezer,  14. 
Backus,  Jabez,  780. 
Backus,  Mercy  (Edwards),  14. 
Backus,  Rev.  Simon,  731,  756,  786, 

836. 
Bacon,  61,  62,  322. 
Bacon  Academy,  656. 
Bacon,  Alice  (Parks),  270. 
Bacon,  Asa,  Esq.,  1008. 
Bacon,   Rev.   David,  240,  241,  259, 

268,  270,  271,  286. 
Bacon,   Rev.   Leonard,   D.D.,    240, 

270,  g8i. 
Bacon,  Pierpont,  656. 
Badger,  Henry,  269. 
Badger,  Rev.  Joseph,  216,  218,  220, 

222,   224,   226,  227,  228,  232,  233, 

236,   238,   239,  241,  243,  250,  253, 

254,   257,  264,  266,  268,  269,  273, 

274,  275,  277,  278,  2S6. 
Bainbridge,  N.  Y.,  205. 
Baker,  Rev.  Joel,  440. 
Baker,  Mr.,  68. 
Balcom,  Mr.,  651. 
Baldwin,  Henn',  215. 
Baldwin,  Roger  Sherman,  489,  964. 
Baldwin,  Judge  Simeon,  964. 
Baldwin,  Hon.  Simeon  E.,  964. 
Baldwin,  Rev.  Thomas,  D.D.,  826. 
Baldwin,  Rev.  Truman,  153. 
Ballantine,  Rev.  W.  G.,  139. 
Ball,  Rev.  Heman,  92. 
Ball,  James,  2S5. 
Balls  in  Ohio,  288. 
Balls  in  Williams  College,    i,   2,   7, 

17,  18. 
Balston,  N.  Y.,  178,  986. 
Badtimore,   Md.,   25,   441,   749,  796, 

797- 
Bampton  Lectures,  363. 
Bangor  Theological  Seminary,  9,  62. 
Bancroft,  871. 

Bancroft,  Aaron,  D.D.,  973. 
Bancroft,  Abner,  917,  919. 
Bancroft,  E.  L.,  755. 
Bancroft,  Hon.  George,  973. 
Bancroft,  Harriet,  629. 
Bancroft,  Mrs.  Jerusha,  606. 
Bancroft,  Julia,  800. 
Bancroft,  Mrs.  Lucy,  881. 
Bancroft,  Mrs.  Lydia,  532. 
Bancroft,  Marj',  777. 
Bancroft,  Maria,  903. 
Bancroft,  Minerva,  871. 
Bancroft,  Samuel,  629. 
Bancroft,  Mrs.  Sarah,  656. 
Baptist  Foreign  Missionary  Society, 

552- 
Baptists,  go,  253,  263,  406,  819,  822, 

823,   828,  829,  830,  831,  842,  861, 

867,  897,  901,  916,  925. 
Barber,  John  W.,  6S0,  683,  962,  971. 
Barber  &  Robinson,  923. 
Barber's  Historical  Collections,  106. 
Barker,  Rev.  Joseph,  97, 99,  421,  490. 
Barker,  Col.,  304. 


Barkhamsted,  Ct.,  147,  284,  455, 
5'6,  554.  59'.  669,  704,  894,  895. 

Barnard,  Mr.,  M.D.,  25. 

Barnes,  Daniel,  859. 

Barnett,  Rev.  John,  92. 

Barnum,  Mr.,  530. 

Barre,  Vt.,  153. 

BaiTington,  R.  L,  96,  148. 

Barron,  Commodore  James,  815. 

Barron,  Major,  639. 

Barroso,  Battle  of,  476. 

Barrs,  Major  H.,  159,  165,  168. 

Bartlett,  Daniel  W.,  375. 

Bartlett,  Rev.  John,  454,  707,  803, 
890.  953.  994- 

Bartlett,  John  Lefifingwell,  954. 

Bartlett,  Rev.  Jonathan,  119. 

Bartlett,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  118,  119. 

Bartlett,  Rev.  Shubael,  201,  368,375, 
387.   395.   398,  422,  426,  429,  435, 

441,  446,  447.  453,  454,  459.  47i, 
479.  483.  490.  494,  520,  521,  558, 
586,  592,  598,  600,  610,  645,  652, 
665,  66g,  675,  686,  693,    704,    707, 

721,  727,  741,  779,  789,  818,  824, 
827,  849,  890,  919,  931,  933,  947, 
953.  954.  957,  968,    971,    981. 

Bartlett,  Mrs.  Shubael,  721,954,981. 

Bartlett,  Mr.,  304. 

Bartlett    Professorship  at  Andover, 

133- 
Bascom,  Rev.  Aaron,  144. 
Bass,  Samuel,  622. 
Bassett,    Rev.  Amos,  D.D.,  69,  77, 

78,  183,  298,  365,  451,  793,  860. 
Bassett,   Rev.    Archibald,    135,    138, 

142,   294,  298,  303,  311,  316,  317, 

337- 
Batavia,  N.  Y.,  174,  175. 
Battell,    EUen    (Mrs.    Azariah     El- 

dridge),  998. 
Battel!,  Harriet,  331. 
Battell,    Irene    (Mrs.    William    A. 

Larned),  17,  53,  98,  49,  496,  935, 

936,  960,  962. 
Battel!,  Joseph,  Sen.,  45,  51, 145, 203 

263,  285,  300,  306.  308,  312,  324, 

328,  329,  330,  331,  338,  341,  361 

370,   392,  395.  411,  428,  438,  439 

442,  444.  445,  465,  468,  469,  473 
478,  485,  487,  488,  491,  492,  506 
507,  511,  514,  519,  520,  525,  539 
542,  544,  546,  548,  556,  562.  564 
568,  569,  570,  571,  578,  583,  586 
595,  603,  604,  606,  610,  6r6,  618 
620,  625,  629,  634,  639,  643,  651 
652,  657,  678,  679,  682,  686,  687 
693,  697,  698,   703,   706,   709,  719 

722,  725.  734.  737.  740.  750,  752 
757.  776.  7S1.  782,  785.  788,  789 
794,  800,  812,  819,  824,  825,  83s 
837,  839,  840,  847,  853,  854,  863 
872,  884,  889,  890,  895.  899,  906 
908,   918,  939,   941,   942,   943,   944 

950,  951.  954,  960,  963,  966,  967 
968,   9S0,   998,    1003,   1005,   1014. 

Battell,  Joseph,  Jr.,  326,  360,  460 
464,  467,  47>,  5",  512,  520,  539 
561,  682,  683,  685,  782,  797,  831, 
869,  935,   937.   946,   947.    'OI4- 

Battell,  Mrs.  Joseph  (Sarah  Rob- 
bins),  3,  17,  19,  27,  30,  31,  40,  49 
56,  57.  58.  g5,  107,  121,  122,  14 
179,  220,  263,  294,  303,  326,  329 
341,  361,  370.  394,  4".  418,  419: 
428,  431,  434,  437.  474.  494,  497 
514,  525.  560,  561,  571,  578,  584 
595,  611,  616,  634,  642,  648,  708 
716.  725,  731.  734.  750,  755.  756 
797,   808,    872,   875,  918,   939,   943 

951.  963.   966,    1014. 

Battell,  Josiah  Buckingham,  2,  45 
52,  220,  222,  250,  415,  950. 

Battell,  Philip,  340,  360,  682,  760 
831,  903,  906,  g37,  g46. 

Battell,  Sarah  (Mrs.  Joseph  El 
dridge),  302,  338,  431,  719,  756,  757 
881,  935,  936,  960,  962,  998. 


Battell,  Robbins,  782. 

Battell,  Urania  (Mrs.  James  Hum- 
phrey), 595. 

Battell,  William,  43,  56,  81,  300,  301, 
330,  331,  638,  825. 

Battell,  Mrs.  William,  300,  825. 

Battell,  a  French  name,  220. 

Battell  Chapel,  460,  756,  797. 

Battelle,  Col.  Ebenezer,  279. 

Battelle,  Thomas,  279. 

Battle  of  Bennington,  17. 

Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  817. 

Battle  of  Chippewa,  174. 

Battle  of  New  Orleans,  619. 

Battle  of  Queenstown,  174. 

Bates,  Esq.,  174,  296,  660,  665. 

Bavaria,  281. 

Bavarians,  103. 

Baxter,  Richard,  353,  354. 

Bayard,  James  Ashton,  165,  605,  619. 

Bayard,  Hon.  Thomas  F.,  165. 

Baylen,  Battle  of,  368. 

Baylies,  Dr.  Wilham,  loi. 

Beach,  Jacob,  138. 

Beach,  Rev.  Jas.,  319,  349,  561,  957. 

Beach,  Mrs.  James,  561. 

Beach,  Linus,  85. 

Beach,  Mr.,  236. 

Beale's  Museum,  29. 

Beardsley,  Mr.,  206. 

Bearing  the  Cross,  927. 

Beauties  of  History,  49. 

Beauties  of  St.  Pierre,  144. 

Beaver,  alias  Mcintosh,  Penn.,  229, 
231,  267. 

Beaver  County,  Penn.,  215,  229,  267. 

Beaver  Dam,  558. 

Beaver  Hat,  329. 

Becket,  Mass.,  134,  135,. 138,  139, 140, 
14',  143,  144.  145.  154.  161,  162, 
168,  179,   181,   184,   187,  189,  370. 

Beckwith,  Mr.,  493. 

Beecher,  Dr.  Lyman,  439,  812,  980, 
1007. 

Beers,  Isaac,  410,  429. 

Beers  &  Howe,  374,  410,  417,  429, 
432,  434,  437.  438,  489.  60S. 

Beers,  Penn.,  215,  288. 

Bedford,  Rev.  Arthur,  334,  335,  337, 
340,  435- 

Bedford  County,  Penn.,  210,  289. 

Bedford,  N.  Y.,  489. 

Bedford,  Penn.,  289. 

Belcher,  EmUy,  826. 

Belcher,  Frances,  878. 

Belchertown,  Mass.,  152,  835. 

Belden.  Rev.  Jonathan,  360. 

Beldeu,  Rev.  Joshua,  714. 

Belgium,  636. 

Belgium  Traveler,  369. 

Belisarius,  150. 

Belknap,  Rev.  Jeremy,  D.  D.,  23, 
112,  974. 

Bellamy,  Rev.  Joseph,  D.  D.,  37, 
105,  318,  515,  527. 

Bellerophon,  638. 

Bellingham,  the  assassin,  518. 

Bellows  Falls,  Vt.,  152. 

Beloe,  Rev.  William,  451. 

Beloit  College,  299. 

Belpre,  Ohio,  272,  278,  279,  281,  918. 

Bement,  Mrs.  Surana,  980. 

Benedict,  Francis,  115. 

Benedict,  Rev.  David,  910. 

Benedict,  Rev.  Amzi,  967,  969,  970, 
994,  995- 

Benedict,  Rev.  Noah,  146,  963. 

Benedict,  Rev.  .Abner,  23,  192. 

Benevolence  and  Misery',  182. 

Benevolent  principle  in  human  na- 
ture, 30. 

Benjamin,  Mr.,  711,  712,  715,  721, 
728,  730,  744,  752.   764,  767.  772- 

Bennington,  Vt.,  6,  7,  14,  17,  82,  93, 
95.  179.  i8o- 

Benson,  Vt.,  83,  156. 

Bentley,  Rev.  William,  826,  836,  861, 
875,  1023. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


1029- 


Beresford,  Lord,  482. 
Beresina,  Battle  of,  543. 
Bergen,  Battle  of,  105. 
Berkshire  County,  Mass.,  17,  21,  22, 
'  33,  137.  140,  370. 
Berlin,  Ct.,  187,  194,  197,  igg,  355, 

371.  3'57,  467,  506,  521,  541,  547, 

565.   579,   581,  627,  628,  650,  679, 

682,  853. 
Berlin,  Vt.,  153. 
Bernardston,  Mass.,  152. 
Berne,  Switzerland,  972. 
Berwick,  Me.,  321. 
Berwickshire,  Scotland,  240. 
Best,  W.  M.,  306. 
Bethel  Parish,  105,  126,  127. 
Bethlehjm,  Ct.,  37,  527,  896. 
Bethlehem,  Mass.,  137,  139. 
Bethlem,  Ct.,  105,  146. 
Beverley,  Robert,  729. 
Beverly,  Mass.,  151,  557,  910. 
Bible  Dictionary,  379. 
Bicheno,  J.,  31. 
Biddeford,  Me.,  93. 
Bidwell,  Barnabas,  12,  37,  321. 
Bidwell,  Mrs.  Editha,  S13. 
Bidwell,  Eoaphras,  M.  D.,  373. 
Bidwell,  Huldah,  643. 
Bidwell,  Julia,  901. 
Bidwell,  Sarah,  480. 
Bidwell,  Rev.  Walter  H.,  1018. 
Bis  Beaver  River,  286. 
Big  Falls,  N.  Y.,  372. 
Bigelow,  Mr.,  325,  979. 
Bigger,  Mr.,  300. 
Billings  and  Holden,  15. 
Bingham,  Rev.  Silas  L.,85,  401,  403, 

405,  412- 
Bingham,  Mes.srs.,  206. 
Biographical  Dictionary-,  208. 
Biographical  Mirror,  18S. 
Birgs.  Backus  W.,  621,  622,  992. 
Birge,  Mrs.  Backus  W.,  774. 
Birge,  Bailey,  752,  774,  794. 
Birge,  Daniel,  840. 
Birge,  Edwin,  621. 
Birge,  Jonathan,  840. 
Birge,  Julius,  621,  987. 
Birge.  Marj-,  621. 
Birge,  Mary  B.,   9S7. 
Birge,  Roger  Pitkin,  992. 
Birge,  Sally,  871. 
Birmingham,  Eng.,  209. 
Bishop,  Abraham,  122,  146. 
Bishop,  Rev.  Artemas,  904. 
Bishop,  .Samuel,  143. 
Bishop,  Timothy,  12,  19,  679. 
Bissell,  Capt.  Aaron,  378,  386,  400, 

414,  456,  458,   559.  572,   585,  602, 

658,  6S3,  700,  760,  794,  814,  871, 

968,  qSo,  984,  987. 
Bissell,  Benjamin,  52. 
Bissell,  Damaris  (Potwine),  763. 
Bissell,  Edgar,  962. 
Bissell.  Edward,  943. 
Bissell,  Electa,  763. 
Bissell,  Eli,  753. 
Bissell,  Elijah,  553. 
Bissell,  Elsa,  779. 
Bissell,  Epaphras,  796,  831,  988. 
Bissell,  Frances,  796. 
Bissell,  Horace,  579,  645, 
Bissell,  Sophia,  794. 
Bissell,  Susan,  794. 
Bissell,  Theodore,  831,  832. 
Bissell,  Mrs.,  378. 
Bisset,  Rev.  John,  11. 
Black  River  Country,  200. 
Black,  Walter  A.,  553. 
Blackburn,  William,   325,   326,  337, 

3,39- 
Blackstone  s  Commentary,  668. 
Blaine,  James  G.,  393. 
Blake,  Jonathan,  802. 
Blake  &  Cunningham,  823. 
Blakeslee,  Mrs.  Ruhamah,  640. 
Blakeslee,  Rev.  Mr.,  662,  676,  680, 

693.  i^!  7031  740. 


Blandford,  Mass.,  140,  216. 

Blatchford,  Samuel,  D.  D.,  857. 

Bleeding,  180,  324. 

Blinn,  Minerv'a,  993. 

Bliss,  Lucy,  802. 

Bliss,  Nancv,  897. 

Bliss,  Pelitiah,  860. 

Bloomfield,  Ct.,  318,  335,  349,  707, 
994- 

Bloomfield,  N.  Y.,  173,  174,953. 

Blount,  William,  37. 

Blucher,  General,  635. 

Blue  Meeting-House,  564. 

Board,  Price  of,  53,  64. 

Boardman,  Rev.  Benjamin,  905,  gio. 

Boardman,  Elijah,  130,  191,  511,  548. 

Boardman,  Ohio,  216,  218,  220,  222, 
224,  226,  227,  228,  232,  236,  238, 
239,  241,  243,  250,  253,  254,  257, 
264,  266,  268,  269,  273,  274,  275, 
277,  27S,  286. 

Boies,  Rev.  Artemas,  939. 

Bogue,  Rev.  Publius  V.,  21,  log, 
131- 

Bolton,  Ct.,  148,  519,  532,  575,  595, 
596,  597,  697,  913,  947. 

Bolton  Notch,  148. 

Bolton,  Ohio,  284. 

Bolton,  Vt.,  153. 

Bonaparte,  Jerome,  348. 

Bonaparte,  Joseph,  348,  380,  640. 

Bonaparte,  Louis,  348. 

Bonaparte,  Napoleon,  campaign  in 
Italy,  battles  of  Areola  and  Lodi, 
14,  29,  31;  makes  peace  with  the 
Pope,  33 ;  defeats  Archduke 
Charles,  35,  37;  blocked  up  in 
Corsica  by  a  British  fleet,  63,  66; 
in  Eg^-pt,  68,  77 ;  plague  in  his 
army,  87,  106 ;  Consul,  in;  again 
in  Ltaly,  :2i ;  battle  of  Marengo, 
121 ;  makes  a  treaty  with  th'^  Pope 
whereby  the  Decades  ar  ?  abolished 
and  Sunday  reestablished,  171  ; 
first  Consul,  181,  1S6;  made  Em- 
peror, 275 ;  successful  in  vv'ar 
against  the  Austrians,  2  78;  in  Ger- 
many, 280 :  dictatorial  to  the  Amer- 
ican Minister,  281,  284,  286;  St. 
Cloud  his  favorite  residence,  304, 
308,  309,  313.  321 ;  possible  ruler  in 
America,  332 ;  makes  peace  with 
Russia  and  Prussia,  334,  350,  354; 
compels  the  King  of  Spain  to  re- 
sign, 365 ;  busy  with  Spanish  af- 
fairs, 380;  in  great  wrath,  383; 
invading,  401 ;  regarded  as  a  sub- 
ject of  prophecy,  410 ;  planning 
mischief  against  our  country,  428; 
divorced  from  Josephine,  442  ;  mar- 
ried to  Maria  Louisa  of  Austria, 
442  ;  his  confiscations,  448  ;  cannot 
recover  from  his  Russian  defeat, 
535;  driven  to  France,  579;  fear 
of  him  in  this  countr\-,  594;  again 
on  the  throne,  626;  battle  of 
Waterloo,  635,  636;  surrenders  to 
the  English,  638;  banished  to  St. 
Helena,  643. 

Bondstown,  Ohio,  248,  249. 

Bonney,  Rev.  WiUiam,  326. 

Booge,  Rev.  Aaron  J.,  81,  167. 

Book  of  Travels,  Dwight's,  175. 

Booth,  Rev.  Chauncey,  637. 

Booth,  Seth,  Jr.,  836. 

Bordwell,  Rev.  Joel,  51,  127. 

Borodino,  Battle  of,  530,  534. 

Borthwick,  Scotland,  188. 

Bossuet,^  James  Benigne,    198,   296, 

2Q7,  303,  967- 

Boston  Athenaum,  417. 

Boston,  Mass.,  6,  30,  40,  64,  84,  99, 

112,   141,  151,  335,  369,  597,  612, 

686,  893. 
Boston  Recorder,  673,  688,  723,  750, 

872,  924,  947,  952,  984. 
Boston,  R.  L,  148. 
Boston,  Thomas,  240,  341,  342. 


Bostwick,  Mr.,  256. 
Bosworth,  Dr.,  887. 
Botzaris,  Marco,  951. 
Boudinot,  Elias,  683. 
Bow,  Mrs.  Wealthy,  1000. 
Bowdoin  College,  153,  450,  740,  88g. 
Boylston,  Dr.  Zabdiel,  6. 
Boylston,  Mass.,  152. 
Bozrah,  Ct.,  183,  515,  573,  710. 
Brace,  Joab,  D.  D.,  455,  656,   714, 

759,  771,  956. 
Brace,  Jonathan,  286. 
Braceville,  Ohio,  255. 
Bradford,  David,  2. 
Bradford,  Hersey,  162. 
Bradford,  Rev.  James,  561. 
Bradford,  Lydia,  2. 
Bradford,  RIerritt,  754,  755. 
Bradford,  S.  F.,  924. 
Bradford,  Dr.  William,  96,  924,  loio. 
Bradford,  Governor  William,  2,  494, 

924. 
Bradford,  William,  Jr.,  2. 
Bradford  County,  Penn.,  205,  206. 
Bradley,  Rev.  Dan.,  159. 
Bradley,  Hon.  Daniel,  169,  172,  177. 
Bradley,  Rev.  Joel,  167. 
Bradley,  Mr.,  178. 
Bragg,  Edward,  720. 
Bragg,  Jonas,  607. 
Bragg,  Mrs.  Rhoda,  loij. 
Brainerd,  Daniel,  1S4,  494. 
Brainerd,  Rev.  Israel,  183,  189,  191, 

196. 
Brainerd,  John  G.  C,  446. 
Brainerd,  Col.,  203. 
Brainerd,  Dr.,  184. 
Brainerd,  Mrs.,  196,  203,   221,   233, 

494- 
Braintree,  Mass.,  60,  150,  528. 
Braintrem,  Penn.,  206. 
Brandon,  Vt.,  92. 
Branford,  Ct.,  87,  97,  122,  183,  193, 

299,  304,  334,  400,  473,  490,   546, 

569,  641,  697,  756,  981. 
Brattleborough,  Vt.,  152,  590. 
Bray,  Oliver,  13. 
Brazil,  349. 
Breaking  paths,  320. 
Brentwood,  N.  H.,  930. 
Brewer,  Philura,  1002. 
Brewer,  Col.,  230. 
Brewster,  Sir  David,  515. 
Brick  Church,  N.  Y.,  11,  136. 
Bridge  at  Hartford,  Ct. ,  3 14,  376, 401, 

406,  423,  505,  518,  526,  629. 
Bridgeport,  Ct.,  313,  710,   711,   715, 

721,  728,  730,  731,  744,  752,  764, 

767,  772,  774- 
Bridge  water,  Mass.,  150. 
Brighton,  Mass.,  369. 
Brinsmade,  Rev.  Horatio  N.,  9166. 
Bristed,  Charles  Astor,  493. 
Bristed,   Rev.   John,  493,  496,  497, 

498. 
Bristol,  Ct.,  718,  91S,  994,  1013. 
Bristol,  England,  27. 
Bristol,  Ohio,  264. 
Bristol,  Penn.,  291. 
Bristol,  R.  I.,  96,  97,  loi,  148,  149, 

162,  168,  327,  969,  lOIO. 
Bristol,  Vt.,  88. 
British  Classics,  464,  542,  632. 
British  Critic,  451. 
British  Poets,  554,  566. 
British  Treatv,  19. 
Broadalbin,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Broad  Oak,  Eng. ,  846. 
Brock,  General,  525,  531. 
Brockway,    Rev.   Diodate,  363,  372, 

394,  419,  490,  627,  669,  675,   775, 

838,  934,  980. 
Brockway,  Mrs.  Diodate,  534,  550, 

959- 
Brockway,  Hon.  John  H.,  838,  870. 
Brockway,  Rev.  Thomas,  363. 
Brockway,  Esq.,  237. 
Brodhead,  Sheriff,  165. 


1030 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Bronson,  Col.  Ozias,  311. 

Brook  near  Norfolk  Parsonage,  34, 

no. 
Brookfield,   Ct.,   loi,   103,  104,  107, 

108,  III,  119,  124,  128,  800. 
Brookfield,  Mass.,  152,  361,  973. 
Brookfield,  Oluo,  243,  252,  253,  262, 

265,  268. 
Brookline,  Mass.,  251,  975. 
Brooklyn,  Ct.,  977,  980. 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  921,  969. 
Brooks,  Daniel,  620. 
Brooks,  John,  LL.D.,  564. 
Brooks,  Samuel,  660. 
Brooks,  Rev.  Thomas,  iii. 
Broome  County,  N.  Y.,  205. 
Brothortown,  INI.Y.,  167. 
Brougham,  Lord,  843. 
Brown,  Ephraim,  187. 
Brown,  John,  805. 
Brown,  John,  of  Haddington,  696. 
Brown,  Rev.  Matthew,  301. 
Brown,  Owen,  284. 
Brown,  Rev.  William,  204. 
Brown  University,   23,   59,   97,  139, 

143,    148,    181,  718,  815,  910,  958, 

978. 
Brownell,   Thomas    Church,    D.D., 

891,  960,  991. 
Brown's  Settlement,  205. 
Buchanan,    Dr.    Claudius,  411,  512, 

733,  737- 
Buckham,  Rev.  Nathan,  977. 
Buckingham,  Samuel  G.,  D.D.,  343. 
Buckingham,  Sarah,  45,  300. 
Buckniinster,  Joseph,  D.D.,  151. 
Buck's  County,  Penn.,  291. 
Buel,  Dr.  William,  561,  562,  570. 
Buell,  Horatio,  9S6,  989,  1022. 
Buffalo,  N.Y.,  174,  175,  577. 
Bulkley,   Rev.   Gershom,  Sen.,  728, 

908. 
Bulklev,  Rev.  Gershom,  Jr.,  907. 
Bulkley,  Rev.  John,  728. 
Bulkley,  Rev.  Peter,  728,  908. 
Bulkley,  Mr.,  931. 
Bull,  Amos,  687,  697,  707. 
Bunce,  Charles  W.,  901. 
Burder,  Rev.  George,  448. 
Burge,   Rev.    Caleb,  933,   934,   952, 

959>  961,  962.  97'.  987- 
Burge,  Edwin,  949. 
Burhans,  Rev.  Daniel,  D.D.,  103. 
Burlington  Bay,  88,  384. 
Burlington  College,  603. 
Burlington,  Ct.,  301,  303. 
Burlington,  Mass.,  630. 
Burlington,  N.  J.,  971. 
Burlington,  Vt.,  154. 
Burnap,  Esq.,  755. 
Burnett,  Dr.  Matthew,  120. 
Burnham,  Chester,  996. 
Burnham,  Elijah,  508. 
Burnham,  Hannah,  894. 
Burnham,  Mrs.  Lydia,  536,  676. 
Burnham,  Roger,  999. 
Burnham,  Mrs.  Sarah,  842,  868. 
Burnham,  Sarah  Lorinda,  868. 
Burnham,  Zenas  Timothy  Elmer,  868. 
Burnside,  Ct.,  417,  961,  1020. 
Burr,  Rev.  Aaron,  51,  114,  129,  136, 

177,  237.  305.  312.  328. 
Bun-,  Nathan,  590. 
Burr,  Timothy,  285. 
Burt,  Rev.  Enoch,  964,  969,  970,  992, 

lOOI,   I020. 

Burt,  Rev.  Federal,  601,  604. 

Burt,   Rev.    Gideon,  443,   444,   875, 

920,  922. 
Burt,  Stoddard,  620. 
Burton,  Rev.  Asa,  D.D.,  153,  641. 
Burton,  Ohio,  244,  247,  248,  258,  264. 
Bury  St.  Edmunds,  Eng. ,  187. 
Burying  potatoes  and  apples,  42. 
Bushnell,  Rev.  Harvey,  965. 
Bushnell,  Horace,  D.D.,  998. 
Bushnell,   Rev.   Jedediah,   130,  177, 

191,  249. 


Butler,  Rev.  Daniel,  528. 
Butler,  Rev.  David,  123,  127. 
Butler,  F.,  856. 
Butler,  Jolin,  207. 
Butler,  Nathaniel,  506. 
Butler,  Rev.  Stephen,  89. 
Butler,  Col.  Zebulon,  207,  291. 
Byington,  Rev.  Cyrus,  918. 
Byron,  Lord,  951. 

Cadiz,  Spain,  476,  797,  931. 

Ca;sar,  Annas,  926. 

Cahoon,  Eliza,  791. 

Cairo,  Egypt,  150. 

Calderwell,  John,  285. 

Calderwood,  Rev.  David,  915,  gr6. 

Caledonian,  848. 

Calhoun,  Geo.  A.,  D.D.,  977,  1019. 

Calvary,  a  picture,  927. 

Calvary,  a  poem,  383. 

Calvinism  improved,  21,  49. 

Calvinistic  Baptist,  86. 

Calvinistic  Doctrines,  197. 

Calvin,  John,  559,  945. 

Calvin's  Institutes,  662. 

Calvin's  Work,  662,  728. 

Cambridge,  Eng.,  383. 

Cambridge,  Mass.,  12,  103,  151,  438, 

494,  691,  693,  974,  987. 
Cambridge  Platform,  190,  340. 
Cambridge    University,    Eng.,    383, 

4",  493- 
Camillus,  N.  Y.,  172. 
Camoens,  Luis  De,  985. 
Campbell,  Rev.  George,  37,  624,  667. 
Campbell,  Widow  Margaret,  848. 
Campbell,  Thomas,  303. 
Campbell's  Dissertations,  667. 
Campbell's   Gospels,   617,   624,  627, 

649,  667,  674. 
Camp,  Deacon,  102. 
Camp,  Rev.  Samuel,  105,  106,    108, 

III,  124,  129. 
Camp,  Mrs.  Samuel,  124. 
Camperdown,  Battle  of,  47. 
Campfield,  Ohio,  216,  217,  286. 
Camp-meeting,   325,   451,   677,    714, 

867. 
Canaan,  Ct.,   10,  34,  43,  56,  57,  58, 

64,  67,  68. 
Canaan  Mountain,  44. 
Canada,  8,  84,  Sg. 
Canajoharie,  N.  Y.,  156,  963. 
Canandaigua,  N.   Y.,   173,    175,  176, 

177,  330- 
Candace,  621. 
Canfield,  Hon.  Judson,  216,  225,  227, 

229,  237,  254. 
Canfield,  Mr.,  293,  937. 
Canfield,   Ohio,   216,   218,  231,  235, 

237.  239,  240,  242,  243,  252,  254, 

255,  256,  264,  268,  269,  270,  277, 

283,  286,  288. 
Canonsburgh,  Penn.,  231. 
Canterbury,  Ct.,  61,  75,  148,  234,  314, 

433,  755,  8S2. 
Canterbury,  Eng.,  977. 
Canton,  China,  96,  738. 
Canton,  Ct.,  12,  52,  66,  69,  294,  295, 

338,  340,  347,  348,  353,   358,   361, 

410,  411,  660,  825,  897,   905,   925, 

937,  938,  97S,   982. 
Cappadocia,  359. 
Capricorn  and  Cancer,  342. 
Carey,  Rev.  Matthew,  193,  197. 
Carey,  Rev.  Thomas,  152. 
Carlisle,  Penn.,  210,  290,  857. 
Carlton,  Ohio,  2.^9. 
Carnwath,  Scotland,  515. 
Caroline  Amelia  ElizabetU,  843. 
Caroline  Archipelago,  304. 
Caroline,  Queen,  843. 
Carrier,  Lucy,  75. 
Carrigue,  Rev.  Richard,  944. 
Carter,  Charles,  80. 
Carter,  Charles,  Jr.,  80. 
Carter,  Miss  E.,  73. 
Carter,  Eleazer,  69,  73,  79,  96. 


Carter,  Miss  J.,  73,  82.  « 

Carthage,  Ancient,  455,  693. 

Carver,  Lewis,  668. 

Carver,  Mass.,  97,  98. 

Case,  Cephas,  269.  i 

Case,  Rev.  Francis  H.,  941.  * 

Case,  Harvey,  416. 

Case,  Salmon,  492. 

Case,  Susannah,  469. 

Case,  Thomas,  1004. 

Case,  Mrs.,  347,  364,  375,  415,  445, 

448,  457,  467,  540,  543,  584- 
Case,  Capt.,  236,  345,  346,  347,  34S, 

416. 
Case's  Mills,  288. 
Cassano,  Battle  of,  87. 
Castleton,  Vt.,  85,  93,  no. 
Catawissa,  Penn.,  209. 
Catechism,  Assembly's,  28,  30,  217, 

413,  428,  432,810. 
Catechising  the  children,  899,  934. 
Catharine,  a  colored  woman,  588. 
Catharine  II,  of  Russia,  31. 
Cathcart,  Lord,  336,  339. 
Catholic  Doctrine  of  Trinity,  59. 
Catskill,  N.  Y.,  203,  207,  679,   680, 

9S5,  986. 
Cattle  Show,  872. 
Cave,  William,  D.D.,  721,  722,  724, 

729,  730,, 789,  790,  820,  837. 
Cayuga  Bridge,  173. 
Cavuga  County,  N.  Y.,  173. 
Cayuga,  N.  Y.,  176. 
Cazenovia,  N.  Y.,  177,  797. 
Cecil,  Robert,  789. 
Centerbrook,  Ct.,  190. 
Central  New  York,  2. 
Century  Sermon,  12S,  129. 
Century,  when  does  the  century  be- 
gin, 129. 
Cesarea,  359,  929. 
Chadwick,  Mr.,  974. 
Chagrin  Falls,  Ohio,  259. 
Chalmers,  Thomas,  D.D.,  727. 
Chambersburgh,  Penn.,  290. 
Chambers's  Encyclopaedia,  95,  515. 
Chambery  Palace,  380. 
Champion   Epaphroditus,    194,    195, 

196,  2ig,  256. 
Cliampion,  Henry,  285. 
Champion,  Rev.  Judah,  439,  1008. 
Champion,  Miss  L.,  201. 
Champlain,  late  Battle  of,  603. 
Chandler,  Hannah,  87. 
Channing,  William  E.,  D.D.,  ion, 

1012. 
Chapin,  Dea.  Aaron,  299,  308,  317. 
Chapin,  Rev.  Aaron  L.,  D.D.,  299. 
Chapin,  Almira,  605. 
Chapin,  Calvin,  D.D.,  71,  289,  299, 

468,    520,    737,  756,  870,  956,  957, 

1007. 
Chapin,  Rev.  Chester,  849,  851,  855, 

S60,  S64,  869,  890. 
Chapin,  Elizabeth,  593. 
Chapin,  Rev.  Joel,  205. 
Chapin,  Laertes,  299,  557,  5S2. 
Chapman,  Rev.  E.  J.,  204,  249,  268, 

296. 
Chapman,  Fannie,  355. 
Chapman,  Mr.,  564,  679. 
Chariton,  Edward,  568. 
Charlton,  Edward  T.,  658. 
Charlton,  Elizabeth,  509. 
Charlton,  James  Henry,  629. 
Charlton,   Jesse,   469,  480,  509,  568, 

605,  629,  936. 
Charlton,  Rebecca  Mary,  782. 
Charlton,  Sarah,  442.        , 
Charles  I,  of  England,  140. 
Charles  II,  of  England,  195. 
Charles  IV,  of  Spain,  365. 
Charles  V.  of  Germany,  190,  191, 601, 

6SS. 
Charles  Louis,  Archduke,  35,  115. 
Charles  William  Ferdinand,  843. 
Charieston,  S.  C,  55,  407.  797,  855. 

89S. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


103  I 


Charlestown,    Mass.,    6g,    150,   151, 

162,  651,  687,  693,  69s,   714,  738, 

975- 
Chajlestown,  N.  Y.,  153,  156. 
Charlestown,  Va.,  271. 
Charlotte  Augusta,  727. 
Charlotte,  Vt.,  88,  91,  112,  138,  153, 

i54>   '55i   ^S(>>   iS9>   i<^5>   '68,   178, 

304. 
Chase,  Rev.  Amos,  146. 
Chase,   Philander,   D.D.,   537,   555, 

697. 
Chase,  Judge  Samuel,  252. 
Chatham,  Ct.,  583,  724,  835. 
Chauncey,  C'harles,  D.D.,  318,  319. 
Chauncey,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  932. 
Chauncey,  Worthington,  G.,  932. 
Chauncey,  Mr.,  859. 
Chelmsford,  Mass.,  152. 
Chenango  County,  N.  V.,  169,  338. 
Cheshire  Cheese,  160. 
Cheshire,  Ct.,  94,  761,  811,  890. 
Cheshire  Republican,  89. 
Chester,  John,  D.D.,  857,  863,  960, 

961. 
Chester  County,  Penn.,  290. 
Chester,  Eng.,  846. 
Chester,  Mass.,  144,  145,  370,  606. 
Chester,  Vt.,  153,  465. 
Chestnut  Hill,  Norfolk,  Ct.,  561. 
Chicopee,  Mass.,  943. 
Chilmark,  Mass.,  1002. 
China,  Ohio,  229,  240,  254,  283. 
China  population,  45. 
Chippewa  River,  174. 
Chittenden  County,  Vt.,  88. 
Choctaw  Indians,  gi8. 
Christian  Fathers,  820. 
Christian  History',  314,  342,  974. 
Christian   Obsen-er,    577,    581,    593, 

597,  667,  712,  718,  720,  907. 
Christian   Researches  in  Asia,  411, 

512.  733- 
Christian  Spectator,  770,  844,  948. 
Christian  VII,  of  Denmark,  114. 
Christmas,   244,   309,   381,  537,  612, 

880,  949. 
Christ  Rejected,  927. 
Chubbuck,  Dr.,  8go. 
Church,  Rev.  Aaron,  295,  408,  409, 

412,  426,  452,  554. 
Church,  Miss,  565. 
Church  History',  Fuller's,  637. 
Church  Music,  314. 
Church  of  Scotland,  915. 
Churches  on  Western  Reserve,  293. 
Churchill,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  S6i. 
Cicero's  Orations,  170,  171. 
Cider,  54,  367.  374,  S'S.  49i.  V^i,  732> 

737,  7S0. 
Cider  Brandy,  338,  845. 
Cincinnati  Society,  145. 
Clapp,  George,  604. 
Clapp,  Norman,  622. 
Clap,  Thomas,  D.D.,  96. 
Clareraont,  N.  H.,  153. 
Clark,  Curtis,  128. 
Clark,  Rev.  Eber  L.,  583,  637,638, 

652,  657,  66g,  673,   724,   732,   738, 

787,  793-  817,  818,  820,  829,  834, 

835,  883. 
Clark,  Rev.  Jehu,  119. 
Clark,  Joshua,  572. 
Clark,  Samuel,  D.D.,  24. 
Clark,  Rev.  Saul,  895. 
Clark,  Capt. ,  181. 
Clark,  Mr.,  261,  433,  545. 
Clark,   physician  in    Haddam,    Ct., 

203. 
Clarke,  Adam,  D.D.,  497,  730,  g2i, 

954- 
Clarke,  James  Freeman,  D.D.,  525. 
Clarke,  Lydia,  620. 
Clarke,  Miss  Lydia,  660. 
Clarke,  Rev.  Samuel,  645. 
Clarke,  Major  Samuel,  650,  658,  661, 

665. 
Claverack,  N.  Y.,  178. 


Claverack,  Penn.,  206. 

Clay  and  brick-making,  448. 

Clay,  Henry,  615,  6ig,  gg6. 

Clement,  379. 

Cleveland,  A.  P.,  8g3. 

Cleveland,  Grover,  President,  393. 

Cleveland,  Isaac,  797. 

Cleveland,  Gen.  Moses,  234,243,258, 

285. 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  ig6,  224,  233,  249, 

259,  260^,  5S5- 
Clinton,  Gov.  De  Witt,  139,  758. 
Clinton,  Gov.  George,  166,  171,  388, 

466. 
Clinton,  N.  Y.,  161,  162,   167,   169, 

337,  339,  346,  375- 
Clinton  Academy,  N.  Y.,  161,  338. 
Clinton,  Ct.,  i8g,  197,  355. 
Cobb,  Ebenezer,  gS,  150. 
Cobbet,  William,  44. 
Coe,  Loring  E.,  964. 
Coe,  Rev.  Harvey,  575. 
Coe,  Rev.  Noah,  575. 
Cogswell,  James,  D.D.,  14,  18,  313, 

315,  S82. 
Cogswell,  Mason  Fitch,  M.D.,  882. 
Cogswell,  Samuel,  14. 
Coit,  Daniel  L.,  286. 
Coit,  Joseph,  309,  315. 
Coitsville,  Ohio,  224,  253,  286. 
Colchester,  Ct.,  69,  75,  81,  too,  183, 

517,  596,  656,  728,  736,  908,  1013. 
Colchester,  Vt.,  89. 
Cole,  Abner  Edgar,  905. 
Cole,  Anna,  897. 
Cole,  Cyrus,  905. 
Cole,  Frederick  Wolcott,  905. 
Cole,  Harriet,  871. 
Cole,  Maria,  905. 
Colebrook,  Ct.,  33,  37,  65,  70,  80,  82, 

86,  94,  144,  147,  158,  183,  194,  198, 

284,  294,  300,  302,  305,  309,  316, 

319,  326,  329,  332,  335,   362,  364, 

372,  433.  46S,  477,   544,   551,   568, 

570,   59°,   591,  638,   657,   717,  722, 

7S2,  803,  839,   863,   884,  928,  987. 
Coleman,  Lyman,  D.D.,  941. 
College  of  South  Carolina,  148. 
Collins,  Rev.  Amos  B.,  665,  666. 
Collins,  Rev.  Augustus,  754,  755. 
Collins,  Lieut. -Gov.  Charles,  ion. 
Collins,  Rev.  Daniel,  179,  341,  450, 

678. 
Collins,  Levi,  673. 

Collections  for  Home  Missions,  113. 
CoUyer,  Mary,  166. 
Colman,  Benjamin,  D.D.,  797,  972. 
Colson,  Robert,  922. 
Colton,  Rev.  Chester,  930,  981. 
Columbia  College,  441,  710. 
Columbia  County,  N.  Y.,  154,  178. 
Columbia  County,  Penn.,  20S. 
Columbia,  Penn.,  290. 
Columbia,  Ct.,  72,  74,  i8g,  363,  376. 
Columbiana  County,  Oliio,  215,  243, 

271,  273- 
Columbus,  a  drama,  413. 
Columbus,  Christopher,  120,  130,  140. 
Combs,  50. 
Commencement  at  Williams  College, 

88,  122,  370,  449,  938. 
Commencement  at  Yale  College,  122, 

146,  299,  371,  410,  451,  564,  602, 

677,  715.  755>  795.  JOI7- 
Commentary',  Clarke's,  497,  504,  506, 

50S,  514.  536.  565.  620,  621,  647. 
Commentary,  Owen's,  533. 
Commentar>',  Patrick's,  468. 
Commentary,    Patrick  and  Lowth's, 

657,  661. 
Commentary,  Whitby's,  675,  725. 
Commercial  Advertiser,  783. 
Communicant's  Companion,  469. 
Communion  Season,  Open  Air,  212, 

269,  289. 
Complete  View  of  Episcopacy,  318. 
Comstock,   John   Lee,   M.  D.,    951, 


Comstock's,  Dr.,  School-Books. 

Concio  ad  Clerum,  122,  146,  300,  334, 
371,  410,  451,  489,  526,  564,  602, 
679.   715.  903.  939.  979.    io«7- 

Concord,  Ma.ss.,  728,  gc8. 

Concordance,  Cruden's,  334. 

Cone,  15,  28. 

Cone,  Rev.  Jonathan,  995. 

Cone,  Rev.  Salmon,  70,  75,  76,  1013. 

Cone,  Dea.,  202. 

Conecocheague  Valley,  Penn,  289. 

Conestoga  River,  Penn.,  290. 

Confession  of   Faith,  222,  224,  226, 

278- 

Congregational  Churches  in  Ohio, 
266. 

Congregationalism,  834,  989. 

Congregationalist,  86,  655. 

Congress,  i,  31,  77. 

Congressional  Representation,  law 
of,  160. 

Congruity,  Penn.,  212. 

Conneaut,  Ohio,  508. 

Connecticut  Bible  Society,  6S5,  965. 

Connecticut  Courant,  7(3,  217,  563, 
791.  1025. 

Connecticut  Education  Society,  715 

Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine, 
82,  123,  170,  183,  206,  312,  315, 
322,  342,  45g,  463,  469,  475,  485, 
492,  49S,  502,  503,  505,  507,  508, 
510,  511,  514,  517,  521,  523,  528, 
530,  531.  533,  536,  537,  541,  546, 
548,  550,  558,  565,  571.  576.  577. 
579,  580,  581,  582,  584,  585,  588, 
589.  591.  594,  596,  597,  S09,  606, 
608,  611,  612,  620,  621,  622,  623, 
625,  62S,  629,  631,  632,  634,  635, 
637.  643,  645,  649,  657. 

Connecticut  Historical  Rooms,  526. 

Connecticut  Historical  Society,  328, 
486,  1005,  1013,  1017,  1025. 

Connecticut  Land  Company,  241, 
257,  258,  260. 

Connecticut  Land  Company,  mem- 
bers of,  285. 

Connecticut  Medical  Society,  635. 

Connecticut  Mirror,  446,  519,  563, 
579,  791.  794,  801,  S42. 

Connecticut  Missionary  Society,  68, 
81,  82,  137,  184,  195,  196,  200,  202, 
209,  216,  231,  238,  241,  251,  262, 
264,  265,  27s,  278,  2S2,  294,  29S, 
320,  324,  337,  356,  513,  617,  627, 
863,  906,  967,  993. 

Connecticut  Obser\er,  9S9,  997. 

Connecticut  Reserve,  130,  195,  215, 
244, 322,  414. 

Connecticut  River,  55,  58,  152,  320, 
369.  370,  376,  3S3,  44S,  505,  5". 
516,  553,  628,  637,  642. 

Connecticut  Society  of  Good  Morals, 
626. 

Connecticut  State  Convention,  749. 

Connecticut  Theological  Institute, 
138,301,838,852,855. 

Connecticut  Valley,  563. 

Connections,  Prideaux's,  54. 

Consociation,  29S,  717,  799,  940,  941, 
981, .993.  995- 

Conspiracy  in  Congress,  37. 

Constitution,  Sliip,  524,  535. 

Continental  Congress,  366. 

Continuation  of  Hume's  History, 
144. 

Contrast  between  Calvinism  and  Hop- 
kinsianism,  517. 

Contributions  to  Connecticut  Eccle- 
siastical History,  41,  929,  995. 

Converse,  Mr.,  987. 

Cook,  E.,  172. 

Cook,  Rev.  Elisha  B.,  577,  579, 
5S3.  584.  592,  594,  603,  610,  629, 
664,  666,  667,  670,  672,  680,  688, 
6g6,  749,  754.  757,  760,  787,  813, 
871,  893,  g33,  g40,  972,  1006. 

Cook,  Mrs.  Elisha  B.,  688,  691,  697, 
698,  933,  965,  967- 


1032 


DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Cook,  Capt.  James,  688,  693. 

Cook,  Col.,  214. 

Cooke,  Benjamin,  546. 

Cooke,  Oliver,  965,  970. 

Cooke,  Messrs.,  954,  989. 

Cooke,  Mr.,  481,  493,  526,  541. 

Cook's  Voyj^es,  68S. 

Cooley,  Daniel,  611. 

Coolev,  Hadassah,  460. 

Cooley,    Rev.   Timothy  M.,    D.D., 

611,  627,  755. 
Cooley,  Titus,  875. 
Cooley.  Dr.,  904. 
Copenhagen,  138,  139,  336. 
Corinth,  Vt.,  153. 
Cormick,  L.  M.,  144,  145,  147,  185. 
Com  Crop,  125. 

Comehus,  Elias,  D.D.,  100,  138,  552. 
Corn.lius,  Mrs.  Elias,  138,  552. 
Coming,  Betsey,  912. 
Cornish,  N.  H.,  153,  555. 
Cora%vall,  Ct.,  41,  43,  65,  133,  135, 

iSo,  326,  525,  542,  604,  729,  734, 

759.  77i>  778,  992- 
Cornwall,  Eng.,  54. 
Cornwall  School,  755. 
Cornwall,  Vt.,  83,  85,  91,  150,  953. 
Corresponding  Society  of    London, 

Corsica,  63. 

Conmna,  Battle  of,  393. 

Cost  of  Education,  19. 

Cotton,  Mr.  John,  541. 

Council  of  Trent,  660,  661,  662,  691, 

69S,  699,  703. 
Court  of  St.  Cloud,  304. 
Coventry,  Ct.,  74,  148,  234,  474,  584, 

643.  918,  977- 
Coventry,  R.  I.,  96,  148. 
Cowles,  Clarissa,  724. 
Cowles,  Ebenezer,  657,  986. 
Cowles,  Gen.  George,  854,  go8,  936. 
Cowles,  Lucinda,  668. 
Cowles,  Rev.  Pitkin,  332. 
Cowles,  S.,  194,  354- 
Cowles,  Gen.  S.,  845,  936. 
Cowles,  Solomon,  285. 
Cowles,   Rev.   Whitfield,    355,    359, 

369,  375.  376.  405,  406,  426. 
Cowles,  5liss,  970,  987. 
Cowles's  Tavern,  497,  706. 
Cowper,  William,  343,  386. 
Crane,  Sophronia,  981. 
Cravath,  Miss,  717. 
Crawford  County',  Penn.,  231. 
Crawford,  Rev.  WUliam,  996. 
Credibility  of  Gospel  History,  344. 
Creeks  and  Cherokees,  37. 
Cromwell,  Ct.,  907. 
Crook  in  the  Lot,  240. 
Crosby,  Rev.  Stephen,  973. 
Crosby,  T.,  303. 
Crosby,  Mr.,  346. 
Cross  vs.  Crescent,  865. 
Grossman,  Rev.  Joseph  W.,  23,  28, 

31.  32>  67,  97,  100,  316,  537. 
Grossman,  Col.,  97. 
Croswell,  Harry,  D.D.,  741. 
Cruden,  Alexander,  334. 
Culver,  Capt.,  924. 
Cumberland  County,  Penn.,  210. 
Cumberland,  R.  L,  173. 
Cumberland,  Richard,  383. 
Cunningham,  Rev.  J.  W.,  772. 
Curtis,  J.,  322. 
Curtis,  Marvin,  643. 
Curtis,  Medad,  41,  45,  177. 
Curtis,  Solomon,  6. 
Cushman,  Rev.  Elisha,  818,  874,  899, 

903.  940,  955,  960,  9?i- 
Cutler,  Rev.  Manasseh,  LL.D.,  279. 
Cuyahoga  County,   Ohio,  215,   234, 

249,  259. 
Cuyahoga  River,  259. 
Cyclopaedia   of   Biography,    Apple- 
ton  s,  985. 


Dabney,  Elizabeth,  708,  709,  712, 

713,  896. 
Dabney,  Jonathan   Peale,  489,  713. 
Daggett,  Judce  Da\-id,  959. 
Daily  Advertiser,  N.  Y.,  145. 
Dallas,  Hon.  Alexander  J.,  652. 
Dalton,  Mass.,  179. 
Dana,  Daniel,  D.D.,  151, 152. 
Dana,   James,   D.D.,  67,  423,  903, 

959. 
Dana,  Mrs.  James,  959. 
Dana,  Hon.  Samuel  Whittlesey,  423. 
Dana,  Mass.,  835. 
Danbury,   Ct.,    103,   105,    107,    112, 

114,   117,  119,   123,  127,  129,   130, 

131,  132,  135,  137,  139,  140,  189, 
i93>  2°3.  218,  224,  292,  319,  329, 
331.  391,  394,  510,  5«S,  566,  590, 
704,  705,  S34,  838,  898,  926. 

Danes,  138. 

Daniels,  Stephen,  899. 

Dantzic,  331. 

Danvers,  Mass.,  151. 

Darby,  Mr.,  10. 

Darley,  Mr.,  35,  40. 

Darling,  Dinah  E.,  800. 

Darling,  Dr.,  904. 

Dartmouth  College,  24,  63,  72,  loi, 

132,  140,  141,  147,  152,  173,  179, 
182,  184,  189,  196,  324,  351,  355, 
361,  369,  370,  372,  389,  450,  45Si 
465,  491,  529,  555,  561,  566,  630, 
648,  687,  69s,  738,  765,  771,  774, 
822,  845,  891,  966,  969,986,  1022. 

Dartmouth,  Mass.,  149. 
Dartmouth  Medical  .School,  153. 
Dauphin  County,  Penn.,  209. 
Davenport,  John,  536. 
Da\idson,  Robert,  D.D.,  210. 
DaWes,  Samuel,  D.D.,  15,  75,  291. 
Da^-is,  Judge  Daniel,  974. 
Da\'is,  Emerson,  D.D.,  358. 
Davis,   Rev.   Thomas  T.,  847,  851, 

892,  1017. 
Davis,  Mr.,  455. 
Davoust,  Marshall,  39. 
Dawes,  Cornelius,  452. 
Day,   Jeremiah,   D.D.,  60,  61,  147, 

215,  216,  302,  553,  715,  756,  832, 

857,  859,  932,  944,  972- 
Day,  Miss  Molly,  931. 
Day,   Hon.   Thomas,  216,  303,  353, 

944- 
Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,  Hartford, 

330,  743,  773-  93°-  ' 
Death  of  Abel,  a  poem,  166. 
Death  of  Cain,  a  poem,  166. 
Death  on  the  Pale  Horse,  927. 
Decades,  171. 
Decline  and  Fall  of  Roman  Empire, 

150,  767,  769. 
Dedham,  Mass.,  279. 
Dedication  at  Hartford,  341. 
Dedication  at  Norfolk,  601. 
Dedication  Sermon,  430,  431,  432. 
Deeriield,  Mass.,  25,  64,  152,  642. 
Deerfield,  N.  Y.,  177. 
Deerfield,  Ohio,  233,  256,  553. 
Defence  of  Constitution,  248. 
Delaware  County,  N.  Y.,  204,  205. 
Delaware  County,  Penn.,  290. 
Delaware  River,  291. 
Delaware  Sloop  of  War,  60. 
Delaware,  State  of,  165,  166,  194. 
Delegates  from  Presbyterian  Church, 

116. 
Delhi,  N.  Y.,  204. 
Deming,  JuUus,  439. 
Deming,  Stephen,  1017. 
Democrats,  56,  60,  83,  84,  123,  133, 

135,  139,   141,  147,  190,  191,   192, 

194,  196,  199,  211,  228,  240,  244, 

248,  320,  323,  354,  363,  370,  372, 

37S,   392,  393,  410,  4",  434,   443, 

451,   472,   528,   548,  565,  5S7,  664, 

680,  697,   699,   700,  716,  738,  742, 

744,  749,  757,  778,  815,  887,  929. 
Denison,  Charles,  46,  57,  62,  63. 


Derby,  Ct.,  69,  522. 

De  Salle,  M.,  174. 

Deserted  Village,  390. 

Destruction  of  Helvetic  Liberty,  102. 

Detroit,   Mich.,  240,   525,   553,  567, 

568,  707. 
Devotion,     Judge     Ebenezer,      188, 

1009. 
Devotion,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  188,  1009. 
Devotion,  Rev.  John,  188,  190,  191, 

192. 
Devotion,  Mrs.,  188. 
Dewey,  Eleanor,  324. 
De  Winter,  J.  W.,  Admiral,  47,  730. 
De  Witt,  William  R.,  D.D.,  857. 
De  Wolf,  George,  loio. 
De  Wolf,  H.,  322. 
De  Wolf,  Capt.  James,  97,  148,  327, 

lOIO. 

De  WoU,  John,  loio. 

Dexter,  Franklin  B.,  292. 

Dexter,  Samuel,  115. 

Dialogues,  15,  29. 

Dialogues  for  Commencement,  16. 

Dickinson,  Austin,  D.D.,  771. 

Dickinson,   Baxter,  D.D.,  920,  922, 

1025. 
Dickinson,  John,  164. 
Dickinson,  Rev.  Jonathan,  291. 
Dickinson  College,  210. 
Dickinson,  Mr.,  205. 
Dickson,  Capt.  Gaston,  766,  779,809. 
Dictionary  of  American  Biography, 

32. 
Dictionary  of  the  Bible,  696,  698. 
Dictionary  of  Congress,  702. 
Diggins,  Betsey,  540. 
Diggins,  Esther,  531. 
Diggins,  John,  531,683. 
Diseins,  Naomi,  419,  630. 
Diggins,  Olive,  868. 
Djgeins,  Rhoda,  773. 
Diggins,  the  name,  531. 
Dighton,  ^lass.,  97,  loi. 
Diinock,  Mr.,  582. 
Dionysius,  379. 
Directory,  French,  106. 
Dismissal  of  French  Consuls,  61. 
Dissertations  on  the  Prophecies,  27. 
Distinguishing    Traits    of    Christian 

Character,  5  84. 
Dixon,  Hon.  James,  416. 
Dixon,  Judge  William,  416. 
Divine  Agency,  457, 
Dobson,  Peter,  697. 
Dobson's  Factory,  826. 
Dodd,  Thomas,  628. 
Doddridqe,  Philip,  18,  192,  711. 
Doddridge's  Lectures,  711,  712. 
Dodge,  Dav-id  C,  502. 
Dodge,  Stephen,  502,  504. 
Dodge,  William  E.,  502. 
Dodge,  Mr.,  932. 
Dolliver,  Joseph,  818. 
Domestic  Discortis,  207. 
Don  Quixote,  257. 
Dorchester  Company,  401,  623. 
Dorchester,  Mass.,  150,  697,  840. 
Dorset,  Vt.,  S3. 

Dow,  Daniel,  Dr.,  520,  742,  1003. 
Dow,  Horatio,  M.D.,  876. 
Dow,  Simon,  796. 
Downs,  Rev.  Cyrus,  963. 
Dovvnes,  Commodore  George,  603. 
Drake,  Abiel,  854. 
Drake,  Anna,  797. 
Drake,  Francis  S.,  471,  702. 
Drake,  Jonathan,  606. 
Drake,  Mary,  497. 
Drake,  Moses,  661. 
Drake,  Noadiah,  616. 
Drake,  Owen,  494. 
Drake,  Samuel  G.,  478. 
Drake,  Sarah,  498. 
Drake,  Silas,  870,  876. 
Drake,  Silas,  Jr.,  871. 
Dramatic  Exhibitions,  128. 
Drury  Lane  Theater,  452. 


INDEX    TO    VOLUME    I. 


^033 


Dryden's  Virgil,  573,  695. 

Dublin,  Ireland,  S36. 

Duchy  of  Cleves,  959. 

Duck  Creek,  Ohio,  273. 

Ducos,  106. 

Dummerston,  Vt.,  152. 

Duncan,  Admiral,  47. 

Dunbar,  Daniel,  3,  14. 

Dunbar,  Elijah,  3. 

Dunlap,  Rev.  James,  231. 

Dunlap,  William,  927. 

Dunse,  Scotland,  240. 

Dupan,  Jr.mes  Mallet,  102. 

Durall,  Henry,  932. 

Durfee,  Calvin,  D.D.,  iS. 

Durham,  Ct.,  44,  1S3,  184,  197,  202, 

334,  545.  570.  610,  637,  932. 
Durham,  N.  Y.,  173. 
Dutchess  County,  117. 
Dutch   Families  in   Ohio,   240,  256, 

286. 
Dutch  Fleet,  47,  98. 
Dutch  Point,  loog. 
Dutton,  Rev.  Aaron,  593. 
Dutton,  Mar}',  593. 
Dutton,  Samuel  W.  S.,  D.D.,  593. 
Dwi;i;ht,  Henry,  478. 
Dvvight,  Col.  Jonathan,  478. 
Dwight,  Rev.  Louis,  885. 
Dwisht,  Nathaniel,  M.D.,  355. 
Dwight,  Sereno  Edwards,  D.D.,  709, 

747.  767.  770,  858.  932. 
Dwight, Theodore,  145,  446,  449,  159, 

809,  96S. 
Dwight,    Theodore,    Jr.,    96S,    978, 

1004. 
Dwight,  Timothy,  D.D.,  President, 

12,  59.  155,  174,  175.  210,  215,  355, 

410,  439,  452,  499.   505.  534.  ^79. 

(>92,  709,  715,  737.  742,  750.   895, 

968. 
Dwight's  Travels,  907. 
Dysentery,  14. 

Eagle  Bank,  New  Haven,  Ct.,  510, 
519.  527.  536,  541.  546.  554,  5&4, 
597,  656,  674,  692,  710,  727,  751, 
769,  7S9,  909,  loiS,  1019. 

East  and  West  Rocks,  New  Haven, 

Ct.,353- 

East  Avon,  Ct. ,  800,  895. 

East  Bloomfield,  N.  Y.,  175,  176. 

Easter,  434. 

East  Granby,  Ct.,  95,  352,  355,  359, 

369,  375,  406,  40S,  426,  474.  621, 
646,  652,  S52,  SS3,  S96. 

East  Granville,  Mass.,  5ii. 

East  Guilford,  Ct.,  786. 

East  Haddam,  Ct.,  95,  183,  184,  187, 

194,   195,  196,  igg,  202,  208,  219, 
284,  478,  520,  545,  737,  740. 

Easthampton,  Ct.,  72,  75,  78,  183, 
184. 

Easthampton,  Mass.,  441. 

East  Hampton,  L.  L,  439,  S12. 

East   Hartford,   Ct.,    148,   152,  314, 

315,  357.  371,  372,   373,   3^51,  394, 

404,  405,  407,   415,  417,  420,  423, 

426,   432,  434,  44S,  .(60,  465,  471, 

472,   474,  479,  496.  497,   5^3,  509, 

510,   512,  520,   521,   527,   528,  530, 

535,   536.  549,  557,  572,  581,  586, 

5S8,   589,  591,  S92,  595,  597,  598, 

599,  600,  602,  605,  609,  610,  615, 

616,  618,  620,  621,  625,  626,  630, 

631,  632,  643,  649,  650,  651,  652, 

656,  657,  667,  668,  671,   672,  674, 

677,  679,  694,  696,   704,   708,  710, 

714,  717,   728,   734,   739,   740,  753, 

7S5,   777,  784,   785.   793,   794,  798, 

799,  801,  80s,  814,  816,  817,  818, 

821,  82s,  826,  827,  82S,   831,  832, 

836,  838,  841,  843,  850,   854,  858, 

866,  869,  871,  886,  894,  902,  906, 
926,  929,  930,  935,  939,  940,   946, 

957,  965,  966,  982,  993,  1017,  1019, 
1022,  1023. 
East  Hartford  Mills,  961. 


East  Hartland,  Ct.,  284,  295,  771. 
East  Haven,  Ct.,  122,  146,  189,  312, 

4'5,  429,  489.  728,  907. 

East  India  Company,  411,  733. 

East  Lyme,  Ct.,  951. 

Eastman,  Mr.,  160. 

Easton,  Jane  Ann,  1022. 

Easton,  Ct.,  632. 

Er.ston,  Mass.,  61. 

Eastovv-n,  N.  Y.,  156. 

E.iton,  Sylvester,  679,  680. 

Eaton,  Mr.,  817. 

East  Windsor,  Ct.,  201,  358,  360, 
363,  i'H,  367,  368,  369,  370,  371, 
373,  375,  37'>,  377,  380,  3S6,  387, 
392,  394,  397,  400,  402,  405,  409, 
411,  413,  422,  426,  432,  433,  435, 
443,  445,  447.  458,  466,  467,  468, 
472,  47S,  479,  486,  490,  491,  505, 
506,  510,  513,  515,  523,  524,  543, 
544,  547,  560,  5^5,  5^6,  567,  583, 
584,  592,  612,  616,  618,  628,  629, 
635,  637,  645,  648,  649,  657,  e-is, 
667,  670,  675,  680,  681,  685,  688, 
701,  706,  709,  717,  722,  728,  729, 
739,  744.  74S,  750,  75'^,  762,  763, 
764,  770,  785,  788,  793,  799,  801, 
802,  803,  808,  812,  816,  817,  S23, 
825,  830,  831,  S32,  835,  836,  838, 
850,  852,  855,  864,  865,  870,  888, 
903,  907,  922,  923,  924,  934,  941, 
945,  946,  947,  954,  957,  959,  993, 
102 1,  1023. 

East  Windsor  Hill,  378,  380,  400, 
411,  422,  425,  470,  513,  522,  572, 
574,  513,  602,  622,  637,  640,  649, 
655,  '^58,  660,  663,  667,  700,  727, 
727,  795,  827,  838,  871,  873,  874, 
8S0,  894,  922,  946,  951,  982. 

Ebersbur.L',  Battle  of,  3^5. 

Ecclesiastical  Convention  in  Ohio, 
286,  287. 

Ecclesiastical  History',  41,  54,  597, 
598. 

Ecclesiastical  History  of  Connecti- 
cut, S29. 

Echo,  and  Other  Poems,  384,  387. 

Eckmiihl,  Battle  of,  395. 

Eclipses  of  the  Moon,  357,  506,  934. 

Edgar,  Samuel,  D.D.,  967. 

Edinburgh  Encyclopsedia,  515,  518, 
520,  527,  534,  540,  549,  600,  603, 
621,  64S,  650,  664,  697,  699,  703, 
733,  S02,  84S,  8S2. 

Edinburgh,  .Scotland,  32,  41,  43,  159, 
448,  740,  848. 

Edmond,  David,  155. 

Education,  Early  Societies,  602. 

Edwards,  Jonathan,  6,  15,  24,  32,  36, 
38,  42,  159,  196,  291,  319,  365,  454, 
456,  457.  512,  649,  709,  782,  853, 
907. 

Ed\\prds,  Jonathan,  D.D.,  33,  35, 
41,  43,  60,  62,  63,  65,  70,  86,  94, 
167,  7S2. 

Edwards,  Lucy,  17. 

Edwards,  Martha,  984. 

Edwards,  Pieroont,  2S5. 

Edwards,  Richard,  513. 

Edwards,  Rev.  Timothy,  365,  385, 
402,  43S,  512,  531,  730,  907,  9S4. 

Edwards,  Mr.,  269. 

Edwards's  Works,  695. 

Eclls,  Rev.  Ozias,  5^4,  923. 

Eells,  Rev.  Ozias  .Sheldon,  874,  894, 
899,  907,  912,  919,  922,  923,  926, 
936,  939,  940.  941,  942,  943,  944, 
949,  c)t;2,  o5S. 

Eells,  Rev.  Samuel,  122,  299,  324. 

Effingham,  N.  H.,  443. 

Eggleston,  Maria,  525. 

Egremont,  Mass.,  42. 

F/jvpt,  68.  77,  142. 

Eldridge,  Azariah,  D.D.,  99S. 

Eldridge,   Joseph,   D.D.,    431,   457, 

99S. 
Eldridge,  Mrs.  Joseph,  431,  457. 
Election  Day,  33,  323. 


Election  in  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania, 

267. 
Election  Sermon,  Dr.  Stiles's,  62. 
Electoral  Vote,  27,  388. 
Elegant  Extracts  in  Verse,  427,  434, 

469. 
Eliot,  Rev.  Andrew,  781. 
Eliot,  Rev.  Andrew,  Jr.,  781. 
Eliot,  Mr.  John,  306,  786. 
Elizabethtown,  N.  J.,  291,  857,  978. 
Ellington  Academy,  959. 
Ellington,   Ct.,    139,   363,   372,   394, 

419,  441.  451,  455,  460,  4go,   534, 

SSo,  618,  655,  669,  675,  688,   775, 

785,  79S,  838,  934,  980. 
Elliott,  John,  D.D.,  270. 
Ellsworth,  Anna,  535. 
Ellsworth,  Hon.   Erastus,   838,   855, 

859,  864. 
Ellsworth,  Martin,  430,  461,  675. 
Ellsworth,  Mrs.  Mary  (Moseley),  899. 
Ellsworth,  Moseley,  S04,  S23. 
Ellsworth,    Hon.    Oliver,    366,    430, 

4!;i,  657,  658,  661,  753,  892. 
Ellsworth,  Mrs.  Oliver,  366,  370,  375, 

393,  452,  504,  750,  751,  752,  753- 
Ellsworth,  Mrs.  Sarah,  375. 
Ellsworth,  Solomon,  899,  907. 
Ellsworth,  Stoddard,  804,  823. 
Ellsworth,  Timothv,  943,  944. 
Ellsworth,  Hon.  William    W.,   430, 

451,  892,  049,  1019. 
Ellsworth,  Mrs.,  856. 
Ellsworth,  Ct.,  133. 
Elmer,    Mrs.    Dolly,   600,   814,   815, 

948. 
Elmer,  Eliiah,  799. 
Elmer,  Esther,  575,  66g. 
Elmer,  Harvey,  S42. 
Elmer,  Henry,  59.^ 
Elmer,  Huldah,  575,  949. 
Elmer,  Justus,  714. 
Elmer,  Manson,  681. 
Elmer,  Mrs.  Mary,  851. 
Elmer,  Oliver,  S69. 
Elmer,  Orrel,  600. 
Elmer,  Roger  Pitkin,  644,  64S,  649, 

651. 
Elmer,  Roswell,  644. 
Elmer,  Mrs.  Sarah,  523. 
Elmer,  Timothy,  1016. 
Elm  Trees,  667. 
Ely,  Benjamin,  893,   894,  902,    904, 

909,  gio,  925,  930,  958,  1006. 
Elv,  David,  D.D.,  302. 
Ely,  Ezra  Stiles,  D.D.,  410,  517,868. 
Elv,  Rev.  John,  105.  112. 
Elv,  Rev.  Richard,  190. 
Ely,   Rev.   William,   735,   800,    850, 

869,  872,  qi5. 

Elv,  Rev.  Zebulon,  23,  74,  78,  410, 
517,  783.  868. 

Ely,  Mr.,  301,  364. 

Embargo,  28,  345,  358,  364,  378,  380, 
3S9,  5"- 

Emerson,  Brown,  D.D.,  891. 

Emorson,  Rev.  Joseph,  557,  910. 

Emerson,  Mrs.  Joseph,  910. 

Emerson,  Prof.  Ralph,  D.D.,  627, 
62S,  629,  644,  646,  650,  669,  670, 
671,  '''94,  703,  717,  723,  753,  766, 
7S2,  803,  848,  884,  889,  925,  928, 
939,  944,   1014- 

Emmons,  Nathaniel,  D.D.,  187,314. 

Emperor  of  Germany,  114. 

Endicott,  Gov.  John,  521,  582. 

Enfield,  Dr.  William,  24. 

Enfield  Bridge,  453,  621,  705,  861. 

Enfield,  Ct.,  12,  376,  390,  393,  394, 
413,  431,  455,  470,  474,  537,  554, 
558,  582,  59',  605,  629,  639,  641, 
645,  646,  647,  650,  658,  660,  665, 
666.  668,  670,  671,  676,  677,  681, 
682,  685,  687,  689,  695,  699,  700, 
7''S,  714.  718,  720,  721,  723,  731, 
736.  738,  744,  751,  752,  756,  757, 
760,  763,  770,  779,  781,  788,  79S, 
Sii,  813,  818,  823,  827,  833,  835, 


I034 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


8j6,  837,  844,  853,  860,  864,  875, 
880,  890,  893,  894,  S98,  901,  907, 
917,  918,  924,  931,  937,  941,  945, 
946,  958,  961,  971,  983,  987,  993, 
1016,  1019. 

Enfield  Falls,  426,  427. 

Enfield's  Philosophy,  24. 

English  Clergj',  62. 

English  Evangelical  Magazine,  448. 

English  Missionary  Ship,  97. 

Epic  Poem,  3S3. 

Episcopalians,  117,  132,  135,  350, 
393.  ^64. 

Epistles  Second  and  Third  of  John, 
381. 

Epistle,  Second,  of  Peter,  379. 

Epistle  of  Jude,  379. 

Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  379. 

Erie  County,  Ohio,  215,  269. 

Erskine,  Dr.  John,  41. 

Esopus,  N.  Y.,  783. 

Esprit  des  Lois  ^Iontesquieu,  54. 

Essay  on  Atonement,  38. 

Essay  on  Criticism,  Pope's,  102. 

Essay  on  Man,  Pope's,  102. 

Essay  on  Miracles,  Hume's,  37. 

Essay  on  Moral  Agency,  37. 

Essays,  John  Foster,  389,  390. 

Essex,  U.  S.  Ship  of  War,  586. 

Essex,  Vt. ,  Sg. 

Essling,  Battle  of,  402,  406. 

Established  Church,  117. 

Etheridge,   Samuel,  687,    693,    728, 

738- 

Ettrick,  Scotland,  240. 

Etudes  de  la  Nature,  142. 

Euclid,  O.,  234,  249,  259. 

European  Population  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1803,  214. 

Eusebius,  379,  381. 

Evangelist,  New*York,  953,  958. 

Evarts,  Rev.  Jeremiah,  171,  648,  651. 

Evarts,  Hon.  William  M.,  648. 

Everest,  Rev.  Cornelius  B.,  338,  342, 
349>  566,  572,  602. 

Everest,  Edward  D.,  663. 

Everest,  Sherman,  489,  659,  663. 

Everest,  Solomon,  906,  937,  952. 

Everest  Fund,  971,  978. 

Everett,  Hon.  Edward,  489,987,993. 

Everett,  Dr.  Josiah,  325. 

Everett,  Rev.  Noble,  414. 

Everett,  Esq.,  728,  907. 

Execution,  public,  165. 

Exeter  Academy,  N.  H.,  912. 

Exeter,  Ct.,  74. 

Exeter,  Eng.,  471. 

Exeter,  N.  H.,  152,  280,  947. 

Exposition,  464,  846. 

Eylan,  Battle  of,  318,  321. 

Faber,   Rev.   George  Stanley,  363, 

405,  410,  411.  413,  458. 
Faber,  Rev.  Thomas,  363,  365. 
Fairchikl,   Rev.   Joy   H.,   595,   668, 

671,  672,  677,  694,  696,  704,  728, 

733>    739.   740,   770,   777.   785.   79?, 

801,  814,  826,  832,  854,  884,  886, 

892,  902,  924,  967,  983,  999,  1013, 

1022,  1023. 
Fairchild,   Mrs.   Joy  H.,  957,  960, 

1015,  1022. 
Fairchild,  Robert,  Esq.,  467. 
Fairfax,  Vt.,  89. 
Fairfield  County,  Ct.,  loi. 
Fairfield,  Ct.,  12,  102,  193,  320,  692, 

711,  781,  782,  892,  1016. 
Fairfield,  N.  Y.,  177. 
Fairfield,  Vt.,  89,91. 
Fairfield  West  Association,  609,  744. 
Fairhaven,  Mass.,  149,  719,  720,  732, 

738,  745.  827,  976. 
Fairhaven,  Vt.,  83. 
Fairlee,  Vt.,  153. 
Fall  River,  Mass.,  744. 
Falls  of  the  Ohio,  326. 
Families  on  the  Connecticut  Reserve, 

293. 


Fansher,  Sylvanus,  733,  740. 

Farmer's  Museum,  8g. 

Farmington,Ct.,  19,  80,  82,  115,  130, 
147,  161,  162,  167,  183,  194,  200, 
295.  3'7.  337,  343.  354,  359,  3^7, 
3<>9.  397.  399.  4>6,  426,  428,  474. 
479,  S'f',  525.  527.  532,  55'.  557, 
628,  669,  6S0,  704,  705,  744,  759, 
830,  929,  936,  939,  944,  964,  967, 
970,983,  1015. 

Farmington  River,  362,  367,  938. 

Farmington  Turnpike,  341. 

Farrand,  Rev.  Daniel,  56,  67,  116, 
iSi,  186,  194,  205. 

Farrand,  Mrs.  Daniel,  297. 

Farrand  &  Mallory,  874. 

Farrand,  S. ,  205. 

Fast  Days,  6,  32,  78,  81,  112,  135, 
277,  354,  391,  429,  434,  473,  534, 
543.   548,  564,  616,  623,  729,  S54. 

Fay,  Hiram,  u. 

Fay,  Col.  Joseph,  11. 

Fay,  Joseph  Dewey,  11. 

Federalism,  Jefferson's  View  of,  164. 

Federalists,  113,  192,  199,  240,  248, 
320,  323,  354,  357,  370,  372,  393, 
411,  434,  451,  472,  522,  528,  548, 
565,  587,  580,  700,  716,  738,  748, 
749,  757,  761,  763,  778,  81S,  852, 
929. 

Federalists,  Anti,  113. 

Federal  Party  in  Litchfield,  Ct.,  300. 

Feeding  Hills,  Ct.,  432. 

Fellenberg,  Emmanuel  De,  972. 

Fellenberg  School,  972. 

Fellows,  Gen.  John,  30. 

Female  Benevolent  Society,  902. 

Fenn,  Rev.  Stephen,  204. 

Fenner,  Gov.  Arthur,  16S. 

Fenno,  Gov.  James,  168,  370. 

Fenno,  Editor,  66. 

Fenton,  Mrs.  Dolly,  1024. 

Fenton,  Lester  H.,  796. 

Ferdinand  VII  of  Spain,  365. 

Ferrisburgh,  Vt.,  88,  156. 

Ferrs',  Rev.  Alpheus,  955. 

Field,  Cj-nis,  668. 

Field,  David,  D.D.,  668. 

Field,  Hon.  David  Dudley,  668. 

Field,  Henn'  M.,  D.D.,  668. 

Field,  Rev.  John,  458. 

Field,  Rev.  Timothy,  173. 

Filley,  Fanny,  S71. 

Filley,  Horace,  1006,  1008. 

Filley,  Jemima,  613. 

Filley,  Sarah,  1025. 

Filley,  William  Sylvanus,  432,  433. 

Fingal,  poem,  398. 

Fireworks,  19. 

Fisher,  Louisa,  751. 

Fishing  Creek,  Penn.,  208,  209. 

Fiske,  John  Boyle,  142. 

Fitch,  Augustus,  M.D.,  628,,  764, 
781,  S55. 

Fitch,  Ebenezer,  D.D.,  58,  88,  93, 
180,  181. 

Fitch,  Mrs.  Editha  (Field),  781. 

Fitch,  Eleazer  T.,  D.D.,  454,  474, 
578,  585,  734,  795,  957- 

Fitch,  John,  764,  855. 

Fitch,  Sirs.  Mary  (Backus),  14. 

Fitch,  Mary  M.,  872. 

Five  Nations,  174. 

Flage,  Rev.  Mr.,  435,  447. 

Flanders,  636. 

Fletcher,  Vt.,  89. 

Flint,  Abel,  D.D.,  198,  200,  202, 
223,  227,  233,  234,  235,  241,  251, 
294,  395,  412,  443,  4^6,  483,  484, 
494,  524,  534,  542,  550,  558,  592, 
599,  609,  7or,  706,  708,  709,  710, 
728,  759,  785,  787,  789,  802,  816, 
825,  831,  861,  863,  864,  865,  872, 
879,  881,  894,  902,  905,  915,  924, 
927.  934,  940,  952,  953,  954.  960, 
96S,  973,  978,  996,  997,   1009. 

Flint,  Amelia,  997. 

Flint,  Catharine,  787. 


Flint,  James,  1013. 

Florida,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Flowers  of  Ancient  History,  141. 

Flowers  of  History,  124,  134,  141. 

Flowers  of  Modem  Historj',  142. 

Foot,  Daniel,  86. 

Foot,  Freeman,  86. 

Foot,  John,  86. 

Foot,  Rev.  John,  761,  811. 

Foot,  Joseph  Ives,  D.D.,  966. 

Foot,  Martin,  86. 

Foot,  Philip,  86. 

Foot,    Hon.    Samuel  A.,    760,    761, 

811,  890. 
Foot,  Stillman,  86. 
Foot,  Capt.,  122. 
Foot,  Esq.,  77,  78. 
Foote,  Eben,204. 
Foote,  Hannah,  473. 
Foote,  Isaac,  473. 
Ford,  .Simeon,  9. 
Foreign   Mission   School,   Cornwall, 

Ct.,  132. 
Fort  Ann,  N.  Y.,  156. 
Fort  Detroit,  526. 
Fort  Edward,  N.  Y.,  156. 
Fort  Plain,  N.  Y.,  159. 
Foster,  Hon.  Augustus  J.,  495. 
Foster,  John,  D^D.,  369,   386,   389, 

390.  391- 
Foster,  Naomi,  457. 
Foster,  R.  I.,  95. 
Fourfold  State,  240,   341,   342,   349, 

35'- 

Fourth  of  July,  141,  709,  1009. 

Fowler,  Rev.  Bancroft,  9,  62,  641. 

Fowler,  Elizabeth,  615. 

Fowler,  Jonathan,  225,  227,  286. 

Fowler,  Rev.  Orin,  744. 

Fowler,  Samuel,  286. 

Fowler,  Mr.,  94. 

Foxborough,  ISIass.,  337. 

Fox,  Charles  James,  39,  305. 

Fox,  John,  721. 

Fox's  MartjTology,  721. 

Framingham,  Mass.,  142. 

Francis,  Amzi,  895. 

Francis,  John,  623. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  305. 

FrankUn  County,  N.  Y.,  89. 

Franklin  County,  Penn.,  210,  290. 

Franklin,  Ct.,  loi,  182,  225,  912. 

Franklin,  Mass.,  545,  548,  841. 

Franklin,  N.  Y.,  204. 

Franklin's  Complete  Works,  305. 

Frankfort,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Frederick  William  II,  52,  114. 

Freedom  of  the  Human  Will,  36. 

Freeman,  Hannali,  604. 

Freeman,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  742. 

Freeman,  Mr.,  117. 

Freeman's  Meeting,  123,  135,  147, 
300,  320,  353,  354,  371,  372,  393, 
394,  411,  511,  528,  565,  603,  664, 
679,  6S3,  699,  714,  715,  716,  738, 
757,  778,  S15,  816,  888,  923. 

Free  Masons,  15,  63,  76,  87,  90,  105, 
170,  171,  172,  198,  224,  326,  327, 
362,  714,  785,  787. 

French  Creek,  Penn.,  232. 

French  Directory,  58. 

French  Fleet,  275.  , 

French  Revolution,  58,  171. 

Frenchtown,  544. 

French  War,  30. 

Frey,  Rev.  Joseph  Samuel,  897,  90a 

Friedland,  Battle  of,  326,  331. 

Frolic,  War  Ship,  544. 

Frome,  England,  386. 

Frothingham,  N.  L.,  D.D.,  489. 

Frj'eburg,  Me.,  372. 

Fuentes  de  Onore,  Battle  of,  482. 

Fuller,  Jahiel,  912. 

Fuller,  Thankful,  915. 

Fuller,  Thomas,  637. 

Funerals  in  Pennsylvania,  244. 


INDEX    TO   VOLUME   I. 


1035 


Oager,  Mabel,  541. 

Gager,  Samuel,  540. 

Gainesborough,  Eng. ,  468. 

Galbreth,  Mr.,  232. 

Gallatin,  Albert,  161,  605,  6ig. 

Gallaudet,  Thomas  H.,  LL.D.,  330. 

Galloway,  N.  Y.,  178. 

Galway,  N.  Y.,  863. 

Gambler,  Admiral,  336,  339,  605,  619. 

Gambling,  29. 

Gannett,  Ezra  Stiles,  D.D.,  975. 

Ganson's  Settlement,  N.  Y.,  174. 

Gardiner,  Col.  James,  192. 

Gardiner,  Jonathan,  11. 

Garfield,  President  James  A.,  249. 

Gates,  Aaron, .284,  295. 

Gates,  Sarah,  674. 

Gay,  Ebenezer,  D.D.,  549. 

Gay,  Ebenezer,  D.D.,  of  Hingham, 

975- 
Gay,    Ebenezer,  Jr.,  299,   317,  549, 

885,  987. 
Gay,  Julius,  Esq.,  399. 
Gaylord,  Alexander,  643,  S17. 
Gaylord,  Alexander  L.,  817. 
Gaylord,  Rev.  Asahel,  315,  325,  334, 

395,  559.  562,  565,  600,  644,   79J, 
^839,915,  977,  1021. 
Gaylord,  Delia  Ann,  817. 
Gaylord,  Elizabeth  Prior,  817. 
Gaylord,  Flavel  S.,  895. 
Gaylord,  Hezekiah,  1025. 
Gaylord,  Horatio,  460,  595. 
Gaylord,  Justus,  206. 
Gaylord,  Major,  206. 
Gaylord,  Mary  Shepherd,  817. 
Gaylord,  Rev.  Munson  C.,  973. 
Gaylord,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  57, 399,  529, 

556,  619. 
Gaylord,  Sarah,  777,  817. 
Gaylord,  Sophia,  520. 
Gaylord,  Mr.,  547. 
Gaylord,  Mrs.,  506,  514,  523. 
Gazette  of  the  United  States,  66. 
Geauga  County,  Ohio,  244. 
Gelst'on,  Rev.  Maltby,  564. 
Genealogy  of  the  Caesars,  456. 
General    Assembly  of    Presbyterian 

Church,  85  7,  858. 
General  Association  of  Connecticut, 

140,   744,   758,   785,   787,   857,   862, 

930,  968,  1005,  1006,  1007. 
General  Association  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, 641. 
Genesee  County,  N.  Y.,  174. 
Genesee,  N.  Y.,  623,  629,  762,  988. 
Geneseo,  N.  Y.,  553,  558,  796. 
Genesis,  Book  of,  435,  436,  437,  438. 
Geneva  College,  173. 
Geneva  Flats,  N.  Y.,  156. 
Geneva,  N.  Y.,  173,  176. 
Geneva,  Sv\'itzerland,  161. 
Genoa,  Italy,  120,  121. 
Geography,  Morse's  Universal,  69. 
George  II,  144,  185. 
George  111,813. 
George  IV,  227,  813,  843,  870. 
Germany,  35,  37,  38,  84,  113. 
Gemiantown,  N.  Y.,  835. 
Gerry,  Elbridge,  45,  59, 113,  43°,  433, 

440. 
Gertrude  of  Wyoming,  207. 
Gessner,  553,  558. 
Ghent,  605,  615,  619. 
Giant  in  London,  60. 
Gibbon,  Edward,  150,  722,  723,  730, 

732,  767,  769,  77°,  77I- 
Gibbs,  Ann,  628. 
Gibbs,  Anselm,  738. 
Gibbs,  Prof.  Josiah  W.,  998. 
Giddings,  Rev.  Salmon,  651. 
Gifford,  John,  974. 
Gilbert,  Jacob,  130,  134. 
Gilbert,  Mr.,  803. 
Gil  Bias,  922,  958. 
Gilead,   Ct.,  41,  67,  69,  73,  74,  77, 

937- 
Gile,  Rev.  Samuel,  975. 


Gill,  Hon.  Moses,  85,  95. 

Gillet,  Rev.  Alexander,  52,  69,  95, 
296,  297,  301. 

Gillet,  Rev.  Daniel  O.,  153. 

Gillet,  Rev.  Nathan,  41,  67,  937. 

Gillet,  Rev.  Timothy  Phelps,  301, 
641,  756. 

Gillett,  Benjamin,  617,  747,  1004. 

Gillett,  Mary  .\lice,  674. 

Gillett,  Mrs.  Mary,  1016,  1017. 

Gillett,  Samuel,  ioi8. 

Gillett,  Seth,  1004. 

Gillett,  Mr.,  811. 

Gillies,  J.,  D.D.,  140,  304. 

Gilman,  Arthur,  1014. 

Oilman,  Benjamin  I.,  41,  47,  218,  239, 
260,  271,  272,  277,  2S0,  281,  2S2, 
326,  352,  434,  492,  627,  644,  853, 
851,  85S,  8O1,    1014. 

Gilnian,  Mrs.  B.  I.,  855. 

Gilman,  Caroline,  965. 

Gilman,  Joseph,  280. 

Gilman,  Rebecca,  2S0. 

Gilman,  Robert,  644. 

Gilman,  Mrs.  Robert,  644. 

Glasgow,  Scotland,  448,  733,  740. 

Glastonbur)',  Ct.,  67,  71,  96,  204, 
396.  434,  435,  437,  438,  459,  479, 
501,  504,  590,  598,  607,  675,  771, 
803,  809,  866,  868,  875,  884,  893, 
908,  911,   933,  952,   959,962,  1023. 

Gleason,  P.  B.,  411,  463,  498,  536, 
54',  550,  554,  582,  583,  671,  684, 
777,  844- 

Glen's  Falls,  N.  Y.,  986,  989,  1022. 

Goddard,     Rev.    Joseph    Bacheller, 

855- 
Goddard,  Mr.,  314. 
Goffe,  the  Regicide,  725. 
Goldsmith,  Oliver,  306,  390,  396,  397, 

466. 
Gold,  Thomas,  180. 
Gold,  Thomas  A.,  180. 
Goldthwait,  Mr.,  1008. 
Goodale,  Nancy,  496. 
Goodell,  Mrs.  Docia,  657. 
Goodell,  Luther,  657. 
Goodell,  William,  D.D.,  904. 
Goodman,  Col.,  955. 
Goodman,  Rev.  Epaphras,  822. 
Goodrich,  Rev.  Charles  A.,  109,  647, 

853,  860,  900,  965. 
Goodrich,  Hon.  Chauncey,  44,  637. 
Goodrich,  Prof.  Chauncey  A.,  D.D., 

44,  625,  674,  675,  681,  770,  888,  890, 

894,  952,  959- 
Goodrich,  Dr.  Elizur,  44,  45. 
Goodrich,    Elizur,    LL.D.,   44,    143, 

147-  3'^°,  548. 
Goodrich,    Rev.    Samuel,   109,   112, 

114,  131,  860. 
Goodrich,  Samuel  G.,  109,  170,  171, 

753,   754,   762,   764,   780,   799,    804, 

860,  874,  917,  959- 
Goodrich's  Geography,  170,  171. 
Goodwin,  Benjamin,  2,  61,  686. 
Goodwin,  Caleb,  697,  711,  728,  805. 
Goodwin,  Christopher,  2. 
Goodwin,  Francis  Le  Baron,  282. 
Goodwin,  George,  120,  664,  804,  917. 
Goodwin,  George,  Jr.,  120,  837. 
Goodwin,  Mrs.  Hannah  (Le  Baron), 

61,  lOIO. 

Goodwin,  Joseph,  2,  38,  40,  61,  64, 
141,  1S2,  321,  332,  341,  370,  678. 

Goodwin,  Mrs.  Joseph,  443,  444. 

Goodwin,  Nathaniel,  2,  97,  1010. 

Goodwin,  William,  547. 

Goodwin,  Gen.,  98. 

Goodwin,  Mrs.,  574,  575. 

Good  Friday  and  Fast  Days,  434,  437, 
5S6. 

Gore,  Gov.  Christopher,  392,  430. 

Gorham,  Nathaniel,  286. 

Goshen,  Ct.,  10,  35,  41,  58,  61,  65,  67, 
71,  83,  88,  100,  loi,  129,  134,  138, 
19S,  297,  303,  329,  33S,  336,  339, 
SS2,   573,  578,  968,  1008. 


Gospel,  its  own  witness,  188. 

Gottingen  University,  54. 

Goulbum,  Henry,  605,  619. 

Gould,  Henry,  442. 

Gould,  Judge  James,  339,  loii. 

Gould,  J.,  9,  i4'- 

Gould,  Lewis,  59. 

Goidd,  R.,  151. 

Gould,  Rev.  Vinson,  96. 

Gould,  William,  9,  141,  151,  442,493. 

Gould,  Rev.  William,  605,  976. 

Gould,  Mr.,  160. 

Governor's  Guards,  437. 

Governor's  Island,  11. 

Grace  Church,  123. 

Graham,  Sir  Thomas,  474,  475. 

Graham,  Mrs.,  985. 

Granby,  Ct.,  41,  343,  360,  376,  408, 

466,  474,   504,  516,  591,  605,   606, 

630,  66g,  704. 
Grand  River,  Ohio,  259,  260,  269. 
Granger,  C,  255. 
Granger,  Hon.  Francis,  138. 
Granger,  Hon.  Gideon,  138,  286. 
Grant,  Alfred,  798. 
Grant,  Alfred  .Skinner,  674. 
Grant,  Alraena  Walker,  876. 
Grant,  Anna,  897. 
Grant,  Charles,  798. 
Grant,  Chloe,  535. 
Grant,  David,  532. 
Grant,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  489. 
Grant,  Edward,  532. 
Grant,  Epaphras,  871,  876,  1005. 
Grant,  Flavel,  532. 
Grant,  Frances  Maria,  1005. 
Grant,  Gideon,  708,  853. 
Grant,  Mrs.  Gideon,  708. 
Grant,  Hannah,  674,  804. 
Grant,  Hiram,  878. 
Grant,  Joel,  6. 
Grant,  Lowell,  475. 
Grant,  Lucina,  860. 
Grant,  Lucretia,  923. 
Grant,  Lydia,  871,  876. 
CJrant,  M'arilda,  833. 
Grant,  Mary  Lucretia,  876. 
Grant,  Olive,  776. 
Grant,  Roswell,  477,  484,  644. 
Grant,  Sally,  871. 
Grant,  Samuel,  846. 
Grant,  Solymon  Ward,  876. 
Grant,  Sylvester,  477. 
Grant,  Trj'phena,  547. 
Grant,  President  Ulysses  S. ,  306. 
Grant,  Warren,  1022. 
Grant,  Wyllis,  826. 
Grant,  Z.  P.  (Mrs.  Banister),  6. 
Granville,  Mass.,  173,  440,  611,  636, 

755.  ¥m,  984- 
Granville,  N.  Y.,  84. 
Grave  Creek,  Ohio,  273,  282. 
Gray,  Rev.  Robert,  440. 
Great  Awakening,  365. 
Great  Barrington,  Mass.,  10,  181. 
Great  Britain,  15,  19,  24,  53,  170,  329. 
"Great  Stir,'*  853. 
Greek  Church,  942,  943. 
Greek  Independence,  951. 
Greek  Lad,  959, 
Greek  Testament,  61. 
Green,  Ashbel,  D.D.,  212,  857. 
Green,  Eunice,  842. 
Green,  Joel  Utley,  674. 
Gt-een,  J.  R.,  974. 
Green,  Sally,  842. 
Green,  Rev.  Samuel,  975. 
Green,  Thomas,  728. 
Green  River,  N.  Y.,  71. 
Greenbush,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Greene  County,  N.  Y.,  204. 
Greenfield,  Ct.,  155,  692,  709. 
Greenfield  Hill,  poem,  155. 
Greenfield,  Mass.,  152,  636, 
Greenland,  N.  H.,  151,  152. 
Greenleaf,  Editor,  66. 
Greenleaf,  Mr.,  291. 
Green's  Farms,  Ct.,  1017. 


1036 


DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,    D.D, 


Green's  Settlement,  N.  Y.,  205. 
Greensburgh,  Penn.,   211,   212,  226, 

227,  22q,  267,  269,  484. 
Greenwich,   Ct.,   33,    135,   575,   609, 

953- 
Greenwich,  Mass.,  335. 
Grenville,  Lord,  iii. 
Grew,  Mr.,  949. 
Gridley,  Elijah,  359,  360. 
Gridley,    Rev.    Elnathan,   929,    957, 
^953- 

Gridlev,  Elnathan,  365. 
Gridley,  Rev.  R.  W.,  678. 
Gridley,  Timothy  J.,  M.D.,  3S5,  941, 

942,  94.^.  945.  946,  968,  971. 
Gridley,  Rev.  Uriel,  123. 
Gridley,  Mr.,  199,  526. 
Griesback,  John  James,  436. 
Griiiin,  Edmund  D.,  Jr.,  208. 
Griffin,  Edward  Dorr,  D.D.,  95,  133, 

208,  430,  431,  432,  938. 
Griffin,  George,  53,  208,  215,  291. 
Griscom,  John,  LL.D.,  971,  972. 
Griswold,   Alexander  Vietts,   D.D., 

lOIO. 

Griswold,  Gen.  George,  620,  621,932. 
Griswold,  Rev.  John,  83. 
Griswold,  Gov.  Matthew,  531,  552. 
Griswold,  Mrs.  Rhoda  (Tudor),  8ig, 

910. 
Griswold,  Gov.  Roger,  51,  66,   416, 

433.   434,   437,   472,   473,  476,  5", 

519,  522,   53',  548,  552.  567.  786. 
GriiwoM,  Solomon,  285. 
Griswold,  Rev.  Stanley,  52,  57,  121, 

122. 
Griswold,  Sylvanus,  432. 
Griswold,  Thomas,  819. 
Griswold,  Ursula  (Wolcott),  531,  552. 
Griswold,  Hon.  Mr.,  568. 
Griswold,  Mr.,  833. 
Griswold,  Mrs.,  785. 
Griswold,  Ct.,  314,  875. 
Groton,  Ct.,  75,  260. 
Grove  Hall  School,  593. 
Grover,  Ebeiiezer,  610. 
Guadaloupe,  429. 
Guardian,  368. 

Guerriere,  War  Ship,  524,  535. 
Guide  to  Domestic  Happiness,  339. 
Guilford  Council,  993. 
Guilford,  Ct.,  118,  122,  176,  179,  183, 

189,  450,  593. 
Guilford,  N.  C,  856. 
Guilford,  Ohio,  993. 
Guilford,  Vt.,  152. 
Gurdon,  servant,  329. 
Gurley,  Henry  H.,  99. 
Gurley,  Rev.  John,  7^,  99. 
Gurlsy,  John  Ward,  99. 
Gurley,  Mrs.  Mary  (Porter),  99. 
Gurley,  Mary  (Mrs.  Gillet),  99. 
Gurley,  Rev.  Ralph  R.,  74,  99. 
Gustaviis,  Ohio,  220,  223,  250,   25S, 

26S,  269. 
Guthrie,  Rev.  James,  211. 
Gwin,  Rev.  Mr.,  230. 

Hackney,  Eng.,  846. 

Haddani,  Ct.,  184,  188,  189,194,  ig6, 

•9".   199.  200,  202,  203,  204,   221, 

233,  256,  312,  481,  494. 
Haddington,  Eng.,  696. 
Hadley,   Mass.,   33,    152,   612,    635, 

641,  706,  938,  947. 
Hadlyme,  Ct.,  184,  196. 
Hale,  Adino,  138. 
Hale,  David,  592,  597. 
Hale,  Rev.  David,  592. 
Hale,  Nathan,  138. 
Hale,  Timothy,  138. 
Hale,  Judge  Timothy,  317,  329. 
Hale,  Mrs.  Timothy,  329. 
Hal.<  &  Horner,  607. 
Half  Centurv  Sermon,  514,  515,  539. 
Half  Moon,'N.  Y.,  178. 
Half  Way  Covenant,    74,   205,   223, 

359,  602,  725. 


Halifax,  Mass.,  149. 

Hall,  Abraham,  77. 

Hall,  Andrew,  680. 

Hall,  Rev.  Gordon,  520. 

Hall,  John,  367,  371,  374,  381,  838. 

Hall,  Mrs.  John,  955,  959. 

Hall,  Keziah,  6S0. 

Hall,  Robert,  D.D.,  682,  727. 

Hall,  Capt.,  443,  579,  5S7,  607,  736, 
769,  805,  956. 

Hall,  Deacon,  88,  92. 

Hall,  Doctor,  90. 

Hall,  Judge,  773. 

Halle,  Battle  of,  308. 

Hallock,  Jeremiah,  12,  52,  68,  69,  70, 
7'.  294,  338,  340,  353,  410,  412, 
897,  926,  938,  940,  953,  954,  958, 
978,  1004. 

Hallowell,  Me.,  99,  361,  740,  743. 

Hamburg,  Ct.,   196. 

Hamden  Association,  9S3. 

Hamden,  Ct.,  169. 

Hamilton,  Hon.  Alexander,  136,237, 
47S. 

Hamilton,  Mrs.,  288,  294. 

Hamilton  College,  12,  115,  161,337, 
527,691,963. 

Hamilton,  Mass.,  151. 

Hamilton,  Oneida  Academy,  161. 

Hamldt,  6S7. 

Hammatt,  Abraham,  364. 

Hammatt,  Mrs.  Abraham,  150. 

Hammatt  (or  Hammond),  364. 

Hammatt,  Priscilla,  377. 

Hammersmith,  Eno'. ,  870. 

Hampden  County,  Mass.,  149. 

Hampshire  County,  Mass.,  140,  440. 

Hampton,  Ct.,  315,  S55. 

Hampton  Falls,  151. 

Hampton,  N.  H.,  151. 

Hampton,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Hampton,  Vt.,  83. 

Handbook  of  Springfield,  343. 

Hannah,  servant,  348. 

Hanover,  N.  H.,  153. 

Hanover,  Penn.,  20S. 

Hanover  Theological  Seminary,  Ind., 
856.  _ 

Hardwick,  Mass.,  179,  458. 

Harmony  of  the  Gospels,  644. 

Harper,  Capt.  James,  222. 

Harpersfield,  222,  250,  26S. 

Harrisburg,  Penn.,  209,  210. 

Harrison,  Rev.  Fosdic,  648,  651. 

Harrison,  Rev.  Roger,  440. 

Harrison,  President  William  H.,  138, 
567. 

Harrow,  Eng.,  772. 

Harrower,  Rev.  David,  204. 

Hart,  Rev.  Ira,  1012. 

Hart,  Levi,  D.D.,  23,  114,  314,  6S7, 
1017. 

Hart,  Gen.  William,  197,  285,  323. 

Hart,  Rev.  William,  323. 

Hartford  Bank,  563,  573,  574,  597, 
651,  672,  684,  692,  701,  707,  709, 
729.  737,  751,  755,  759,  7^7,  7S7, 
794,  812,  816,  832,  S62,  882,  905, 
944- 

Hartford  Bridge,  9:',2.     , 

Hartford  Convention,  145,  3S8,  470, 
60S,  6ii,  615,  664,  755,  756,  968. 

Hartford  County  Missionary  Soci;tv, 
864,  865,  868,  869,  876,  884,  89b, 
891,  93  7,  944.  946,  947- 

Hartford,  Ct.,  38,  42,  49,  54,  56,  58, 
69,  7',  72,  76,  77,  80,  82,  100,  102, 
105,  109,  120,  129,  134,  139,  142, 
145,  147,  148,  160,  198,  199,  202, 
210,  217,  223,  227,  233,  235,  241, 
205,  251,  252,  294,  29S,  299,  303, 
309,  312,  314,  317,  324,  328,  330, 
334,  352,  355.  357,  361,  362,  366, 
369,  37',  372,  383,  384.  393.  394. 
398,  401,  406,  410,  412,  418,  424, 
.  431,  432,  434,  435,  436,  437.  438, 
442,  443,  444.  452,  453,  4.58,  459, 
460,  464,  466,  469,  472,   474,    47S, 


481,  483,  484,  485,  486,  487,  488, 

490,  492,  493,  494,  498,   499,  501, 

502,   504,  505,  507,   510,   512,  514, 

515,  516,  5'7,   519,   520,   521,  522, 

523,   524,   527,   528,   529,   530,  532, 

534,  53''.   537.   540,   54',   542,  543, 

547,  548,   549,   551,  552,   553,  554, 

555,   55f'.   559.   5'''2,   5''>3,   5^5,  570, 

573,  574,  578,  580,   5S1,   5^2,  583, 

585,  586,  589,  591,   592,   594,  595, 

59S,  600,  602,  604,  606,  607,  60S, 

609,  610,  611,  612,  615,  616,  618, 

620,  623,  624,  625,  626,  627,  629, 

631,  632,  634,  637,  638,  639,  642, 

643,  645,  647,  648,  649,  650,  651, 

657,  658,  659,  662,  664,  667,  663, 

669,  670,  672,  673,  674,  675,  676, 

677,  679,  6S1,  682,  683,  684,  685, 

686,  6S7,  688,  695,  696,  697,  698, 

699,  701,  703,  704,  705,   707,  708, 

709,  710,  712,  716,  719,  722,  725, 

730,   732,   733,   734,   738.   740,  742, 

750,  751,  752,  755,   757,  759,  760, 

762,  770,  771,  779,   780,   781,  785, 

787,  788,  789,  790,  79',   792,  793, 

794,   79'3,  802,  803,   804,   807,  SoS, 

810,  811,  813,  816,   8iS,  819,  822, 

823,  827,  828,  830,   831,   S36,  840, 

843,  846,  847,  850,   851,   854,  855, 

860,   864,  865,  869,   873,  874,  875, 

879,  8S0,  881,  884,  887,  892,  S97, 
899,  900,  905,  908,  912,  921,  92S, 
930,  933,  936,  937,  940,  946,  947, 
948,  951,  952,  954,  957,  958,  959, 
962,  963,  964,  965,  968,  970,  971, 
972,  980,  984,  986,  987,  989,  looS, 
1015,  loig,  I02I. 

Hartford  Female  Beneficent  Society, 
637,  639,  641,  643. 

Hartford    North     Association,  326, 

360,  386,  504,  516,   566,  5S0,  608, 

630,  670,  694,  730,  731,  784,  810, 
847,  860,  884,  954,  966,   1006. 

Hartford,  Ohio,  219,  220,  221,  225, 

226,  228,  229,  231,  232,  233,  235, 

236,  237,  238,  239,  241,  243,  251, 

252,  253,  254,  255,  261,  262,  263, 
265,  269,  274,  275,  283,  286. 

Hartford  &  Providence  Railroad, 
697. 

Hartford  South  Association,  176, 
1006. 

Hartford  Theological  Seminary  (Con- 
necticut Theological  Institute),  838. 

Hartford  Tract  Society,  697. 

Hartland,   Ct.,   224,   241,   284,  295, 

40S,  409,  412,  418,  426,  440,  452, 

470,  516,  554,  556,  5f>5,  566,  591, 

559,  630,  651,  669,  681,  704,  S22, 
8^7,  929. 

Plai-vard  College,  59,  62,  65,  67,  96, 
97,  136,  148,  150,  151,  162,  178,  179, 

iSS,   242,  292,  306,   342,   361,  466, 

474,  478,  489,  630,   631,   697,  707, 

713,  728,  742,  746,  747,  869,  873, 
910,  947,  967,  974,   987. 

Harvard,  Mass.,  152. 

Harvard  Medical  School,  153. 

Harvey,  Rev.  Joseph,  573. 

Harwinton,  32,  1S5,  944. 

Haskell,  L  armaralzaman,  637. 

Haskell,  Rev.  Daniel,  372. 

Haskell,  Eli  1,.,  445,  448,  476,  479, 

490,  510,  512,  519,   530,  537,  541, 

547,  5S6,  595,  596,  599,  637,  638, 

639,  661,  674,  708,  77S,  794,  877, 

880,  946,   I002,    1016. 

Haskell,  Elizabeth,  1013. 
Haskell,  Elizabeth  (Bissell).  637. 
Haskell,    Mrs.    Frances    (Walcott), 

921,  1013,  1023. 
Haskell,  Harris,  646,  669,  877,  8S0, 

8S2,  886,  901,  907,  929,  946,  9S2, 

1013,  1023. 
Haskell,  Herlehigh,  901,  934,  946. 
Haskell,  Jabez,  669,  677,  901. 
Haskell,  Ralph,  632. 
Haskell,  Ralsaman,  637. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


1037 


Hatfield,  Mr.,  152,  478. 

Hathaway,  Asahel,  285. 

Haverhill,  Mass.,  152. 

Havre,  France,  144. 

Haweis,  Thomas,  469. 

Hawes,  Joel,  D.D.,   696,    71S,    724, 

728,   732,   734,   735.   743>   750,   751. 

78b)   787,   792,  810,   813,   821,    850, 

928,  957. 
Hawes,  Rev.  Prince,  429,  434,  435, 

436,  437,  438,  439,   475,   607,   675, 

809,  841. 
Hawkes,  Robert,  D.D.,  471. 
Hawkins,  Adolphus,  490. 
Hawkins,  Joseph  A.,  1023. 
Hawkins,  Nancy,  842. 
Hawkins,  Rndolphus,  704. 
Hawkins,  William  Henry,  490. 
Hawley,  G.  W.,  287,288. 
Hawley,   Rev.   Rufus,  80,  268,  524, 
,533,  '542,  561-  592,  955,  965- 
Hay,  Rev.  James,  290. 
Hayden,  Capt.  Daniel,  445,  623,871, 

905,  942. 
Hayden,  Edward,  905. 
Hayden,  Elizabeth,  905. 
Hayden,  Julius,  905. 
Hayden,  Mary  Ann,  942. 
Hayden,  William,  623,  624,  901. 
Hayden,  Major,  754,  807,  812. 
Hayden,  Mr.,  792. 
Hayden,  Mrs.,  191. 
Hayden  &  Imlay,  457. 
Hayes,  Rev.  Joel,  942. 
Hayes,  Laura,  go6. 
Hayes,  Rockwell,  777. 
Hayes,  .Sophia,  610. 
Hayes,  Rev.  Stephen,  192. 
Hayioy,  William,  343. 
Haynes,  Gov.  John,  523,  541. 
Haynes,  Rev.  Lemuel,  93. 
Hazard,  Ebenezer,  297. 
Hazel  Grove,  Wis.,  1017. 
Hazen,  Rev.  Henry  A.,  576. 
Heath,  Chauncey,  536. 
Hebron,  Ct.,  41,  67,  69,  77,  78,  85, 

94,  96,  99>   '83,  298,  389,  451,  742, 

793,  860,  9S6. 
Hempsted,  John  A.,  943. 
Heniy  III,  813. 
Henry,  Joseph,  682. 
Henrv,  Matthew,  464,  846. 
Herd's  Ferry,  Ohio,  271. 
Herkimer,  N.  H.,  455,  465. 
Herkimer,  N.  Y.,  177. 
HerocUtus,   451,   452,   459,  460,  463, 

464,  467,  469,  470,  471,  472. 
Herriden,  William,  866. 
Herrick,  Edward,  19. 
Henick,    John    Pierrepont,     M.D., 

953- 
Hewitt,  Nathaniel,  D.D.,  939. 
Heylin,  Peter,  143. 
Heyward,  Benjamin,  19. 
Hickok,  Capt.,  156. 
Hickok,   Prof.    Laurens    P.,    D.D., 

LL.D.,  105. 
Higgins,  Rev.  David,  176. 
Higgins,  Mr.,  203. 
Hig.einson,  Mr.  John,  192,  315. 
Higley,  Hannah,  970. 
Higley,  Horace,  549. 
Hi'^ley,  Silas,  326,  331. 
Higley,  Mr.,  137,  370. 
Higlev,  Mrs.,  144. 
Hill,  Bethiah,  438,  780. 
Hill,  Tacob,  438. 
Hill,  Rev.  Oliver,  852. 
Hill,  William,  D.D.,  858,  869. 
Hillhouse,  James,  LL.D.,  891. 
HilUiouse  Avenue,  891. 
Hillhouse  Mansion,  891. 
Hills,  Ashbel,  1002. 
Hills  &  Phelps,  582. 
Hillyer,  Asa,  D.D.,  369. 
Hinckley,  Oramel  Strong,  981. 
Hinckley,  Samuel,  2S6. 
Hinesburgh,  Vt.,  89,  90. 


Hingham,  Mass.,  975. 

Hinsdalj,  Daniel,  717. 

Hinsdale,  Mr.,  957. 

Hippo  Council,  379. 

Hiram,  Ohio,  234,  235. 

Histoire  de  Charles  XII,  Voltaire's, 

79- 

Hiotoire  de  Pierre  le  Grand,  Vol- 
taire's, 79. 

Historica  Literaria,  789. 

Historical  Collections,  Barber's,  863, 
962. 

Historical  Gazetteer  of  Vermont,  91. 

Historical  Society  of  Connecticut, 
328. 

Historical  Society  of  Massachusetts, 
32S. 

Historical  View  of  First  New  Eng- 
gland  Planters,  Robbins's,  4j2,  495, 
499,  50;,  504,  505,  520,  536,  543, 
546,  549,  607,  6ii,  613,  616,  617, 
627,  631. 

History  of  American  Revolution, 
Ramsay's,  55. 

History  of  Charles  V,  Robertson's, 
1S8. 

History    of     Connecticut,    Peters's, 

History  of  Connecticut,  Trumbull  s, 

46,   47,   55,    58,  94,  5to,  742,  758, 

784,  905,  913,  915. 
History    of     England,    Goldsmith  s, 

390- 
History  of   England,  Hume  s,    125, 

126,  127,  140,  1S5,  292. 
Histoi-y  of  French  Revolution,  974. 
History  of  Greek  Revolution,  Com- 

.stock's,  952. 
History  of  Gustavus  Vasa,  102. 
History  of  Proident  John  Adams's 

Administration,  178. 
History  of  Massachusetts,  Hutchin- 
son's, 361,  362,  363,  365,  366. 
History  of  New  England,  Hubbard's, 

306. 
History   of    New   England,    Neal's, 

164,   708. 
Historj'  of  Popery,  63,  349,  322,  350, 

351,  352,  355,  356,  357,  358,  359- 
History  of  the  Puri.ans,  Neal's,  164, 

316,  485,  4S7,  490,  492,  502. 
History  of  Redimptic,  Edwards's, 

41,  43,  45,  54,  159,  162,  163. 
History  of  Roman  Empire,  480. 
History  of  Rome,  Goldsmith's,  390. 
History,  Secret,  of  St.  Cloud,  304. 
History   and  Testimonies   of    Euse- 

bius,  3S1. 
History  of  the  Turks,  866. 
History  of  United  States  for  Schools, 

900. 
History    of     Virginia,    Capt.     John 

.Smith's,  1023. 
History  of  Western  N.  Y.,   Hotch- 

kiss's,  23,  i6g,  176. 
Hitchcock,  Mr.,  548. 
Hoadley,  Charles  J.,  5.86. 
Hoadley,  Rev.  Loammi  Ives,  898. 
Hobart,    John    Henry,    D.D.,    713, 

743-  ^ 

Hockanum,  Ct.,  834,  964,  1019. 
Hochkirchen,  Battle  of,  560. 
Holbrook,  Daniel,  2S5. 
Holden,  George,  618. 
Holden,  Mass.,  719. 
Holkins,  Major,  523. 
Holland,  57,  103,  348,  3^9^ 
Holland  Land  Company,  373. 
Holland  Purchase,  373. 
HoUis,  N.  H.,  627,  910. 
Holman,  John,  599. 
Holmes,  Abiel,  D.D.,  12,  103,  151, 

691,  693,  974- 
Holmes,  Oliver  Wendell,  12. 
Holmes,  Rev.  Sylvester,  719. 
Holmes,  Uriel,  239,  241,  286. 
Holraesburgh,  Penn.,  859. 
Holt,  Capt,  Isaac,  Jr.,  42. 


Holy  Alliance,  665. 

Homer,  49. 

Homer,   Cowper's  Translation,  325, 

326,  327,  328,  329. 
Hooker,    Rev.    Asahel,   61,    65,    67, 

100,   138,  198,  200,  297,  317,  333, 
„552,  573.  1008. 

Hooker,  Mrs.  Asaliel,  552,  553,  1008. 
Hooker,    Edward    W.,    D.D.,   138, 

552,  1016. 
Hooker,  Mrs.  Heber,  923. 
Hooker,  Henry  B.,  D.D.,  999. 
Hooker,  Rev.  Horace,  821,  903,  986, 

1018. 
Hooker,  John,  3. 
Hooker,  Rev.  Samuel,  936. 
Hooker,  Mr.  Thomas,  103,  192,  532, 

536,  541,  936,  949. 
Hooker's  Company,  192. 
Hopewell,  Ohio,  253. 
Hopkins,  Dani.l,  JJ.D.,  151. 
Hopkins,  D.  P.,  946,  948. 
Hopkins,  Josiah,  1008. 
Hopkins,  Samuel,  D.D.,  18,  37,  38, 

39,  62,  64,  76,   149,   15s,  296,297, 

426,  454,  493,  495,  649,  711. 
Hopkins,  Mr.,  292. 
Hopkinsian  Divinity,  232,  233. 
Hopkinsian  Scheme,  149,  155. 
Hopkinton,  Mass.,  1012. 
Hi)ra5  Mosaics,  458. 
Hor^e  Solitaris,  347,  348,  350,  354. 
Home  Tooke,  58. 
Horseback  Age,  115,  202,  336. 
Horseback  journey  to  Ohio,  280. 
Horse  bought,  202. 
Horton,  Ezra,  850. 
Horton,  John  S.,  839. 
Hosford,  A.,  937. 
Hosmcr,  Charles,  446. 
Hosmer,  Horace,  833. 
Hosmer,  Joseph,  928. 
Hosmer,  Juliette,  736. 
Hosmer,  Mar)',  878. 
Hosmer,  Robert,  568. 
Hosmer,  Thaddjus,  878. 
Hosmer,  Mr.,  547. 
Hotchkin,  Rev.  Beriah,  176. 
Hotchkin,  Rev.  James  H.,  23,  169, 

176,  177. 
Hotchkiss,  Rev.  Frederick  W.,  190, 

192,  197,  334,  552. 
Hotchkiss,  Minor,  1005. 
Hough,  Rev.  Allan,  759,  867,  903. 
Hough,  Rev.  John,  315,  977. 
Housatouic  Indians,  36. 
Housatonic  River,  174,  293. 
House  of  Commons,  518. 
House  of  Lords,  Eng.,  139. 
House  of  Stuart,  320. 
House  of  Rev.   Timothy   Edwards, 

572. 
Hovey,  Rev.  Jonathan,  91. 
Howe,  Gen.  Hezekiah,  233,  30S,  319, 

410,  425,  429,  527,   529,  556,  668, 

683,  684,  686,  687,  692,   711,   724, 

809,  810,  832,  863,  892,  979,  982, 

102 1. 
Howe,  Nehemiah,  88. 
Howe,  Silas,  88. 
Howe,  Capt.,  748. 
Howe,  Dr.,  88. 
Howe,  Mr.,  677. 
Howe  &  Beers,  532. 
Howe  &  Deforest,  532,  533,  564,  56S, 

622,  623,  640. 
Howe   &    Spaulding,  771,   773,  774, 

799,  812,  9>5.933- 
Howland,  Joseph,  255,  285. 
Howland,  Ohio,  255. 
Howland's  Ferr)',  149. 
Hoyt,  Mr.,  208. 
Hubbard,  Rev.  Ansop,  771. 
Hubbard,  Anson,  803. 
Hubbard,  Jonathan,  24,  27,  31. 
Hubbard,  Rev.  Jonathan,  24,  450. 
Hubbard,  Moses,  30. 
Hubbard,  Nehemiah,  Jr.,  243,  2S5. 


1038 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Hubbard,  Noah,  450. 

Hubbard,  Ohio,  223,  227,  239,  243, 

253,  254,  263,  265. 
Hubbard,  Mr.  William,  306. 
Hubbard,  Capt.,  81. 
Hubbard's  Mill  Pond,  17. 
Hubbardston,  Vt.,  85. 
Hudibras,  660,  803. 
Hudson,  Barzillai,  120. 
Hudson  &  Goodwin,  77,  78,  555. 
Hudson  County,  N.  J.,  360. 
Hudson,  N.  Y.,  61,  178,  203. 
Hudson,   Ohio,  233,  257,   266,  284, 

285. 
Hudson  River,  N.  Y.,  156,  167,  178, 

291. 
Hughes,  Mr.,  229,  265. 
Hull,  Rev.  Hezekiah,  799. 
Hull,  Commodore  Isaac,  524,  535. 
Hull,  Gen.  William,  522,  525,  526. 
Hull,  Dr.,  547- 
Hume,  David,  37,  125. 
Hume's  Essays,  834,  851. 
Humphrey,  Heman,  D.D.,  301,  316, 

320,  709,  711,  782,  942,  958,  971. 
Humphrey,  Hon.  James,  595. 
Humphrey,    Mrs.     James     (Urania 

Battell),  595. 
Humphrey,  Rev.  Luther,  602. 
Humphrey,  Michael,  372. 
Humphrey,  Polly,  372. 
Humphrey,  Dr.,  95. 
Humphreys,  Rev.  Daniel,  74,  299. 
Humphreys,  Col.  David,  74,  299. 
Hunn,  Rev.  Zadok,  182. 
Hunter,  Rev.  Hem-y,  234,  358. 
Hunter,  Dr.  John,  38. 
Huntington,  Rev.  Dan,  2,3,  14,  16, 

18,  67,  100,  131,  137,  381,  450,  474, 

629,  634,  63s,  674,  947. 
Huntington,  Rev.  David,  23,  72,  78, 

196. 
Huntington,  Rev.  Enoch,  450. 
Huntington,  Frederic  Dan,  D.D.,  2, 

67,  100,  635. 
Huntington,  Joseph,  D.D.,   21,   49, 

234- 
Huntington,  Rev.  Lynde,  183. 
Huntington,  Nathaniel  G.,  399. 
Huntington,  Gov.  Samuel,  i,  2,  34, 

433- 
Huntington,  Samuel  H.,  looi. 
Huntington,  Gov.  Samuel,  of  Ohio, 

234,  259- 
Huntington,  Mrs.,  334. 
Huntington  &  Hopkins,  873. 
Huntington,  Ct.,  74,  189,  302,  899. 
Huntington,  Penn.,  208. 
Huntley,  Eunice,  484. 
Huntley,  Lydia  H.  (Mrs.  Sigoumey), 

6S2,  959,  1014. 
Hurd,  Dulcinea,  831. 
Hurd,  Dr.  WilUam,  954,  965. 
Huron  County,  215,  269. 
Huse,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  446,  495,  519, 

587,  685. 
Husking,  43. 
Huss,  John,  345. 
Hutchinson,  Gov.  Thomas,  361,  365, 

366. 
Hyde,  Alvan,  D.D.,  loi,  141,    182, 

19S,  321,  619,  647,  666,  678,  766. 
Hyde,  Elisha,  285. 
Hyde,  Rev.  Lavius,  949. 

Iliad,  Homer's,  49. 

Illuminati,  63,  64. 

Illuminations  in  London,  172. 

Imlay,  James  H.,  M.  C,  136. 

Imlay,  Mr.,  805,  844,  908. 

Independence  Day,  60,  199,  260,  897. 

Independent  Press,  961. 

Indian  F'ortifications,  172. 

Indian  Mission  at  Stockbridge,  Mass., 

.67. 
Indian  Nations  Reformed,  337. 
Indian  Predictions,  159. 
Indian  Wars,  Hubbard's,  306. 


Indians,  Oneida,  162. 

Indians,  Seneca,  162. 

Infant  Baptism,  Prcs.  Edwards's,  196. 

Infant  Baptism,  Loomis's,  742. 

Infant  Baptism,  Dr.  West's,  57. 

Ingalls,  Rev.  Calvin,  324,  337. 

Ingersoll,  Hon.  Ralph  I.,  820,  840. 

Inglis,  James,  D.D.,  441. 

Ipswich  Female  Academy,  6. 

Ipswich,  Mass.,  157. 

Ira,  Vt.,  93. 

Ireland,  37,  63,  64,  73,  112. 

Irene,  drama,  452. 

Irish  Mayor,  39. 

Isham,  Rev.  Chester,  929. 

Isham,  Major,  987. 

Israel,  Lost  Tribes  of,  6S3. 

Italian  Nun,  175. 

Italians,  103. 

Italy,  21,  29,  35. 

Ives,  Capt.,  44. 

Jackson,   President    Andrew,    616, 

619,  773- 
Jackson,  F.  J.,  418,  420,  423. 
Jackson,  Thomas,  746. 
Jackson,  William,  D.D. ,83. 
Jacksonville,  la.,  725. 
Jacobs,  Mr.,  153. 
Jahn,  John,  962. 
James  I,  of  England,  916. 
James  VI,  of  Scotland,  916. 
Jamieson,    John,    D.D.,    448,   455, 

457.  459.  740. 
Janeway,  Jacob  J.,  D.D.,  290,  790, 

S58. 
Jay,  Gov.  John,  56,  126. 
Jeiferson,  Pres.  Thomas,  27,  44,  51, 

114,   118,   123,   126,   127,   129,   132, 

133,  138,   141.   142,   143,   144,   160, 

164,  177,  181,  184,   1S5,   186,  201, 

214,  244,  291,  306,  340,  347,  376, 

377.  378,  495,  547,  697. 
Jefferson  College,  212,  231. 
Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  219,  273. 
Jena,  Battle  of,  308. 
Jenks,  Gen.  Charles,  495,  519,  664, 

823,  890,  931,  991. 
Jennings,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  179,  766. 
Jennings,  Mrs.  Hannah,  522. 
Jennings,  Mary,  477. 
Jenyn,  Soame,  60. 
Jericho,  N.  Y.,  205. 
Jericho,  Vt.,  89. 
Jerome,   Rev.    Amasa,   34,   62,   199, 

361,  578. 
Jerome,  of  Prague,  345. 
Jersey  Families  in  Ohio,  288. 
Jerusalem,  N.  Y.,  173. 
Jews'  Letters  to  Voltaire,  427,  429. 
Jews,  Literal  Return,  267. 
Jilson,  John,  S31. 
Joan  of  Arc,  939,  941,  944. 
John  Bull,  the  tlothier,  112. 
Johns,  Rev.  Evan,  187,  335,  467,  521, 

579- 
Johnson,  Almira,  796. 
Johnson,  Beulah,  805. 
Johnson,  Bishop,  438,  457,  553,  771. 
Johnson,  Clarissa,  553,  572. 
Johnson,  E.,  974. 
Johnson,  Fenn,  800. 
Johnson,  Horace,  771. 
Johnson,  Jacob,  480. 
Johnson,  Rev.  James,  117. 
Johnson,  N.,  374 
Johnson,  Naomi,  897. 
Johnson,  Peggy,  798. 
Johnson,  Robert  C,  285. 
Johnson,  Dr.  Samuel,  152,  163,  451, 

523- 
Johnson,  Samuel,  D.D.,  710. 
Johnson,  Sophia,  796. 
Johnson,   William   Samuel,    LL.D., 

710. 
Johnson,  Sir  William,  174. 
Johnson,  Lawyer,  394. 
Johnson,  Mr.,  646. 


Johnson's  Dictionary,  481. 

Johnston,  James,  241,  242,  285. 

Johnston,  Ohio,  241,  274,  287. 

Johnston,  R.  I.,  96,  148. 

Johnstown,  N.  Y.,  177. 

Jones,  Miss  P.,  205. 

Jones,  Pomeroy,  165. 

Jones,  W.,  233. 

Jones,  Rev.  William,  58,  59. 

Joi  es.   Sir  William,   549,  915,  918, 

919. 
Jones,  Lady,  549,  915. 
Jones,  Mr.,  412,  9S7. 
Jones,  Rev.  Mr.,  257,  260. 
Josephus,  171. 
Journal  of  Commerce,  592. 
Journal,  Winthrop's,  492. 
Judd,  Jehiel,  590. 
J  add,  William,  285. 
Judd,  Miss,  906. 
Judiciary  Law,  164. 
Judson,  Rev.  Ephraim,  i,  16,  17,  24, 

25,  28,  29,  30,  44,  64,  loi,  125,  138, 

177,  321,  343,9<'9-  . 
Judson,  Mrs.  Ephraim,  969. 
Judson,  Ephraim,  Jr.,  30,  31,  321. 
Juanita  River,  210. 

Keene,  N.  H.,  89,  641,  989. 

Keeney,  Charles,  572. 

Keep,  Rev.  John,  17,  25. 

Keeping  Saturday  Night,  848. 

Keith,  Susannah,  61. 

Kellogg,   Rev.   Bela,  800,  805,  8ii, 

817,  895,  1007. 
KeUogg,  D.,  346. 
Kellogg,   Rev.    Ebenezer,   595,  600, 

700,  735- 
Kelsey,  Mr.,  188. 
Kendall,  James,  D.D.,  97,  98,  150, 

74^.,  974. 
Kensington,  Ct.,  580. 
Kent,  Ct.,  I,  34,  35,  44,  51,  68,  127, 

131,  318,  525. 
Kent,  Rev.  Daniel,  83. 
Kent,  Chancellor,  James,  44. 
Kent,  Duke  of,  813. 
Kentucky,  178,  191. 
Kenyon  College,  555. 
Key  to  Old  and  New    Testament, 

440,  447- 
Keyes,  Cotton,  605. 
Keyes,  Elnathan,  89. 
Keyes,  Col.,  89. 
Kilbum,  Levina,  687. 
Kilburn,  Roxey,  999. 
Killam,  James,  60S,  663. 
Killam,  Mrs.  Mar)',  663,  664. 
Killam,  May,  663. 
Killing\vorth,  Ct.,  189,  190,  197. 
Kinde'rhook,  N.  Y.,  178. 
King,  Barnabas,  D.D.,  424. 
King,  Chloe,  842. 
King,  David,  2S6. 
King,  Ebenezer,  Jr.,  286. 
King,  Elijah,  469. 
King,    Col.    Francis,   361,   427,   442, 

474,  1000. 
King,  Hezekiah,  87S. 
King,  Joel,  505,  535,  967. 
King,  Col.  Oliver,  363,  394,  402,  427, 
_437,  442. 

King,  Roderick,  575. 
King,  Salmon,  50,  55,  69,  73,  74,  77, 

315,  402,  426,  427,  437,  456. 
King,  Rev.  Walter,  333. 
King  Lear,  349. 
King  Philip,  96,  148. 
Kinne,  Rev.  Aaron,  590. 
Kinne  on  the  Prophecies,  590. 
Kingsbridge,  N.  Y.,  lo,  11. 
Kingsbur.gh,  Vt.,  153. 
Kingsburj',  Andrew,  738,  787. 
Kingsbury,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  89. 
Kingsbury,  Hon.  James,  234. 
Kingsbury,  S.,  51. 
Kingsbury,  Mr.,  153. 
Kingsbury,  N.  Y.,  156. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


1039 


Kingsley,   Prof.  James  L.,  LL.D., 

911,  932,  936,981. 
Kingsley,  Esq.,  179. 
Kingston,  Mass.,  99,  150. 
Kingston,  N.  H.,  152. 
Kingston,  Penn.,  207. 
Kingsley,  E.,  154. 
Kinsman,  Mr.,  261. 
Kinsman,  Ohio,  220,  226,  231,  238, 

239,  251,  253,  261,  262,  268,  274, 

275,  288. 
Kirby,  Ephraim,  184,  193,  195,  285. 
Kirkland,  Daniel,  162. 
Kirkland,  Eliza,  169. 
Kirkland,    John    Thornton,    D.D., 

162,  747,  974. 
Kirkland,  Sally,  169. 
Kirkland,    Rev.    Samuel,    161,    162, 

167,  169,  177,  747,  974. 
Kirkland,  N.  Y.,  162. 
Kirtland,  Turhand,  259. 
Kirtland,  Jared  Potter,  259. 
Kirtland,  Ohio,  249,  259. 
Kittering,  Eng.,  188. 
Koran,  102 1. 
Knapp,  David,  20. 
Knapp,   Rev.    Isaac,    133,   343,  358, 

374.  375,  491.  567,  642. 
Knapp,  Rev.  Joshua,  23. 
Knapp,  L.,  106. 
Knickerbocker,  Mr.,  162. 
Knights  Hospitalers,  535. 
Knights  of  Malta,  535. 
Knowles,  Sarah,  1004. 
Kno.x,  Normand,  624,  625. 
Krassnoi,  Battle  of,  543. 

La  Baume,  Eugene,  1004. 

La  Fayette,  976,  97S. 

La  Fayette  College,  903. 

Lake  Champlin,  695. 

Lake  County,  Ohio,  215,  249. 

Lake  Erie,  174,  219,  249,  568. 

Lambert,  Daniel,  40S. 

Lamech,  513,  514. 

La  Moille  River,  89. 

Lancaster,  Mass.,  152. 

Lancaster,  Penn.,  55. 

Landing  of  the  Pilgrims,  S41. 

Landshut,  Battle  of,  395. 

Lane,  Asa,  231. 

Lane,  Ebenezer,  559,  560. 

Lane,  Mrs.,  219. 

Lane  Theological  Seminar}',  921. 

Lanesborough,  Mass.,  9,  10,  13,  103, 
179.  341,  370,  45°.  678,  938. 

Lang,  Mr.,  153. 

Langdon,  Gov.  John,  370. 

Langdon,  Rev.  John,  566,  S96. 

Langdon,  Rev.  Timothy,  103,  104, 
106,  loS,  no,  HI,  112,  113,  115, 
117,  118,  120,  121,  124,  125,  126, 
127,   130,  131,   193,  292,  566,   896. 

Langhome,  Dr.  John,  170. 

Lanman,  Charles,  702. 

Lanman's  Dictionary  of  Congress, 
702. 

Lansing,  Hon.  John,  336,  408. 

Lansingburgh,  N.Y.,  156. 

Lardner,  Nathaniel,  D.D.,  371,  372, 
373,  374,  376,  377,  37S,  379,  381, 
383,  384,  387,  388,  389,  393,  394, 
396,  400,  401,  402,  403,  404,  405, 
407,  415,  416,  418,  420,  421,  657, 
661,  671. 

Lamed,  Prof.  Wm.  A.,  496. 

Last  End  in  Creation,  Edwards's, 
38,  319-  ^ 

Lathrop,  Joseph,  D.D.,  284,  344, 
793,  797- 

Latimer,  Thomas,  297. 

Latimer,  Mr.,  85S. 

Latin  Church,  379. 

Latin  Oration,  13,  17. 

Latin  Studies,  459. 

Laurel  Hill,  Penn.,  211. 

Lawrence,  Eliza  (Mrs.  Henry  Olm- 
sted and  Mrs.  Timothy  J.  Gridley), 


384,  536,  539,  542,  603,  606,  618, 
641,  651,  666,  670,  676,  679,  681, 
687,  689,  691,  695,  696,  706,  709, 
710,  713,  718,  724,  744,  748,  755, 
756,  760,  789,  834,  836,  837,  83S, 
875,  928,  934,  9381  940,  941,  942, 
944,  946,  992- 

Lawrence,  Francis,  992. 

Lawrence,  J.  William, 966,  973,  1004. 

Lawrence,  Sally,  325,  651,  666,  766, 
789,  899,  9S5. 

Lawrence,  William,  820,  893,  895, 
915,  966. 

Lawrence,  Capt.  William,  3. 

Lawrence,  Col.,  182. 

Lawrence  County,  Penn.,  265. 

LawTence  Grove,  21,  28,  157,  173, 
199,  335,  539,  606,  7S9,   820. 

Law  School  at  Litchfield,  Ct.,  291, 
339- 

Leavitt,  M.  E.,  314,  316,  317,  322, 
332,  345- 

Leavitt,  Thaddeus,  299,  300,  301, 
312,  314,  316,  317,  345,  352,  375, 

430,  515,  919,  923,  925- 
Lebaner,  Rev.  Philip,  427. 
Lebanon  Crank,  Ct.,  74,  363,  376. 
Lebanon,    Ct.,    56,    72,    74,   78,  99, 

152,  189,   196,   199,  201,  368,  404, 

410,   517,  744,  783,  868. 
Lebanon,  N.  H.,  153. 
Le  Baron,  Eliza,  832. 
Le  Baron,  Francis,  M.  D.,  2,  174. 
Le  Baron,  Frank,  566. 
Le  Baron,  Hannah,  686. 
Le  Baron,  Isaac,  174,  571,  745,  807. 
Le  Baron,  J,,  99. 
Le  Baron,  John  Allen,  372. 
Le  Baron,  Lazarus,  M.D.,  2,  807. 
Le   Baron,  Rev.   Lemuel,  2,  17,  22, 

59,  98,  141,  149,  181,  372,  414,  719, 

745,  807,  832,  95S,  975,  ion. 
Le  Baron,  Lemuel,  Jr.,   M.D.,   98, 

746. 
Le  Baron,  Lucy,  745. 
Le  Baron,  Martha,  150,  745. 
Le  Baron,  Mar>',  96. 
Le  Baron,  Polly,  745. 
Le   Baron,   Priscilla,    150,   364,  738, 

745,  833- 
Le  Baron,  Thomas  Mayhew,  976. 
Le  Baron,  W.,  98. 
Le  Baron,  Capt.  William,  976. 
Le   Baron,   William,   685,   719,  738, 

745,  746,  832,  934- 
Lee,  Andrew,  D.D.,  18. 
Lee,  Rev.  Chauncey,  D.D.,  140, 198, 

305,  326,  329,  332,  398,  551,   553, 

570,   573,   577,   580,   590,   717,   987. 
Lee,  Elisha,  Esq.,  29. 
Lee,  Gen.  Henry,  106. 
Lee,  Rev.  Jonathan,  Sen.,  476. 
Lee,  Rev.  Jonathan,  Jr.,  476,  597. 
Lee,  Mass.,  3,  loi,  140,  182,  381,647, 

67S,  766. 
Lee's  Arithmetic,  50. 
Leete's  Taveni,  510,  692,  715. 
Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  328. 
Legislature  of  Vermont  on  Religious 

Taxation,  340 
Leicester,  Mass.,  152,  273. 
Leicester,  Vt.,  92. 
Lenox,  Robert,  565,  566,  597. 
Lenox,  Mass., 2,  8,  10,  38,  40,  59,  60, 

61,  63,  64,  141,  143,  182,  321,  370, 

408,   414,   443,   449,   450,  512,   525, 

562,  607,  619,  67S,  766,  907,  938. 
Leonard,  Rev.  Joshua,  139. 
Leonard,  Rev.  Samuel,  154. 
Leopold,  Prince,  727. 
Le  Sage,  Alain,  922,  958. 
Letters  of  Rev.   John   Newton,   47, 

49- 
Letters  to  Paine,  Levi  s,  51. 
Letters  on  Unitarianisra,  928. 
Letters   to    William    E.    Channing, 

D.D.,  796. 
Levi,  David,  51. 


Lewis,  Rev.  Amzi,  120. 

Lewis,   Isaac,   D.D.,   33,   135,    292, 

609. 
Lewis,  Rev.  Isaac,  Jr.,  135,  609,  615. 
Lexington,  Mass.,  151. 
Leyden,  Alass.,  64. 
Liberty,  Ohio,  227,  232,  253,  254, 270, 

274. 
Life  of    Benjamin    Colman,    D.D., 

972. 
Life  of  Cowper,  343,  345,  346. 
Life  of  Jefferson,  Randadl's,  165. 
Life  of  Joseph,  247,  248. 
Life  of  Leo  X,  862. 
Life  of  Samuel  Hopkins,  D.D.,  316, 

420. 
Life  of  President   Stiles,  Holmes's, 

90,  103. 
Life  of  Washington,  Marshall's,  201, 

203,  30S,  309,  3n,  323,  324,  325. 
Limner,  31. 

Lindsley,  Rev.  Jacob,  272,  278,  279. 
Lindsley,   Rev.    Stephen,   271,    278, 

279,  280. 
Lindsley,  Capt.  W.,  546. 
Lines,  Ebenezer,  65. 
Linonian  Hall,  146. 
Linsley,  Rev.  Ammi,  771. 
Linsley,   Joel   H.,   D.D.,   953,  954, 

956,  970,  994,  1007. 
Linsley,  Noadi,  13. 
Linsley,  Mr.,  704. 
Lion,  119. 

Liquor  Case,  439,  443. 
Lisbon,  Ct.,  18,  592. 
Lisle,  N.Y.,  173,  205. 
Litchfield  County,  Ct.,  39,  41,  45,  75, 

250,  258,  284,  317,  320,  328,  425, 

552- 
Litchfield,  Ct.,  2,  19,  45,  54,  66,  94, 

100,  lis,   125,   129,   130,   131,  132, 

135,   137,  140,  184,   193,  2i6,  225, 

239,  294,  302,  330,  335,  381,  404, 

408,  427,  434,  439,  450,  502,  545, 

561,  565,  567,  634,  668,  704,  812, 

817,  1007. 
Litchfield,  Eng.,  27,  992. 
Litchfield  Law  School,  1008. 
Litchfield    North     Association,     65, 

116,  336,  372,  3S6,  427,  602. 
Litchfield,  Penn.,  205. 
Little  Cambridge,  Mass.,  151,  369. 
Littleton,  Mass.,  152,  372. 
Little  Falls,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Little  Hocking,  Oliio,  272. 
Little  Kanawha  River,  281. 
Liverpool,  Eng.,  707. 
Lives  of  the  Apostles,  721. 
Lives  of  the  Fathers,  721. 
Lives  of  the  Judges,  Stiles's,  725. 
Livingston,  Edward,  no. 
Livingston,  Rev.  Gilbert  R.,  360. 
Livingston,  Henrj',  203. 
Livingston,  Henrj'  W.,  178,  203. 
Livingston,  John  H.,  D.D.,  136,  178. 
Livingston,  Robert,  17S. 
Livingston  County,  N.  Y.,  601. 
Livingston  Manor,  N.  Y.,  178,  203. 
Livv',"98S. 

Llov'd,  Thomas,  185,  186. 
Locke,  John,  306,  910. 
Locke's  Works,  910. 
Lockport,  N.  Y. ,  935. 
Lockwood,  Rev.  James,  76,  96,  971. 
Lockwood,  Rev.  William,  76,  96. 
Logan,  the  Mingo  Chief,  273. 
Logic,  Best's,  306. 
Lombard,  Horatio  J.,  701,  904. 
Lombardy  Poplars,  324,  354,  355. 
London  City,  44,   51,    76,    102,   114, 

140,  155,  191. 
London  Missionary'  Society,  448,  934. 
Long  Hill,  Ct.,  423,  452,  545,  584, 

617,  622,  657,  662,  732,   777,  805, 

822,  82S,  830,  840,  850,  882,  887, 

922,  947.  969- 
Long  Island,  122,  167. 
Longmeadow,  Mass.,  443,  446,  555, 


1040 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


641,  658,  779,  798,  898,  907,  911, 
920,  922,  946,  1025. 

Long  Run,  Penn.,  212. 

Loomis,  Abner,  854. 

Loomis,  Mrs.  Agnes,  994. 

Loomis,  Dea.  Amasa,  412,  529,  551, 

572,  666,  759,  776,  800,  812,  814, 

822,  826,  900,  947,  954. 
Loomis,  Rev.  Amasa,  466,  471,  472, 

529.  55'.  57',  615. 
Loomis,  Amelia,  871. 
Loomis,  Arethusa,  610. 
Loomis,  Henajah,  661. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  Betsey,  658. 
Loomis,  Chauncey,  495. 
Loomis,  E.,  1015. 
Loomis,  Eliza  Ann,  493. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  Esther,  514. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  Experience,  660. 
Loomis,  Flavel,  621. 
Loomis,   Capt.  Giles,  506,  514,  516, 

523- 
Loomis,  Harry,  438. 
Loomis,  Henry,  706. 
Loomis,  Horace,  438,  516,  633,  672, 

73^.  750.  772,  7SS. 
Loomis,    Rev.    Hubbell,    742,    967, 

1019. 
Loomis,  Jerusha,  866. 
Loomis,  Julia,  627. 
Loomis,  Laura,  600,  877,  888. 
Loomis,  Lorrain,  355,  415. 
Loomis,  Lucy,  1023. 
Loomis,  Luke,  469. 
Loomis,  Luther,  285. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  Olive,  534. 
Loomis,  Olive  Elmer,  495. 
Loomis,  Oliver,  562. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  P.,  892. 
Loomis,  Polly,  470,  536. 
Loomis,  Mrs.  Priscilla,  660,  661. 
Loomis,  Sally,  600. 
Loomis,  Serajah,  772. 
Loomis,  Simeon,  493. 
Loomis,  Susan,  627. 
Loomis,  Tryphena,  445. 
Loomis,  Dea.,  770. 
Loomis,  Mr.,  596,  609,  969. 
Loomis  &  Richards,  604,  608. 
Loomis,  the  name,  506. 
Lord,  Samuel  P.,  285. 
Lord,  Esq.,  69. 
Lord,  Mr.,  913. 
Lord,  Rev.  Mr.,  616. 
Lorenzo  De  Medici,  494. 
Lorraine  County,  Ohio,  215,  285. 
Lottery  Ticket,  179,  308. 
Loudon,  LawTence,  545. 
Loudon,  ]Mass.,  143. 
Louisville,  Ky.,  326. 
Louisiana   Purchase,    199,   201,  214, 

43.5-. 
Louisiana,  99. 

Louis  XVII,  the  Lost  Prince,  107. 
Louis  XVIII,  591,  638. 
Louisburg,  818. 
Lounger,  161. 
Love,  William,  285. 
Lower  Neshannock,  212. 
Lowman,  Rev.  Moses,  63,  64. 
Luckey,  Rev.  Samuel. 
Ludlow,  jNIass.,  205,  605,  834. 
Luneville,  135. 
Lusiad,  985. 
Lusk,  Gen.  Levi,  692. 
Lutheran  Church,  601. 
Luzerne  County,  Penn.,  206. 
Lyman,  Backus,  664. 
Lyman,  Capt.  Joseph,  612. 
Lyman,  Judge  Joseph,  150,  612,  615, 

642,  677,  941,  942,  943. 
Lyman,  M.,  968. 
Lyman,  Mrs.  Mary,  944. 
Lyman,  Rev.  Orange,  23,  562. 
Lyman,  William,  285. 

Lyman,  William,  D.D.,  183,  478. 
Lyme,  Ct.,  195,   196,  416,  552,   559, 
560.  567,  568. 


Lynn,   151,  518,  519,  537,  540,  588, 
625. 

Maccabaeus,  Judas,  374. 
Maccabius,  Mathias,  374. 
Maccabees,  two  Books  of,  374. 
MacCarthy,  Nathaniel,  877,  S86. 
Macdonough,   Commodore  Tlioraas, 

603,  695,  1023. 
Macedon,  Kingdom  of,  444. 
Macedonian,  War  Frigate,  543. 
Machiavel,  979. 

Mack,  Mrs.  Betsey,  looi,  1002. 
Mackenzie,  Henry-,  161. 
Macpherson,  James,  398,  425. 
Madison,  President  James,  348,  362, 

378,  3S8,  3S9,  391,  424,  459,   482, 

495>   S32>   534,   537,   547,  «"&,  686. 
Madison  County,  N.  Y.,  169. 
Madison,  Ct.,  173,  195,  270,396,  786. 
Madrid,  Spain,  380. 
Maffit,   Rev.    John    Newland,    836, 

846. 
Magnalia,  Mather's,    150,   487,   488, 

490,  497,  527,  542,  546,  805,  824. 
Magnano,  Battle  of,  87. 
Mahomet,  Life  of,  163. 
Mahometanism,  496,  499. 
Mahometans  of  Barbary,  532. 
Mahoning   County,   Ohio,  215,   216, 

218,  224,  240,  253,  255,  256,  267. 
Mahoning,  Ohio,  285. 
Mahoning  River,  227,  244,  253,  275. 
Maine  Hall,  Bowdoin  College,  889. 
Maitland,  Capt.,  638. 
Maiden,  Mass.,  465. 
Maiden,  Mich.,  568. 
Malta  Island,  125,  130,  132. 
Malta,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Manchester,    Ct.,    73,   77,   315,   426, 

434,  472,   577,  935,   93^,   965,   969, 

970,  978,  looi,  1020. 
Manchester,  Vt.,  9,  16,  82,  141,  151, 

448,  595- 
Manlius,  N.  Y.,  177. 
Man  of  Feeling,  161. 
Man  of  the  World,  i6r. 
Mann,  Rev.  Joel,  969,  loio,  1912. 
Mansfield,  Rev.  Achilles,  189,  190. 
Mansfield,  Ct.,  33,  91,  148,  446,  5 78, 

678. 
Mantua,  97. 

Mantua,  Ohio,  2^8,  284. 
Marble,  Danforth,  682. 
Marble,  Emily,  6S2,  923. 
Marble,  Frederic,  6S2. 
IMarble,  Julia  Wolcott,  765. 
Marble,  Laura,  870. 
Marble,  INIaria,  682. 
Marble,  Marv,  6.S0,  682. 
Marble,  Mari,'  Skinner,  58. 
Marble,  Merrow,  894. 
Marble,  William,  682,  765,  870. 
Marble,  William  TnimbuU,  682. 
Marblehead,  Mass.,  630. 
Marcellus,  N.  Y.,  169,  173,  176,  177, 

182. 
Marcy,  Rev.  Bradford,  143,  159,  926. 
Marengo,  Battle  of,  120,  121. 
Marietta  College,  279,  953. 
Marietta,  Ohio,  41,  47,  90,  218,  239, 

242,  266,  271,  272,  273,  274,   275, 

277,  278,  280,  282,  2S4,  322,   326, 

377,   380,   392,  406,  430,   490,   492, 

524,   550.   596,   644,  693,    748,   789. 

857. 
Marlborough,  Ct. ,  68,  69,  71,   72,  73, 

78,  80,  96,  724,  946,  987,  1000,  1020. 
Marlborough,  Mass.,  902. 
Marmon  &  Marshall,  52S. 
Marrow  of  Modern  Divinity,  240. 
Marsh,  Rev.  Frederic,  301,  328,  286, 

429. 
Marsh,  George,  674. 
Marsh,  John,  D.D.,   Sen.,  427,  455, 

475.  487,  5'2,  555,  612,  708,  869, 

870. 
Marsh,  John,  D.D.,  Jr.,  427,  487, 


537,  597.  694,  732,  870,  926,  927, 
984,  994. 

Marsh,  Peleg  .S.,  543. 

Marsh,  Rev.  Truman,  134,  135. 

Marsh,  Rev.  Mr.,  204. 

Marshall,  Judge  John,  45,  59,  no, 
151,  201,  308,  399,  434. 

Marshall's  Tavern,  80. 

Martha's  Vineyard,  Mass.,  181,  719, 
972,  1002. 

Martinique  Island,  392. 

Marwin,  Mrs.,  133. 

Maryland,  3'^,  39,  166,  194. 

Mason,  David,  8,  18,  21,  37. 

Mason,  Rev.  Elihu,  455,  465,  591. 

Mason,  John,  61. 

Mason,  John,  D.D.,  371. 

Mason,  Capt.  John,  goi. 

Mason,  John  Mitchell,  371. 

Massachusetts  Colony,  505. 

Massachusetts  Constitutional  Con- 
vention, 844. 

Alassachusetts  General  Association, 
557- 

Massachusetts  Historical  Society, 
328. 

Massachusetts  Legislature,  61. 

Massena,  Marshall,  105,  457,  464, 
482. 

Mather,  Charles,  M.D.,  803. 

Mather,  Mrs.  Charies,  803. 

Mather,  Cotton,  D.D.,  580,  824,  972, 
ion. 

Mather,  Increase,  Life  of,  ion. 

Mather,  Rev.  Samuel,  697. 

Mather,  Samuel,  Jr.,  285. 

Mather,  Timothy,  697. 

Mattapoisett,  Mass.,  2,  98,  372,  832, 
95S. 

Matthews,  John,  D.D.,  856. 

Matthews,  Mr.,  266. 

Mattoon,  Gen.  Ebenezer,  942. 

Maxey,  Jonathan,  D.D. ,  148. 

Maximilian,  Duke  of  Sully,  822. 

May,  Betsey  S.,  1021. 

May,  Chloe  R.,  550. 

May,  Rev.  Eleazer,  145,  184,  194, 
197. 

May,  Rev.  Hezekiah,  145. 

Mayhew,  Rev.  Experience,  992. 

Mayhew,  Mather,  992,  1002. 

Mayhew,  Dr.  Matthew,  992,  1002. 

Mayhew,  Gov.  IMatthew,  q92. 

Mayhew,  Gov.  Thomas,  976,  992. 

Mayhew,  Rev.  Thomas,  992. 

McClure,  Mrs.  Betsey  (Martin),  799, 
8r3,  lOio,  1012. 

McClure,  David,  D.D.,  358,  361, 
362,  370,  383,  389,  390,  395,  396, 
398,  400,  401,  402,  404,  407,  419, 
420,  433,  435,  450,  4S9,  499,  526, 
556,  562,  563,  570,  579,  586,  602, 
610,  622,  627,  629,  630,  647,  652, 
664,  667,  679,  710,  714,  749,  771, 
780,  788,  799,  802,  S12,  813,  814, 
816,  818,  823,  824,  828,  836,  842, 
867,  875,  887,  933. 

McClure,  Mrs.  Hannah  (Pomeroy), 
389,  391,  446,  508,  509,  5S4,  586, 
587,  799,  976. 

McClure,  Rachel  (Mrs.  Elihu  Wol- 
cott), 887. 

McCurdv,  Judge  Charles  J.,  7S6. 

McDowell,  John,  D.D.,  857. 

McEwen,  Abel,  D.D.,  45,  302,338, 
638,  702,  743,  818,  856,  1012. 

McGowan,  John,  248. 

McGregor,  M.  D.,  945. 

McHenr\-,  Hon.  James,  115. 

Mcintosh,  Penn.,  215,  229,  231. 

McKay,  Prof.,  14. 

McKinney,  Elizabeth  Reed,  674. 

McKinney,  Esther,  470. 

McKinney,  Samuel  Treat,  478. 

McKinstrj',  Rev.  John,  943. 

McKinstiT,  Family  of,  943. 

McLean,  Rev.  Allen,  335,  336,  367, 
386,  399,  403,  407,  440,  444,  474, 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME    I. 


1 041 


494>   516.  543,   554,  5^4,  604,   645, 

672,   704,   764,   7S5,   ^29>  S33,  845. 

888,  qo8,  940,  944,  945,  947. 
McLean,  Col.  Francis,  600. 
McLean,  Mr.,  160. 
McLean,  Mrs.,  529,935. 
McMillan,  Rev.  John,  231. 
McMillan,  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  231. 
McPherrin,  Rev.  John,  230. 
McPherrin,  Rev.  Thomas,  230. 
Meadville,  Penn.,  231,  232. 
Medfield,  Mass.,  96,  153. 
Medford,  I\Liss.,  930. 
Medical  Convention,  892. 
Medina  County,  Ohio,  215. 
Mediterranean  Sea,  gi. 
Medway,  Mass.,  751,  976. 
Meeting-House    of     First     Church, 

Hartford,  369. 
Meeting-Houses,  Old  Fashioned,  53. 
Meeting-Houses,  in  Providence,  R.I., 

148. 
Meigs,  Col.  Return  Jonathan,  282. 
Meikle,  James,  515. 
Mellen,  Mr.,  975. 
Mellish,  John,  930. 
Memoirs,  Sully  s,  2S2,  826. 
Mentor,  O.,  249. 
Mercer  County,  N.  J.,  291. 
Mercer  County,  Penn.,  267. 
Mercer,  Penn.,  267. 
Mercury,  Boston,  85. 
Meredith,  N.  Y.,  204. 
Meriden,  Ct.,  371,  715,  879,  883. 
Merrill,  B.,  142,  154. 
Merrimac  River,  152. 
Merrow,  Joseph  M.,  455. 
Merwin,  Rev.  Samuel,  510,  590,  789, 

861,  862,  958,  959,  9S0,  981. 
Mesopotamia,  Ohio,  247,  248,  264. 
Messenger,  Col.,  168. 
Messer,  Asa,  D.D.,  148. 
Metallic  Tractors,  94. 
Methodists,  87,  90,  92,  95,  223,  233, 

251,  253,  257,  261,  262,  263,  274, 

350,  86r,  876,  887,  1024. 
Methuen,  Mass.,  148. 
Mexico,  312. 
Mexico,  Northern,  328. 
Miami  College,  290. 
Michilimackinac,  174. 
Middleborough,  Mass.,  97,  99,   421, 

490,  719. 
Middlebury  College,  12,  82,  87,  115, 

155,  179,  290,  315,  340,  527,   590, 

598,  758,  797.  862,  895,  906,   93S, 

937.  946,  953,   IOI4- 
Middlebury,  Ct.,  301. 
Middlebury  Falls,  Vt.,  86. 
Middlebury,  Vt.,  83,  84,  85,  86,  87, 

90,  91,   92,  95,   100,  155,  156,  194, 

340. 
Middlefield,  Ct.,  192. 
Middlefield,    Mass.,     140,    143,    180, 

755,  76'^.  774,  779,  805. 
Middlefield,  Ohio,  244,  247,  248,  260, 

264. 
Middle  Haddam,  ig6. 
Middlesex,  Vt.,  153. 
Middletown,  Ct.,  183,  188,  192,  194, 

196,  200,  2S2,  450,  545,  584,  604, 

608,  625,  629,  634,  635,  636,  656, 

674,  675,  681,  756,  907,  908,  927, 

971. 
Middletown,  R.  L,  149. 
Milford,  Ct.,  45,  189,  300,  330,  386, 

590,  703- 
Millan,  941. 

Millard,  Chauncey,  686. 
Miller,  Asher,  285. 
Miller,  Samuel,  D.D.,  904. 
Miller,  Rev.    William    Fowler,   318, 

335,  349,  352,  359,  395.  626. 
Millington,  Ct.,  1S3. 
Millot,  French  Historian,  6,  9. 
Milner,  Joseph,  865. 
Milner's   Church   History,  860,  861, 

S65,  874. 


Milo,  N.  Y.,  173. 

Mills,  Mrs.  Anna,  651. 

Mills,  Asa  A.,  72,  73. 

Mills,  Elijah  H.,  LL.D.,  i8. 

Mills,  E.  W.,  S59. 

Mills,  F.,  Esq.,  639. 

Mills,  G.,982. 

Mills,  Rev.  Gideon,  35. 

Mills,  Jeremiah,  Si. 

Mills,  Rev.  Joseph  L.,  182. 

Mills,  Marv,  543. 

Mills,  Michael,  397,  497. 

Mills,  Michael  F.,  397,  401,  556,  573. 

Mills,  Dr.  Philo  H.,  857. 

Mills,  Capt.  Ro.swell,  913. 

Mills,  .Samuel,  613. 

Mills,  Dea.  Samuel,  270,  408. 

Mills,  Rev.  Samuel,  i8g,  190. 

Mills,  Rev.    Samuel   J.,   49,  50,  51, 

404,  559,  606,  725,  822. 
Mills,  Rev.  Samuel  J.,  Jr.,  3,  187. 
Mills,  Sydney,  982,  998. 
Mills,  Dea.,  155. 
Mills,  Mr.,  236,  545. 
Mills,  East  Hartford,  417. 
Milton,  John,  27,  i8g. 
Milton,  Ct.,  125,   129,  130,  132,  133, 

134,  135,  147- 
Milton,   Mass.,    150,   615,   805,   824, 

873,  941,  974,  975- 
Milton,  N.  Y.,  lyS. 
Minden,  N.  Y.,  156. 
Miner,  Austin,  680. 
Miner,  Marvin,  6S0. 
Miner,  Nancy,  680. 
Miner,  Russell,  6S0. 
Miner,  Thomas,  M.D.,  635. 
Mingo  Indians,  273. 
Ministers  in  Berkshire  County,  Mass., 

179. 
Minister  s  Wooing,  149. 
Mirick,  Rev.  E.  A.,  272. 
Mirror,   Connecticut,    161,   519,  562, 

770,  783,  808,  880,  952. 
Miscellanies    of    Oliver    Goldsmith, 

306. 
Miscellanies  of  President   Edwards, 

32- 
Missionary  Herald,  952. 
Missionary  Societies  of  Connecticut 

and  Massachusetts,  20. 
Missionary  Society,  Baptist,  of  Eng- 
land, 42. 
Missionary  Society  in  New  York,  32. 
Mississippi  College,  911. 
Missolonghi,  951. 
Missouri  Compromise,  The,  811,  840, 

849. 
Mitchell,  Rev.  Justus,  120,  137,  292, 

300. 
Mitchell,  Mrs.  Justus,  300. 
Mitchell,  Mr.,  956. 
Mitchell,  Rev.  Mr.,  go. 
Mix,  Mrs.  Anna  (Goodwin),  399. 
Mix,  Ebenezer,  399. 
Mix,  John,  Esq.,  399. 
Mix,  Rev.  Joseph,  580,  5S3,  593,  608, 

611,  621,  711,  785,  802,  888,  933. 
Mix,  Mrs.  Joseph,  802. 
Mix's  Museum,  527. 
Mobile,  Ala.,  S36. 
Mode  of  Settling  Ministers,  31. 
Mohawk  River,  45,  156,  158,  177. 
Mohrungen,  Battle  of,  316. 
Monkton,  Vt.,  87,  90. 
Monongahela  River,  Penn,,  213,214, 

215,  218,  289. 
Monroe,  President  James,   105,  188, 

697,  707,  723,  9",  988. 
Monroe,  Ct.,  189. 
Monson,  Mass.,  gii. 
Montagu,  Edward  Wortley,  739. 
Montagu,  Lady  Mary  Wortley,  739, 

741,  742. 
Montague,  Mass.,  284,  641. 
Monteith,  Rev.  Walter,  858. 
Montesquieu,  Charles  de   Secondet, 

16,  38,  54. 


Montgomery,  Gen.  Richard,  11. 

Montpelier,  Vt.,  153. 

Moore,  John,  856. 

Moore,  Sir  John,  393. 

Moore,  Sally,  819,  821. 

Moore,  Rev.  Zephaniah  Swift,  678. 

Moore,  Mrs.,  256. 

Moore's  Tavern,  316. 

Morals,  State  of,  29. 

Moral  Society,  667,  716,  740,  741. 

Moral  Taste,  301,  303. 

Moretown,  Vt.,  153. 

Morgan,  Gon.  Daniel,  213. 

Morgan,  Elias,  285. 

Morgan,  John,  258,  286. 

Morgan,  Juliana,  260. 

Morgan,  Rev.  Solomon,  54,  57,    58, 

75- 
Morgan  County,  Ohio,  264. 
Morgan,   Ohio,   220,  222,   223,   250, 

258,  269. 
Morristown,  N.  J.,  859. 
Morristown  Presbytery,  Penn.,  206. 
Morrow  County,  Ohio,  241. 
Morse,   Jedediah,   Dr.,   20,  60,  151, 

162,  906. 
Morse's  Gazetteer,  906. 
Mortimer,  Thomas,  191. 
Morton,  Luc)',  801. 
Morton,  Nathaniel,  494. 
Moscow,  Russia,  160,  530,  534,  535, 

540. 
Moseley,  Col.  Jonathan,  199. 
Mosheim   Von,  John  Lawrence,  41, 

42,  43,  45.  46,  54,  874. 
Moulthrop,  Mary  L.,  146. 
Moulthrop,    Reuben,    146,  299,  312, 

318,  415,  429,  526. 
Moulthrop,  William,  146. 
Mount  Carmel,  Ct.,  169. 
Mount  Hope,  R.  L,  96,97,  148,  ion. 
Mount  Monadnock,  835. 
Mount  Vernon,  Va.,  963. 
Mozeley,  Dr.,  543. 
Murdock,  James,  D.D.,  54. 
Munger,  Elizur,  669,  887. 
Munger,  Nathaniel,  95,  100,  194. 
Munson,  Dea.,  130,  147. 
Muskingum  Association,  392. 
Muskingum  River,  272,  277,  282,  392. 
Munsell,  Charlotte,  798. 
Munsell,  Louisa,  go5. 
Munsell,  Timothy,  469,  798,  905. 

Nantucket,  Mass.,  178. 

Naples,  348. 

Nash,  Rev.  Ansel,  557,  700,903,934, 

935,  961. 
Nash,  Rev.  Jonathan,  142,  143,  180, 

765. 
Nash,  Thomas,  no. 
Nashannock,  Penn.,  269. 
National  Fast,  54,  55,  56. 
Natural  and  Revealed  Religion,  659. 
Nature  and  Danger  of  Infidel  Philos- 
ophy, 59. 
Nature  of  True  Virtue,  38. 
Naugatuck,  Ct. ,  300. 
.Neal,   Rev.    Daniel,    164,   316,   319, 

320,  323,  325,  492,  708. 
Neill,  William,  D.D.,  85S. 
Nelson,  John,  D.D.,  973. 
Nelson,  Lord,  69,  70,  118,  138,  275, 

298,  300,  302,  336. 
Nelson,  Ohio,  234,244,  258,  260,284. 
Nettleton,   Asahel,  D.D.,  622,  852, 

854,  856,  S98. 
Nettleton,  Roger,  258,  973. 
Neuchatel,  France,  325. 
New  Albany,  Ind. ,  326. 
New  Ashford,  Ma,ss.,  10,  938. 
New   Bedford,   Mass.,  57,  149,  685, 

719,  720,  738,745. 
New  Britain,  Ct.,  199,  408,  466,  506, 

517,  579.  753-    ^^    , 
New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  136. 
Newark,  N.  J.,  291,  859. 
Newberry,  Gen.  Roger,  247,  285,  581. 


I042 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


New  Canaan,  Ct.,  119,  137,  292,  300, 
859. 

Newcastle,  Del.,  695. 

New  Connecticut,  Oliio,  30,  161, 177, 
195,  204,  213,  253,  256,  267,  282, 
288,  290,  294,  295,  296,  299,  301, 
302,  303,  309,  311,  320,  322,  345, 
346,  355,  402,  408,  438,  491,  492, 
506,  514,  516,  548,  564,  604,  657, 
672,  6S3,  695,  706,  738,  750,  772, 
785,  788,  791,  S35,  879,  888,  950, 
973,    1008. 

New  Danbury,  Ct.,  107. 

New  Durham,  N.  Y. ,  204,  360,  800. 

New  England  Almanack,  398. 

New  England  Memorial,  494,  507. 

New  England  Planters,  485,  508. 

New  Fairfield,  Ct.,  102,  103,  109, 
114,  123. 

New  Hampshire  Missionary  Society, 
641. 

New  Hartford,  Ct.,  44,  62,  68,  82, 
95,  147,  199,  200,  202,  216,  250, 
361,  392,  484,  497,  542,  578,  632, 
638,  706. 

New  Hartford,  N.  Y.,  141,  142,  154, 
157,   '58,   "Ji>  ^('-y   168,   169,   177, 

178,   2'l6. 

New  Haven,  8,  10,  12,  19,  33,  65,  86, 
94,  122,  127,  131,  143,  144,  146,  152, 
153,  155.  11^7.  1S5,  189,  193,  201, 
202,  233,  303,  330,  333,  334,  348, 
352,  366,  371,  396,  410,  425,  432, 
434,  43S,  45>,  455,  45^,  489,   5^5, 

509,    510,    519,    526,    527,    528,    532, 

536,  541,  545,  546,  548,  551,  560, 
56S,  587,  590,  593,  S9&,  597,  602, 
603,  606,  607,  622,  623,  625,  640, 
645,  646,  656,  668,  674,  67s,  676, 
679,  683,  686,  692,  693,  710,  711, 
7'5,  724,  727,  734,  741,  760,  770, 
771,  774,  781,  794,  799,  804,  808, 
809,  S12,  814,  818,  819,  821,  831, 
832,  836,  840,  847,  851,  859,  863, 
870,  S79,  884,  891,  892,  902,  903, 
904,  910,  918,  936,  939,  948,  959, 
962,  963,  97S,  981,   987. 

New  Haven  East  Association,  195, 
633. 

New  Haven,  Vt.,  83,  85,  86,  88,  90, 
92,  155,401- 

New  Haven  West  Association,  204. 

New  Jersey,  164,  167. 

New  Lebanon  Springs,  N.  Y.,  154, 
455,  457,  561,  562. 

New  Lisbon,  Ohio,  271,  277. 

New  London  Association,  865. 

New  London  County,  Ct.,  6g,  314. 

New  London,  Ct.,  45,  63,  66,  302, 
338,  552,  555,  565,  703,  728,  743, 
818,   1012. 

New  Marlborough,  Mass.,  i,  10,  22, 
67,  71,  82, 90,  95,  135,  137,  138,  140, 
141,  185,  362,  424,  518,  721,  734, 
736,   766. 

New  Milford,  Ct.,  8,  10,  52,  102,  112, 
121,  122,  127,  128,  130,  133,  137, 
'74,  193,  216,  293,  511,  548,  707, 
781. 

New  Orleans,  La.,  99,  193,  199,  222, 
224,  456,  585,  772- 

New  Preston,  Ct.,  216,  302,  553,  744, 
792,  909. 

New  Salem,  Ct.,  551,  571. 

New  Sheshequin,  Penn.,  206. 

New  Year's  Address,  105,  498,  577, 
61 1,  612. 

New  Year's  Hymn,  128. 

New  Year's  Mirror,  423. 

New  Year's  Poem,  129,  158,  160. 

New  York  City,  10,  15,  25,  40,  43,  63, 
66,  94,  no,  121,  135,  136,  137,  142, 
152,  597,  782,  795,  944. 

New  York  Gazette,  66. 

New  York  State,  34,  35,  56,  177,  197, 
203. 

Newburg,  Ohio,  196,  272,  278. 

Newbury,  Ann,  531. 


Newbury,  Clarinda,  871. 

Newbury,  Cynthia,  796. 

Newbury,  Elizabeth,  518. 

Newbury,  Mrs.  Elizabeth,  662. 

Newbury,  Emily,  672. 

Newbury,  Ruth,  873. 

Newbury,  Sally,  575. 

Newbury,  Solomon  Ellsworth,  801. 

Newbury,  Sophia,  871. 

Newbury,  Mr.,  905,  906. 

Newbury,  Mass.,  151. 

Newburyport,  Mass., 6,  151,  152,398, 
485,  486,  532,  795. 

Newcombe,  Ruby,  435. 

Newcombe,  Rev.  William,  645. 

Newell,  Rev.  Abel,  88. 

Newell,  Rev.  Gad,  154. 

Newell,  Jacob,  915. 

Newell,  Mr.,  138,  153,  165. 

Newgate  Chapel,  626. 

Newgate  Prison,  406,  605,  6o5,  607, 
626,  645,  646,  760,  784,  787,  799, 
817,  818,  819. 

Newington,  Ct.,  455,  656,  692,  714, 
759- 

Newman,  Rev.  Samuel,  334. 

Nev^ort,  Ohio,  271. 

Newport,  R.  L,  37,  62,  149,  826,  980, 
ion. 

Newton,  Sir  Isaac,  691,  695. 

Newton,  Rev.  John,  47,  49,  411,  992. 

Newton,  Hon.  Rejoice,  648,  774, 
776,  808,  850,  879. 

Newton,  Roger,  D.D.,  636. 

Newton,  Bishop  Thomas,  27,  403, 
417,  426. 

Nevrton,  Mass.,  151,  522. 

Newton,  Ohio,  255,  257,  274,  285. 

Newton's  Chronology,  691,  695,  696. 

Newtown,  Ct.,  257. 

Niagara  Fort,  174. 

Niagara  Frontier,  577. 

Niagara,  N.  Y. ,  173,  174,  178. 

Niagara  River,  174. 

Night  Thoughts,  Young's,  71,  102. 

Nile,  Battle'bf,  69,  70. 

Niles,  John,  161. 

Nisbet,  Charles,  D.D.,  210. 

Noble,  Daniel,  8,  17,  28,  29,  37,  38, 
56,  91- 

Noble,  David,  4. 

Nogglestown,  Ohio,  279. 

Norfolk  County,  Mass.,  150. 

Norfolk,  Ct.,  I,  10,  20,  22,  27,  34 
35,  42,  46,  50,  5',  58,  65,  67,  72,  73 
80,  83,  85,  89,  100,  loi,  106,  115 
129,  137,  138,  168,  169,  17s,  177 
178,  193,  194,  20S,  229,  236,  248 
250,  284,  293,  295,  301,  302,  321 
334,  343,  358,  36=,  374,  392,  395 
408,  414,  425,  428,  442,  448,  453 
456,  464,  467,  470,  471,  475,  478 
484,  495,  496,  507,  5",  5'9,  524; 
525,  528,  539,  543,  544,  555,  559: 
560,  563,  567,  569,  572,  578,  5S3 
587,  588,  590,  595,  600,  604,  606 
608,  612,  616,  618,  626,  629,  638 
643,  644,  650,  651,  652,  665,  66g 
670,  677,  6S1,  685,  693,  694,  703 
706,  710,  717,  718,  722,  728,  731 
748,  752,  755,  757,  766,  782,  798 
803,  825,  832,  839,  859,  863,  887: 
S93,  895,  §99,  903,  906,  925,  928 
938,  963,  966,  977,  986,  987,  1021 

North,  Dr.  Elisha,  56,  58. 

North,  Milo  L.,  593,  606,  622,  640, 
684,  700. 

North,  Dr.,  934. 

North  Bolton,  Ct.,  363,  595. 

North  Branford,  Ct.,  122,  299,  334, 
371,  8g8,  932. 

North  Bridgewater,  Mass.,  150. 

North  Canaan,  Ct.,  54,  58,  75,  332, 
782. 

North  Coventry,  Ct.,  89,  148,  156, 
280,  315,  688,  908,  940,  1019. 

North  Fairfield,  Ct.,  633. 

North  Hampton,  N.  H.,  151,  824. 


North  Haven,  Ct.,  509,  510,  546,  715, 

^  742,  758. 

North    Killingworth,  Ct.,   183,    192, 

197,  622. 
North  Madison,  Ct.,  190,  756,  786. 
North   Mansfield,   Ct.,   8,   514,   786, 

821,877. 
North  Marlborough,  Mass.,  30,  36. 
North  Milford,  Ct.,  57. 
North  .Stamford,  Ct.,  120. 
North  Wrentham,  Mass.,  458. 
Northampton,  Mass.,  150,  152,  321, 

499,  612,  627,  645,  650,  677,  902, 

<ys,  941,  942- 
Northampton,  Ohio,  285. 
Northern  Germany,  331. 
Northfield,  Mass.,  641,  642. 
Northford,  Ct.,  122,  451,  546,  932. 
Northington,  Ct.,  80,  26S,  312,  317, 

361,  426,  524,  533,   542,   561,  669, 

704,  776,  800,  805,  89s,  905,  919, 

955- 
Northumberland  County,  Penn.,  208, 

209. 
Northumberland,  Penn.,  209. 
Norton,  Rev.  Asahel,  161,  167,  177, 

337 
Norton,  Esq.,  173. 
Norwalk,  Ct.,  119,  120,  124,  137. 
Norwich,  Ct.,  2,  24,  99,  234,  527,  542, 

552,  590,  691,  959. 
Norwich,  Eng.,  645. 
Norwich,  N.  J.,  162. 
Nonvich,  Vt.,  153,  370,  371,  959. 
Nott,  Eliphalet,  D.D.,  156. 
Nott,  Samuel,  D.D.,  396,  627. 
Noyes,  Rev.  Matthew,  451,  546,  932. 
Noyes,  Esq.,  244. 

Oak  Openings,  175. 
Obookiah,  Henry,  132,  734,  771. 
Occum,  Rev.  Sampson,  167. 
O'Connor  and  O'Coigley,   Messrs., 

58. 
October  Election  in  Ohio,  1804  and 

18S4,  239. 
Official   Letters,  Washington's,  399, 

400. 
Ogden,  Rev.  David  Longworth,  920. 
Ohio  Company,  271,  281,  282. 
Ohio  Medical  School,  259. 
Ohio  River,  215,  2S2,  326,  392. 
Ohio  University,  863. 
Olcott,  Abigail,  871. 
Olcott,  Rev.  Allen,  426,  461,  474,  512, 

530,  540,  622,  695,  964. 
Olcott,  Mrs.  Allen,  491,502,  510,  533, 

540. 
Olcott,  Anna,  680. 
Olcott,  Asahel,  629. 
Olcott,  Clarissa,  539. 
Olcott,  Frances,  697. 
Olcott,  Reuben,  539. 
Olcott,  Mrs.  Sarah,  700,  701. 
Olcott,  Mr.,  964. 
Olcott  as  a  family  name,  697. 
Old  Saybrook,  Ct.,  334,  552. 
Old  Sheshequin,  Penn.,  206. 
Old  South  Church,  Boston,  6i,  322, 

342,  975- 
Olds,  Rev.  Gamaliel  S.,  636. 
Oliver  Ellsworth,  Steamboat,  960. 
Olmsted,  Aaron,  2S6. 
Olmsted,  Charles,  70S,  858. 
Olmsted,  Franklin,  991. 
Olmsted,  George,  605,  606. 
Olmsted,  G.  F.,  961. 
Olmsted,  Henr\',  3S5,  460,  539,  542, 

561,  603,  604,  606. 
Olmsted,  Horace,  714. 
Olmsted,  J.,  728. 
Olmsted,  Owen  P.,  796. 
Oneida  County,  N.  Y.,  27,  28,  141, 

162,  165,  167,  173,  177,  178,  204. 
Oneida  Indians,  162,  167,  169. 
Oneida,  N.  Y.,  177. 
Onion  River  Bridge,  89,  153. 
Onondaga  County,  569,  346. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


1043 


Onondaga,  N.  Y.,  171,  177,  963. 

Ontario  County,  N.Y.,  173. 

Orange,  N.  J.,  369. 

Orange,  Vt.,  153. 

Orations  on  Death  of  Washington, 
104,  105,  107,  202. 

Ordination  of  S.  P.  Robbins  at  Mari- 
etta, Ohio,  278. 

Ordination  of  Thomas  Robbins  as 
Missionary,  200. 

Orford,  Ct.,  now  Manchester,  402, 
426,  434,  453,  456,  461,  471,  472, 
474,  502,  510.  512,  527,  530,  533, 
554,  568.  575,  577,  579,  580,  5S2, 
5S3,  5S4,  5895  592,  594,  595,  603, 
5io,  630,  665,  666,  667,   670,  672, 

677,  695,  ("'gS,  714,  722,  754,  785, 

786,   7S7,  S13,  816,   867,   893,   904, 
^933- 

Ongen,  378. 

Origin  of  Evil,  Jenyn's,  60. 
Origin  of  Idolatry,  591. 
Original  Sin,  38. 
Orwell,  Vt.,83,  156. 
Osboni,  Rev.  George,  588. 
Osborn,  Lucretia,  590. 
Osborn,  Nelson  S.,  375. 
Osborne,  Allen,  1021. 
Osborne,  Mr.,  704. 
Osgood,  Samuel,  D.D.,  472, 478, 491, 

677,  706,  849,  922,  926,  946,  947. 
Osgood,  ihaddeus,  1000. 
Ossian's  Poems,  398,  425. 
Osterwald,  John  Frederick,  325,  327. 
Oswego,  N.  Y.,  904. 
Otis,  Mass.,  143,  476,  497. 
Otsego  County,  N.Y.,  205. 
Owego  Creek,'  N.  Y.,  205. 
Owego  Village,  N.  Y.,  205. 
Owen,  Calvin,  607. 
Owen,  Rev.  Henry,  634. 
Owen,  John,  D.D.,  533,  70S,  790. 
Owen  on  the  Death  of  Christ,  708. 
Owen  on  the  Prophecies,  634,  635. 
Ox,  fat,  378,  438. 
Oxford,  Eng.,  440. 

Pachogue,  190,  191,  192,  194,  197. 

Pacific  Ocean,  Northern,  304. 

Padstow,  54. 

Page,  Rev.  Thomas,  156. 

Paine,  Edward,  249. 

Paine,  Thomas,  12,  22,  23,  142,  184. 

Painesville,  Ohio,  234,  249,  260. 

Palantine,  N.  Y.,  177. 

Paley's  Moral  Philosophy,  1. 

Palmer,  Mrs.  Jenny,  876. 

Palmer,  Mass.,  152,  915. 

Palmyra,  Ohio,  257,  285. 

Paradise  Lost,  27,  189,  190. 

Paradise  Regained,  27. 

Parchment  for  Diploma,  13,  16. 

Paris,  France,  82,  196,  304. 

Paris,  Isaac,  159. 

Paris,  N.  Y.,  20,  21,  27,  28,  42,  45, 

147,   '57,  158,  161,  164,  169,   177, 

199. 
Park,   Calvin,   D.D.,  813,  893,  958, 

971,  976,  97S,  979,  996- 
Park,  Edwards  A.,  D.D.,  813,  958. 
Park  Street  Church,  95,   430,   709, 

858. 
Parker,  Rev.  Daniel,  133. 
Parker,  Ebenezer,  641,  647. 
Parker,  Joseph,  20,  25,  27,  28,  29. 
Parker,  Capt. ,  205. 
Parker,  Rev.  Mr.,  918. 
Parkraan,  Ohio,  260,  264. 
Parkman,  Samuel,  260,  286. 
Pannalee,  Rev.  Philander,  912. 
Parmalee,  Mr.,  202. 
Parsons,  Rev.  David,  Sr.,  8i6. 
Parsons,  Rev.  Davnd,  Jr.,  816. 
Parsons,  Rev.  Elijah,  194,  299,  520. 
Parsons,  Rev.  Henry  M.,  728. 
Parsons,  Rev.  Isaac,  72S,  729,   737, 

738,  740. 
Parsons,  Rev.  Justin,  627,  667. 


Parsons,  Poratha,  497. 

Parsons,  Rev.  Silas,  667. 

Parsons,  Major,  659,  660. 

Parsons,  Mrs.,  722,918. 

Partridge,  Capt.  Alden,  959. 

Partridgefield,  Mass.,  179. 

Pasco,  tlie  family  name,  835. 

Pasko,  Rev.  Jonathan,  835. 

Patrick,  Rev.  Henry,  931,  940. 

Patrick,  Rev.  Simon,  468,  657. 

Patten,  William,  D.D.,  149,  loti. 

Patten,  Mrs.,  574. 

Patterson,  Rev.  Mr.,  858. 

Paul  and  Virginia,  142. 

Paul,  Emperor  of  Russia,  138. 

Pawlet,  Vt.,  S3,  84. 

Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  95,  99,  910. 

Paxton,  Penn.,  209. 

Payne,  Austin,  541. 

Payne,  John,  114,  1S6. 

Pavne's  Geography,  114,  186,  187. 

Peabody,  William  B.  O.,  D.D.,  947. 

Peace  between  England  and  France, 
155- 

Peace  between  France  and  the  Four 
Powers,  157. 

Peace  between  France  and  Gei-many, 
49. 

Peace  of  Amiens,  170. 

Peace  of  Luneville,  135. 

Pearson,  Rev.  Eliphalet,  LL.D.,452, 
647,  650,656,  709. 

Pease,  Mary,  700. 

P;ase,  Nathaniel,  449. 

Pease,  Theodore,  677. 

Pease,  Judge,  953. 

Peck,  Francis,  796. 

Peck,  Solomon,  D.D.,  552. 

Pellen  Island,  304. 

Peloponnesian  War,  6S4. 

PeUon,  Austin,  88 1. 

Pelton,  Charlotte,  8S1. 

Pelton,  James,  520. 

Pelton,  Mrs.  Sophia,  gS6. 

Penitentiary,  Pennsylvania,  858. 

Pennsylvania  Customs,  262. 

Pennsylvania  House  of  Representa- 
tives, 126,  127. 

Pennsylvania  Senate,  126,  127. 

Penny,  Dr.,  125. 

Pensacola,  908. 

Pequod  War,  901. 

Percival,  James  G.,  M.D.,  1017. . 

Percival,  Spencer,  518. 

Perkiugton,  Ohio,  24S,  249. 

Perkins,  Judge  Ellas,  1012. 

Perkins,  Elisha,  M.D.,  40,  41,  94, 
290. 

Perkins,  Maj.  Enoch,  261,  264,  269, 
275,  2S5,  2S6,  288,  292,  312,695. 

Perkins,  Rev.  John  D.,290. 

Perkins,  Joseph,  M.D.,  40. 

Perkins,  Nathan,  D.D.,  200,  297, 
298,  357,  386,  395,  426,  440,  450, 
487,  498,  516,  526,  553,  646,  68S, 
707,  830,  860,  872,  967,  924,  955, 

985,  997- 
Perkins,  Rev.  Nathan,  Jr.,  426,  640. 
Perr?',  Rev.  David,  74,  75,  372,  760. 
Perry,  Rev.  D.  L.,  1S2. 
Perry,  Rev.  Joseph,  3S5,  402,  730. 
Perry,  jNIiss  Peggv',  218. 
Perry,  Col.,  213,  214,  215,  218,  230, 

239,  255,  267,  268,  2S8. 
Perry,  Mrs.,  237. 
Persecutions  from   False   Religions, 

459- 
Perth  Amboy,  927. 
Peru,  Mass.,  179. 
Peterborough,  N.  H.,  3. 
Peter,  Colored  .Servant,  426. 
Peter  III,  Emperor  of  Russia,  138. 
Peter  Parley,  109,  753. 
Peter  Pindar,  56,  57. 
Peter  Porcupine  Papers,  44. 
Peters,  General  Absalom,  99. 
Peters,  Eunice,  165. 
Peters,  an  Indian  Murderer,  165. 


Peters,  Samuel  A.,  LL.D.,  893,  989. 
Peter's  Creek,  Penn.,  289. 
Petersham,  Mass.,  835.  , 
Petersburg,  St.,  31. 
Pettibone,  Augustus,  1003,  1005. 
Pettibone,  Giles,  45,  1003. 
Pettibone,  Sereno,  56,  57,  498. 
Pettibone,  Col.,  764. 
Pettibone  &  Robbins,  525. 
Pettipague,  190,  191,  197. 
Poveril  of  the  Peak,  94S,  949,  951. 
Peyraouth,  Penn.,  208. 
Pli'clps,  Austin,  D.D.,  657. 
Phelps,  Charles  B.,  570. 
Phelps,  Chloe  R.,  59). 
Phelps,  Capt.  D.,  743,  752. 
Phelps,  Mrs.  Ehzabeth,  663. 
Phelps,  Eliakim,  D.D.,  657,  973. 
Phelps,  Erasmus  Adrian,  637. 
Phelps,  George,  569. 
Phelps,  Juha  Ann,  663. 
Phelps,  Capt.  Matthew,  87,  155. 
Phelps,  Maj.  Matthew.  87. 
Phelps,  O.  C,  845. 
Phelps,  Hon.  Oliver,  173,  2S5. 
Phelps,  Ohver,   247,   402,   424,   434, 

457,  467- 
Phelps,  Capt.  Roger,  96S,  978,  979, 

980. 
Phelps,  Samuel,  672. 
Phelps,  Dr.  Timothy,  885. 
Phelps,  William,  550. 
Pheips,  William  R.,  637. 
Phelps,  Col.,  616. 
Phelps,  Esq.,  933. 
Phelps,  Major,  884. 
Phelps,  Mr.,  175. 
Phenix  Mining  Company,  406. 
Phi  Beta  Kappa  Society,  12,  19,  94, 

122,   146,  300,  334,  371,  489,  526, 

602,  832,  1017. 
Philadelphia,  41,  42,  44,  56,  63,  64, 

85,  121,  140,  166,  210,280,290,297, 

322,  441,  527,  554,  713,   790,  853, 

S55,  857,  858,  859,  860,  868,  924, 

944- 
Philadelphia,  Population  in  1796,  14. 
PhiUips,  Elizabr'di,  996. 
Phillips,  Miss  Martha,  372. 
Phillips  Academy,  152. 
Phoebe,  British  Frigate,  7S6. 
Phoenix   Bank,   595,   600,   604,   610, 

612,  613,  621,  652,  662,  670,  679, 

688,  699,  715,  719,  737,  777,  794, 

849,  8S7,  904,  921,  92S. 
Pickering,  Hon.  Timothy,    75,    115, 

352,  356.  47'-  .      , 

Pictorial  Geography,  Goodrich  s,  170. 
Piedmont,  N.  Y.,  156 
Pierce,  Dea.  Enfield,  639. 
Pierce,  George  E.,  D.D.,  144. 
Pierce,  John,  D.D.,  975. 
Pigeon  Creek,  Penn.,  2^0. 
Pike,  Gen.  Zcbulon  M.,  551. 
Pilgrims  of  Plymouth,  316,  521. 
Pilgrim's  Progress,  22. 
Pinckney,  Charles    Cotesworih,   32, 

45,  59,  188,  3SS,  433. 
Pine   Meadow,  669,  677,   852,    SSo, 

8S2,  886,  S91,  916,  91S,  920,  921, 

929,  935,  937,  946,  947,   9*5",   9^8, 

9S5,  1012,  1016,  1020,  1023. 
Pinneo,  Rev.  Bezaleel,  189,  703. 
Pitkin,  Rev.  Caleb,  326. 
Pitkin,  Chester,  528. 
Pitkin,  Dea.  Horace,  965. 
Pitkin,    Hon.    Timothy,    951,     994, 

1005. 
Pitkin,  Rev.  Timothy,  130,  994. 
Pitkin,  WiUiam,  994. 
Pitkin,  Gov.  William,  994. 
Pitkin,  Miss,  930. 
Pitkin  Genealogy,  1005. 
Pitt,  William,  15. 
Pittinger,  Rev.  Nicholas,   225,   226, 

228,  233. 
Pittsburg,  Penn.,  210,  214,  229,  230, 

231,  267,  26S,  281,  288,  734. 


1044 


DIARY   OF   REV.    THOMAS   ROBBINS,   D.D. 


Pittsfield,  Mass.,  8, 9,  lo,  40,  86,  154, 

180,  301,  321,  370,  450,  455,  647, 

67S,  711,  782. 
Pittsfield,  Vt.,  627. 
Pittsford,  Vt.,  Q2,  529. 
Plainfield  Academy,  148. 
Plainficld,  Ct.,  40,  44,  96,  148,  290, 

3M-  977- 
Plainfield,  N.  H.,  153. 
Plaistow,  N.  H.,  152. 
Plan  of  Union,  228,  280. 
Pleasures  of  Hope,  303. 
Plouj;hman,  Thomas  L.,  166. 
Plutarch's  Lives,   165,  166,  167,  168, 

170,  171,  172. 
Phnnouth  Colony,  494. 
Plymoutli,  Ct.,  216,  705,  830,  986. 
Plymouth,  Mass.,  29,  41,  53,  64,  67, 

S7,  89,  95,  97,  98,  99,  IOC,  107,  141, 

144,  150,  239,  242,  271,  27s,  333, 

431,  612,  6S5,  824,  892,  974. 
Plymouth  Oration,  Everett's,  993. 
Podunk  River,  513,  825. 
Poem,  Commencement,  179. 
Poems  by  Ezra  Stiles    Ely,    D.D., 

517- 
Poetical  Meditations,  658,  728. 
Poland,    Ohio,   215,   216,    217,    21S, 

225,  227,  228,  233,  240,  242,  254, 

255,  256,  286. 
Polite  Learning,  304. 
Polk,  Pres.  James  K.,  319. 
Polotsk,  Battle  of,  543. 
Polydore,  513. 

Pomeroy,  Benjamin,  D.D.,  389,  799. 
Pomeroy,  Mrs.  Benjamin,  389. 
Pomeroy,  Hannali,  799. 
Pomeroy,  Rev.  Thaddeus,  622. 
Pomfret,  Ct.,  84,  745,  8S3. 
Pompey,  N.  Y.,  168,  169. 
Pond,  Mr.,  589. 
Poole,  Matthew,  12,  186,  329. 
Poole's  Synopsis,  329. 
Pope,  Alexander,  79,  102,  739. 
Pope  Pius  VII,  113,  118. 
Population  of  New  Haven   in  1810, 

458. 
Population  of  New  York  City,  342. 
Poquannnck,  Ct.,  542,  8S5. 
Portage  Countv,  Ohio,  215,  233,  244, 

257,  258,  2S4," 285. 
Porter,  Abiezer,  834. 
Porter,  Chloe,  594. 
Porter,  Daniel,  625. 
Porter,  David,  D.D.,  9S6. 
Porter,  Ebenezer,  D.D.,  133,  490, 645. 
Porter,  Elijah,  868. 
Porter,  Eliza,  856. 
Porter,  Rev.  Isaac,  343,  360. 
Porter,  Rev.  John,  150. 
Porter,  Miss  Mary,  33,  99. 
Porter,  Noah,  D.D.,  Sen.,  350,  354, 

440,  452,  557,  628,  680,  810,   830, 

832,  854,  871,  872,  906,   938,   939, 

944,  970,  1015. 
Porter,  Noah,  D.D.,  Jr.,  350,  440. 
Porter,  Rev.  Reuben,  967. 
Porter,  Mrs.  Rhoda,  788. 
Porter,   Rev.  Robert,  161,  162,  169, 

177. 
Porter,  Rev.  Samuel,  212,  214. 
Porter,  Warham,  996. 
Porter,  Capt.,  5S6. 
Porter's  Lectures,  295. 
Portland,  Ct.,  300,  584,  652,  724,  834. 
Portland,  Me.,  301,  707. 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  84,  151,  152. 
Portsmouth,  R.  I.,  149. 
Portugal,  74,  349. 
Potter,   Rev.  Lyman,  273,  274,  277, 

278,  282. 
Potwine,  Stephen,  941. 
Potwine,  Rev.  Thomas,  763,  941. 
Pouhney,  Vt.,  83,  85,  87,  93,  134,  ,35. 
Power,  Rev.  James,  243. 
Power,  Col.,  214,  219,  243. 
Pownal,  Vt.,  7,  82. 
Praan,  Lavinia,  546. 


Pmctical  View  of  Christianity,  133, 
312. 

Pratt,  G.  P.,  789. 

Pratt's  Gardens,  859. 

Presbyterian  General  Assembly,  166. 

Presbvtery  of  Ohio,  226,  228. 

Presbvterv  of  Oneida,  N.  Y.,  166. 

Prescott,  S.  J.,  746. 

Prescott,  Willi.im  H.,663. 

Prescott,  Col.  William,  663. 

Prescott,  Judge  William,  663. 

Presidency  of  Hamilton  College,  133. 

Presidency  of  Middlebury  College, 
133- 

Presidency  of  South  Carolina  Col- 
lege, 133. 

President  of  i^ndover  Seminary,  133. 

Presidential  Election  of  1812,  532. 

Presidential  Ebction  of  1824,  988. 

Presidential  Electors,  239. 

Preston,  Ct.,  116,  314,  371. 

Prideaux,  Humphrey,  54,  55,  65,  66, 
67,  68. 

Priistlv,  Dr  Joseph,  209. 

Primitive  Christianity,  721. 

Princeton  College,  15,  17,  27,  55,  61, 
75,  ii5,  136,  164,  165,  179,  291, 
34',  441,  532,  898,  906. 

Princeton,  N.  J.,  6,  291. 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary,  793, 
904. 

Princetown,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Prince,  Thomas,  Jr.,  342. 

Princess  Charlotte,  727. 

Prison  Discipline  Society,  8S5. 

Privateering,  327. 

Professorship  of  Divinity  at  Yale, 
133- 

Proofs  of  a  Conspiracy,  62,  63,  73. 

Prophecies,  Faber's,  363,  364,  365. 

Proudfit,  Rev.  Mr.,  171. 

Providence,  R.  I.,  31,  96,  98,  99, 148, 
386,  390,  413,  452,  460,  474,  490, 
491.  537.  581,  582,  590,  600,  625, 
629,  639,  642,  676,  6S2,  720,  745, 
802,  813,  S26,  830,  839,  955,  971, 
978,   996,    loio,   1012. 

Prudden,  Ephraim  Pease,  650,  665. 

Prudden,  Rev.  Nehemiah,  386,  390, 
413,  452,  460,  474,  490,  491,  5S1, 
582,  500,  600,  625,  629,  639,  642, 
655,  676,  6S2. 

Prussian  Annv,  313. 

Pultusk,  Battle  of,  314. 

Puritans  of  Massachi'.setts  Bay,  316. 

Pursuits  of  Literature,  iSo. 

Putnam,  Gen    Israel,  74,  156,  299. 

Putnam,  Gen.  Rufus,  272,  274,  279. 

Putney,  Vt..  152. 

Pyrenees,  Battle  of,  563. 

Quakers,  720. 

Queen  Caroline,  870. 

Queen's  College,  N.  J.,  136. 

Queenstown,  174. 

Queenstown  Heiehts,  Battle  of,  531, 

558. 
Quincy,  Hon.  Josiah,  466. 
Quincy,  ^lass.,  99,  150,  975.        * 

Raisin  River,  544. 

Ramsay,  David,  55,  56,  57. 

Randall,  Henrj'  S.,  165. 

Randolph,  John,  252. 

Randolph,  Mass.,  150,  181,  622,  625. 

Randolph,  Ohio,  257. 

Ranney,  Clarissa,  999. 

Rapin,  Thoyras  Paul  De,  959. 

Rasselas,  163. 

Rastadt,  75. 

Rathbone,  Mr.,  n. 

Ratio  Disciplina,  972. 

Ravenna,  Ohio,  257,  898. 

Rawdon,  Ralph,  639. 

Raynham,  Mass.,  97. 

Recorder,  Boston,  655,  677,  886. 

Redding,  Ct.,  118,  123,  127,  1017. 

Redfield,  Mr.,  186. 


Reed,  Dea.  Abner,  508,  526,  555, 
574,  673,  702,  710,  739,  750,  S23, 
964,  1007. 

Reed,  Mrs.  Abner,  80S. 

Reed,  Arthur  Melancthon,  555. 

Reed,  Charlotte,  743. 

Reed,  Charlotte  S.,  831,  1006,  1007. 

Reed,  Ebenezer,  735. 

Reed,  Elijah  Fitch,  M.D.,  7S8,  906, 
973,  1005,  1006. 

Reed,  Mr.s.  EUzabeth,  658. 

Reed,  Emily  .Smith,  747. 

Reed,  Justus,  676,  747. 

Reed,  Mrs.  Lucina,  659,  660. 

Reed,  Maria,  943. 

Reed,  Sophia,  871. 

Reeve,  Judge  Tapping,  339,  1008. 

Regeneration,  by  Dr.  Backus,  194. 

Regimental  Training,  602. 

Rehoboth,  Mass.,  96,  99,  148,  153, 
334- 

Religious  Affections,  Edwards  on, 
60,  62. 

Religious  Fallings  and  Twitchings, 
221. 

Religious  Intelligencer,  781. 

Remains  of  Robert  Cecil,  789. 

Remonstrance  of  Merchants,  143. 

Renewal  of  Covenant,  852. 

Rensselaer  County,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Resources  of  British  Empire,  493, 
406,  497,  498. 

Retreat  for  the  Insane,  879,  882, 
917,  953.  960,  962,  979,  loio. 

Review,  N.  Y.,  1S6. 

Revisal  of  all  Religions,  965,  968, 
969,  970,  989. 

Revival  in  Yale  College,  171. 

Revivals  of  Religion,  80. 

Re.xford,  Rev.  Elirha,  189. 

Reynolds,  Sir  Joshua,  163. 

Rhodes,  Island  of,  535. 

Rice,  Dea.  Samuel,  169. 

Rich,  William,  993. 

Richards,  James,  D.D.,  859. 

Richards,  John,  D.D.,  966. 

Richards,  Rev.  William,  904. 

Richardson,  John,  923. 

Richardson,  Levina,  818. 

Richland,  Mich.,  39. 

Richmond,  Mass.,  13,  74. 

Richmond  Standard,  502. 

Richmond,  Va.,  312,  328,  501. 

Richmond,  Vt.,  153. 

Ridgebur>',  Ct.,  105,  106,  107,  io8, 
109,  no.  III,  117,  118,  124,  129. 

Ridgefield,  Ct.,  10,  105,  109,  112,  131, 
292,  S60. 

Rights  of  Neutrals,  328. 

Ring,  Jonathan,  657. 

Ring,  Roderick,  662. 

Ripley,  Rev.  David  B.,  987. 

Ripley,  Rev.  Erastus,  in,  119,  715, 
896. 

Ripley,  Capt.,  241. 

Ripley,  Mr.,  157. 

Ripley,  Mrs.,  238. 

Risley,  Da\id,  171,  172,  186. 

Risley,  Theodore,  572. 

Risley,  Whiting,  496. 

Risley,  Mrs.,  952. 

Rites  and  Ceremonies,  954,  961,  965. 

Robbins,  A.,  S30. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Ammi  Ruhamah,  na- 
tive of  Branford,  Ct.  —  born  Sept., 
1740 —  son  of  Rev.  Philemon  Rob- 
bins—  graduated  at  Vale  College, 
1760  —  Settled  in  Norfolk,  Ct.,  1761 
—  married  Elizabeth  Le  Baron, 
May  13,  1762  —  had  been  in  the 
ministry  at  Norfolk  thirty-five  years 
at  the  opening  of  this  diary  in  1796. 
Made  Trustee  at  Williams  College, 
2  ;  kept  a  family  school,  12,  21,  32, 
42 ;  missionary  journey  to  New 
York  State,  23 ;  under  medical 
treatment,  34,  53,  64,  65,  67,  76, 
87,  90,   122 ;    appointed  Commis- 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME    I. 


1045 


Moner  to  Presbyterian  General  As- 
sembly, 140,  161,  179,  200,  293; 
interests  connected  with  his  family 
school,  301,  327,  355,392,  394,  395; 
number  of  his  pupils,  428,  437; 
sickness,  449 ;  retired  from  the  Cor- 
poration of  Williams  College,  450, 
473  ;  preached  his  Semi-Centennial 
Sermon,  493,  497;  death,  descrip- 
tion of  his  person  and  his  ministry, 
569,  8S9. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Ammi  Ruhamah  (Eliz- 
abeth Le  Baron),  2,  364,  603,  710, 
717.  73'>  S24,  889,  918,  921,  925, 
963,   1004. 

Robbins,  Ammi  Ruhamah,  Jr.,  3,  10, 
21,  35.  58,  64,  65,  loi,  144, 15S,  183, 
194,  275.  293,  324,  326,  329,  335. 
364,  395.  428,  434.  468,  477,  571, 
601,  628,  638,  666,  706,  752,  839, 
863,  880,   S84,  921,  92S,  969. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Ammi  Ruhamah,  803, 
808. 

Robbins,  Anne  Jean,  615. 

Robbins,  Chandler,  D.D.,  of  Boston, 

974- 

Robbins,  Chandler,  D.D.,  of  Plym- 
outh, Mass.,  I,  17,  19,  21,  29,  30, 
37.  39,  41,  56.  60,  65.  67,  71,  74.  86, 
87,  89,  14),  211,  2i8,  242,  271,  282, 
449,  746,  496,  892,  974,  1014. 

Robbins,  Chandler,  Esq.,  of  Maine, 
892,  894,  930. 

Robbins,  Chandler,  M.D.,  98,  150, 
858,  902. 

Robbins,  E.  N.,g9. 

Robbins,  Hon.  Edward  H.,  150,  154, 
615,  642,  746,  S73,  941. 

Robbins,  Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Grove  Law- 
rence), 10,  20,  27,  28,  30,  40,  45,  53, 
107,  157,  161,  199,  302,  333,  337, 
384.  477.  493.  539.  561,  628,  633, 
634,  638,  643,  789,  820. 

Robbins,  Esther,  of  Canaan,  Ct., 
3.  35,41.  49.  61,  Si. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Francis  L.,  12,  25, 
46,  100,  179,302,312,324,333,335, 
360,  370,  371,  384,  395,  404,  407, 

413.  432,  434.  437.  443.  444.  447, 
449.  459>  461,  473,  475,  480,  490, 
491,  511,  512,  515,  525,  531,  539, 
545.  549,  559,  566,  567,  573,  578, 
595,  604,  60S,  670,  674,  677,  679, 
684,  688,  693,  698,  700,  706,  707, 
710,  712,  713,  719,  722,  730.  731, 
736,  738,  744,  751,  769,  775,  788, 
789,  803,  811,  812,  827,  833,  S37, 
844,  849,  S56,  861,  870,  S84,   889, 

890,  912,  917,  941,  943.  946,  954. 
1016. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Francis  L.  (Priscilla 
Le  Baron),  870,  880,  884,  889,  912, 
943. 

Robbins,  Hannah  (Mrs.  B.  I.  Gil- 
man),  41,  218,  239,  271,  279,  2S0, 
449.  457,  459-    ,         ,    ,    , 

Robbins,  Hannah  Rebekah,  16,  76. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Isaac,  95,  98,  102,  211. 

Robbins,  James,  761. 

Robbins,  James  Watson,  12,  25,  31, 
34.  43.  51,  56,  63,  71,  100.  107,  131, 
138,  144,  154,  179,  195,  235,  242, 
25s,  266,  275,  294,  299,  30S,  312, 
319,  320,  324,  327,  330,  331,  332, 
346,  349,  356,  360,  377,  378,  380, 
383,  384,  392,  404,  408,  4n,  413, 

414,  423,  431,  434,  439.  443.  447. 
466,  468,  4S4,  486,  492,  494,  498, 
502,  507,  511,  512,  519.  523,  529. 
527,  539,  553,  536,  560,  562,  565, 
578,  591,  618,  619,  671,  673,  675, 
678,  703,  718,  787,  788,  879,  8S0, 
8S4,  894,  902,  903,  918. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  James  Watson,  539, 
671,  870,  879,  S80,  884,  889,  912, 

943* 
Robbins,  James  Watson,  Jr.,  M.D., 

891,  903,  906,  908,  909,  938. 


Robbins,  Jane  Prince,  2S2. 

Robbins,  John,  of  Wethersfield,  Ct. , 
199. 

Robbins,  Jonathan,  no. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Ludovicus,  955. 

Robbins,  Nathaniel,  16,  23,  31,  32, 
34,  43,  44.  50.  58,  79.  107,  132,  I33, 
158,  161,  185,  194,  205,  262,  296, 
31',  324,  348,  355,  359,  373,  377, 
395,  400,  414,  428,  438,  439,  443, 
449,  468,  493,  497,  514,  517,  519, 
525,  528,  530,  541,  544,  548,  556, 
559,  5S7.  ^oi>  620,  628,  631,  633, 
64 1 ,  890. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Nathaniel,  496. 

Robbins,  Nathaniel,  of  Cambridge, 
I,  87. 

Robbins,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  of  Cam- 
bridge, I. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  of  Milton, 
Mass.,  150,  154. 

Robbins,  Peter  Oilman,  M.D.,  518, 
519.  534.  537.  560.  587.  5S8,  625, 
746,  754.  755,  758,  774,  796,  799, 
992,   1015. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Philemon,  of  Bran- 
ford,  Ct.,  I,  9,  17,  76,  87,  97,  9$, 
122,  334,  400,  473,  546,  8S9. 

Robbins,  Philemon,  746. 

Robbins,  Rebekah  Hannah,  9,  76. 

Robbins,  Richard,  of  Cambridge, 
I,  3- 

Robbins,  Rev.  Royal,  5S0. 

Robbins,  Royal  E.,  5S6. 

Robbins,  Samuel,  of  Canaan,  Ct.,  3. 

Robbins,  Samuel,  12,  25,  30,  31,  305, 
320,  324,  335,  346,  359,  391,  428, 

424,  453,  468,  495,  525.  528,  533, 
540,  544,  548,  556,  558,  559,  561, 
566,  572,  573,  596,  611,  612,  651, 
671,  704,  705,  706,  722,  752,  753, 
776,   803,   870,  884,  8S9,  896,   966. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Samuel,  SS4,  896. 

Robbins,  Rev.  Samuel  Prince,  59,  60, 
62,  67,  71,  90,  loi,  134,  137,  140, 
141,  163,  183,  19S,  200,  235,  242, 
255,  272,  275,  277,  2S2,  284,  296, 
340,  365,  380,  391,  392,  400,  406, 

425,  430,  435,  437,  447.  4S9,  49°, 
524,  550.  568,  596,  6u,  735,  748, 
789,  942. 

Robbins,   Sarah    (see    Mrs.   Joseph 

Battell). 
Robbins,   Thomas,   of  Charlestown, 

Mass.,  163. 
Robbins,  Thomas  Mayhew,  976. 
Robbins,  William  H.,  740,  743. 
Robbins  &  Appleton,  835. 
Robertson,  Dr.  William,  18S,  190. 
Robinson  Crusoe,  155. 
Robinson,  Edward,  D.D.,  169,  983. 
Robinson,  Elijah,  970. 
Robinson,  Gov.  Moses,  11,  179,  180. 
Robinson,  Rev.  William,  983. 
Robison,  62,  63,  73. 
Roby,  Dr.,8. 
Rochester,    Mass.,    2,98,   149,  372, 

414,  669,  719,  746,  749,  805,958. 
Rockaway,  N.  J.,  424. 
Rockford,  111.,  627. 
Rockingham,  Vt.,  152. 
Rockwell,   Mrs.   Abigail,    6S0,    842, 

868,  1004. 
Rockwell,  Ann  Maria,  1006. 
Rockwell,  Mrs.  Anna,  47S. 
Rockwell,  Caroline  Augusta,  819. 
Rockwell,  Charles,  472. 
Rockwell,  Chloe  Adeline,  905. 
Rockwell,  Daniel,  1008. 
Rockwell,  David,  776. 
Rockwell,  Edward  Charlton,  682. 
Rockw-ell,  Eleazar  Bingham,  454. 
Rockwell,  Eliza,  722. 
Rockwell,  Francis,  798. 
Rockwell,  George,  593,  864. 
Rockwell,  Harriet  Tracey,  71S. 
Rockwell,  Helen,  472. 
Rockwell,  Hiram  Bumham,  875. 


Rockwell,  James  Francis,  905. 
Rockwell,  Jerusha,  868. 
Rockwell,  Joel,  905. 
Rockwell,  John,  585. 
Rockwell,  Joseph,  804. 
Rockwell,  Julia,  631. 
Rockwell,  Maria,  777. 
Rockwell,  Mrs.  Mary,  833,  864. 
Rockwell,  Nathaniol,  44:,  6S2,  71S. 
Rockwell,  Noah,  478. 
Rockw.-ll,  Olive,  8. 
Rockwell,  Pegg>',  870,  875. 
Rockwell,  Racliel,  415. 
Rockwell,  Roswell,  854. 
Rockwell,  Rosv/ell  Lewis,  875. 
Rockwell,  Russell,  781. 
Rockwell,  Russell,  Jr.,  781. 
Rockwell,  Ruth,  905. 
Rockwell,  Samuel,  774. 
Rockwell,  Samuel,  Jr.,  774,  775. 
Rockwell,  Samuel  Henry,  868. 
Rockwell,  Sarah,  440,  ASo,  6S2. 
Rockwell,  Mrs.  Sarah  (Sheldon),  774, 

775-     „ 
Rockwell,  Solomon,  Esq.,  319. 
Rockwell,  Sydney  Williams,  682. 
Rockwell,  William,  923. 
Rockwell,  Capt.,  707. 
Rockwell,  Esq.,  473. 
Rocky  Hill,  Ct.,  71,  2S9,  299,   399, 

520,  739,  756- 
Rodgers,  John,  D.D.,  ii,  135,  291, 

292. 
Rogers,  Jourdan,  9S6. 
Rogers,  Rev.  Medad,  102,  103,  109. 
Rollin's  Ancient  History,  20,  22,  64. 
RoUo,  Lucy  Ann,  1009. 
RoUo,  Ralph,  1009. 
Rollo,  Sybil,  1009. 
Roman  Republic,  452. 
Romans,  22. 

Rome,  Goldsmith's,  396,  397. 
Romeyn,  Benjamin,  6,  9,  12,  33. 
Romeyn,  John  B.,  D.D.,  687,  750, 

783,  1005. 
Romeyn,  Thomas,  6,  28,  33. 
Romulus,  164. 

Root,  Ephraim,  233,  261,  285. 
Rootstovvn,  233,  257,  2S5. 
Roscoe,  William,  494,  862. 
Rosetta  Bay,  69,  70. 
Ross,  Hon.  James,  193. 
Rossiter,  a  boy,  534. 
Roveredo,  Battle  of,  21. 
Rowell,  William,  ggi. 
Rowland,  Rev.  David  S.,  351,  367. 
Rowland,  Rev.   Henry  A.,  351,  367, 

395.  399,  400,  429,  445,   453,  4S9. 

503,  544,  553,  580,  581,   5S6,  593, 

637,  646,  672,   732,   812,  824,  860, 

871,   8S4,  907,   940,  946,  954,  997, 

1015. 
Rowland,  Sherman,  862. 
Rowley,  Mass.,  151,  561. 
Ro.\bur>',  Ct.,  648,  651. 
Ro.\bury,   Mass.,   83,   85,    150,   519, 

719,   754,  755,  796,  799.  974,  9S2, 

985,   994.  1015. 
Roys,  Auren,  569. 
Roys,  Mrs.,  516,  523,  524. 
Rudd,  James,  152,  1S9. 
Ruggles,  Samuel,  798. 
Rupert,  Vt.,  83. 
Russell,  Jonathan,  605,  6ig. 
Russell,  Nathaniel,  150,  745,  80S. 
Russell,  Mrs.  Nathaniel  (Martha  Le 

Baron),  150,  S08. 
Russell,  Capt.,  193,  334- 
Russia,  92,  113,  115. 
Russians,  86,  97,  105. 
Rutgers  College,  790. 
Rutgers  Street  Church,  136. 
Rutland,  Vt.,  92,  766. 
Rutland  County,  Vt. ,  83. 
Rye,  N.  J.,  135,  137. 

Saalfield,  Battle  of,  308. 
Sabbath  Observance,  225. 


1046 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Sabin,  Hezekiah,  33. 

Sabin,  Mercy,  33. 

Sacred    Biography,    Hunter's,     234, 

358. 
Sacred  Historj',  Jamieson  s,  448,  455, 

457,  450,   74°- 
Sadd,  Hcpzibnh,  421. 
Sadd,  Irene,  K71. 
Sadd,  Mrs.  Mary,  406. 
Sadd,  Noah,  559,  582,  756,  871,  looi. 
Sadd,  Ralzaman  T.,  756. 
Sadd,  Simeon,  415. 
Sadd,  Thomas,  5S2. 
Sadd,  William  VV.,  559. 
Sadd,  Mr.,  932,  933,  948. 
Saint  Cloud,  304,  305. 
Saint  Lawrence  River,  167. 
Saint  Leon  Island,  797. 
Saint  Pierre  Jacques  Bernardin,  142, 

144. 
Saint  Vincent,  Lord,  139. 
Saint's  Rest,  353,354- 
Salamanca,  Battle  of,  528. 
Salaries  of  Ministers,  3S7. 
Sale,  George,  102 1. 
Salem,  Mass.,  151,  316,  471,  527,  642, 

671,  713,  754,  8yi- 
Salem,  N.  Y.,  124,  125,  130,  134. 
Salem,  Ohio,  243,  255,  264,  279,  280. 
Salem  Parish,  now  Naugatuck,  Ct., 

300. 
Salisbury,  Ct.,  23,  31,  32,  34,  36,  41, 

67,  97,  116,  203,  301,  316,  386,  476, 

537,  597,  601,  Sii. 
Salisbury,  Mass.,  151. 
Salisbui7,  N.  Y.,  172. 
Salisbury,  Ohio,  893. 
Salisbury,  Vt.,  91,  92. 
Salmon  Brook,  Ct.,  474,  885. 
Salt  Springs,  171. 
Salter,  Gen.  John,  1009 
Salter,  Richard,  D.D.,  798,  1009. 
Salus  Electonim,  Owen's,  708. 
Sampson,  Dr.,  298,  300. 
Sand  Spring,  5,  7. 
Sandeman,  Robert,  106. 
Sandemanians,    106,    107,    109,    126, 

926. 
Sanders,  Rev.  Daniel  C,  D.D.,  86, 

154,  603. 
Sandisfield,   Mass.,   32,  33,  59,  140, 

141,  321,341,  938. 
Sandusky,  Ohio,  269. 
Sandwich  Islands,  132,  688,  734,  798, 

853,  904- 

Sandwich,  Mass.,  7,  480. 

Sanford,  Peleg,  286. 

Sanger,  Col.,  157,  159. 

Saratoga  Springs,  5,  361,  783. 

Sargeant,  Rev.  John,  320. 

Sargeant,  Rev.  Samuel,  463,  491,  494, 
498,  508,  512. 

Sargeant,  a  Sectarian,  280,  281. 

Sargeant,  Mr.,  578. 

Sattei-field,  Rev.  James,  252,265,  269. 

Saturday  Evening,  15. 

Saugatuck,  Ct.,  646. 

Savage,  Hon.  James,  492. 

Savannah,  Ga.,  25. 

Saxton,  Rev.  Noah  C.,  830. 

Say,  Esq.,  192. 

Saybrook,  Ct.,  177,  184,  186,  188, 
189,  190,  192,  193,  195,  197,  198, 
323,  601,  608,  612. 

Saybrook  Platform,  190,  340. 

Sayne,  Esq.,  203. 

Scantic,  East  Windsor,  Ct.,  363,  368, 
371,  376,  398,  4",  415,  422,  435, 
440,  456,  463,  471,  472,  474,  483, 
491,  5'2,  515,  520,  528,  544,  554. 
565,  590,  610,  625,  627,  648,  664, 
668,  669,  679,  685,  686,  700,  702, 
721,  725,  732,  748,  755,  757,  779, 
800,  804,  813,  818,  827,  836,  866, 
878,  883,  888,  890,  goo,  906,  917, 
919,  923,  940,  943,  953,   1025. 

Scantic  Ferry,  363,  463. 

Scantic  River,  363. 


Scarboro,  J.  R.,  921. 
Scarborough,  ^Ir. ,  890. 
Scarborough,  Mrs.,  765. 
Scarcity  of  money,  44. 
Schaghticoka,  N.  V.,  156,  162,  178. 
Schenectady,    N.    Y.,   33,    156,   598, 

60J. 
Schodack,  N.  Y.,  178. 
School  Fund  in  Ct.,  186. 
Schoolmasters,  230. 
Schools  in  Marlborough,  Ct.,  74. 
Schools  on  Western  Reserve,  293. 
Schuyler,  N.  Y.,  177. 
Schuylkill  Bridge,  859. 
Schuylkill  River,  Penn.,  290. 
Scituate,  Mass.,  746. 
Scituate,  K.  I.,  96,  148. 
Scotland,  41,  188. 
Scotland,  Ct.,  188,  313,  315,  357. 
Scott,  Thomas,  D.D.,  40. 
Scott,  Sir  Walter,  949. 
Scriptore  Romani,  621. 
Scripture  Chronology,  334,  335,  337, 

340,  435- 
Scripture   Doctrine   of    the    Trinity, 

645. 
Seabrook,  N.  H.,  151. 
Searle,  Rev.  Ambrose,  347. 
Seasons,  Thomson's,  72,  73. 
Sedgwick,   Hon.   Theodore,   20,  37, 

60,  103. 
Sedgwick,  Mrs.  Theodore,  36. 
Seelye,  Julius  H.,  D.D.,  105. 
Selby,  William,  965. 
Seldert,  Rev.  David,  196. 
Selden,  Edward,  Esq.,  203,  204,  312, 

334,  367,  481. 
Self-Knov.ledge,  Mason  on,  61. 
Self-Scrutipy,  306. 
Seminole  \Var,  773. 
Seneca  Indians,  162,  175. 
Seneca  Lake,  173. 
Sentimental  Journey,  Sterne's,  632. 
Sergeant,  Erastus,  M.D.,  32,  33,  320. 
Sergeant,    Rev.    John,   32,   62,    167, 

Sermon  on   Eastern   Missions,  Rev. 

Gordon  Hall's,  520. 
Sermons  on  Regeneration,  Dr.  Chas. 

Backus,  305. 
Sermons  Read  to  Congregations,  34, 

43- 
Sessions,  Rev.  Mr.,  ion. 
Sewall,  Rev.  Samuel,  630. 
Sewall's,  Judge  Samuel,  Diary,  630. 
Seward,  John,  490. 
Sewickley,  Penn.,  212. 
Seymour,  Col.,  931. 
Shad,  33,  741. 
Shaftsbury,  Vt.,  82. 
Shakespeare,  194,  201,  313,  314,  325, 

329.  330,  336,  337,  338,  425. 
Sharon,  Ct.,  90,  100,  101,   133,  216, 

326,  520,  5S4,  760. 
Shay's  Rebellion,  g,  33,  56. 
Sheafe,  Gen.,  551. 
Sheffield,  Eng.,  525. 
Sheffield,  Mass.,  i,  10,  15,  22,  24,  27, 

28,  29,  31,  34,  36,  58,  64,  125,  138, 

161,  177,   1S8,  268,  321,  322,  343, 

368,  450,   525,   561,  562,  570,  969. 
Shelburne,  Vt.,88. 
Sheldon,  Rev.  Arthur,  527. 
Sheldon,   Daniel,    M.D.,    32S,    329, 

338,  565- 
Sheldon,  Mr.,  928. 
Shepard,  Samuel,  D.D.,  59,  61,  141, 

143,  607,  678,  766. 
Shepherd,  Lucy,  850. 
Sherman,  Charles,  418,  536,  541,  560, 

596,  597,  '''27- 
Sherman,  Rev.  Daniel  Austin,  497. 
Sherman,  Rev.  Heniy,  632,  638. 
Sherman,  Rev.  Josiah,  330. 
Sherman,  Martha,  300,  330. 
Sherman,  Roger,  419,  959. 
Sherman,  Ro^er  Minot,  LL.D.,  892. 
SheiTnan,  Sally,  330. 


Shingle-Kill,  N.  Y. ,  203,  204. 

Shipman,  Judge  Nathaniel,  936. 

Shipman,  Rev.  Thomas  L.,  936. 

Shoreham,  Vt.,  83,  156. 

Shrewsbury,  RIass.,  626,  973. 

Shuckford,  Rev.  S.,  528,  631. 

Shuckiord's  Connections,  528,  631, 
632. 

Shumway,  Dr.,  99. 

Shurtleff  College,  967. 

Sickness  in  Ohio,  235. 

Sickness  in  Sheffield,  Mass.,  15,17,19. 

Sideling  Hill,  Penn.,  289. 

Sideling,  Penn.,  210. 

Siey^s,  106. 

Signing  off,  400. 

Sigouruey,  Charles,  959,  1014. 

Sill,  Theodore,  10. 

Silliman,  Prof.  Benjamin,  Sr.,  12,625, 
900,  gci,  903. 

Silliman,  Prof.  Benjamin,  Jr.,  900. 

Silliman,  Mrs.  Gold  Selleck,  12. 

Silliman,  Mr.,  404. 

Silliman's  Journal,  544. 

Simsbury,  Ct. ,  35,  52,  80,  147,  295, 
334,  33*5,  339,  34°,  343,  345,  349. 
351,  353,  355,  357,  358,  359,  360, 
361,  363,  364,  366,  369,  372,  373, 
377.  378,  384,  397,  399,  402,  403, 
407,  411,  415,  416,  424,  428,  429, 
434,  440,  444,  445,  45°,  45''^,  467, 
474,  479,  484,  49',  498,  5 '6,  5S5. 
591,  604,  619,  628,  642,  645,  669, 
713,  749,  754,  762,  764,  7S5,  794, 
805,  829,  845,  849,  884,  888,  893, 
894,  902,  904,  910,  916,  923,  925, 
930,  945,  958,  962,   1006. 

Singing  Meeting,  15. 

Singing-Schools,  388. 

Sinners  in  the  Hands  of  an  Angry 
God,  24. 

Six  Nations,  174. 

Skaneateles  Lake,  N.  Y.,  170,  172, 
346. 

Skinner,  Mrs.  Abigail  (Smith),  829. 

Skinner,  Alice,  5,  8. 

Skinner,  Ammi,  798. 

Skinner,  Ann,  871. 

Skinner,  Benjamin,  4. 

Skinner,  Curtis,  531,  871. 

Skinner,  Daniel  J.,  559,  829. 

.Skinner,  Elias,  435. 

Skinner,  Horace,  532. 

Skinner,  Rev.  Ichabod  Lord,  74, 940. 

Skinner,  Mary,  871. 

Skinner,  Rev.  Newton,  408,  456,  506, 
517,  541,  543,  547.  565,  579,  581. 
627,  628,  650,  682,  753,  759,  853, 
961,   972,    1000. 

Skinner,  Mrs.  Newton  (Wolcott),  579. 

Skinner,  Oliver,  559,  798,  829. 

Skinner,  Oliver,  Jr.,  532. 

Skinner,  OiTal,  506. 

Skinner,  Roxey,  674. 

Skinner,  Timothy  Loomis,  674. 

Skinner,  Rev.  Thomas,  4,  18. 

Skinner,  Hon.  Thompson  J.,  4,  5, 
7.  13,  17,  37,  364- 

Skinner,  Dr.,  303,  304. 

Skinner,  Mrs.,  723,  737,884. 

Slave  trade,  327. 

Slavery  in  Connecticut,  413. 

Slavery  in  Massachusetts,  413. 

Slaves,  34S. 

Slippery  Rock,  Penn.,  212. 

Sloan,  Col.,  9. 

Smalley,  John,  D.D.,  199,  466,  517, 
753,  759,972- 

Small-Pox  Hospital,  6,  52. 

Smith,  Rev.  Cotton  Mather,  100,  548. 

Smith,  Rev.  Daniel,  135,  646,  1020. 

Smith,  David,  D.D.,  1S3,  1S4,  197, 
202,  334,  345.  57S,  610. 

Smith,  Rev.  David,  230. 

Smith,  Gov.  Israel,  375. 

Smith,  Gov.  John  Cotton,  54S,  5S2, 
616,  664,  690,  702. 

Smith,  Prof.  Nathan,  153. 


INDEX   TO   VOLUME   I. 


1047 


Smith,  Norman,  688. 

Smith,  Hon.  Robert,  418,  482. 

Smith,  Samuel  Stanhope,  D.D.,  151, 

291,  659,  906. 
Smith,  Widow  Silee,  617. 
Smith,  Col.,  550. 
Smith,  Dr.,  156,  214,  243,  261. 
Smith,  Esq.,  10,  236,  2S8. 
Smith,  Gen.,  263,  288,  290. 
Smith,  Mr.,  42,  227,  228. 
Smith,  Mrs.,  230. 
Smith  and  Williams  as  family  names, 

617. 
Smith  on  the  Trinity,  622. 
Smithfield,  Ohio,  219,  220,221,223, 
226,  228,  229,  231,  236,  237,  238, 
241,  243,  250,  251,  253,  254,  261, 
262,  263,  265,  266,  267,  268,  269, 
270,  273,  274,  2S6,  287,  288,  296, 
303- 
Smithfield,  Penn.,  206. 
Smithfield  and    Russelton    Lottery, 

291. 
Smith's  Sermons,  go6. 
Smollett,  Tobias,  140,  141,  142,  143, 

144. 
Snodgrass,  Rev.  James,  273. 
Snow,  Rev.  Simeon,  298. 
Snow,  Rev.  Mr.,  230. 
Snow  in  Ohio,  245. 
Snowden,  Rev.  Samuel  F.,  164,  169. 
Snow's  History-  of  Boston,  6. 
Snuff-box,  424. 
Snuff-taking,  424. 
Snyder,  Zechariah,  835. 
Socinianism,  655. 

Somers,  Ct.,  59,  62,  116,  194,  295, 
3>2>  355.  419.  437.  455.  457.  488, 
509,  520,  527,  532,  564,  566,  sSSi 
625,  652,  655,  673,  777,  780,  896, 
927,  928,  955,  967,  1021. 
Somers,  Ohio,  250,  269.  * 

Somerset  County,  Penn.,  211,  2S9. 
Somerset,  Penn.,  2S9. 
Soult,  Marshal,  393,  482,  563,  566. 
South  Boston,  Mass.,  595,  668. 
South  Britain,  Ct.,  963. 
South  Canaan,  Ct.,  181,  194. 
South  Carolina,  128. 
South  Church,  Hartford,  Ct.,  198. 
South  Farms,  Ct.,  146. 
South  Hadley  Canal,  677. 
South  Hadley  Falls,  677. 
South  Hadley,  IMass.,  641,  765,811, 

942. 
South  Hero,  Vt.,  84. 
South  Windsor,  Ct.,  423,  818. 
Southampton,  Mass.,  112,  706. 
Southborough,  Mass.,  974. 
■  Southbury,  Ct.,  451,  830,  936,  944. 
Southey,  Robert,  343. 
Southington,  Ct.,  i6g,  332,  355,  782, 

902,  983. 
Southfield,  Mass. ,  450. 
Spain,  57,  170,  367,  3S8. 
Spalding,  Asa,  303,  433,  434,  437- 
Spalding,  Rev.  John   Joachim,  118, 

120. 
Spaniards,  367. 
Spanish  Ewe  Lamb,  414. 
Spanish  Fleet,  275. 
Spanish  Territories,  37. 
Sparks,  Jared,  LL.D.,  399,  742,  967. 
Spear,  Rev.  William,  211,  212,  488. 
Spectator,  Addison's,  170,  171,  173, 

176,  366,  367,  368,  469,  lOII. 
Spelling-book,  Webster's,  127. 
Spencer,  George,  615. 
Spencer,  Rev.  John,  167. 
Spencer,  Otis  S.,  854. 
Spencer,  Mr.,  236,  237,  738. 
Spencer,  Mass.,  152,  187,  973. 
Spenser,  Edmund,  730. 
Spi-ague,  William  B.,  D.D.,  187,  188, 
756.  793,  797.   799,  924,  979,  982, 
983- 
Spring,  Gardiner,   D.D.,   584,    795, 
856,  857,  9S8. 


Spring,  Samuel,  D.D.,  536,  541. 
Springfield  Bridge,  Mass.,  343,  344. 
Springfic-ld,  Mass.,  31,  343,  366,  405, 
468,  472,  478,  491,  521,   529,  677, 
706,   708,   72S,  752,  802,  834,  849, 
851.  875,  922,  946. 
Stafford,  Ct.,  361,  486,  788,  835. 
Stafford  Springs,  361,  486,  596. 
Stamford,  Ct.,  10,  135,  645,  649,  656, 

658,  659,  1020. 
.Stamford,  Eng.,  408. 
Standing  Order,  819. 
Stanford,  Ohio,  256,  283. 
Stanley,  l^rof.  Anthony  D.,  566. 
Stanby,  Maiy,  904. 
Stanley,  Capt.  Matthew,  566. 
Stanley,  Theodore,  566. 
Stanljv,  Mr.,  30. 
Staples,   Seth  P.,    Esq.,  7,  99,  800, 

804,  S05,  811,  S13. 
Star  in  the  East,  411,  733. 
Star  in  the  West,  683. 
Starksborough,  Vt.,  88,  90,  92. 
Starkweather,  Clarissa,  721. 
Starkweather,  William,  9. 
Starkweathers,  9. 
Starr,  Ephraim,  285. 
Starr,  George,  928. 
Starr,  Henry,  292,  333,  33S. 
Starr,  Rev.  Peter,  10,  50,  68,  81,  93, 
loi,  107,   ir4,  123,   131,   133,  136, 
200,  261,  270,  292,  298,  325,  335, 
392,  404,   434.  437,  438,   557,   560, 
609,  610,  631,  670,   704,   731,   741, 
742,  818,  8ig,  821,  92S,  945,  961, 
963,  966,  968,  1003. 
Starr,  Mrs.   Peter,  35,  93,  293,  392, 
394,  401,  560,  604,  670,  671,   731. 
Starr,  Peter,  Jr.,  35,  38,  39,  49,  50, 

59,  60,  86,  130,  439,  453,  857. 
Starr,  Rachel,  116. 
Starr,  Thomas,  133. 
State  Government,  381. 
State  House,  Boston,  151. 
State  Prison,  406. 

Statistics  of  Journey  to  New  Hart- 
ford, N.  Y.,  157. 
Statistics  of  New  Haven,  Ct.,  505. 
Steams,  William  A.,  D.D.,  630. 
Stebbins,  Rev.  Samuel,  295,  350,  356, 

36c-,  754,  755,  757,  794,  S29,  845. 
Stebbins,  Mrs.  .Samuel,  884,  939. 
Stebbins,  Samuel  S.,  762,  765,  777, 
779,  794,  801,  815,  822,  844,  845, 
849,  8S1,  885,  916,  923,  944,  962, 
972,  1017. 
Stebbins,  Rev.  Stephen  W.,  476,  587, 

592,  801. 
Stebbins,  William,  577,  580,  5S2,  5S3. 
Stebbins,  Student  at  Yale,  4,  7,  8,  10. 
-Stedman,  Adocia,  572. 
Steele,  Rev.  Eliohalet,  42,  161,  163. 
.Steele,  Dea.  Josiah,  90. 
Steele,  Sir  Richard,  36S. 
Steele,  Mrs.,  231. 
Stent,  Old  Mr. ,  546. 
•Stepney,  now  Rocky  Hill,  Ct.,  468. 
Steriinar,  Gen.  EHsha,8ii. 
Sterling,  Ct.,  58,  75,  96,  148. 
Sterling,  Mass.,  152. 
Sterne,  Laurence,  632. 
Steubcnville,  Ohio,  271,  273,  277,  2S2. 
Stevens,  Benjamin  Rice,  450. 
Stevens,  Esther,  766. 
Stevens,  Rev.  John,  67,  71. 
Stevens,  Nathaniel,  Esq.,  364,  969. 
Steward,  Rev.  Joseph,  688,  701,  721, 

723.  732. 
Stiles,  Ezra,  D.D.,  62,  103,  149,  725, 

907. 
Stiles,  Rev.  Isaac,  907. 
Stiles,  Samuel,  1006. 
Stillman,  Samuel,  D.D.,  826. 
S'.illwater,  N.  Y.,  178. 
Stockbridge,  i6g. 

Stockbridge,  Mass.,  6,  9,  10,  12,  17, 
20,  21,  25,  27,  29,  30,  32,  33,  36,  55, 
58,  61,  64,  67,  71,  74,  82,  103,  139, 


140,  143,  145,  187,  202,  210,  239, 
300.  313,  321,  324,  333,  341,  562, 
6ig,  666,  678,  701,  766,  875,  918, 
936- 

Stocking,  Daniel,  700. 

Stocking,  Joseph,  285. 

Stockton,  Rev.  Joseph,  231,  232. 

Stoddard,  Dea.  Charles,  900. 

Stoddard,  John,  286. 

Stoddard,  Nathan  F.,  1004. 

Stoddard,  Rev.  Solomon,  152,  goZv 
940. 

Stoddard,  Mr  ,  902. 

Stokach,  Battle  of,  87. 

Stone,  Adolphus  J. ,  go6. 

Stone,  Rev.  Randolph,  863. 

Stone,  Rev.  .Samuel,  536,  541. 

Stone,  Rev.  Timothy,  759,  798. 

Stone,  Rev.  William,  193. 

Stone,  William  L.,  446,  783,  794,  891. 

Stonington,  Ct.,  20,  40,  1012. 

Stcn-s,  Rev.  Charles  Backus,  898. 

Storrs,  Rev.  Eleazer,  33,  181. 

Storrs,  Henry  M.,  D.D.,  898. 

Storrs,  Rev.  Richard  S.,  of  Long- 
meadow,  Mass.,  446,  543,  639,  658, 
778,  798. 

Storrs,  Richard  S.,  D.D.,  of  Brain- 
tree,  Mass.,  446,  52S,  89S. 

Storrs,  Mrs.  Richard  S.,  of  Brain- 
tree,  Mass.,  528,  907. 

Storrs,  Richard  S.,  D.D.,  of  Brook- 
lyn, N.  v.,  446,  769. 

Storrs,  Rev.  William,  437,  665. 

Story,  Rev.  Daniel,  279. 

Stouchton,  Abigail,  454. 

Stoughton,  Alexander,  662. 

Stoughton,  Amelia,  878. 

Stoughton,  Anna,  541. 

Stoughton,  C\mthia,  995. 

Stoughton,  Dorothy,  379. 

Stoughton,  Mrs.  Eleanor,  646. 

Stoughton,  Elisha  Aver)',  905. 

Stoughton,  Mrs.  Elizabeth,  618. 

Stoughton,  Guy,  531. 

Stoughton,  Henry  Channing,  878. 

Stoughton,  Hepzibah,  871,  878. 

Stoughton,  Horace,  6S7. 

Stoughton,  Irene,  834. 

Stoughton,  Irwin  Fitch,  878. 

Stoughton,  John,  878,  905,  1009. 

Stoughton,  John,  Jr.,  421. 

Stotighton,  John  A.,  828. 

Stoughton,  Julia  Ann,  S78. 

Stoughton,  Lucy,  1009. 

Stoughton,  Lydia,  871. 

Stoughton,  Mary  Ann,  987. 

Stoughton,  Oliver,  617. 

Stoughton,  .Samuel,  379. 

Stoughton,  Wyllis,  9S7. 

Stoughton's  Brook,  518. 

Strafford,  Lord,  140,  143. 

Strange  Sickness  in  Winchester,  Ct., 
323- 

Stranger  in  Ireland,  316. 

Strasburgh,  Penn.,  210,  211. 

Stratford,  Ct.,  467,  476,  710. 

Stratham,  N.  H.,  152. 

Stratton,  Ebenezer,  5. 

Street,  Rev.  Nicholas,  146. 

Street,  Titus,  285. 

Stretch,  L.  M.,  49. 

Strong,  Gov.  Caleb,  85,  113,  168,  286, 
321,  664. 

Strong,  Rev.  C\-prian,  300. 

Strong,  Da\-id,  778. 

Strong,  Edward,  D.D.,296,  419. 

Strong,  Hannah,  gS6. 

Strong,  Col.  John,  51,  52. 

Strong,  Jonathan,  D.D.,  622. 

Strong,  Dr.  L. ,  743. 

Strong,  Mrs.  Nancy,  892. 

Strong,  Nathan,  D.D.,  49,  75,  80, 
100,  147,  182,  183,  igS,  199,  200, 
202,  210,  217,  224,  234,  240,  243, 
244,  250,  258,  284,  294,  299,  309, 
315,  316,  410,  475,  499,  512,  537, 
SS°,  571,  573,  577,   579,   59^,  600, 


1048 


DIARY   OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


610,  617,  620,  623,  625,  626,  631, 
634,  649,  659,  664,  673,  685,  686, 
6S7,  688,  6yi,  692,  6g6,  701,  709, 
711,  718,  728,  883,  986. 

Strong,  Nathan,  IM.D.,  309. 

Strong,  Sophia,  697. 

Strong,  Wareham,  747. 

Strong,  Hon.  William,  296,  419. 

Strong,  Rev.  William,  295,  296,  313, 
419.  437,  488,  509,  520,  532,  585, 
625,  652,  655,  777,  78S,  898,  927, 
967,   1019,   1021. 

Strong,  Mrs.,  765. 

Stowe,  Mrs:  Harriet  Beecher,  149. 

Stowe,  Joshua,  2S6. 

Stowe,  Ohio,  257,  285. 

Stuart,  Prof.  Closes,  796,  979. 

Students  in  Divinity,  297. 

Student's  Pocket  Dictionary,  191. 

Sturbridge,  Mass.,  603. 

Sudbury,  Vt.,  85,  667. 

Suetonius,  675. 

Suffield,  Ct.,  100,  173,  18S,  299,  300, 
312,  316,  317,  334,  352,  375.  418, 
430>  475.  515,  516,  547.  630,  765, 
813,  885,  919,  923,  947. 

Suffield,  Ohio,  257. 

Suffrage,  349. 

Sullivan,  Gov.  James,  321,  328,  332, 
352,  358,  392- 

Sully,  828. 

Summe  of  Chuixh  Discipline,  Hook- 
er's, 947. 

Summit  County,  Ohio,  215,  233,  257, 
284. 

Sumner,  George,  M.D.,  883. 

Sumner,  Gov.  Increase,  85,  86,  95. 

Sumner,  Joseph,  D.D.,  973. 

Sunbury,  Penn.,  209. 

Sunday  Evening,  15. 

Sunday  restored  in  France,  171. 

Sunderland,  Mass.,  641. 

Sunderland,  Vt.,  82. 

Susquehanna  River,  20,  167,  205,  206, 
207,  20S,  209,  210,  235,  290,  324, 
390- 

Sutton,  Mass.,  279. 

Swan,  Rev.  Roswell  R.,  795. 

Swan,  Rev.  William,  212. 

Swansea,  Mass. ,  97. 

Swanzey,  N.  H.,641. 

Sweetzer,  Seth,  D.D.,  630. 

Swift,  Rev.  Ephraim  Griswold,  450, 
678,  766. 

Swift,  Job,  D.D.,  7,  14,  82,  93,  153, 
179. 

Swift,  Rev.  Seth,  i,  15,  93,  180,  318, 

333- 
Switzerland,  57,  102,  186,  972. 
Synopsis  Criticorum  Biblicorum,  329. 
Synopsis,  Poole's,  i86. 
Systematic  Divinity,  736. 

Tait,  Rev.  Samuel,  269. 

Talcott,  Rev.  Hervey,  5S4. 

Talcott,  Jared  G.,  763. 

Talcott,  Mr.,  1020. 

Talcott  Mountain,  29S,  317,  323,  353, 

397,  530,  707- 
Tallmadge,  Elisha,  761. 
Tallmadge,  Ohio,  266. 
Tamarind,  562. 
Tanner,  Capt.,  242,  243. 
Tari,  Switzerland,  409. 
Task,  Cowper's,  346. 
Taste  Scheme  in  Theology,  641. 
Taunton,  Mass.,  24,  97,  99,  719,  745, 

929. 
Taylor,  Clarissa,  127. 
Taylor,  Cyprian,  667. 
Taylor,  Rev.  J.  P.,  9,  81,  9S4. 
Taylor,  Rev.  James,  641,  645. 
Taylor,  John,  D.D.,  36. 
Tavlor,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  98. 
Taylor,  Prof.   Nathaniel  W.,  D.D., 

102,  112,  S20. 
Taylor,  Mrs.,  189. 
Teignmouth,  Lord,  549. 


Telemachus,  660,  662. 
Templeton,  Mass.,  835. 
Tennessee,  37. 
Tenney,   Caleb  J.,  D.D.,  708,  762, 

830,  863,  goi,  902. 
Terreau,  (ien.,  291. 
Terry,  Mrs.  Chloe,  871,  874. 
Terry,  Claris.sa,  761. 
Terry,  Ely,  761. 
Terry,  Horace,  600. 
Terry,  Joseph,  S72. 
Terry,  Gen.  Natlianiel,  513. 
Terry,  Oliver  Grant,  S74. 
Terry,  Samuel,  569,  571. 
Terry,  Seth,  Esq.,  803,  1009. 
Terry,  Silas,  496. 
Terry,  Silas  Burnham,  S74. 
Terry,  Mr.,  5S2,  587. 
Tewicsbury,  Mass.,  152. 
Texel,  98. 

Thacher,  James,  M.D.,  98. 
Thames  River,  84. 
Thanksgiving  Days,  25,  44,  70,  loi, 

126,   154,   155,   184,  274,  306,  340, 

377,  419,  49C',   534,  609,  624,  649, 

686,   722,   759,   760,  763,   764,   828, 

878,   911. 
Thanksgiving,  Democratic,  191. 
Thanksgivings,  State  and  National, 

523,  624. 
The  Forresters,  112,  113,  116. 
The  Triangle,  684. 
The  Street,  405. 
Tlieological  Institute  of  Connecticut, 

622. 
Theological  Magazine,  34,  43,  47,  49, 

51,  58,  62,  463,  709. 
Theological  Seminary,  New  Haven, 

102. 
Theology  Explained,  Dwight's,  737. 
Thetford,  Vt.,  153,  641. 
Thomas,  Isaiah,  300,  398,  466,   500, 

506,  575,  973- 
Thomas,  Judge  Joshua,  612. 
Thompson,  Dr.  Augustus  A.,  83. 
Thompson,  G.  D.,  53,  98. 
Thompson,  George,  53,  55. 
Thompson,  Joseph  P.,  D.D.,  593. 
Thompson,  Dr.  William,  83. 
Thompson,  Aunt,  17,  86,  98. 
Thompson,  Dr.,  6. 
Thompson,  Ct.,  520,  742. 
Thomson,  James,  72,  73. 
Thornton,  John,  411. 
Thucydides,  684,  686,  687,  1022. 
Tichenor,  Gov.  Isaac,  91,  375. 
Tileston,  Dea.  Thomas,  721. 
Tillotson,  Dr.  John,  977. 
Tilsit,  Peace  of,  326,  331,  348. 
Tioga,  Penn.,  205. 
Tioga  Point,  205. 
Tioga  River,  206. 
Tiverton,  R.  I.,  149. 
Tobacco  Crop,  717. 
Todd,  Eli,  M.D.,  979,  loio,  1014. 
Tolland  Association,  55,  204,  1006. 
Tolland  County,  Ct.,  69. 
Tolland,  Ct.,  36,  313,  394,  478,480, 

486,   519,  553,  557,  590,   744,  796, 

S9^>,    903,   934,    935,   9'''i,   967- 
Tompkins,  Hon.  Daniel  D.,  359,  510. 
Tonawanda,  N.  Y.,  174. 
Tonawanda  River,  i7.<. 
Tonawanda  Swamp,  174. 
Toogood,  Rev.  Charles,  62. 
Top  boots,  606. 
Tornado,  563. 
Torres  Vedras,  457. 
Torrey,  Rev.  Reuben,  875. 
Torrey,  Rev.  William  T.,  746. 
Torringford,  45,  46,  47,  50,  52,  53,  55, 

57,  58,  64,  65,  81,  94,  96,  III,  187, 

300,  301,  302,  305,   506,  514,   539. 

638,  640,  822,  855,  921,  968. 
Torrington,   Ct.,  21,  35,  39,  47,   52, 

68,  95,  96,  220,  250,  296,  301,  327, 

338,  339,  414,  562,  567. 
Tour  to  the  Hebrides,  523. 


Tower,  G.  H.,  237,  239,254,  260,  265, 

487. 
Towns  in  Ohio  named  from  Connec- 
ticut, 237. 
Townsend,  Jeremiah,  65. 
Townsend,  Mr.,  204,  260. 
Tracy,  Gen.  Uriah,  137,  225,  286,  330. 
Trafalgar,  Battle  of,  275,  292. 
Training  Days,    113,    121,  123,  209, 

832. 
Traits  of  the  Aborigines,  932. 
Travels  in  New  England  and   New 

York,  895. 
Treadwell,  Gov.  John,  56,  295,  301, 

302,  416,  428,  433,  434,  437,  472, 

473,   474,   477,  607,   936,  944. 
Treaty  of  Paris,  598. 
Trenton,  N.  J.,  291,  683,  859. 
Trenton,  N.  Y.,  204. 
Trial  of  Virtu3,  a  Poem,  305. 
Trinity  College,  103,  883,  891,  964. 
Trinity,  Doctrine  of,  420. 
Triple  Alliance,  568. 
Tripoli,  291. 

Tristram  Shandy,  632,  633,  817. 
Troy,  N.  Y.,  156. 

True  Holiness,  by  Dr.  Hopkins,  39. 
Trumbull,   Benjamin,  D.D.,  46,  47, 

54,  55,  5S,  94.  510,  742,  758,  7S4. 

905,  913,  915- 
Trumbull,  Col.  John,  292,  979. 
Trumbull,  Judge  John,  855,  886. 
Trumbull,  Gov.  Jonathan,  Sr.,  323, 

783- 
Trumbull,    Gov.    Jonathan,  Jr.,  56, 

195,   196,  210,  292,  322,  396,  404, 

406,  407,  416,  7S3. 
Trumbull   County,   Ohio,   215,   216, 

218,  219,  222,  223,  227,  229,  233, 

240,  241,  243,  247,  250,  253,  25s, 

256,  257,  264,  267,  271,  274. 
Trumbull's  Works,  886,  934. 
Trvixton,  Capt.  Thomas,  109. 
Tubbs,  Mr.,  208. 
Tucker,  Mr.,  106. 
Tudor,  Edward,  M.D.,  75S,  S96. 
Tudor,  Elihu,  M.D.,  368,  456,  495, 

512,  537,  5^0,  (^15,  632,  688,   703, 

725.  732,   758,   760,  772,  S05,  819, 

821,  863,  881,  910,  913,  919,  945, 

1024. 
Tudor,  EUza,  S39. 
Tudor,  Lucretia,  846. 
Tudor,  Naomi,  6S3. 
Tudor,  Mrs.   Naomi  (Diggins),  517, 

679,  6S3. 
Tudor,   Oliver,   419,   424,    541,   580, 

650,  691,  846,  871,  953. 
Tudor,  Samuel,  376,  419,   421,   425, 

432,  517,  683,  7S4,  819,  897,  902, 

909,  910. 
Tudor,  Mrs.  Samuel,  419,  497,  630, 

693- 

Tudor,  Rev.  Samuel,  368. 

Tudor,  Sophia,  610,  65o,  691. 

Tudor,  Ursula,  376,  517,  683. 

Tunij,  Bey  of,  291. 

Tunkhannock  Creek,  Penn. ,  207. 

Turkey  Hills,  Ct.,  95,  352,  353,  355, 
356,  357.  359.  369.  375.  405,  474. 
621,  626,  630,  645,  647,  648,  661, 
668,  669,  697,  724,  730,  738,  760, 
761,  784,  799,  817,  829,  S30,  S34, 
852,  860,  862,  864,  885,  896,  942. 

Turks,  86,  150. 

Turner,  Bates,  89,  91. 

Turner,  John,  449. 

Turner,  Nathaniel,  i,  18,  24,  82,  90, 
13s,   139,  140,  141.  362,  449.   S'S. 

Turner,  Samuel,  449. 

Turner,  Rev.  W.  W.,  981,  984. 

Turnpikes,  116,  139. 

Turrell,  Rev.  E.,  972. 

Tuscarora  Indians,  174. 

Tuscarora,  N.  Y.,  168,  174. 

Tuthill,  Kev.  Moses,  984. 

Tuttle,  Misses,  9S4. 

Twelve  Ca:sars,  675. 


INDEX    TO   VOLUME    I. 


1049 


Twenty  below  Zero,  384. 

Twini-ng,  Stephen,  774,  903. 

Tyler,  Bonnet,  D.D.,  301.' 

Tyler,  Pres.  John,  333. 

Tyler,  Rev.  Lemuel,  371. 

Tyler,  Rev.  Samuel,  23. 

Tyler  Grip,  333. 

Typhus  Fever,  798. 

Tyringham,  Mass.,  20,  40,   143,  145, 

192. 
Tyrol,  661. 

Tytler,  Ale.\ander  Eraser,  755,  848. 
Tytler's  History,  754,  755.   757,   75S, 

762,  764,  799,  Soo,  802,  803,  804, 

805,  807,  808,  813,  84S,  S53,  869, 

870,  871,  873,  S74,  917- 

Ufford,  Nancy,  528. 

Unadilla  River,  205. 

Union  College,  86,  94,  148,  179,  337, 
360,  371,  417,  598,  604,  891,  966, 
967. 

United  States  Ship  of  War,  543. 

Unity,  Penn.,  211,  212. 

Universal  History,  19S,  296,  302,  410, 
417,  419.  420,  421,  422,  423,  424, 
425,  426,  430,  434,  435,  436,  437, 
440,  442,  443,  444,  446,  447,  448, 
451,  452,  454.  455,  456,  474,  47S, 
480,  481,  482,  483,  4S5,  4S6,  4S7, 
495,  496,  49^,  499,  5°!,  502,  5<^3, 
504,  505,  506,  5°8,  512,  513,  515, 
522,  523,  524,  527,  52S,  529,  531, 
532,  533,  534,  535,  536,  537,  540, 
541,  542,  543,  544,  545,  546,  547, 
54S,  551,  554,  557,  559,  561,  S64, 
566,  56S,  572,  573,  578,  579,  580, 
583,  5S4,  5S5,  587,  5S8,  589,  591, 
592,  593,  594,  595,  596,  597,  599, 
600,  604,  605,  606,  607,  60S,  609. 

Universal  Restoration,  in  Four  Dia- 
logues, Winchester,  251. 

Universal  Suffrage,  748. 

Universalists,  49,  206,  20S,  209,  266, 
398,425,925,926. 

University  of  St.  Andrew,  37. 

University  of  Vermont,  153,  396,603, 
636,  9S0. 

Upper  Neshannock,  Penn.,  265. 

Upson,  Mr.,  194. 

Upton,  Mass.,  549,  6S7. 

Utica,  N.  Y.,  158,  160,  162,  163,  164, 
16S,  173,  177. 

Uxbridge,  Mass.,  loi. 

Vagabond,  181,  186. 

Vaill,  Rev.  Joseph,  184. 

Van  Shaack,  Henry,  8. 

Vancluse,  loii. 

Variations  of  Popery,  967. 

Variations  of  Protestantism,  967. 

Vasa,  Gustavus,  102. 

Vattell,  6,  9. 

Venice,  39. 

Vergennes,  Vt.,  87,  154,  155,  156,  315. 

Vermont,  38,  43,  194. 

Vermont  University,  372. 

Vernon,  Ct.,  73,  3'35,  363,  386,  394, 
401,  407,  437,  447,  469,  595,  610, 
638,  642,  697,  700,  735,  789,  800, 
S26,  850,  876,  S77,  878,  894,  908, 
912,  915,  934,  937,  943,  947,  949, 
952,  994,  995- 

Vernon,  N.  Y. ,  177. 

Vernon,  Ohio,  243,  26S. 

Verona,  Battle  of,  87. 

Verona,  N.  Y.,  1S3. 

Vershire,  Vt.,  153. 

Version  of  New  Testament,  Gries- 
back's,  436. 

Verstille,  Charlotte,  520,  523,  730. 

Verstille,  Eliza,  657. 

Verstille,  Nancy,  730. 

Verstille,  Peter,  730. 

Vicar  of  Wakefield,  303,  390,  466. 

Victor,  Marsha],   474. 

Victoria,  Queen,  S13,  815. 

Vienna,  Austria,  410. 


Vienna,  Ohio,  219,221,  226,  228,240, 
242,  243,  251,  252,  254,  255,  263, 
266,  26S,  2,75,  2S3,  288. 

View  of  the  Prophecies.  !•  aber's,  405. 

Village  .Sermons,  Burder".-,  431,  448. 

Villeneuve,  Admiral,  275. 

Viiniera,  Battle  of,  367,  373. 

Vindication  of  the  Scriptures,  40. 

Virgil's  .<Eneid,  339,  695,  O96. 

Virginia,  116,  162,  210,  729. 

Voltaire,  78. 

Voluntown,  Ct.,  58. 

Vote  in  Connecticut,  1810,  437. 

AVadsworth,   Rev.    Charles,    927, 

941. 
Wadsworth,  Elijah,  286. 
Wadsworth,  Ezekiel,  518. 
Wadsworth,  Mr.,  of  Geneseo,  N.  Y., 

553- 
Wadsworth,  Mr.,  216. 
Wadsworth's  Tower,  317,  707. 
Wagram,   Battle  of,   402,   403,   409, 

410. 
Wainwright,  Jona.  Mayhew,  D.D., 

Wait^.T.  B.,  &  Co.,  575,  581. 

Waldo,  Rev.  Horatio,  363,  366. 

Waldo,  Mr.,  47S. 

Wales,  Eleazer,  20. 

Walker,  Samuel,  1023. 

Walker,  William,  40. 

Walkley,  Mr.,  S99. 

Wall  Street  Presbyterian  Church, 
136. 

Wallingford,  Ct.,  134,  136,  225,  371, 
510,  744,  904,  756,  832. 

Walpole,  N.  H.,  153. 

Walter,  a  servant,  414. 

Waltham,  Mass.,  156. 

Waltham  Watch  Factory,  580. 

Walton,  N.  Y. ,  204. 

Walworth,  Judge  John,  259,  260. 

Wapping,  East  Windsor,  Ct.,  371 
379,  383,  3S4,  402,  404,  405,  412 
415,  421,  431,  434,  442,  447,  452 
453,  456,  460,  463,  469,  474,  475 
476,  477,  4S1,  493,  494,  496,  499; 
SOI,  506,  509,  510,  523,  524,  528, 
53°,  531,  532,  534,  539,  54',  544 
547,  554,  555,  559,  563,  568,  572 
574,  579,  5S1,  584,  592,  595,  606, 
607,  609,  610,  616,  618,  622,  627 
630,  636,  638,  649,  650,  651,  662 
663,  667,  673,  676,  677,  6S0,  682 
684,  686,  696,  699,  703,  706,  708 

712,  713,  714,  727,  729,  731,  735 
736,  743,  750,  751,  752,  753,  755 
757,  762,  769,  772,  774,  776,  777 
781,  792,  794,  796,  798,  804,  805 
807,  810,  S13,  S15,  719,  S25,  629 
833,  S34,  S36,  840,  847,  S53,  854; 
861,  865,  S77,  S82,  894,  89s,  905 
918,  919,  926,  931,  943,  946,  951 
955,  960,  97S,  9S0,  984,  988,  989 
995,  1015,  1016,  1017. 

War  of  1812,  424. 

Warburton,  Eliza,  S71,  878. 

Warburton,  John,  447. 

Ward,  Henr\%  834. 

Ward,  Rev.  Israel,  193,  292. 

Ward,  Sally,  600. 

Ward,  Dr.,  203. 

Ward  &  Bartholomew,  S64,  881. 

Wardlaw,   Ralph,   D.D.,    655,    656 

671,  6S3,  6S4. 
Ware,  IMass. ,  152. 
Wareham,  Mass.,  98,  149,  414. 
Warehouse  Point,  Ct.,  427,  446,  495, 

519,  523.  5S7.  633,  638,  664,  669, 

713,  741,  S23,  885,  S90,  8gr,  92I] 
936,  95S,  991. 

Warfield,  Ephraim,  791. 
Warham,  Mr.  John,  580. 
Warren,  Sir  John  Borlasse,  73. 
Warren,  iSIoses,  270. 
Warren.  Rev.  Moses,  549. 
Warren,  Rev.  Mr.,  655. 


Warren,  Ct.,  10,  12,  35,  43,  67,  68, 
89,  93,  101,  107,  117,  129,  130,  131, 
132,  133,  '34,  135,  198,  256,  261, 
292,  293,  302,  305,  325,  333,  404, 
434,  437,  438,  577,  704,  731,  9", 
928,  945,  963. 

Warren,  ^lass.,  369. 

W'arren,  Ohio,  218,  224,  228,  231, 235, 
240,  242,  243,  244,  254,  257,  258, 
264,  265,  266,  269,  270,  274,  275, 
285,  288,  301. 

Warren,  R.  I.,  96,  97,  loi,  149. 

Washington,  George,  President  of 
the  United  States,  in  the  last  year 
of  his  second  term  on  the  opening 
of  this  diary,  7 ;  refusing  to  give 
the  papers  relating  to  the  British 
Treaty  at  the  call  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  7 ;  his  farewell 
address,  13  ;  would  not  be  a  candi- 
date for  a  third  term,  20,  65,  74; 
his  death,  103,  104,  105,  106;  his 
death  commemorated  generally  by 
request  of  Congress,  108,  no;  his 
death  noticed  in  foreign  papers, 
112,  127,  168,  171,  218,  299,  399, 
620;  his  legacies,  157,983. 

Washington  Benevolent  Society,  667. 

Washington  Bridge  Lottery,  651,  665. 

Washington  College  (changed  to  Trin- 
ity), 962,  989. 

Washington  College,  Tenn.,  967. 

Washington  County,  Penn.,  211,  230, 

231,  2'72. 

Washington,  Ct.,  133,  137,  425,  490, 

645. 
Washington,  D.  C,  178,  601. 
Washington,  Marshall's  Life  of,  30S, 

309- 
Washington,  Mass.,  60, 139,  180,266, 

299,.  399,  620,  940,  963. 
Washington,  Penn.,  301. 
Washington   Society  in   East    Hart- 
ford, 620. 
Washington,  Vt.,  153. 
Washburn,  Rev.  Joseph,  183. 
Washburn,  Mr.,  and  Wife,  131. 
Wasp,  Sloop  of  War,  544. 
Watch,  570. 

Waterbun,',  Ct.,  loi,  355,  802. 
Waterbury,  Vt.,  153. 
Waterford,  N.  Y.,  178,  498. 
Waterford,  Ohio,  272,  279,  281. 
Waterloo,  Battle  of,  635. 
Waterman,  Rev.  Elijah,  313,  710,  7S3, 

1003. 
Waterman,  Samuel,  99S. 
Waterman,  Samuel,  jr.,  998. 
Waterman,  Rev.  Samuel,  744,  792. 
Waterman,  Sarah  A.  M.,  747. 
Waterman,  Esq.,  117. 
Waters,  Rev.  Bulkley,  763. 
Watertown,   Ct.,   65,    123,   132,  204, 

556,  966. 
Watertown,  Mass.,  151. 
Waterqueechy  River,  Vt.,  153. 
Watervliet,  N.  Y.,  156,  178. 
Watkinson,  Robert,  634. 
Watson,  E.  R.,  33,  34,  39,  63,292. 
Watson,  Ebenezer,  120. 
Watson,  Mrs.  Ebenezer,  120. 
Watson,  Henn-,  754,  982. 
Watson,  James,  10,  33,  35,  136,  147. 

571,  S56. 
Watson,  Mrs.  James,  291. 
Watson,  Mrs.  Jerusha,  637. 
Watson,  John,  Sen.,  981,  982. 
Watson,  John,  Jr.,  9S2. 
Watson,  Nancy,  894. 
Watson,  Richard  Bishop,  23,  29. 
Watson,  Sally,  S36. 
Watson,  Timothy,  779. 
Watson,  Mr.,  341,  666.  , 

Wattle  Fern,',  N.  Y.,  205. 
Way,  Ambrose,  926. 
Wayne  County,  Ohio,  248. 
Webb,  James  Watson,  10. 
Webster,  Betsey,  777. 


1050 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D. 


Webster,  Hon.  Daniel,  773,  844. 
Webster,  Elizabeth,  846. 
Webster,  Levi,  717. 
Webster,  Widow  Lucy,  917. 
Webster,  Noah,  LL.D.,  8,  127,  131, 

741,  865. 
Webster,  Prudence,  777. 
Weed,  Col.,  835,  838. 
Weeks,    Rev.    Holland,  60,  67,  loi, 

103,  529. 
Weir,  Mr.,  of  Boston,  433,  435.  430- 
Welch,  Benjamin,  M.D.,  478,  604. 
Welch,  Daniel,  8. 
Welch,  Kev.  Daniel,  8. 
Welch,   Moses  C,   D.D.,  514,  786, 

S21. 
Welch,  Whitman,  S. 
Weld,  Rev.  Ludovicus,  315,  855. 
Wellington,  Lord,  38S,  457,  528,  563, 

566,  635,  636. 
Wells,  Alexander,  555. 
Wells,  Ann,  777. 
Wells,  Ann  Maria,  835. 
Wells,  Cornelius,  799,  809,  812. 
Wells,  Rev.  Elijah  G.,  928,  929. 
Wells,  Mrs.  Esther,  583. 
Wells,  J.  L,98o. 
Wells,  Justus  Denslow,  485. 
Wells,  Mary,  608. 
Wells,  Nancy,  79S. 
Wells  Street,  583. 
Wells,  Vt.,  83,  93. 
Welsh,  Esq.,  130. 
Wenham,  Mass.,  151. 
Wentworth,  Thomas,  140. 
Wesel,  Germany,  959. 
Wesleyan  University,  964. 
West,  Benjamin,  858. 
West,  Rev.  Joel,  72,  75,  79,  183. 
West,  Stephen,  D.D.,  32,  36,  37,  38, 
56,  57,  59,  61,  63,  64,  67,  75,  139, 
145,  198,  202,  210,  239,  296,  313, 
316,  320,  321,  322,  324,  333,  341, 
420,  426,  450,  477,  619,  666,  678, 
766,  938. 
West,  Mrs.  Stephen,  932. 
West  Bloomfield,  N.  Y.,  175. 
West  Britain,  Ct.,  130. 
West  Chester,  Ct.,  70,  183,  517. 
West  Granville,  Mass.,  440. 
West  Hartford,  Ct.,60,  103,  132,  149, 
151,  284,  294,  298,  333,  337,  349, 
357,  360,  399,  426,  440,  478,  490, 
498,  516,  591,  644,  669,  670,  688, 
705,  741,  799,  S02,  S09,  822,  830, 
860,  865,  872,  895,  929,  930,  985. 
West   Hartland,   Ct.,    57,   355,   399, 

440,  669,  704,  S22,  S95. 
West  Haven,  Ct.,  441,  587. 
West  Haven,  Vt.,  83,  156. 
West  Indies,  11. 
West  Point  Academy,  109,  959. 
West  Roxburj',  Mass.,  296. 
West  Rutland,  Vt.,  93. 
West  Simsbury,  12,  68,  69,  70,  347, 

782,  926,  942. 
West   Springfield,   Mass.,   284,  441, 

793,  797,  801,  930,  982,  983. 
West  Stafford,  Ct.,  324. 
West  Suffield,  Ct.,  474,  516,608,609, 
611,  621,  668,  705,  711,  720,  754, 
785,  787,  802,  885,  888,  933. 
West  Virginia,  271. 
Western,  Mass.,  152,  973. 
Western  New  York,  373. 
Western  Reserve  College,  224,  259, 

898. 
Western  Reserve,  Ohio,  82,  130,  196, 
270,  2S4,  325,  337,  349,  408,  489, 
863,  993. 
Western  World,  178. 
Westfield  Academy,  Mass.,  343,  386, 

407. 
Westfield,  Mass.,  133,  303,  343,  355, 
358,  370,  374,  375,  386,  394,  423, 
432,  444,  452,  515,  516,   519,   520, 
521,  £.29,  531,  544,   547,   548,   567, 


615,  641,  642,  643,  660,  665,  761, 

765,   779,  875- 

Westfield,  N.  Y.,  156. 

Westfield,  Ohio,  225,  241,  266. 

Westford,  Ct.,  355,  665,802. 

Westford,  Mass.,  152,  891. 

Westminster  Confession  and  Cate- 
chism, 230. 

Westmoreland  County,  Penn.,  211, 
226,  229. 

Westmoreland,  N.  Y.,  162,  167,  172, 
194. 

Weston,  Rev.  Hercules,  41, 132,  135. 

Weston,  Ct.,  117,  118,  632,  704,  742. 

Westphalia,  348,  598. 

Westport,  Mass.,  149. 

Westward  Expansion,  901. 

Wethersfield,  Ct.,  44,  69,  76,  80,  95, 
96,  199,  360,  364,  369,  378,  406, 
427,  455,  460,  487,  512,  537,  541, 
551,  559,  5 78,  597,  612,  708,  742, 
762,  816,  826,  830,  S61,  863,  869, 
870,  902,  go8,  964,  9S3,  984,  1004. 

Weybridge,  Vt.,  91,  92,  476,  597. 

Whallev  the  Regicide,  725. 

Wheaton,  Nathaniel  S.,  D.D.,  894, 

937- 
Wheeler,  Rev.  Abraham,  719. 
Wheeling,  Va.,  271. 
Wheelock,  Eleazer,  D.D.,  370,376, 

389. 
Wheelock,  Mrs.  Mary  (Brinsmade), 

370,  371- 
Whelpley,  Rev.  Philip  M.,  697. 
Whelpley,  Rev.  Samuel,  6S5,  730. 
Whitby, "Daniel,  675,  6S2,  725. 
Whitby's  Commentary',  6S2,  725. 
White,  Rev.   Ebenezer  R.,  106,  107, 

926. 
White,  Mrs.  Ebenezer  R.,  109. 
White,  Eunice,  555. 
White,  Joseph  Moss,  106. 
White,  Rev.  Levi,  140,  181. 
White,  Col.  R.,  319,  391,  510,  834. 
White,  Rev.  Stephen,  1009. 
White,  Rev.  Thomas,  62. 
White,  Dea.,  135. 
White  River,  Vt.,  153. 
Whiteborough,  N.  Y.,  160,  162,  164, 

i6s,  16S,  169. 
Whitefield,  Rev.  George,    304,   305, 

853- 
Whitehall,  N.  \.,  156. 
Whitestown,  N.  Y.,  141,    142,    154, 

157,  159,  164,  171,   173,   174,  186, 

238,  241,  243,  298,  300,  338,  543, 

902. 
Whiting,  Flavel,  669. 
Whiting,  Rev.  Francis  L.,  372. 
Whiiing,  Mr. ,  676. 
Whiting,  Vt.,  85,  627. 
Whitman,  Rev.  Elnathan,  624,  712, 

S98. 
Whitman,  Rev.  John  S.,  216. 
Whitman,  Zechariah  J.,  1022. 
Whitman,  Dr.,  722,  73S,  742,986,989. 
Whitman,  Mr.,  946. 
Whitman  Family,  898. 
Whitney,  Eli,  348. 
Whitney,  Josiah,  D.D.,  977,  981. 
Whittlesey,  Miss  Betsey,  904. 
Whittlesey,  Rev.  Chauncey,  904. 
Whittlesey,  David,  972. 
Whittlesey,  Hon.  Elisha,  218,  224. 
Whittlesey,  Rev.  John  B.,  601. 
Whittlesey,  Roger,  972. 
Whittlesey,  Rev.  Samuel,  316,  744, 

792,  908,  929,  946,  954- 
Whittlesey,  Mr.,  104,  loS,   109,  129, 

140,  163,  297,  331,  590,  705. 
Whittlesey  Family,  190,  192,  193. 
Wick,  Rev.  William,  224,  232,  233, 

2  33- 
Wicken,  Eng.,   188. 
Wight,  Henry,  D.D.,  96,  148,  526, 

lOIO. 

Wilberforce,  William,  133,  312. 


Wilbraham,  Mass.,  216,549,  620. 
Wilbur,  Rev.  Harvey,  630,  647,  648. 
Wilcox,  Rev.  Carlos,  979,  984,  985, 

9S7,  998. 
Wilcox,  Jeremiah,  286. 
Wilcox,  Thomas,  177. 
Wilcox,  Dr.,  224,  240,  295,  303,  320. 
Wilder,  S.  V.  S.,  636. 
Wildman,  Rev.  Beniamin,  457. 
Wiley,  Rev.  Mr.,  2.89. 
Wilkesbarre,  Penn.,  207,  215,  291. 
Wilkinson,  Jemima,  173. 
Wilkinson's  Atlas,  631. 
Willard,  Pres.  Joseph,  62,  93. 
Willard,  Rev.  Samuel,  93. 
Williams,  Aaron  Gilman,  674. 
Williams,  Abigail,  886,  935. 
Williams,  Ebenezer,  408. 
Williams,  EHphalet,  D.D.,  152,  886, 

935- 
Williams,  Elizabeth,  36,  324. 
Williams,  Col.  Ephraim,  36. 
Williams,  Ezekiel,  960. 
Williams,  John,  721. 
Williams,  Jonathan,  581. 
Wiliiams,  Joseph,  2S5,  871,  896. 
Williams,  Joseph,  Jr.,  896. 
Williams,  Rev.  Joshua,  625. 
Williams,  Mar\-,  871. 
Williams,  Naomi,  871. 
Williams,  Nathan,  D.D.,  313,   394, 

478,  486,  519,  700,  796,  903,  934. 
Williams,  Owen  Drake,  632. 
Williams,  Rachel,  S42. 
Williams,  Sally,  558. 
Williams,  Samuel,  995. 
Williams,  Samuel  Porter,  578. 
Williams,  Sarah,  907. 
Williams,  Solomon,  152,  642. 
Williams,  Solomon,  D.D.,  152,  410, 

783- 

Williams,  Stephen,  D.D.,  907. 

Williams,  Susan,  517. 

Williams,  Susan  E.,  5S1. 

Williams,  Rev.  Thomas,  537,  830, 
976. 

Williams,  Hon.  Thomas  .Scott,  964. 

Williams,  William,  152,  783. 

Williams,  Rev.  Mr.,  299. 

Williams,  Mrs.,  9S3. 

Williams  &  Whiting,  438,  442,  443. 

Williams  College,  i,  2,  3,  9,  11,  12, 
14,  16,  20,  28,  30,  32,  34,  38,  40,  50, 
56,  59,  60,  62,  63,  67,  69,  71,82,  86, 
94,  95,  100,  103,  133,  136,  145,  177, 

178,  179,  180,  242,  284,  292,  301, 
309,  315,  319,  333,  335,  343,  348, 
360,  372,  377,  392,  395,  424,  434, 
443,  450,  458,  491,  498,  542,  562, 
575,  577,  ^°',  ^°5,  ^^^'  ^^6,  641, 
679,  701,  711,  719,  754,  7^,  800, 
S34,  839,  874,  895,  904,  938. 

Wiihamstown,  Mass.,  i,  2,  3,  4,  5,  7, 
17,  19,  24,  25,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  37, 
38,  40,  56,  60,  61,  63,  67,  93,  154, 

179,  318,333,  370,  37",  938. 
Willington,  Ct.,  742,  967,  1019. 
Willis,"'Dea.  Nathaniel,  872,  886,  947. 
Willis,  Nathaniel  Parker,  872. 
Willis,  Richard  Storrs,  S72. 
Williston,  Rev.  David  H.,  184,  194. 
Williston,  Rev.  Noah,  441. 
Williston,  Rev.  Payson,  441. 
Williston,  Hon.  Samuel,  441. 
Williston,   Rev.    Seth,  63,  173,  176, 

Soo,  938. 
Williston  Academy,  Mass.,  441. 
Williston,  Vt.,  89,  173- 
Wills,  Mr.,  934- 

Wilson,  James  P.,  D.D.,  857,  858. 
Wilson,  Mr.   lohn,  541. 
Wilson,  Robert  G.,  D.D.,  857. 
Wilson,  General,  22. 
Wilton,  Ct.,  126. 
Wilton,  N.  H..  474- 
Winchendon,  N.  H.,  835,  837,  883. 
Winchester,  Rev.  Elnathan,  251. 


INDEX    TO    VOLUME    I. 


IO51 


Winchester,  Ct.,3j,  ?i,  lo'j,  131,  135, 
138,  142,  197,  294,  jOo,  301,  304, 

308,  309,  311,  312,  316,  317,  3Kj, 
3231  326,  331,  332,  333,  ;34,  335, 
337f  338.  339.  340,  343.  375.  42». 
429.  439,  549.  S^V.  606. 

Winchester,  N.  H.,  641. 

Winchester,  Va.,  858. 

Windham  County  Association,  20. 

Windham,  Ct.,  14,  06,  148,  170,  304, 
312,  313,  314,  315,  323,  357,  542, 
558.  572.  720,  766,  954,   loog. 

Windsor,  Ct.,  45,  52,  92,  173,  247, 
299.  312,  317.  334,  349.  351.  363. 
364,  366,  367,  372,  379,  380,  384, 
388,  391,  393,  399,  400,  401,  411, 

413.  425.  432.  443,  445,  458,  468, 
470.  478,  479.  481,  497.  498,  503, 
SP4.  507.  529,  532,  54-t,  544,  555, 
577,  580,  s8i,  582,  583,  587,  623, 
629,  630,  637,  646,  fi49,  661,  669, 
671,  674,  676,  677,  686,  694,  695, 
696,  697,  704,  719,  732,  750,  756, 
778,  S03,  80s,  8io,  812,  837,  840, 
854,  860,  863,  871,  S77,  884,  900, 
901,  906,  907,  909,  923,  926,  935, 
954,  968,  9S1,  983,  9S9,  999,  1017, 
1018. 

Windsor  Farms,  828. 

Windsor  Locks,  880. 

Windsor,  Mass.,  938. 

Windsor,  Ohio,  247,  248,  264. 

Windsor,  Vt.,  153,  641. 

Windsorville,  943. 

Wing,  Mr.,  6S3. 

Winsted,  50,  52,  81,  304,  319,  333,  377, 

561,  957- 
Winter's  Cold,  84. 

Winthrop,  John,  Sen.,  492,  505,  521, 

541- 
Winthrop,  John,  Jr.,  192. 
Winthrop,  Mr.,  361. 
Winthrop's,  John,  Sr.,  Journal,  505, 

507. 
Wintonbury,  Ct.,  318,  349,  352,  3&0, 

426,  440,  516,  526,  551,  629,  669, 

704,  707.  737.  803,  847,  901,  924, 

')S3-  ,      .  .^ 

Wisner,  Benjamin  B.,  D.D.,  974. 
Witepsk,  Battle  of,  543. 
Woburn,  Mass.,  892. 
Wolcott,  Maj.,  Abiel,  376,  377,  397, 

414,  417,  425,  428,  443,  452,  454, 
456,  457,  460,  463,  467,  471,  474, 
480,  483,  486,  4S9,  491.  492,  495. 
498,  499,  501,  502,  503,  505,  506, 
507.  508.  518,  519,  522,  523,  524, 
529,  534,  536,  541,   547,  548,   560, 

562,  563,  569,  573,  S7S,  57S,  579, 
580,  582,  588,  5S9,  594,  597,  598, 
599,  601,  608,  609,  610,  612,  616, 
622,  624,  625,  626,  62S,  629,  637, 
639,  640,  651,  652,  670,  673,  674, 
683,  687,  694,  695,  697,  698,  707, 
720,  724,  736,  748,  750.  766,  772, 
773,  774,  775,  77^,  777,  778,  779, 
780,  784,  7S5,  7S8,  790,  794,  799, 
802,  804,  80s,  807,  808,  809,  810, 
814,  815,  816,  822,  823,  827,  S29, 
830,  837,  840,  841,  S44,  858,  861, 
864,  876,  877,  8S2,  916,  926,  95S, 
956,  988,  997,  1016. 

Wolcott,  Mrs.  Abiel,  419,  423,  443, 
470,  485,  4S6,  508,  519,  S24,  525, 
571,  593,  594,  597,  630,  638,  674, 
679,  691,  693,  720,  722,  729,  750, 
757.  805,  810,  841,  877,  8S2,  917, 
937.  943,  945,  953,  972,  985. 

Wolcott,  Abigail,  886. 

Wolcott,  Albert,  431. 

Wolcott,  Albert,  jr.,  42S,  429,  431, 
472. 

Wolcott,  Alexander,  971. 

Wolcott,  Alexander,  M.D.,'719,  971. 

Wolcott,  Mrs.  Alexander,  508. 

Wolcott,  Rev.  Allen,  491. 

Wolcott,  Almira,  610. 


Wolcott,  Benjamin,  416. 

Wolcott,  Betsey,  579. 

Wolcott,  Catharine,  717. 

Wolcott,  Chloe,  897. 

Wolcott,  Christopher,  M.D.,  508. 

Wolcott,  CorneHuF,  513. 

Wolcott,  Hon.  Erastus,  431,  507,  572, 

753,  927 

Wolcott,  Er.i-iius,  Jr.,  535. 

Wolcott,  EiiKu,  627,  638,  789,  794, 
871,  927,983- 

Wolcott,  Mrs.  Elihu,  587,  888,  889. 

Wolcott,  Elizabeth,  838,  856. 

Wolcott,  EHzur  (son  of  Elihu),  725, 
971- 

Wolcott,  Mrs.  Elizur,  718,  719. 

Wolcott,  EveUne  (Mrs.  Edgar  Bis- 
sell),  524,  729,  743,  810,  939,  962, 
982,983,985. 

Wolcott,  Frances  (Mrs.  Harris  Has- 
kell), 436,  452,  467,  478,  508,  522, 
523,  547.  556,  589,  607,  645,  646, 
649,  651,  656,  657,  658,  659,  680, 
729,  752,  858,  866,  869,  875,  876, 
877,  S80,  882,  8S4. 

Wolcott,  Frances  Jane,  789. 

Wolcott,  Frederick,  427,  434,  556, 
ioo8. 

Wolcott,  Gideon,  413,  971. 

Wolcott,  Harold,  414. 

Wolcott,  Helen,  505,  903. 

Wolcott,  Helen  Maria,  9S3. 

Wolcott,  Henry,  the  American 
Founder,  401. 

Wolcott,  Hiram,  981. 

Wolcott,  Horace,  665,  925,  965. 

Wolcott,  Jerusha,  9SS. 

Wolcott,  Dr.  John,  56. 

Wolcott,  Julia,  525,  927. 

Wolcott,  VVidow  Margaret,  542. 

Wolcott,  Gov.  Oliver,  Sen.,  7,43,45, 
56,  402,  404,  427,  817. 

Wolcott,  Gov.  Oliver,  Jr.,  404,  409, 
427,  556,  658,  664,  668,  699,  700, 
702,  705,  716,  741,  742,  743,  817, 
855,   1003,  1008. 

Wolcott,  Gov.  Roger,  7,45,  431,  572, 
728,  818,  953. 

Wolcott,  Mrs.  Ruth,  485. 

Wolcott,  Samuel,  413,  466,  506,  544, 
555-  579,  753.  838,  856,  887,  988, 
1000. 

Wolcott,  Samuel,  D.D.,  555,  627. 

Wolcott,  Samuel  Tudor,  467,  470, 
47',  496,  515,  516,  519,  520,  531, 
544,  545,  547,  548,  560,  656,  670, 
715,  724,  736.  778,  784.  810,  841, 
842,  846,  854,  856,  859,  860,  882, 
888,  10 1 6. 

Wolcott,  Simon,  416. 

Wolcott,  Ursula,  daughter  of  Abiel, 
376.  438,  491,  497.  499,  508,  512, 
516,  519,  521,  522,  523,  524,  527, 
528,  530,  532,  543,  544,  552,  553, 
555,  556,  558,  560,  573,  648,  651, 
656,  674,  676,  706,  763,  810,  859, 
960,  1000. 

Wolcott,  Ursula,  daughter  of  Samuel, 
506,  589.  627. 

Wolcott,  Dr.  William,  766,  774,  779, 
809. 

Wolcott,  Hon.  William,  750,  997, 
1018. 

Wolcott,  Old  Mrs.,  946. 

Wolcott  Genealogy,  402,  403,  409. 

Wood,  Calvin,  553. 

Wood,  James,  605. 

Wood,  Jerusha,  987. 

Wood,  John,  178. 

Wood,  Rev.  Luke,  802. 

Wood,  Obadiah,  735. 

Wood,  Otis,  873. 

Wood,  Sophia,  834. 

Wood,  Svlvia,  165. 

Wood,  Mrs.  Ursula,  836. 

Wood,  Willis,  558. 

Wood,  Major,  165. 


Wood,  Mr.,  646. 
Woodbridge,  Diodate,  866. 
Woodbridge,    Hon.   Jahleel,    17,  25, 

67,  71. 
Woodbridge,   Mrs.    Jahleel,   25,   27, 

35,  38,  67,  75,  76,  98. 
Woodbridge,  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  326, 

341,  6i2,  706,938. 
Woodbridge,  Joseph,  449,  678,  766, 

875,  938. 
Woodbridge,  Mary,  452. 
Woodbridge,  Timothy,  71. 
Woodbridge,  Rev.  Timothy,  912,  930. 
Woodbridge,  W.,  935. 
Woodbridge,  William,  1012. 
Woodbridge,  Mrs.  WilUam,  1012. 
Woodbridge,  William,  Esq.,  296 
Woodbridge,  William  Channing,  771, 

929. 
Woodbridge,  Rev.  William,  912,913, 

927. 
Woodbridge,  Judge,  606,  667. 
Woodbridge,  Ct.,  911. 
Woodbury,  Ct.,  24,  146,  414,  570,  705, 

726,  803,  870,  896. 
Woodruff,  Rev.  Ephraim  T.,  688. 
Woodruff,  Judge,  606,  626,  671,  784. 
Woods,  Prof.  Leonard,  D.D.,  734. 
Woods,  Rev.  William,  212,  213,  289. 
Woodstock,  Ct.,  241. 
Woodward,  Rev.  Aaron,  121. 
Woodward,  Prof.  Bezaleel,  370. 
Woodward,  Rev.    James  Wheelock, 

370,371- 
Woodward,  Mrs.  Mary  .(Wheelock), 

370,  371- 
Woodward,  Samuel,  M.D.,  51. 
Woodworth,  Rev.  Ezra,  50,  52. 
Wooster,  Rev.  Benjamin,  83,  85,  91, 

92. 
Wooster,  Ohio,  248. 
Worcester,  Dr.  Joseph,  489. 
Worcester,  Samnel,  D.D.,  527. 
Worcester  County,  974. 
Worcester,  Mass.,  38,  152,   396,    398, 

442,  466,  473,  475,  480,    500,   575, 

626,  648,  774,  776,   826,   877,   886, 

980. 
Works  of  Dr.  Bellamy,  515. 
Worthington,  Mass.,  677. 
Wrentham,  Mass.,  751. 
Wright,  Dr.,  235,  236,  238,  250,  261, 

262,  28S. 
Wurtemburg,  Germany,  281. 
Wyalusing,  Penn.,  206. 
Wyandot  Indians,  254. 
Wyoming  Battle  Ground,  207. 
Wyoming  County,  Penn.,  206. 
Wyoming  River,  207. 
Wypore  Creek,  Penn.,  206. 
Wyles,  John,  286. 
Wyllis,  Col.,  902. 

Yale  College,  i,  2,  3,  5,  7,  9,  12,  20, 
21,  22,  29,  42,  44,  45,  55,  57,  59,  60, 
74,  82,  85,  94,  97,  98,  100,  106,  120, 
123,  127,  13s,  13S,  139,  141,  145, 
147,  149,  152,  153,  155,  161,  167, 
169,  178,  179,  188,  189,  190,  270, 
282,  290,  312,  315,  326,  330,  333, 
334.  350,  352.  355,  363,  367,  369, 
3S6,  401,  407,  426,  427,  430,  442, 
454,  455>  459,  461,  467,  468,  474, 
476,  478,  489,  493,  496,  499>  512, 
517,  522,  527,  548,  554.  566,  577, 
578,  584,  590,  593,  597,  598,  609, 
612,  625,  626,  630,  637,  640,  644, 
650,  668,  674,  683,  692,  710,  715, 
725,  742,  744,  756,  759.  762,  770, 
77'.  774,  782,  793.  795,  798,  799, 
■<  ,  815,  818,  8;9,  863,  865,  869, 
,0,  8S2,  883,  8S5,  888,  891,  892, 
894,  900,  902,  903,  904,  905,  908, 
910,  913,  920,  926,  935,  936,  943, 
947,  954,  964,  966,  988,  1017,  1019, 

Yale  College  Chapel,  534. 

Yale  College  Corporation,  593. 


I 


1052 


DIARY    OF    REV.    THOMAS    ROBBINS,    D.D, 


Yale  College  Education  Society,  780. 

Yale  College  Libraiy,  292. 

Yale  Medical  School,  259. 

Yale  Theological  Seminary,  112,  S88, 

926. 
Yarmouth,  Mass.,  151. 
Yates,  Andrew,  D.D.,  371,  372,  381, 

390,  407,  415,  417,  419,  42o>  423, 

429,   430,  436,  458,  479,  497.   507. 

512,  513,  520,  521,  533,  535,    536, 


5S0,  585,  586,  587,  588,  589,  594,     York,  Pei>n.,  20', . 

595j   597i   59^-  599>  ''OOi  ^2,  604,     York,  Upper  Canada,  551 


Yorkshire,  Eng.,  209,  733. 
Youngstown,  Ohio,  21S,  221, 224, 232, 
256,  .':67,  270,  271,  2S3. 


542,  549.  553.  557.  568.  573.   577.    York  County,  Pa.,  290. 


626,   643,   g6'i 
Yates  County,  N.  Y.,  173. 
Yearby,  Alexander,  748,  749. 
Yellow  Fever,  15,  40,  42,  63,  64,  65, 

94,  121,  322,  797. 
Yohogany  Forks,  Pa.,  211,  214,  219, 

230,231,237,239,243,254,260,261,    Zurich,  Battle  of,  87,  105 

264. 


Zemora,  a  Poem,  398. 

Zion"s  Pilgrim,  471 


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This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


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